I love the most random frame - Pro Kennex Kinetic Pro 7g

[bluetrain4]

It may not be random to a lot of you, but I haven't touched a Pro Kennex since I was in high school (nearly 20 years ago), when they were pretty popular (e.g., Black Ace, White Ace, Silver Ace, all great frames).

So, I got some demos including the BLX Six-One 16x18, Babolat Pure Storm Tour GT, and the Pro Kinetic 7G after reading little bit about it. Just wanted to try something different outside of the major brands.

It didn't even feel that great in my hands when I received it, but I really, really enjoyed hitting with it. Really fit my strokes well and I liked the overall feel. And, this great experience was with very average 16g nylon strings. It should be even better with the strings of my choice.

Does anyone know the true specs for the 7g, including strung weight, stiffness, balance, swing weight? The published specs vary substantially among major tennis websites.

 

[scotus]

It may not be random to a lot of you, but I haven't touched a Pro Kennex since I was in high school (nearly 20 years ago), when they were pretty popular (e.g., Black Ace, White Ace, Silver Ace, all great frames).

So, I got some demos including the BLX Six-One 16x18, Babolat Pure Storm Tour GT, and the Pro Kinetic 7G after reading little bit about it. Just wanted to try something different outside of the major brands.

It didn't even feel that great in my hands when I received it, but I really, really enjoyed hitting with it. Really fit my strokes well and I liked the overall feel. And, this great experience was with very average 16g nylon strings. It should be even better with the strings of my choice.

Does anyone know the true specs for the 7g, including strung weight, stiffness, balance, swing weight? The published specs vary substantially among major tennis websites.

The only "true specs" would be the very frame of yours measured on an RDC machine.

If published specs are all over the place, it probably means that quality control is quite loose. Perhaps RDC machines also need calibration?

 

[bluetrain4]

The only "true specs" would be the very frame of yours measured on an RDC machine.

If published specs are all over the place, it probably means that quality control is quite loose. Perhaps RDC machines also need calibration?

Well, they're not that all over the place, it's just that I saw one particular glaring discrepancy. Most the sites have the weight around 11.7 oz, but one listed it at 12.2. Stiffness rating varied between 62 and 66, which doesn't bother me as much because I see that for a LOT of frames (for example the new Dunlop 200 is 57 on TW and 62 on Dunlop's site).

 

[Don S]

I would imagine that the stiffness difference may be a result of strung versus unstrung frames. 11.7 is more along the lines of being correct. 12.2 doesn't happen on that frame w/o lead.
But in the end, those numbers can't be applied to your specific 7G. It's like askingsomeone who has the same year,make,
and model of car as yours what their gas mileage is.

 

[coolblue123]

I had a 7g. But for a 11 oz + racquet, it certainly didn't feel like it. I really enjoy hitting with this stick. I used it during my TE days, it certainly allowed me to continue playing during my injury.
The only thing that i took me alittle time to get used to is the extended length.

 

[scotus]

Well, they're not that all over the place, it's just that I saw one particular glaring discrepancy. Most the sites have the weight around 11.7 oz, but one listed it at 12.2. Stiffness rating varied between 62 and 66, which doesn't bother me as much because I see that for a LOT of frames (for example the new Dunlop 200 is 57 on TW and 62 on Dunlop's site).

I have 5 sticks of 7G.

11.7 oz strung is the correct one.

 

[SteveI]

I have 5 sticks of 7G.

11.7 oz strung is the correct one.

I have owned 3.. all were in that range 11.7 ..11.8 never 12.2

 

[DE19702]

Mine is 11.7 oz. strung. However, it is only 27" long.

 

[Anton]

Well, they're not that all over the place, it's just that I saw one particular glaring discrepancy. Most the sites have the weight around 11.7 oz, but one listed it at 12.2. Stiffness rating varied between 62 and 66, which doesn't bother me as much because I see that for a LOT of frames (for example the new Dunlop 200 is 57 on TW and 62 on Dunlop's site).

11.7 is correct

 

[Power Player]

I felt the same way when I picked it up. Felt like a Babolat or hollow stick. But when I hit with it, I was sold. The feel is great. I have a hybrid in it at 58 right now.

