Tennis Warehouse: ProKennex Black Ace Playtest

[TW Staff]

Attention Talk Tennis Members:

Trying to squeeze in one more playtest by the end of year. For this playtest we have the ProKennex Black Ace family. There will be four models to choose from - the Black Ace Pro, 315, 300 and 105. This playtest is open to USA Talk Tennis members only.

VERY IMPORTANT: Playtesters will be required to get their test racquet strung. Each racquet will be shipped with two set of strings. Please note that we have one grip size available - grip 3.

Application period has closed. Selected participants will be notified via email by Monday, November 14.

We have a very limited quantity of racquets to playtest. We select playtesters based on a number of factors, including message board participation and performance on past playtests.

Your review is due by December 16th at 5 pm PST.

Posting a full review by the deadline is necessary to remain in good standing for future playtests. Reviews lacking sufficient effort will resort in disqualification from the playtest program.

Include the following in your review:

String and tension used for test:
Tennis experience/background:
Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley):
Current racquet/string setups:
How many hours did you play with the racquet?

Comments on racquet performance for each stroke (each section should be 3-5 sentences minimum):
-Groundstrokes:
-Serves:
-Volleys:
-Serve returns:

Comments on racquet performance in each area (should be 2-3 sentences minimum)
Power/Control-
Top Spin/Slice-
Comfort-
Feel-
Maneuverability-
Stability-

General reaction/comments on overall performance:

Thanks,
TW Staff

We will delete “request sent” emails, but encourage a lively “pre-game” discussion on the racquets.

 

[djNEiGht]

all of these have my interests perked

 

[SlowTiger]

all of these have my interests perked

ProKennex is deff one of the brands that gets slept on and doesn't get the attention they deserve

 

[shadow01]

I just checked out these descriptions on the TW website for these racquets. The 300 and the 315 both look real interesting for me to play test. I really enjoyed the last play test I was just part of, but unfortunately I don’t think I’ll have the time for this one so will have to pass. I’ll be watching for the reviews though! Good luck everyone!

 

[A_Instead]

Good times again...good luck everyone and looking forward to the reviews....

 

[loosegroove]

Anyone compare these to the Prince Phantoms? They seem to occupy a similar space.

 

[tennisnoob1949]

If reviews are to be believed, these sticks are some of the most comfortable on that market. I would love to compare these to the PT 630 and PT 280 that are my main racquets - these are super comfortable but also provide enough power for my game. Wonder how much of a power tradeoff the comfort entails in the case of the BA pro.

 

[Chairman3]

Yeah, not sure how I have missed that Black Ace Pro, specs are right on for what I have been playing lately.

The 315 also looks interesting, just wondering if the 100sqin head would not be maneuverable enough or if the 16/19 plus 100 would be too powerful?

 

[Deleted member 775108]

The 315 also looks interesting, just wondering if the 100sqin head would not be maneuverable enough or if the 16/19 plus 100 would be too powerful?

Unlikely that either will be an issue since low powered due to general Black Ace history of 1) thin beam 2) ultra low flex.

 

[Chairman3]

Unlikely that either will be an issue since low powered due to general Black Ace history of 1) thin beam 2) ultra low flex.

I guess what comes to mind when you say 100sqin and 16/19 is tweener frames, which are typically on the power side.
Obviously the thin beam and low flex make this a bit of an oddity.

 

[ericykchan]

The 105 definitely is very interesting. I little high on swing weight leaving little room for customization. However, control oversize racquet is definitely a trend I welcome!

 

[konstantinos kalfountzos]

@TW Staff I would like to become a playtester for Tennis Warwhouse on a regural basis, but I'm from Greece, Europe.
I'm doing my own playtesting for the following brands:

Luxilon, Head (Head Hawk Power coming my way amongst other), Solinco (unreleased strings coming my way this week), Diadem, Kirschbaum, Oehms, Dyreex, Tier One, RS Sports, Gamma, Topsin, String Kong, Isospeed, MSV, Base12, Stringlab Italia, YTex, L-Tec Premium, ReString

Using Diadem Nova FS 100, Diadem Elevate FS 98 and Head Boom Pro

My tennis string review database. | Talk Tennis (tennis-warehouse.com)

 

[Trip]

@ericykchan - Yeah. The BAP and BA are known-quantities. The 105 is a bit more unique. I'm sure all of them will play wonderfully, though.

 

[Vicious49]

I bought a pair of the current Black Ace Pros so I'm really hoping I get chosen for the new one to see how it compares. I haven't used them as much in the past month or two but they did help me through a stretch of tennis elbow.

