Pro Kennex 7G, ~25 years experience

[goodracket]

Greetings fellow 7G enthusiast. I have been playing with the 7G for about 25 years and still going with it. Playing at ntrp 4.5 level.

I have two unique set-ups. I am able to use either set-up on any give day.

1. Shorten (cut-off) length to 27 inches. Shorten length makes it more maneuverable and whippy but about 4 points more head-heavy. Estimating current balance still about 4 point head-lite.
Strung with syngut, soft poly or multi-filament at below 35 pounds. I often skip the top cross string for more lively response. The low tension gives the racket a huge sweet-spot.

2. Original length of 27.5 inches. Slightly less maneuverable but good plow-through.
Strung with syngut, soft poly or multi-filament at below 35 pounds. I often skip the top cross string for more lively response. The low tension gives the racket a huge sweet-spot.

In the 25 years, I have tried various rackets but always came back to the 7G. Below are some rackets tried and comparison:

5G: Like the maneuverability but not the lower power. That's why I cut the 7G to 27 inch.
Ki5: Closer feel but slightly less power compare 27 inch 7G.
Ki5 PSE: Same RA but felt more stiff maybe due the 12.5+oz weight. Felt to heavy. Good for practice set to get stronger.
Ki10 PSE: Same feel/stiffness and power compare 27 inch 7G. Seems to swing faster but frame feedback not as good due to thinner throat.
Ki15 PSE: Higher (too much) stiffness and power compare 27 inch 7G. Frame feedback has too harsh.
Boris Becker Melbourne: Maybe similar to a modern Black Ace or older QTour. Too heavy (over 12 oz) and low power.
Yonex Ezone Xi 98: Similar feel/stiffness. Balance felt too head heavy and sluggish. Maybe it was due to the wider head beam.
Yonex Ezone Ai 98: Better feel/ less stiffness. Balance felt too head heavy and sluggish. Maybe it was due to the wider head beam.
Yonex Ezone DR 98: Better feel/ less stiffness. Launch angle much lower. Balance felt too head heavy and sluggish. Maybe it was due to the wider head beam.
Yonex Ezone 98 (2020): Similar feel/ stiffness but felt twangy. Lack plow through.

I have been reading good feedback of the newer Q+ frames and wondering if there is any improvement over the 7G that would help me at 50+ year in age. Ideally, I am looking for a 21-22mm flat beam frame with little less stiff (maybe RA 63-64) and a little lighter (11.3 oz strung). Perhaps the new Q+ or Yonex VCore line might be more suitable.

Anyway, I still have the eight 7G frames to continue with until something can best it. Even then, I will try to reach 30 years of playing with the 7G.

 

[tim-ay]

Greetings fellow 7G enthusiast. I have been play with the 7G for about 25 years and still going with it. Playing at ntrp 4.5 level.

I have two unique set-ups. I am able to use either set-up on any give day.

1. Shorten (cut-off) length to 27 inches. Shorten length makes it more maneuverable and whippy but about 4 points more head-heavy. Estimating current balance still about 4 point head-lite.
Strung with syngut, soft poly or multi-filament at below 35 pounds. I often skip the top cross string for more lively response. The low tension gives the racket a huge sweet-spot.

2. Original length of 27.5 inches. Slightly less maneuverable but good plow-through.
Strung with syngut, soft poly or multi-filament at below 35 pounds. I often skip the top cross string for more lively response. The low tension gives the racket a huge sweet-spot.

In the 25 years, I have tried various rackets but always came back to the 7G. Below are some rackets tried and comparison:

5G: Like the maneuverability but not the lower power. That's why I cut the 7G to 27 inch.
Ki5: Closer feel but slightly less power compare 27 inch 7G.
Ki5 PSE: Same RA but felt more stiff maybe due the 12.5+oz weight. Felt to heavy. Good for practice set to get stronger.
Ki10 PSE: Same feel/stiffness and power compare 27 inch 7G. Seems to swing faster but frame feedback not as good due to thinner throat.
Boris Becker Melbourne: Maybe similar to a modern Black Ace or older QTour. Too heavy (over 12 oz) and low power.
Yonex Ezone Xi 98: Similar feel/stiffness. Balance felt too head heavy and sluggish. Maybe it was due to the wider head beam.
Yonex Ezone Ai 98: Better feel/ less stiffness. Balance felt too head heavy and sluggish. Maybe it was due to the wider head beam.
Yonex Ezone DR 98: Better feel/ less stiffness. Launch angle much lower. Balance felt too head heavy and sluggish. Maybe it was due to the wider head beam.
Yonex Ezone 98 (2020): Similar feel/ stiffness but felt twangy. Lack plow through.

