ProKennex Ki Q+ Tour Pro 315 - any good? why so cheap?

TennisManiac

TennisManiac

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I'm wondering why ProKennex rackets are so cheap compared to other manufacturers? When I was a little kid in the late 80's I played with the Copper Ace. I've never played with a ProKennex racket ever since. I've always been stuck on Wilson frames. But lately I've been intrigued by the ProKennex Ki Q+Tour Pro 315. Can anyone share their thoughts on this frame? And again... why are these rackets so cheap? I mean... you can purchase a brand new ProKennex for the cost of a used frame by the other manufacturers. :unsure:
 
Simple..it's their business model.
Also their overhead is low.. hence..

Also lower prices doesn't always equal lower quality and low performance.

As you know..higher priced frames can be of low quality and low performance..

i once paid $220 retail for a frame with a W on it that was so unstable, unpredictable,etc.
I bought a second one and it was 8 grams heavier.. paint even came off just by looking at it..
 
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@TennisManiac , people usually buy the rackets that are endorsed by the ATP/WTA pros i.e. the ones they see on TV. So, the bigger companies that have more endorsed players on the tour can afford to price their rackets steeply and people will still dish out the money to buy them. Smaller brands can't do the same, so they probably have to lower the prices to lure people into trying their product. I don't think that the quality of PK rackets is in any way inferior to the other manufacturers.
 
Interesting thread. I played with Kennex Golden Aces and gravitated to Black Aces in the late 70’s/early 80’s (had to pick up the pace and cut more yards after school and save more for the jump to the Black Aces, lol). I have a current, new (I say new, I guess the frame is a ‘19/‘20 year model) ProKennex Black Ace 315 that hits well, and you can hear the kinetic ‘micro-bearings’ they employ inside the frame if you shake the racquet back and forth close to your ear. You certainly don’t hear them playing but the racquet is easier on my older arm/elbow compared to others. Strung at 55lbs with VolkL Cyclone Tour 16G.
 
TennisManiac said:
I'm wondering why ProKennex rackets are so cheap compared to other manufacturers? When I was a little kid in the late 80's I played with the Copper Ace. I've never played with a ProKennex racket ever since. I've always been stuck on Wilson frames. But lately I've been intrigued by the ProKennex Ki Q+Tour Pro 315. Can anyone share their thoughts on this frame? And again... why are these rackets so cheap? I mean... you can purchase a brand new ProKennex for the cost of a used frame by the other manufacturers. :unsure:
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great racquet company-my PK 315 2021 gives me power and spin in a thin beamed soft flex racquet-this model or mold has been in there lineup for a long while so cost is down.
 
I'm really considering just pulling the trigger on one of these frames and hoping that I really like it enough to replace my 2015 Pro Staffs. The only reason I hesitate to do so is the fact that the grip shape of the ProKennex is very rectangular which I can't stand. I've been playing with Wilson for so long that I can't seem to play with anything other than a round grip shape. :(

Can anyone compare the precision and power level of this frame compared to the Pro Staff 97?
 
TennisManiac said:
I'm really considering just pulling the trigger on one of these frames and hoping that I really like it enough to replace my 2015 Pro Staffs. The only reason I hesitate to do so is the fact that the grip shape of the ProKennex is very rectangular which I can't stand. I've been playing with Wilson for so long that I can't seem to play with anything other than a round grip shape. :(

Can anyone compare the precision and power level of this frame compared to the Pro Staff 97?
Click to expand...

I haven't played this model but I have the Q+5 models and they have more power and hit a more direct ball than the PS97.

The thing about PK is the PJs are not that great, they mainly have Seppi out there as a pro, so they fly under the radar. Hence the low prices.

But they make absolutely legit racquets. The kinetic tech actually works. You get free power from those little beans in the frame and your arm will stay healthy for years. A lot of people are really digging this model frame so I doubt you can go wrong with trying it out.
 