As for weight, it is 11.7. 11.9 with overgrip and dampener. SW is 330. Swings easier than the specs to me.

 

[mikeler]

Power Player and I are just getting into these frames. The comfort is unreal.

 

[richsox]

Pro Kennex are some seriously undermarketed under rated Frames, to those who have yet to experience the revelation that is PK.

I own a PK i5 - and the Pro's at my club fight over whose turn it is for using it when I pull it out, as they are under a Wilson contract.

If PK had a few Top 20 players using the frame, they would take off and be a major brand!

 

[pyrokid]

Argh, PP... It's spreading. This is not good.

 

[Power Player]

It's true. Blame Mikeler. He discovered it and spread the word down here in FL. And BobFL told me some cool stuff about his Black Ace as well. PK is pretty much are ahead of the curve on racquet design quite often.

I took a shot on it. It could have easily sucked. But no..it is to me, far better than a Babolat PD or APDC because it hits big, but also has incredible feel.

 

[pyrokid]

It's true. Blame Mikeler. He discovered it and spread the word down here in FL. And BobFL told me some cool stuff about his Black Ace as well. PK is pretty much are ahead of the curve on racquet design quite often.

I took a shot on it. It could have easily sucked. But no..it is to me, far better than a Babolat PD or APDC because it hits big, but also has incredible feel.

Unacceptable, this is a paradox.

I would have to check out the 5g if I got one though, I absolutely cannot stand the taller ones. I'll probably give it a shot sometime though.

 

[Kevin T]

Power Player and I are just getting into these frames. The comfort is unreal.

I guess we both have fine taste in beer AND racquets.

 

[netman]

Search on PK 5g here and you will read this over and over - its not great at any one thing, but one of the best all-around frames made in the last 20 years. The 7g just adds a 1/2 inch to the mix without messing up the formula,

-k-

 

[Power Player]

I am still figuring out if the extended will be good on my shoulder. I love it though. It hits so big.

I felt some strain in my shoulder after serving, but that could have been my screwing up and muscling the ball. I think I just need to get used to it. I would rather have the 330 SW of the 7G, and will only go to the 5G if I have to.

What I like about this racquet compared to the babolats, is the feel is so much better. The pattern is also pretty tight so it is more accurate. It also serves bigger than an APDC and Pure Storm. Seems very easy to play with.

A good example is for me with the Prestige Mid, a lot of my forehands were decent when on the run, but now and then I could line it up and launch a rocket. With this stick, all I need to do is get the ball around waist height in my strike zone and it is absolutely crushed. The trajectory stays low as well..very djokovic-like.

The other thing that saves my wrist is if I catch the ball to close to the edge sometimes, I don;t get punished with that jarring feedback. I would get that with even the prestige and pure storm sometimes. The 7G just protects me from that, so I have more confidence to play my style and swing out.

 

[Kcraig]

It's true. Blame Mikeler. He discovered it and spread the word down here in FL. And BobFL told me some cool stuff about his Black Ace as well. PK is pretty much are ahead of the curve on racquet design quite often.

I took a shot on it. It could have easily sucked. But no..it is to me, far better than a Babolat PD or APDC because it hits big, but also has incredible feel.

I agree on blaming MIKELER!! I'v been struggling with another bout of GE and Mikeler suggested the PK 7g so grabbed a demo and have now played 4x with it. I love the arm friendliness of it, but more importantly love the solid muted cushioned feel! However, the added length and extra SW combined with total static weight after OG and dampner of 12.0oz/340g was causing some control issues as I was late. I am going to try the 5g later this week and if is plays similar at all to the 7g, with a little more "manageable" mauverability then I will prolly have to pick one up--if nothing more than the fact that my elbow feels so much better after i played with it compared to my standard frame (modified Prince Diablo MP). Played 3 sets of singles today and did not have one "twinge" all day--even when serving, which is what usually causes me the most "discomfort"

 

[mikeler]

I guess we both have fine taste in beer AND racquets.

