Racquet Quality Control (ProKennex)

[doug4]

I just purchased a ProKennex Ki5x racquet from a reputable online store. The PK Ki5x (new - latest paint job, white) is suppose to be 27.5 inches long, but the racquet I received is only 27.25 inches long (perhaps 27 and 9/32 inches long). Is it normal for a racquet to be off by almost 1/4 of an inch in length? Is quality control not any better than that or did I get a fake? I figured if racquets were made from a mold, there would be virtually no variation from racquet to racquet. I would appreciate it if others would please measure their racquets and post the model, the manufacturer's specified length, and the actual length. I am especially interested in the ProKennex Ki5x new and earlier PK Ki5x models.

Thanks

 

[DE19702]

A couple of years ago I bought a 7g which is supposed to be 27.5 inches. I played with it a few times before I discovered it was exactly 27 inches. At that point I couldn't send it back. The QC for ProKennex must be really bad. How could they be off 1/2 an inch? Anyone want a 27" 7g?

 

[Kirko]

it probably slipped thru Q &A >>

I think Kennex's quality is terrific ! I use the Redondo mid blows away most other brands. just curious what compelled you to messure it ? I remember when I lived in stateline,nevada the pro where I lived John Lloyd's brother had four Head graphite edges and told me onlly one "REALLY" felt perfect without adding lead and this was way back.

 

[LPShanet]

I just purchased a ProKennex Ki5x racquet from a reputable online store. The PK Ki5x (new - latest paint job, white) is suppose to be 27.5 inches long, but the racquet I received is only 27.25 inches long (perhaps 27 and 9/32 inches long). Is it normal for a racquet to be off by almost 1/4 of an inch in length? Is quality control not any better than that or did I get a fake? I figured if racquets were made from a mold, there would be virtually no variation from racquet to racquet. I would appreciate it if others would please measure their racquets and post the model, the manufacturer's specified length, and the actual length. I am especially interested in the ProKennex Ki5x new and earlier PK Ki5x models.

Thanks

Generally, extended frames are made from the same mold as their standard length counterparts. So coming from the same mold doesn't affect length consistency. When the raw hairpin is taken out of the mold, it is quite a bit longer than its final length, as it is cut to size afterwards. Also, depending on how and how carefully the grip and buttcap are attached, you can get a little variation from that as well. Did the frame come in on target with the other specs? Did you get more than one frame and are they different from each other?

It seems unlikely that it would be fake if it was from one of the large well-known online tennis stores, but I suppose anything is possible A quarter inch sounds like a pretty big error, but not totally unheard of. One important question: did you measure it strung or unstrung? If it's the former, you might just be seeing frame deformation under tension.

Either way, the store should replace it for you if you want.

 

[anirut]

My friend had a "wrong-spec'd" PK Ki5 and PK Thailand replaced it no question asked.

 

[dr325i]

I think Kennex's quality is terrific ! I use the Redondo mid blows away most other brands. just curious what compelled you to messure it ? I remember when I lived in stateline,nevada the pro where I lived John Lloyd's brother had four Head graphite edges and told me onlly one "REALLY" felt perfect without adding lead and this was way back.

Interesting...
Of my 3 BA98 (the USA version), two have "faulty" pallets on them, making squeeky noises and are obviously not attached properly. On the other hand, the PK reps are quick with the replies and have sent me two sets of pallets overnight...

 

[Bud]

I just purchased a ProKennex Ki5x racquet from a reputable online store. The PK Ki5x (new - latest paint job, white) is suppose to be 27.5 inches long, but the racquet I received is only 27.25 inches long (perhaps 27 and 9/32 inches long). Is it normal for a racquet to be off by almost 1/4 of an inch in length? Is quality control not any better than that or did I get a fake? I figured if racquets were made from a mold, there would be virtually no variation from racquet to racquet. I would appreciate it if others would please measure their racquets and post the model, the manufacturer's specified length, and the actual length. I am especially interested in the ProKennex Ki5x new and earlier PK Ki5x models.

Thanks

I think Kennex's quality is terrific ! I use the Redondo mid blows away most other brands. just curious what compelled you to messure it ? I remember when I lived in stateline,nevada the pro where I lived John Lloyd's brother had four Head graphite edges and told me onlly one "REALLY" felt perfect without adding lead and this was way back.

My friend had a "wrong-spec'd" PK Ki5 and PK Thailand replaced it no question asked.

Interesting...
Of my 3 BA98 (the USA version), two have "faulty" pallets on them, making squeeky noises and are obviously not attached properly. On the other hand, the PK reps are quick with the replies and have sent me two sets of pallets overnight...

Agree with these folks. Generally, PK is top quality. My 7G was exactly 27.5" unstrung with weight and balance nearly perfect.

As someone else mentioned, if your mains are much tighter than your crosses that can compress the head a 1/4". It happens with certain Head racquets, frequently.

Will the retailer not take it back, after explaining to them the issue? If not, I'd email PK and ask them if a quarter inch is within tolerance and acceptable. I bet they offer to replace it.

 

[dabudabuda]

Agree with these folks. Generally, PK is top quality. My 7G was exactly 27.5" unstrung with weight and balance nearly perfect.

As someone else mentioned, if your mains are much tighter than your crosses that can compress the head a 1/4". It happens with certain Head racquets, frequently.

Will the retailer not take it back, after explaining to them the issue? If not, I'd email PK and ask them if a quarter inch is within tolerance and acceptable. I bet they offer to replace it.

I have a new unstrung Redondo that is exactly 27in. I string my mains 2 lbs tighter and my strung Redondos are roughly 1/8-3/16in shorter.

 

[Outlined]

As several times stated you should measure without strings. The tension could decrease the length.