I've use PK for years, but not the newer ones. I've never had one with a rectangular shaped grip. My last rackets were ki10 PSE's, but I've had ki5's, 5g, Black Aces, Golden Aces and others. Always shaped pretty close to Wilson's in my opinion. Rectangular grips I've felt were Volkls, Yonexes, and Heads.
 
The q series, at least the 2019 version, have a rectangular grip shape. On the other hand, I have read that the black ace series are like Wilson's. Quite peculiar if this is true. Almost all bands have a certain grip shape for their racket lines.
 
Steve Huff said:
I've use PK for years, but not the newer ones. I've never had one with a rectangular shaped grip. My last rackets were ki10 PSE's, but I've had ki5's, 5g, Black Aces, Golden Aces and others. Always shaped pretty close to Wilson's in my opinion. Rectangular grips I've felt were Volkls, Yonexes, and Heads.
Click to expand...
Steve…Ki10 PSE. What does PSE stand for?
 
To anyone who has played with the Ki Q+ Tour Pro 315. How would you rate it in terms of control and power compared to rackets like the Pro Staff 97 or Prestige Pro?
 
TennisManiac said:
I just bought one. For the price, what the hell. Hopefully I really like it.
Click to expand...

It’s an awesome racket. In the beginning, though, there was a hint of pingy noise whenever I struck the ball for some odd reason. It is no longer an issue. I think I wasn’t making the clean contact in the beginning but the comfort of the frame helped with the jarring off-center hitting feel.
 
I had 2 PK 5G, sold 1 and then later the same guy asked me to buy the other one. After I sold it, I had to buy another one because I knew I had made a mistake selling it (both)

PK frames are awesome, there is plenty of options in weight, head size and pattern to choose from. The feel is personal, I enjoy the "old school" solid feel of frames from the '00s which are more muted than modern frames of the '10s.
 
Humbi_HTX said:
I had 2 PK 5G, sold 1 and then later the same guy asked me to buy the other one. After I sold it, I had to buy another one because I knew I had made a mistake selling it (both)

PK frames are awesome, there is plenty of options in weight, head size and pattern to choose from. The feel is personal, I enjoy the "old school" solid feel of frames from the '00s which are more muted than modern frames of the '10s.
Click to expand...

Ha. I once lived this same mistake with the 7G. Never again.
 
TennisManiac said:
I'm really considering just pulling the trigger on one of these frames and hoping that I really like it enough to replace my 2015 Pro Staffs. The only reason I hesitate to do so is the fact that the grip shape of the ProKennex is very rectangular which I can't stand. I've been playing with Wilson for so long that I can't seem to play with anything other than a round grip shape. :(

Can anyone compare the precision and power level of this frame compared to the Pro Staff 97?
Click to expand...

Check out the 'Nerd's' brief comments on the Black Ace Pro (scroll down the pg halfway):

tennisnerd.net

ProKennex Racquets Review - Must demo if you have tennis elbow

I play-tested three models in this ProKennex racquets review and they are all good options for players suffering from tennis elbow.
tennisnerd.net tennisnerd.net

"... a far superior Pro Staff!" Even though the BA Pro is my racquet of choice, I can't confirm the Pro Staff 97 comparisons, but I do love this PK. And I bought an L3 (a size down) and reshaped the grip to something more Dunlopish (with athletic tape), and it works. Just something to consider if your new Tour Pro 315 doesn't completely scratch the itch.
 
Pretty much 90% done switching over to the Q+ Tour Pro 315 from an APD.

the frame is fantastic. For it’s weight (talking 2019 version), it’s incredibly stable, it’s fast as lightning, has very respectable power and spin, and the control and feel are superb thanks to the flat thin beam. Also, the SS is very generous and the ball pocketing is terrific.

Highlights for me are one handed backhand drives, slice backhands, angled crosscourt forehands, and the ability to redirect power and hit on the bounce.

Also, the upper hoop is quite stiff, so forehands on the run and overheads and serves get tons of pop for such a low RA stick. And the thin beam makes it super quick through the air for low to high flick shots.