I have been reading good feedback of the newer Q+ frames and wondering if there is any improvement over the 7G that would help me at 50+ year in age. Ideally, I am looking for a 21-22mm flat beam frame with little less stiff (maybe RA 63-64) and a little lighter (11.3 oz strung). Perhaps the new Q+ or Yonex VCore line might be more suitable.

Anyway, I still have the eight 7G frames to continue with until something can best it. Even then, I will try to reach 30 years of playing with the 7G.

The Q+5X Pro plays very similarly to the 7G, just a tad more modern in feel. I have 2 of each and they are both such great frames and play interchangeably for the most part. The Q is just a bit more plush than the G…. Not necessarily better…. But i think you would like it.

Has to be said, but the Q+5 Pro 2019 is great also. This is the “Doppio” that JGads named on the holic thread. This is my favorite of the 3, but most put the Q+5X Pro slightly higher.

 

[goodracket]

Thanks tim-ay for the recommendation.

The spec for banana(?) seems like what I am interested in. At 3 points HL, I would probably tail-weigh to 6 points HL.

ProKennex Ki Q+ 5 Racquet | Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com

For the Q+5 2019 at Strung Weight:10.8oz , how was the power level compared to 7G?

 

[tim-ay]

Thanks tim-ay for the recommendation.

The spec for banana(?) seems like what I am interested in. At 3 points HL, I would probably tail-weigh to 6 points HL.

ProKennex Ki Q+ 5 Racquet | Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com

For the Q+5 2019 at Strung Weight:10.8oz , how was the power level compared to 7G?

The Banana Lite (2021 Q+5) is a great frame, but it feels more sluggish than the G (and the Banana XL too…. I know it doesn’t make sense). the Q+5 Pro 2019 is similar power to the G, but whippier… so it plays with a little more versatility… especially for me since I have a OHBH. But I love how the G just kills the ball too.

I haven’t hit the 2019 Q+5, only the pro version. I have hit the 2021 Q+5 and as I mentioned that is more sluggish than the 2019 Pro. @JGads probably hit the 2019 non Pro, so I’m sure he will be along to set this all straight, haha.

But I think you would be happiest with :
1. 27.5 - the 2021 Q+5X Pro. Or
2. 27 - the 2019 Q+5 Pro.

But… the 2021 Q+5 bashes the ball, it’s just hard to whip spin as much as I like. @Nollid should comment as I think this frame is his preference.

 

[JGads]

Greetings fellow 7G enthusiast. I have been playing with the 7G for about 25 years and still going with it. Playing at ntrp 4.5 level.

I have two unique set-ups. I am able to use either set-up on any give day.

1. Shorten (cut-off) length to 27 inches. Shorten length makes it more maneuverable and whippy but about 4 points more head-heavy. Estimating current balance still about 4 point head-lite.
Strung with syngut, soft poly or multi-filament at below 35 pounds. I often skip the top cross string for more lively response. The low tension gives the racket a huge sweet-spot.

2. Original length of 27.5 inches. Slightly less maneuverable but good plow-through.
Strung with syngut, soft poly or multi-filament at below 35 pounds. I often skip the top cross string for more lively response. The low tension gives the racket a huge sweet-spot.

In the 25 years, I have tried various rackets but always came back to the 7G. Below are some rackets tried and comparison:

5G: Like the maneuverability but not the lower power. That's why I cut the 7G to 27 inch.
Ki5: Closer feel but slightly less power compare 27 inch 7G.
Ki5 PSE: Same RA but felt more stiff maybe due the 12.5+oz weight. Felt to heavy. Good for practice set to get stronger.
Ki10 PSE: Same feel/stiffness and power compare 27 inch 7G. Seems to swing faster but frame feedback not as good due to thinner throat.
Ki15 PSE: Higher (too much) stiffness and power compare 27 inch 7G. Frame feedback has too harsh.
Boris Becker Melbourne: Maybe similar to a modern Black Ace or older QTour. Too heavy (over 12 oz) and low power.
Yonex Ezone Xi 98: Similar feel/stiffness. Balance felt too head heavy and sluggish. Maybe it was due to the wider head beam.
Yonex Ezone Ai 98: Better feel/ less stiffness. Balance felt too head heavy and sluggish. Maybe it was due to the wider head beam.
Yonex Ezone DR 98: Better feel/ less stiffness. Launch angle much lower. Balance felt too head heavy and sluggish. Maybe it was due to the wider head beam.
Yonex Ezone 98 (2020): Similar feel/ stiffness but felt twangy. Lack plow through.

I have been reading good feedback of the newer Q+ frames and wondering if there is any improvement over the 7G that would help me at 50+ year in age. Ideally, I am looking for a 21-22mm flat beam frame with little less stiff (maybe RA 63-64) and a little lighter (11.3 oz strung). Perhaps the new Q+ or Yonex VCore line might be more suitable.

Anyway, I still have the eight 7G frames to continue with until something can best it. Even then, I will try to reach 30 years of playing with the 7G.

Great stuff, @goodracket and Tim-ay completely has you covered on precisely what I'd have said. Those two frames he mentioned are your prime candidates. In my mind they'd give you what you're looking for - a bit more whip, but that same 16/20 goodness from that PK 100 inch head. And they're the best two frames in my collection, and I'm right there with you in absolutely loving the 7G, which I still have, still hit with too. I just acquired the Banana Q+5 non-pro you mentioned, and I'm only one hit in, and can say it crushes the ball like a 7G but is just a little bit less whippy through the zone.

You're not in Europe by chance, are you? Because I could give you a deal on a package deal of the 'Banana Lite' I just mentioned, if I choose to sell it, along with one of my Doppios (Q+5Pro). But you're probably in the US.

 

[flex]

Been passively on the look out for a used 7G in 3/8 and surprisingly as I'm learning, there aren't any. A member also recently pointed out the yellow 2021 q+5x. And not only are the q+5x not any on the used market but also not carried on TW USA.

Which one of these 27.5" racquet is more flexible?

 

[JGads]

Been passively on the look out for a used 7G in 3/8 and surprisingly as I'm learning, there aren't any. A member also recently pointed out the yellow 2021 q+5x. And not only are the q+5x not any on the used market but also not carried on TW USA.

Which one of these 27.5" racquet is more flexible?

The 2021 Q+5x is more flexible. Not by much, but there is a touch more bend. And plushness. Which isn't to say the 7G is uncomfy, it's just a little bit more of a firm memory-foam pillow.

 

[Nollid]

I have the 2019 Q+5, 2019 Q+5 Pro, 2019 Q+ Tour Pro, 7g and the 2021 Q+5. @tim-ay is right the 2021 Q+5 (Banana Lite) is my favorite. Power wise I think it is on par with the 7G. To me it has a plusher more solid feel than the 7G. I have added a leather grip and some lead at 10 & 2. I find it very maneuverable overall. I think it’s worth a demo for you since most agree that the 2021’s do have a different feel than previous generations. However, the 7G is an all time great that you obviously love so it will be hard to dethrone.

 

[JGads]

I have the 2019 Q+5, 2019 Q+5 Pro, 2019 Q+ Tour Pro, 7g and the 2021 Q+5. @tim-ay is right the 2021 Q+5 (Banana Lite) is my favorite. Power wise I think it is on par with the 7G. To me it has a plusher more solid feel than the 7G. I have added a leather grip and some lead at 10 & 2. I find it very maneuverable overall. I think it’s worth a demo for you since most agree that the 2021’s do have a different feel than previous generations. However, the 7G is an all time great that you obviously love so it will be hard to dethrone.

Wow you even have lead in the upper of yours and still maneuverable? Do you know what your initial sw and balance was? I'm thinking of maybe moving the putty weight from the buttcap and trying weight strips beneath the handle to see if that shift does anything. Because it does clobber the ball. And I do like that.