 

[Boredsurfer]

I have a BAP and a BA already - but if you wanna throw
a ProKennex Ki Q+ Tour Pro 315 in the mail I can do a compare for you

 

[PBODY99]

@loosegroove
I have a Ki 15 300g, which I will compare to my O3 Legacy 105 and my 1st generation Phantom 100..
The Phantom is lower powered and way more flexible. They are both very comfortable
The O3 Legacy 105 is lighter and quicker through the air. The heavier PK allowed me to handle hard hit balls on fast surfaces. I generate about tthe same pace & spin
I haven't used a sub 100 sq in Pk since the original Destiny this is the best information I can offer.

 

[mhkeuns]

Are these the updated versions?

 

[georgeyew]

Are these the updated versions?

Is there supposed to be an updated version for the Black Ace line?

 

[mhkeuns]

Is there supposed to be an updated version for the Black Ace line?

Just asking because the Black Ace line’s been out for a while, hasn’t it?

 

[StringStrungStrang]

The 105 definitely is very interesting. I little high on swing weight leaving little room for customization. However, control oversize racquet is definitely a trend I welcome!

Curious to see how the 105 plays compared to a Blade 104. Both are extended length, slightly oversize and have comfortable (low RA) frames. These are frames that slip by most players unless they've been introduced by a friend!

 

[Soundbyte]

Put in for my first playtest ever for the pro! I had the old Redondo 93 before so I'm always excited to give Prokennex it's due!

 

[mugener]

Put me in as well. Thanks TW

 

[Keylimepie]

Super pumped to see how it stacks up to my pure drive!

 

[jangotango]

If apps are still being accepted, sent one in for the Pro. Perfect timing for the cooler weather.

 

[SlowTiger]

I just realized I can put in a $2 set of hawk power in this if I get it. That be fun. Double play test!!!

 

[mhkeuns]

Haven’t played with other sticks in the series, but I played extensively with the BAP. If anyone is interested in a great player’s racket within 97-98” range, the BAP will surprise you in many ways, not just its low RA numbers. It also looks great. I loaned it to my buddy who’s developed tennis elbow from using the Pure Drive, and he absolutely loves it.

 

[loosegroove]

Haven’t played with other sticks in the series, but I played extensively with the BAP. If anyone is interested in a great player’s racket within 97-98” range, the BAP will surprise you in many ways, not just its low RA numbers. It also looks great. I loaned it to my buddy who’s developed tennis elbow from using the Pure Drive, and he absolutely loves it.

Looks sweet but need it a little more headlight and a littler lower swingweight to fall into my wheelhouse.

 

[Crimsonchen]

Also put in a bid for the pro, the specs are look pretty good, I'd love to give it a try and compare with my speed pro

 

[dak95_00]

Curious to see how the 105 plays compared to a Blade 104. Both are extended length, slightly oversize and have comfortable (low RA) frames. These are frames that slip by most players unless they've been introduced by a friend!

I feel the same except I would be comparing to the Head Gravity S. I'd like to try a newer Blade 104 since they've gone to the 16x19 from the 18x19. I've liked the Gravity S over the Blade due to the more open string pattern.

 

[djNEiGht]

What I'm curious about is how the 105 stacks up against some other OS player type frames like the POG, Radical Bumblebee/Zebra, or the Phantom 107g. Granted it's closer in specs to the 107g out of those I listed all other specs considered...

 

[Chairman3]

What I'm curious about is how the 105 stacks up against some other OS player type frames like the POG, Radical Bumblebee/Zebra, or the Phantom 107g. Granted it's closer in specs to the 107g out of those I listed all other specs considered...

Also the CX200 OS, only major difference being the PK has a thicker beam
Just wish these "player's os" came with a tigher pattern like the Radical OS of old

 

[mhkeuns]

Looks sweet but need it a little more headlight and a littler lower swingweight to fall into my wheelhouse.

It’s a lot easier to swing the BAP vs other 305 gram frames. Maybe it’s due to BAP’s really thin beam. It’s actually easy to whip it around.

 

[djNEiGht]

Also the CX200 OS, only major difference being the PK has a thicker beam
Just wish these "player's os" came with a tigher pattern like the Radical OS of old

I was thinking about that too. Almost picked one up some time ago. I hear you on the tighter string patterns of the older Radicals. The 107G is pretty far spaced and was recommended to go 16g string on that. Pretty happy with that. Some 16Ls work too. I strung up my POG OS recently with some 16L and will see how it goes.