I highly recommend a demo. PK’s are only cheaper because they don’t have the brand recognition, but all the tennis hipsters know PK only uses premium beans.

Also, PK’s best in class comfort of course.
 
TennisManiac said:
To anyone who has played with the Ki Q+ Tour Pro 315. How would you rate it in terms of control and power compared to rackets like the Pro Staff 97 or Prestige Pro?
Click to expand...

More power than any Prestige Pro I have ever used. The head is bigger, the pattern more open, the SS is bigger, and it swings faster. Feel is just as good. Good point of reference though, as they share the same flat and thin beam.

The PK plays bigger than it’s specs.
 
Sir Faultalot said:
Play it for a while before you judge it. It’s really muted, that’s why I say that. My temptation was to put it down after the first outing because of that, but I’ve found myself playing really good tennis with it lately.
Click to expand...

Funny you mention that, because I hated my first outing with it for probably the same reasons.

I think it’s more than just “getting used to the feel” though. I actually think the racket or the grommets physically change more than most sticks after a couple of hours.
 
el sergento said:
The Tour Pro 315 is the 6.0 95 we’ve always wanted: similar feel and control, but now with spin and power for the modern game.
Click to expand...

i agree that this racket feels like the Wilson 6.0 95s but executed what that racket was meant to be. Thin beamed stick with a perfect blend of power, control, and maneuverability. PK is definitely one of the most underrated brands out there and the pricing is probably because consumers don’t pay a “luxury tax” for marketing as exhibited by the bigger brands. I believe the kinetic technology is more than a gimmick as it truly works. Have used rackets from other companies which led to some arm problems but after a friend introduced me to PK (the 2017 Q+Tour 300 to be exact), arm problems have been gone. Great value for their rackets and haven’t looked back since!
 
So many positive comments in this thread regarding PK rackets. I'm excited to give this one a try. On paper the Ki Q+ Tour Pro fits the bill perfectly. The specs are basically identical to the Pro Staff 97, so I'll be able to set it up exactly the same way in regards to static weight and balance with just an overgrip, dampener and some lead at 12 o'clock. I'm really hoping that the kinetic technology will prevent elbow and shoulder pain that I occasionally suffer when using my current frames. And I'm also hoping for a slight boost in power as well.
 
el sergento said:
The Tour Pro 315 is the 6.0 95 we’ve always wanted: similar feel and control, but now with spin and power for the modern game.
Click to expand...

Man, I took my ol' PS 95 out yesterday for s#$ts and giggles. It was just a quick 30-minute hit against a wall with my young son, and this morning, my shoulder is killing me..... I need some PK healing beans STAT!
 
el sergento said:
Man, I took my ol' PS 95 out yesterday for s#$ts and giggles. It was just a quick 30-minute hit against a wall with my young son, and this morning, my shoulder is killing me..... I need some PK healing beans STAT!
Click to expand...
:-D

I had 2 PS 6.1 95's back in the day and can confirm that they are in fact pretty stiff and in no way arm friendly.
 
They no longer have the 315 to demo on TW (maybe they never did, idk). The 18x20 325 is more my type of racquet but I thought it would be interesting trying out the 16x19 too. Oh well.
 
I find the 2021 / 2022 layout for the Ki and Ace series very pleasant. My Ki15s (280 and 300) and BAP are super cool. Cannot say the same for the other lines which are probably a bit too loud color wise...
 
mmazzinin1 said:
I find the 2021 / 2022 layout for the Ki and Ace series very pleasant. My Ki15s (280 and 300) and BAP are super cool. Cannot say the same for the other lines which are probably a bit too loud color wise...
Click to expand...
I'm interested in BAP, but afraid of its small headsize although TWU database shows its sweet zone is larger than BA 315. Is it easy to swing and powerful ?
 
BAP. Is a fantastic stick but not for every one. It is a player racket, so you cannot expect the power level of a tweener....but it is surprising powerful consodering the specs thanks to the hefty SW (330), the kinetic mass and the spaced string pattern
 
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