I hope I don't get "blamed" for hooking you on a particular beer! The 7G is right at the top end of the weight my shoulder can handle. The 5G I'm sure is nice too.

 

[Power Player]

Kcraig what has helped me adapt to the XL is to move my feet just a hair more when I prepare. I turn fully to the side and get my spacing while I'm prepping, so it is not too bad. But for me, it weighs in at 11.9 with everything, and that is a weight that I like a lot and don't have timing issues with.

I think 12.5 is about where I start being inconsistent.

I'd like to hear about the 5G as well when you try it out. Just in case I am torquing my shoulder too much on serve and can't get past it. I think it is just getting used to the stick and the length, so i should be fine.

I'd imagine the 5G has the same feel, I am interested in the power level comparison. The 7G absolutely pummels the ball and it's pretty addictive.

 

[bhupaes]

I've been using the 7g for a while now. The extra half inch helps my 2HBH. What can I say, it's a great racquet. I used to have 3 grams at 12 o'clock (this "sweetened" the top of the racquet head which is normally a bit unresponsive) and 12 grams wrapped around the handle near the butt cap. I have now removed the lead from the hoop, to have the racquet be as maneuverable as possible, but have retained the lead on the handle which seems to makes it more stable and powerful.

 

[Kcraig]

Kcraig what has helped me adapt to the XL is to move my feet just a hair more when I prepare. I turn fully to the side and get my spacing while I'm prepping, so it is not too bad. But for me, it weighs in at 11.9 with everything, and that is a weight that I like a lot and don't have timing issues with.

I think 12.5 is about where I start being inconsistent.

I'd like to hear about the 5G as well when you try it out. Just in case I am torquing my shoulder too much on serve and can't get past it. I think it is just getting used to the stick and the length, so i should be fine.

I'd imagine the 5G has the same feel, I am interested in the power level comparison. The 7G absolutely pummels the ball and it's pretty addictive.

Totally agree alot of the issues are due to footwork, or lack thereof. I also finally figured out where the "contact point" is on serve and to let the stick do the work. Definitely do not need to "force" anything with this frame as it does produce a nice penetrating ball. Playing so much more doubles these days and think the standard length would be more manuverable. At 6'2" I don't really "need" the added length, but do like it on the 2hb!!!

BTW: My demo is strung with full NXT demo strings, pacific xtack pro OG and Sampras O dampner and it weighs in right at 341g/12.0oz. I can handle a high SW OR higher static, but I've realized it's hard for me to handle BOTH. Therefore, good specs for me are static around 338-342g and SW hovering around 320ish--just where I imagine the 5g will fit.

Anyone able to confirm/add to whether the 5g and 7g play/feel the same, except for the added 1/2" and higher SW?

 

[Machspeed]

I too am a big fan of the PK 7G. Last year I demoed a host of elbow friendly racquets as I had a nasty case of tennis elbow that just would not go away, not even with rest, string change/tension, etc. Regardless, no racquet felt better than the 7G....not even close. Amazingly to me, I was able to play right through the tennis elbow without exasperating the problem and have not slowed down a bit since. In fact, I feel no pain now when I play. As was previously stated here, this racquet is not exceptional at any one thing, but across the board it is outstanding. And..... it will do much work for you if you let it, especially in the serve.

I think someone may have asked about the 5G comparison. When I demoed the 7G, I also demoed the 5G. Unfortunately, the racquets were not equally strung and the 7G just felt so much better to me.

 

[Boricua]

Power Player and I are just getting into these frames. The comfort is unreal.

How is the control?

Would you, or anybody else, consider thsi racket a players racket or a tweener?

 

[mikeler]

How is the control?

Would you, or anybody else, consider thsi racket a players racket or a tweener?

Control is good, it is definitely a player's racket.

 

[Kcraig]

My 7g demo came strung with pretty fresh NXT which was really nice!! Most demos I receive have just horrible string jobs! I have one more outing with the 7g and then have to send it back. Luckily the 5g will come in on Thursday so I will be able to compare. One thing for sure--when your timing is right, the 7g produces a nasty heavy powerful ball for sure!! Only downside, is when the timing/footwork are not "just right" control does suffer:???:

 

[Power Player]

Yes, control is at least equal to the PSTGT for me, I have to play with it more, but I it has hit very accurate for me so far.

