ProKennex Open String Mid

[Kemitak]

I think a PK Redondo 93 with an open string pattern would be a huge success. And yet instead PK builds the Black Ace: a racquet so close to the Redondo, it takes a bite out of it's own business. Rather than compete with itself, why doesn't ProKennex compete with other companies for the mid-size market? Isn't it a simple matter of just drilling fewer holes into the same frame? (Obviously, there is some R&D involved, I'm not an idiot, you are.) They could name it after another beach or colour. An open string pattern would also address the common complaint that the Redondo is under-powered; it would certainly address my complaint, that it doesn't generate enough spin. ProKennex is great, but there is an awful gap in their line-up here. Anyone agree, or am I on my own?

 

[anirut]

IMO, the Redondo sort of stands on it's own, while the Black Ace, when released, is more towards a crisper feel, to the likes of the MG Prestige.

However, I agree with you that PK should release an open-pattern midsize to cater to the more spin-oriented game of today.

 

[mdmerg]

I agree completely

I love the feel of the mid, but due to the lack of spin, I prefer the PK 98.

Why not have it both ways with a 16x19 string pattern on a 93?

IMHO, the Black Ace is way overrated.

Mark

 

[Icedorb217]

Thats like asking Yonex to make a closed pattern frame! Werid.
Sorry off topic.

 

[Keifers]

I liked the BA93 so much that I bought one in spite of its string pattern (and I wasn't particularly looking for a mid, either!). The feel was that special to me.

I'd love it if PK were to bring out 16X19 versions of the BAs and Redondos. They would round out very nicely the company's lineup of serious, no-hype player's sticks. And I suspect they would sell very well.

 

[thejuice]

I personally hate 16x19 patterns because of what I feel like is a lack of control. With that said, I think PK would sell a lot of sticks if they had something to compete with the Volkl 10 series, Wilson 90 series (K90, BLX 90) and the POG. Although they wouldn't be able to afford to pay a pro, you may see some lower ranked pros pick them up until they can get into the top rankings.

I foresee a PK Coronado or La Jolla 93 with a 16x19 pattern. 12.2 oz strung with a leather grip, matte blue finish and 58 flex (no more than 60 flex).

I also foresee a PK Copper Ace (old name brought back like the BA) 93 with a 16x19 pattern. 12 oz strung with a syn grip, glossy copper-colored finish and 63 flex.

 

[anirut]

Tell you what, if PK just re-release Copper Ace, same mold, bumperless, with modern material for a tad more pop, while maintaining that signature soft feel, it will probably sell a ton before the competitions realize where their monies went.

 

[fuzz nation]

Haven't tried the Redondo mid just yet, but I do have a couple of other flexible mids along with the Redondo mid-plus. All three of these models have dense 18x20 string patterns, they all make ferocious spin, and they all make rather good power. For me, the most powerful one of the bunch is also the heaviest one - probably no major revelation there.

I doubt the Redondo mid would have a night and day benefit with a more open string pattern. In terms of its power, well, it's a very soft racquet and I wouldn't expect to be able to really thump a ball with it until I got one leaded up beyond maybe 12.5-12.7 oz. If it's not so dead in its stock layout that a few of our pals here can use it strung with a poly, then I suspect that it's fine.

If I do grab a mighty Redondo mid in the near future, I'm sure I'll be tempted to beef it up for good plow-through and also want to counter balance it to keep the balance significantly head-light. Details at eleven...

 

[Keifers]

Haven't tried the Redondo mid just yet, but I do have a couple of other flexible mids along with the Redondo mid-plus. All three of these models have dense 18x20 string patterns, they all make ferocious spin, and they all make rather good power. For me, the most powerful one of the bunch is also the heaviest one - probably no major revelation there.

I doubt the Redondo mid would have a night and day benefit with a more open string pattern. In terms of its power, well, it's a very soft racquet and I wouldn't expect to be able to really thump a ball with it until I got one leaded up beyond maybe 12.5-12.7 oz. If it's not so dead in its stock layout that a few of our pals here can use it strung with a poly, then I suspect that it's fine.

