Prokennex ki 5 295 (2022) vs ki 5 300 (2020)

[dragoncino]

Hi all,
57 years, one hand slice or flat backhand, forehand with some topspin, intermediate all-around player, I’m currently using a Speed MP 360.
I would like to try a Prokennex frame due to elbow problems. I have already tried ki 15 (both 300 and 280), that I find not enough manovreable for my taste.
I have read that the PK KI 5 is very similar as feeling to the Speed MP, so I really would like to try one of this stick. What is the best try betwe the ki 5 295 of 2022, and the ki 5 300 of 2020? can someone make a comparison?
Thanks

 

[C.H]

I'm playing with PK Ionic KI 5g. IMO, this is a Swiss knife. People who are new to PK will be aware of the kinetic mass at 10 and 2 o'clock and the noise when hitting the ball. The dampening is fantastic.

I also have PK QTour +, fantastic frame and I added lead at 10 and 2 o'clock to introduce more power. 5g is more powerful and stable, QTour + feels crisper.

So, back to your question, the 2022 one introduces a new cross beam, trapezoidal instead of the conventional D cross beam that supposedly more aerodynamics and more flex. Hope it helps.

PK is one under rated tennis racket and the kinetic mass really works.

 

[dragoncino]

Thank you.
So, given the novelties of the 2022 version vs the 2020, which should I consider better for the following aspects (between brackets my guess)?

• Comfort: (2022)
• topspin: ??
• backspin: ??
• ball speed: ??
• Manouvreability: (2022)

 

[C.H]

Thank you.
So, given the novelties of the 2022 version vs the 2020, which should I consider better for the following aspects (between brackets my guess)?

• Comfort: (2022)
• topspin: ??
• backspin: ??
• ball speed: ??
• Manouvreability: (2022)

Can't help you with that. Both string patterns are the same. It's more down to the cross beam, playing stiffer or softer. The unique trapezoid cross beam is similar to Tecnifibre sticks if you want to know.

 

[Cent]

I Have the Ki 5 295, however never played with the older 300g version. I can say its a comfortable racket as you would expect! Great all round control, i play with a flatter style, i have it strung with 1.20 cyclone tour in the mains at 46 pounds and Volkyl power fibres 1.3 at 50 pounds got 2 matched with SW at 287 aprox added about 1.5g of lead at the tip to take SW to about 292. Great touch, control and moderate power, if you hit the sweet spot the ball hits a nice fast low ball! Launch angle is low so not ideal if you play Rafa style! Slice is really great ball just stays really low!

 

[konstantinos kalfountzos]

The Ki5 295 has a very tight 16x20 pattern. I don't think it's even close to a Speed MP. I've only played the Speed MP Auxentic 1.0.

I've named the Ki5 295, Mithrandir (commonly known as Gandalf the Grey) because it's a magic stick or think of a pocket-Prestige kind of frame.

Phenomenal control, hard to hit long, excellent comfort.

A former ITF level player leftie with huge topspin shots, thought it was a 98. It's 22mm thin, so it's very fast.

My top frame for 2023 by miles!

 

[Cent]

I can confirm Konstantinos assessment as being similar to mine! Actually, the 98" comparison is actually spot on! I did compare it to a TF40 and Blade which i have both and there isn't an obvious difference in size! I also have the Speed mp aux 2 and the speeds head is slightly longer with the width being the same! I can compare the latest speed mp with the ki5. My thoughts are that they are both comfortable rackets! The speed is softer has a higher launch angle given i have a similar string set up! The Ki5 is stiffer but not uncomfortably so (Had all sorts of arm issues) due to its kinetic tech. The Ki5 is definitely more controlled, power wise, MP slightly more, however the control of the MP wasn't as bad as i thought it would be! So MP hit more out than the Ki5, however Ki5 hit more into the net than the MP! Serves both good accuracy, MP slightly more power. The MP was better than i expected for my game! However the Ki5 was more suited to my all court attacking game!

​

 

[jxs653]

... and the noise when hitting the ball.

Just to assure people that this is not a concern: you will never hear the "noise" when hitting the ball. It is noticeable only in silent surroundings.

 

[konstantinos kalfountzos]

Just to assure people that this is not a concern: you will never hear the "noise" when hitting the ball. It is noticeable only in silent surroundings.

The Kinetic mass are veeeery small modules, the sound is mostly noticed when you're just shadow swinging the racket real close to your ears. "Maracas" is very misleading. The "sand" inside is of tiny dimensions. All my hitting partners who tried it couldn't hear it, except for one who shadow-swang it sitting on the bench.

 

[dragoncino]

Just bought it (the KI 5 295), now I need to string it.
Coming from epicondylitis, I need to use only multis. Is Velocity or TF Multifeel 1.25 at 23kg 2 knots a good choice? Or better in the 1.30 diameter? Any suggestion of other better multis/tension for this racquet? Thanks

 

[mmazzini1]

Which strings are you using on the Speed MP? It is a very comfortable frame. If you like how it plays, how would assess/revisit string set up before changing. Not sure any PK would be much more comfy than the Head...if strung appropriately

 

[mmazzini1]

Just bought it (the KI 5 295), now I need to string it.
Coming from epicondylitis, I need to use only multis. Is Velocity or TF Multifeel 1.25 at 23kg 2 knots a good choice? Or better in the 1.30 diameter? Any suggestion of other better multis/tension for this racquet? Thanks

4 knots on modern PK. Both aTF and Velocity are fine, but better 1.30 @ 51 mains / 49 crosses, 4 knots