I would consider it a player's racquet as well. It is like a Pure Drive Roddick with much better feel.

Kcraig, I agree about the timing. Well it is not nearly as hard to play with as a true player's stick like a prestige. I don't have to be just right with the 7g compared to the prestige or dunlop 200. Those were much more demanding. The 7G needs you to readjust your spacing to the ball compared to standard length and then you are good.

Very interested in how the 5G demo goes. I am pretty hooked on the weight and power of the 7G though. Hopefully my shoulder enjoys serving with it as well!

 

[Kcraig]

Yes, control is at least equal to the PSTGT for me, I have to play with it more, but I it has hit very accurate for me so far.

I would consider it a player's racquet as well. It is like a Pure Drive Roddick with much better feel.

Kcraig, I agree about the timing. Well it is not nearly as hard to play with as a true player's stick like a prestige. I don't have to be just right with the 7g compared to the prestige or dunlop 200. Those were much more demanding. The 7G needs you to readjust your spacing to the ball compared to standard length and then you are good.

Very interested in how the 5G demo goes. I am pretty hooked on the weight and power of the 7G though. Hopefully my shoulder enjoys serving with it as well!

I think you nailed it on the "spacing" comment--when fully extended out on FH and overheads it was nasty--think I was getting "jammed" to often. One area the 7g really shined for me was slice!! I was even resorting to some nasty slice FH approaches as i was struggling so much on reg topspin forehand approaches. Ball is nasty and low--opponent had no answer for it--

 

[Machspeed]

My 7g demo came strung with pretty fresh NXT which was really nice!! Most demos I receive have just horrible string jobs! I have one more outing with the 7g and then have to send it back. Luckily the 5g will come in on Thursday so I will be able to compare. One thing for sure--when your timing is right, the 7g produces a nasty heavy powerful ball for sure!! Only downside, is when the timing/footwork are not "just right" control does suffer:???:

Yeah, that string, both the type and the tension make a big difference. Let us know how the 5G works out for you?

 

[Power Player]

I am going to spend as much time as possible with this racquet before getting too excited, but I am incredibly impressed by ProKennex. And to think they made this racquet over 10 years..thats crazy.

 

[Sreeram]

I am going to spend as much time as possible with this racquet before getting too excited, but I am incredibly impressed by ProKennex. And to think they made this racquet over 10 years..thats crazy.

I have always been following your pattern of racuqets accidently, I moved to MG Radical Pro after your reviews, it was a great racquet for my topspin game but it lacked control so I started avoiding risks in shot resulting in me hitting the middle most of the time, instead of going for the corners. I am trying PST GTnow, nice racquet and gives power even to my offcenter hits (due to woofer). I am getting fast serves with it as well. Great control and spin potential.
I played 7G briefly and it really helped me in singles with great consistency. I also served well with it. But it is not a good racquet at net, so if you play more doubles then I would suggest you not to go here.

 

[Power Player]

Well if you are following my pattern of sticks, you will have an enjoyable ride..haha. I have not owned a bad stick in a long time. The PSTGT is one of the best sticks I have ever used. I will release my official rankings after I spend a month or two with the PK.

I rarely play doubles so I am good with the 7g so far. The PKs are so inexpensive that I may buy a 5G down the road just to see how it plays and to have in case my shoulder acts up from the XL.

 

[Boricua]

Does this racket have a round grip?

 

[Boricua]

Does anybody know how this racket compares with the Yonex RDIS 100 MP?

 

[Power Player]

I have no idea on the Yonex, but the grip is similar to Wilson's. The Replacement grip on it is pretty cushioned, so if you wanted more bevel feel, I'd reccomend the Babolat Skin feel as a replacement.

Another thing I like about the racquet is the butt end is extremely defined. Makes it easy to hold on to the end of the racquet when serving or hitting overheads and not lose grip.

 

[Sreeram]

Well if you are following my pattern of sticks, you will have an enjoyable ride..haha. I have not owned a bad stick in a long time. The PSTGT is one of the best sticks I have ever used. I will release my official rankings after I spend a month or two with the PK.