If I do grab a mighty Redondo mid in the near future, I'm sure I'll be tempted to beef it up for good plow-through and also want to counter balance it to keep the balance significantly head-light. Details at eleven...

You may well be quite correct about that, fuzz nation. In my mind (where so much of my tennis resides ), there's almost certainly going to be some difference, though -- in both spin and feel.

There are some players who find the feel of a dense string pattern unpalatable and they just won't consider it. I'd love to see PK remove that reason not to try and buy their wonderful racquets.

After all, Head finally added a Pro version to their venerable Prestige line and that's proven to be a very successful and highly-regarded stick. (Caveat: Please, PK, make the 16X19 versions the same weight or heavier, NOT lighter.)

 

[Kemitak]

Please, PK, make the 16X19 versions the same weight or heavier, NOT lighter.)

Right, and I'm worried that lighter is the trend, because the Black Ace is lighter than the Redondo, which is lighter than the Laver.

 

[Kemitak]

I foresee a PK Coronado or La Jolla 93 with a 16x19 pattern. 12.2 oz strung with a leather grip, matte blue finish and 58 flex (no more than 60 flex).

I also foresee a PK Copper Ace (old name brought back like the BA) 93 with a 16x19 pattern. 12 oz strung with a syn grip, glossy copper-colored finish and 63 flex.

Now what do you mean when you say you foresee this. Sounds like insider knowledge...

 

[Kirko]

I like it ! >>

Now what do you mean when you say you foresee this. Sounds like insider knowledge...

that Copper Ace would be nice ! being realistic the Redondo 93 is as close we will get to legendary PK feel from the old days.

 

[tennisdad65]

I also foresee a PK Copper Ace (old name brought back like the BA) 93 with a 16x19 pattern. 12 oz strung with a syn grip, glossy copper-colored finish and 63 flex.

Tell you what, if PK just re-release Copper Ace, same mold, bumperless, with modern material for a tad more pop, while maintaining that signature soft feel, it will probably sell a ton before the competitions realize where their monies went.

That would be sweet. For the last 3 years, I have been threatening to switch from my copper ace to various wilson's, babolat's, volkl's but keep going back to my trusted copper ace . Maybe a new copper ace would force me to switch from the old copper ace.

The old copper ace is perfect, except that it has a sweet spot which seems to get smaller as I age.

 

[fuzz nation]

Maybe I've held off on grabbing a Redondo mid because I'm secretly waiting for a version with 16 mains. Maybe I'm waiting at the same bus stop as the Grim Reaper?...

Once again, when it comes to them thar mids, Keifers knows best. Carry on!

 

[Kemitak]

Is there any point on e-mailing PK about this? Do they care what we think?

 

[Keifers]

^^ Couldn't hurt..

Let's all do it!!!


(Can someone find an e-mail address for us to use? Thanks.)

 

[Kemitak]

ProKennex

1159 Monterey Place, Encinitas CA 92024

Sales: sales@prokennex.com

Support: support@prokennex.com

International: jeff@prokennex.com.tw

(I wonder if that tw at the end of the international email has anything to do with Tennis Warehouse...)

 

[Keifers]

Excellent!! Thanks.

I'll compose an e-mail later today and send it. And post it here.

 

[Kemitak]

Make it an open letter and we'll all sign it.

 

[Gee]

Excellent!! Thanks.

I'll compose an e-mail later today and send it. And post it here.

Make it an open letter and we'll all sign it.

Great idea! I 'll give my support.

 

[anirut]

^
^
I AM IN FULL SUPPORT.

Having the money (or wife's permission) to buy another new racket or not is another story :lol:

 

[michaelavich]

Just got my first copper ace. Have played 1 match each of singles and doubles with it so far and I'm loving it. Would love it if they made a new one.