 

[SlowTiger]

You could get really nice spin and from a 107 radical even with the 18x19 string pattern. They were light, soft and had good control. I played well with them but something about them made them felt slow through the air. They felt a bit clunky to me

 

[djNEiGht]

You could get really nice spin and from a 107 radical even with the 18x19 string pattern. They were light, soft and had good control. I played well with them but something about them made them felt slow through the air. They felt a bit clunky to me

which models did you play with? The MIA bumblebee and Zebra were pretty hefty. The re-issued bumblebee was 15g lighter. I hear you. spin was good with these but also a clunky racquet. The clunkiness showed up as I got tired even more

 

[SlowTiger]

which models did you play with? The MIA bumblebee and Zebra were pretty hefty. The re-issued bumblebee was 15g lighter. I hear you. spin was good with these but also a clunky racquet. The clunkiness showed up as I got tired even more

Liquidmetal and microgel. The zebra and bumblebee predate my tennis days. I think the clunkiness was maybe a combo of the headsize + the low weigh of the generations I used. I can't describe it well but it felt off to me

 

[djNEiGht]

Liquidmetal and microgel. The zebra and bumblebee predate my tennis days. I think the clunkiness was maybe a combo of the headsize + the low weigh of the generations I used. I can't describe it well but it felt off to me

I'd like to get the microgel as it's one of my favorite colorways but would prefer to get the original instead of the reissue.

 

[SlowTiger]

I'd like to get the microgel as it's one of my favorite colorways but would prefer to get the original instead of the reissue.

I originally wanted an ig radical mp but with how the diadems play similar to them, except with an open string pattern, it has gaven me hope that not all modern racquets will play the same

 

[stapletonj]

I have been playing 100s for awhile now, the prospect of testing a 105 is quite intriguing. Although any of the others would be fine.

 

[M Pillai]

I have never used a Pro-Kennex racquet in my life So I am curious to see what is all the fuzz about. The specs definitely looks interesting.

 

[dak95_00]

What I'm curious about is how the 105 stacks up against some other OS player type frames like the POG, Radical Bumblebee/Zebra, or the Phantom 107g. Granted it's closer in specs to the 107g out of those I listed all other specs considered...

I really didn't like the 107G. It felt harsh to me. The POG OS felt good. I've played a number of the Radicals; Bumblebee, Microgel, etc. The Microgel was closer to my weight wheelhouse these days but just didn't serve well for me. The Gravity S has been my main stick for 3 years now. I really can't find anything I don't like about it. Sometimes I wish it had more heft but that really doesn't hold it back.

I'm curious how this 105 compares. It is slightly heavier and larger.

 

[SOY78]

Oh I missed this by 4 days, would have loved to try out the 315g version though

 

[jonathane40]

Looking forward to the reviews!

 

[Mirdad]

As an aging former 4.5/5.0 player with a bad shoulder, I've just came to the realization that I need to play with a more forgiving racquet and use a full bed of natural gut. At least for the time being, no more gut/poly hybrids as I feel the harsh effects of the poly when the crosses go dead. Even though I string my own racquets, I'm not going to cut out the dead crosses and as its not good for the racquet. I'm certain my shoulder and wrist will appreciate the softer string bed of natural gut.

I'm very familiar with PK tennis racquets having demoed the Black Ace 315, the Ki Tour Q+ Pro 325 and the Ki Q+ Tour Pro 315.

Since I'll be playing with a full bed of natural gut, I need a lower powered racquet that does not have too open of a string pattern.

I found the Black Ace 315 to have too open of a string pattern. It's a great arm friendly racquet and I found myself able to hit deep shots near the baseline with great consistency and ease. However, I'm sure the open string pattern will quickly eat through the gut and the 100 sq in head size is a bit too powerful as well. That being said, I highly recommend it for those who like to hit with spin and will use either a full bed of poly or a hybrid using poly.

I loved the Ki Q+ Tour 325 as it possesses a 18x20 string pattern and yet still has decent spin. It kind of reminded me of my RFA but a lot more maneuverable and comfortable. It also had a very good level of stability at its stock weight. The main flaw I sensed was the sweet spot was a bit small and felt odd when I hit just outside the sweet spot. However, it is still in the running as my new go to racquet as it hits bombs and I think a full bed of gut will soften any shots outside the sweet spot.

The Ki Q+ Tour 315 has a 16x19 pattern but also has the same feeling regarding the sweet spot as the 325. I think with a full bed of natural gut it would be a bit too powerful as well as too high of a launch angel. Therefore, the Tour 325 is a better choice.

Now enter into the fray the Black Ace Pro which I have not tried yet. It looks very intriguing having also a very low RA and vibration score on the TW University ratings. It possesses a 97 sq inch head which is right up my alley. With the thin beam it should be on the lower end of the power spectrum which is just what I'm looking for as a full bed of natural gut would liven things up.