I rarely play doubles so I am good with the 7g so far. The PKs are so inexpensive that I may buy a 5G down the road just to see how it plays and to have in case my shoulder acts up from the XL.

Yes, I should admit that I really enjoyed them. Whenever I liked a racquet by just looking at spec and thought that it will suit my game, I go to TT to see some threads on it, I always found you saying good things about it. 7G is the only racquet which I just randomly picked as I got a good deal. My game improved a lot with it, I became very consistent but some reason I failed badly in doubles, so I just started hating this stick.
I struggled a bit with PST GT tranistion initally for a week but now I got the same consistency and placement that I had before with increased power. I think i will stick with PST GT without turning back.
One such strick that I loved the most but broke it and dint invest in buying a new one is AG 200. Amazing feel and my serve was at its best with this frame, very similar to what I get with PST GT now. Have you tried 200 series of Dunlop?

 

[Power Player]

No, but I used the 4D200 for about a year. I love Dunlop sticks, but they don't have a lot of power. It is nice for control, but you have to be in incredible shape to hit with them if you like topspin and swing hard. I think the PSTGT is excellent, but for me the 7G hits even bigger.

I rarely play doubles so the 7G suits me well. I can see how the XL could be a problem if you play a lot of doubles. In that case I would probably use a 5G.

Didn't feel any shoulder twinges on it yesterday either when I hit some serves, which is nice.

Really love gripping off the bottom of the handle and just ripping forehands. Backhands also feel very satisfying and I am not being attacked on that side anymore since I can hit them back so deep.

I think anyone who uses babolats but misses the feel of a players stick and is feeling arm twinges should try this racquet.

 

[Sreeram]

No, but I used the 4D200 for about a year. I love Dunlop sticks, but they don't have a lot of power. It is nice for control, but you have to be in incredible shape to hit with them if you like topspin and swing hard. I think the PSTGT is excellent, but for me the 7G hits even bigger.

I rarely play doubles so the 7G suits me well. I can see how the XL could be a problem if you play a lot of doubles. In that case I would probably use a 5G.

Didn't feel any shoulder twinges on it yesterday either when I hit some serves, which is nice.

Really love gripping off the bottom of the handle and just ripping forehands. Backhands also feel very satisfying and I am not being attacked on that side anymore since I can hit them back so deep.

I think anyone who uses babolats but misses the feel of a players stick and is feeling arm twinges should try this racquet.

Do you really think 7G has a nicer feel that PST? According to me PST has a good feel. 7G is stiff, but does not vibrate. It is great for the arm, I accept that, but it is crisper than PST GT for sure.
Real feel good racquet from PK is redondo. But again it lacks power for a recreational play.

 

[Power Player]

I would not say nicer, both feel great. The PSTGT is extremely plush and muted and has incredible feel.

I like the crispness of the 7g, feels like a combo of a prestige and a Wilson since it is a little muted as well.

Honestly, I was surprised by the feel of the 7g. Imagine going from a Pure Drive or APDC to it. It has close to the same power yet no horrible vibrations if you hit off center.

 

[mikeler]

I'm also hitting some incredibly nasty slice backhands with the 7G. My topspin backhand is usually not racket sensitive but it is taking me a few matches to adjust as I'm playing around with a new cross (Babolat Xcel) and higher tensions. The 7G is more powerful than my PSTs (non GT) hence the increase in tension. That is probably because the frame is stiffer but you don't feel the stiffness at all with the kinetic system.

I like the 7G better at net than the PST but I don't venture up there much so I'm not real concerned about the extra length on volleys. Touch is also there with this frame. I love the explosion the racket makes with the ball. This is just a great all around stick that is pretty good at just about everything.

 

[Power Player]

Yeah I forgot to mention how good slices are. I was moving my opponent right to left last night with heavy topspin forehand and now and then a hard slice backhand that I could drive nice and deep with not a lot of effort.