 

[Bud]

I have a new unstrung Redondo that is exactly 27in. I string my mains 2 lbs tighter and my strung Redondos are roughly 1/8-3/16in shorter.

The Redondo is pretty flexible so I can see that happening

I never measured mine strung.

 

[anirut]

When I had my Redondo strung up at 68 lbs, I was watching the stringer doing it (as always) and I could see the head shrinking as more strings were being tensioned. It was a beautiful sight I must say.

 

[DE19702]

I also bought a Redondo. Both it and the 7g were from TW. I sold the Redondo after playing with it a couple of times to a frequent poster here. Two weeks later he wrote me that the rubberized paint was peeling off. Coincidence, maybe. Nevertheless, I would still consider a Ki5. Maybe if I take the strings off the 7g it will spring back to 27.5 inches.

 

[Ruuzo]

I just purchased a ProKennex Ki5x racquet from a reputable online store. The PK Ki5x (new - latest paint job, white) is suppose to be 27.5 inches long, but the racquet I received is only 27.25 inches long (perhaps 27 and 9/32 inches long). Is it normal for a racquet to be off by almost 1/4 of an inch in length? Is quality control not any better than that or did I get a fake? I figured if racquets were made from a mold, there would be virtually no variation from racquet to racquet. I would appreciate it if others would please measure their racquets and post the model, the manufacturer's specified length, and the actual length. I am especially interested in the ProKennex Ki5x new and earlier PK Ki5x models.

Thanks

it is definitely a quality control issue and it drives me nuts... the worst offender for me was a Ki-10 that was 26 3/4 inch long (brand new, unstrung, plastic on the handle), i returned it

other pro kennex rackets i have bought in the past that were supposed to be 27 inches have turned out to be 27 1/16 inches and 26 7/8 inches...don't even get me started about balance points and weight...

 

[doug4]

Generally, extended frames are made from the same mold as their standard length counterparts. So coming from the same mold doesn't affect length consistency. When the raw hairpin is taken out of the mold, it is quite a bit longer than its final length, as it is cut to size afterwards. Also, depending on how and how carefully the grip and buttcap are attached, you can get a little variation from that as well. Did the frame come in on target with the other specs? Did you get more than one frame and are they different from each other?

It seems unlikely that it would be fake if it was from one of the large well-known online tennis stores, but I suppose anything is possible A quarter inch sounds like a pretty big error, but not totally unheard of. One important question: did you measure it strung or unstrung? If it's the former, you might just be seeing frame deformation under tension.

Either way, the store should replace it for you if you want.

I just recently got the racquet and it came strung at 57 lbs. with Head Rip Control 16 ga., so I don't know what it's length is unstrung yet. I normally string racquets close to the mid point. The recommended tension for the Ki5X is 60 +/- 8 lbs. I haven't noticed much is any difference in the length of my other racquets when strung vs. unstrung. Maybe that's because I don't use real high tensions. I have been away on a trip and I haven't contacted the online store yet, but I plan on doing calling them to see what they say.

As to why did I measure it? After playing a couple of sets, it just didn't feel like an extended length racquet. Over the past 10 to 15 years I have used more extended length racquets than normal length racquets, and I almost always can tell the difference. The longest racquet I have used is the 28 inch Prince Chang, but most have been 27.5 inches. I have also used the Volkl BB 10 which is 27 5/8 inches and at times I think I can honestly tell that it feels longer than 27.5 inch racquets. I don't think I have any other racquet that is off more than 3/32 of an inch and almost all racquets have been within 1/16 inch of the specified length.

I would still like for some Ki5x owners to post the length of their ProKennex Ki5X (latest version - white paint job) and also please specify if it is strung or unstrung.

Thanks

 

[dabudabuda]

The Redondo is pretty flexible so I can see that happening

I never measured mine strung.

Sometime ago when Pro Kennex Distribution became a little sketchy in the states I bought a new Redondo to put aside just in case and noticed next to my regulars it was longer so I ended up measuring them. Measured them again just to show that the stock comes in at 27in. Glad that the distribution state wide is solid again.

 

[NoMansLandPlayer]

I am going to bring this back up because I just bought two brand new PK 7G's from TW and they both measure 27-3/8" (both were strung at 58 in the mains and crosses). Additionally both paint jobs are less than perfect with what looks to be touch up paint on the frames. Of course they are new, so they overall look good. But when you buy new you expect it to look perfect. Sweet frames, but step up the QC.

Also bought two Ki20 PSE's a few months back and both had brittle grommets that failed within two hours of hitting. Literally fell apart.

 

[tenmirage]

I have two PK Pro 5G.

I honestly think its high quality and fixed my tennis elbow. But I have not given the length any notice.

I'll get the tape measure later to check.

 

[Edward DFW]

i dont think anyone is making fake PK... not a popular enough brand for that imo

 

[sc0tt2288]

I am going to bring this back up because I just bought two brand new PK 7G's from TW and they both measure 27-3/8" (both were strung at 58 in the mains and crosses). Additionally both paint jobs are less than perfect with what looks to be touch up paint on the frames. Of course they are new, so they overall look good. But when you buy new you expect it to look perfect. Sweet frames, but step up the QC.

Also bought two Ki20 PSE's a few months back and both had brittle grommets that failed within two hours of hitting. Literally fell apart.

hahahhhah thats great i was thinking about buying some 7Gs next week if i get them they better be 27.5 lol

 

[tenmirage]

I have two PK Pro 5G.

I honestly think its high quality and fixed my tennis elbow. But I have not given the length any notice.

I'll get the tape measure later to check.

I just measured my PK Pro 5G rackets. I'm relived that they're both at exactly 27-inches long. Exactly what the specifications say.

Maybe your Ki 5x are strung too tight on the mains. That will cause the racket to shorten a bit. Have tried measuring it un-strung?