 

[topspn]

I have the 2019 Q+5, 2019 Q+5 Pro, 2019 Q+ Tour Pro, 7g and the 2021 Q+5. @tim-ay is right the 2021 Q+5 (Banana Lite) is my favorite. Power wise I think it is on par with the 7G. To me it has a plusher more solid feel than the 7G. I have added a leather grip and some lead at 10 & 2. I find it very maneuverable overall. I think it’s worth a demo for you since most agree that the 2021’s do have a different feel than previous generations. However, the 7G is an all time great that you obviously love so it will be hard to dethrone.

2021 Q+5? You have to tell us your secret? How do you make it maneuverable or whippy compared to say the dope 2019 Q+5 Pro? I love its feel and it is a better volley stick but not whippy anymore like 2019 doppio

 

[Jimb33]

I have a 7g I've used for a number of years cut down to 27 1/4" and weighted at the handle- very manouevrable and not dissimilar to the 2019 Q5 pro which is alos in my collection. Definitely worth a try, although I have my rackets stron rather tighter than yours- I am intrigued by the idea of a 7g with 35lb SG. Does it lose power at that low tension?

 

[JGads]

I have a 7g I've used for a number of years cut down to 27 1/4" and weighted at the handle- very manouevrable and not dissimilar to the 2019 Q5 pro which is alos in my collection. Definitely worth a try, although I have my rackets stron rather tighter than yours- I am intrigued by the idea of a 7g with 35lb SG. Does it lose power at that low tension?

7g at 27.25 sounds drool worthy.

 

[Nollid]

Wow you even have lead in the upper of yours and still maneuverable? Do you know what your initial sw and balance was? I'm thinking of maybe moving the putty weight from the buttcap and trying weight strips beneath the handle to see if that shift does anything. Because it does clobber the ball. And I do like that.

Let me check to see if I recorded initial SW and balance.

2021 Q+5? You have to tell us your secret? How do you make it maneuverable or whippy compared to say the dope 2019 Q+5 Pro? I love its feel and it is a better volley stick but not whippy anymore like 2019 doppio

I wouldn't say that it's whippy especially compared to the Doppio. For me it's just a good combo of weight, balance, feel and plow.

 

[goodracket]

Wow. Thanks for all the great feedback. Seems like the newer models are excellent. I will try to demo them.

 

[goodracket]

You're not in Europe by chance, are you? But you're probably in the US.

Yes, I am in the US.

BTW, I been a casual reader of Talk Tennis since the early 90s when (I think) Talk Tennis was still a BBS.

BBS = Bulletin Board Service. Google that if you don't remember that term.

 

[goodracket]

But I think you would be happiest with :
1. 27.5 - the 2021 Q+5X Pro. Or
2. 27 - the 2019 Q+5 Pro.

Regarding your reference of '2019 Q+5 Pro', does that mean the 2019 Q+5 Tour?

ProKennex Ki Q+ Tour Racquet | Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com

 

[tim-ay]

Regarding your reference of '2019 Q+5 Pro', does that mean the 2019 Q+5 Tour?

ProKennex Ki Q+ Tour Racquet | Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com

No, that's what JGads affectionately named the Espresso. Less juice than the Q+5 Pro ("Doppio"). The Doppio is getting a bit harder to find new, but there are still some out there. Which is leading some to the 2021 Q+5 (like Nollid and others), the Banana Lite. It's not as fast through the air as the 7G and the Doppio, however. If you don't have luck finding the Doppio, then the Q+5X Pro plays faster.... the names can get a little crazy. haha. JGads working hard to solve that.

And for fun I just picked up the green version 2021 of the Q+5 Tour "Limoncello". So when you hear Limoncello you will be able to contextualize it.

 

[JGads]

Regarding your reference of '2019 Q+5 Pro', does that mean the 2019 Q+5 Tour?

ProKennex Ki Q+ Tour Racquet | Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com

No he means the Q+5 Pro - similar paintjob but 16/20 and same beam as the 7G/5G (but this one has more life, pop, refined feel vs a 5G)

 

[goodracket]

I have a 7g I've used for a number of years cut down to 27 1/4" and weighted at the handle- very manouevrable and not dissimilar to the 2019 Q5 pro which is alos in my collection. Definitely worth a try, although I have my rackets stron rather tighter than yours- I am intrigued by the idea of a 7g with 35lb SG. Does it lose power at that low tension?

7G at strung at 35 pound increases power without much control loss.