 

[Kcraig]

Played 5 sets of 4.5 doubles last night ALL with the 7g. I really tried to think about what PowerPlayer said about "spacing" and footwork. For whatever reason it really clicked last night. Also figured out the serve "contact point" and was able to hit nice hard flat serves and kickers were an ease as well. Where this baby really stood out was on my 2hb and volleys--especially the BH volley. Volleys are just so stable--even when receiving hard flat shots. When balls are struck out front, the 7g produces a nasty knifing volley deep in the court. All in all--really really enjoyed the frame!! Best part about it all is even after ALL this tennis, my elbow soreness was dramatically lower than in the past few outings. Usually after this much play and serving, my elbow would be pretty sore (8/10) but today it feels pretty good--closer to 6/10.

I still have a 5g demo coming in today and will give em a run this weekend--but overall, the 7g was impressive last night--especially once I figured out the contact point on serve and better spacing on groundies. Finally--this baby is just a nasty beast on the slice--both BH and even FH! I use alot of slice approaches when playing dubs and will go to it on both wings--just was eating people up!!:twisted:

 

[max]

very interesting; keep us posted!

 

[mikeler]

Played 5 sets of 4.5 doubles last night ALL with the 7g. I really tried to think about what PowerPlayer said about "spacing" and footwork. For whatever reason it really clicked last night. Also figured out the serve "contact point" and was able to hit nice hard flat serves and kickers were an ease as well. Where this baby really stood out was on my 2hb and volleys--especially the BH volley. Volleys are just so stable--even when receiving hard flat shots. When balls are struck out front, the 7g produces a nasty knifing volley deep in the court. All in all--really really enjoyed the frame!! Best part about it all is even after ALL this tennis, my elbow soreness was dramatically lower than in the past few outings. Usually after this much play and serving, my elbow would be pretty sore (8/10) but today it feels pretty good--closer to 6/10.

I still have a 5g demo coming in today and will give em a run this weekend--but overall, the 7g was impressive last night--especially once I figured out the contact point on serve and better spacing on groundies. Finally--this baby is just a nasty beast on the slice--both BH and even FH! I use alot of slice approaches when playing dubs and will go to it on both wings--just was eating people up!!:twisted:

Only hackers use slice forehands. :twisted:

PS I'm been guilty of being a hacker before.

 

[mikeler]

I too played last night with this frame. On the 50% of the shots I avoided hitting the frame, it was terrific. When you hit the sweet spot, it sounds like a cannon. Combine that with a winner and this stick will bring a smile to your face. If only they could come up with a contraption to force me to watch the ball...sigh...

 

[Power Player]

Yeah..I do the same..look up too early sometimes..soo annoying.

KCraig, it will take a week or two for me to get my spacing right, now and then I hit the dampener instead of the sweet spot. What is weird is that it helps me to grip low off the handle. Besides giving me great leverage, it just reminds me to space a little better and helps break the habit of using a standard length.

What string combo and tension are you using? I am going to some different cross strings since I really like Black Magic in the mains. I want something that lasts 8-10 hours if possible. I really like Black Magic and Gosen OGSM in the high 50s but I am going to try Mantis comfort at 55#s to see how it plays.

 

[mikeler]

Yeah..I do the same..look up too early sometimes..soo annoying.

KCraig, it will take a week or two for me to get my spacing right, now and then I hit the dampener instead of the sweet spot. What is weird is that it helps me to grip low off the handle. Besides giving me great leverage, it just reminds me to space a little better and helps break the habit of using a standard length.

What string combo and tension are you using? I am going to some different cross strings since I really like Black Magic in the mains. I want something that lasts 8-10 hours if possible. I really like Black Magic and Gosen OGSM in the high 50s but I am going to try Mantis comfort at 55#s to see how it plays.

I just ordered a pack of MCS if you want to buy half of it.

 

[Power Player]

I just got ordered some myself or I'd defintley buy it..thanks though.

It breaks in 6 hours or so for you right? Anything last longer and retain the same feel?

 

[Kcraig]

Only hackers use slice forehands. :twisted:

PS I'm been guilty of being a hacker before.

It will eat you up:twisted: NOTE: Only on approach shots buddy!!!!!!!