If I should be so fortunate to be able to give a review on the Black Ace Pro, I'd invest money into stringing it up with some Babolat natural gut. Heck, I just bought a pack of Babolat natural gut from the TW so I'll hold off on using it until I hear back from them.

A case of kismet?

I sure hope so

 

[TennisHound]

Good luck gang. Pro Kennex is one of those overlooked brands that makes very high quality frames.

 

[konstantinos kalfountzos]

@TennisHound never gonna find out here in Greece. I've never seen anyone use a Pro Kennex. 2 of my friends startes tennis last month. One got a 100 sq inch Blade and the other a 100 sq inch Babolat Aero Rafa. I remember Babolat literally gave away rackets to get popularity. That's the case with Diadem these past 2-3 years. And still it's very hard to see their good rackets been bought by newcomers. Even Tecnifibre for crying out loud who have Medvedev and Swiantek endorsing their frames haven't convinced me to buy one. I got a Head Boom Pro last week. You know why? Got very easily in touch with Head. They cared enough to get to know me. It's called customer service. Unfortunately, TW doesn't give play tests to us Europeans so no promo is made for these rackets and new strings. No wonder, then, why everyone plays with the Blade * Hyper G combo

Greece is flooded with Blades and Clashes. Pure Aero also. Speeds have gone very well this year. Everyone newcomer that is not into tennis forums will visit a store or compare prices online and get one of these. Worst case scenario for a newcomer will be a Yonex Ezone 100.

I wasn't even in the market for a new racket, but I got a Boom Pro. I was also considering a Solinco, but neither the Whiteout or the Blackout XTDs are currently in stock in Europe. No playtest available also, so it would be a wild guess for me. If I hadn't got in touch with Head Austria so easily, I'd go for a Solinco. I'm tired of seeing everyone using the same gear regardless of age and level.

 

[TennisHound]

@TennisHound never gonna find out here in Greece. I've never seen anyone use a Pro Kennex. 2 of my friends startes tennis last month. One got a 100 sq inch Blade and the other a 100 sq inch Babolat Aero Rafa. I remember Babolat literally gave away rackets to get popularity. That's the case with Diadem these past 2-3 years. And still it's very hard to see their good rackets been bought by newcomers. Even Tecnifibre for crying out loud who have Medvedev and Swiantek endorsing their frames haven't convinced me to buy one. I got a Head Boom Pro last week. You know why? Got very easily in touch with Head. They cared enough to get to know me. It's called customer service. Unfortunately, TW doesn't give play tests to us Europeans so no promo is made for these rackets and new strings. No wonder, then, why everyone plays with the Blade * Hyper G combo

Greece is flooded with Blades and Clashes. Pure Aero also. Speeds have gone very well this year. Everyone newcomer that is not into tennis forums will visit a store or compare prices online and get one of these. Worst case scenario for a newcomer will be a Yonex Ezone 100.

I wasn't even in the market for a new racket, but I got a Boom Pro. I was also considering a Solinco, but neither the Whiteout or the Blackout XTDs are currently in stock in Europe. No playtest available also, so it would be a wild guess for me. If I hadn't got in touch with Head Austria so easily, I'd go for a Solinco. I'm tired of seeing everyone using the same gear regardless of age and level.

Yikes. I wish I could help you. I wish tennis-warehouse.eu could facilitate getting these racquet playtests to European players as well. We take for granted too much here in the US for sure

 

[mogo]

Congratulations to those playtesters that get selected. I am really curious as to how the 315 plays as the specs that I am seeing are very flexible at 56.

 

[StringStrungStrang]

I like the idea of a playtest on a whole "family" of racquets, - I recall Prince recently did this with their Textreme line - and now the ProKennex Black Ace line. I especially like to hear about the racquets that I normally wouldn't even try! So many players never even consider anything outside their previous racquet with a new PJ. So I'm really looking forward to hearing what ProKennex's take is on racquets, which seems to stand apart, especially in terms of racquet flex.

 

[taylor15]

I like the idea of a playtest on a whole "family" of racquets, - I recall Prince recently did this with their Textreme line - and now the ProKennex Black Ace line. I especially like to hear about the racquets that I normally wouldn't even try! So many players never even consider anything outside their previous racquet with a new PJ. So I'm really looking forward to hearing what ProKennex's take is on racquets, which seems to stand apart, especially in terms of racquet flex.

Dunlop did this with the new CX mine last year too IIRC, all the way up to the OS