I currently have 7g strung with 35lb technifibre x-1 biphase or multi-feel.

 

[goodracket]

I have a 7g I've used for a number of years cut down to 27 1/4" and weighted at the handle- very manouevrable and not dissimilar to the 2019 Q5 pro which is alos in my collection. Definitely worth a try, although I have my rackets stron rather tighter than yours- I am intrigued by the idea of a 7g with 35lb SG. Does it lose power at that low tension?

Did you also find that cutting the length made the racket more head heavy so you had to add tail weight to get back the same balance point?

There some other threads that heavily disputed whether cutting the length made for more head heavy or more head lite.

 

[Power Player]

Yes, I am in the US.

BTW, I been a casual reader of Talk Tennis since the early 90s when (I think) Talk Tennis was still a BBS.

BBS = Bulletin Board Service. Google that if you don't remember that term.

I'll just echo that the new Q+5X is worth tracking down if you like XLs. Plush feel, and the SW is a bit lower on mine than the 7G so you get everything in a lighter package.

 

[Jimb33]

Did you also find that cutting the length made the racket more head heavy so you had to add tail weight to get back the same balance point?

There some other threads that heavily disputed whether cutting the length made for more head heavy or more head lite.

Yes I tailweighted and I can honestly say it plays beautifully- not a million miles form the Q5 pro (Doppio) tbh., maybe slightly softer, more flexible, but a bully nonetheless.

 

[tim-ay]

Yes I tailweighted and I can honestly say it plays beautifully- not a million miles form the Q5 pro (Doppio) tbh., maybe slightly softer, more flexible, but a bully nonetheless.

Why am I eyeing my 2 7G’s wondering which one should be the sacrificial lamb? 27.25 G is a temptress!!!!!

Did you do anything special or just line it up, clamp it, and cut? Any worries on the beans spilling?

 

[goodracket]

Why am I eyeing my 2 7G’s wondering which one should be the sacrificial lamb? 27.25 G is a temptress!!!!!

Did you do anything special or just line it up, clamp it, and cut? Any worries on the beans spilling?

I have versions from 26.5", 27", 27.2" to original 27.5".

Once the staples and butt cap is removed .... yes, just line it up with marker, clamp, and saw.

The main adjustment is the balance becomes a few points more head heavy. You can compensate with some tail weight. The power is still there.

 

[drak]

Do you guys feel that the 7G strings up really tight? I strung it with a gut/poly hybrid at 55/52 and can't believe how tight it feels after a couple weeks at least - feels like 60-62 lbs and I did calibrate my stringer before stringing! I was thinking next string job of going to mid 40's - thoughts? and do other kennex's string "tight"?

 

[tim-ay]

Do you guys feel that the 7G strings up really tight? I strung it with a gut/poly hybrid at 55/52 and can't believe how tight it feels after a couple weeks at least - feels like 60-62 lbs and I did calibrate my stringer before stringing! I was thinking next string job of going to mid 40's - thoughts? and do other kennex's string "tight"?

i don’t think so, but it depends on where you are coming from. the 16x20 is rather tight in the sweet spot, one of its many charms. if you are coming from a very open pattern, this may be giving you that vibe.

i’m pretty much stringing my 7Gs and 2021 Q+5X Pros the same - 52 lbs with BK 123. also have used a few other string set ups but 52 is my fav.

 

[goodracket]

I would opine that the PK 16 x 20 is on the tighter side. However the tension playability range is very wide: Example SynGut from 65 pounds all the way down to 35 pounds.

I would guess gut/poly in higher 40s/mid 40s would be ok.

 

[JGads]

Do you guys feel that the 7G strings up really tight? I strung it with a gut/poly hybrid at 55/52 and can't believe how tight it feels after a couple weeks at least - feels like 60-62 lbs and I did calibrate my stringer before stringing! I was thinking next string job of going to mid 40's - thoughts? and do other kennex's string "tight"?

Can't say so, really, from my perspective.

What I can say is that the 7G with Black Knight 1.23 at 52 pounds is a revelation.

 

[thisiscrazy]

goodracket - Apologies for jumping on your thread but since a lot of Pro Kennex aficionados are here . . .

Does anyone have any experience with the Ki 5, 320 (yellow version)? Just curious about its power and comfort levels.

Thanks.