Which Pro Kennex and Why?

[diane10us]

I have been reading all the new and old posts and reviews of Pro Kennex racquets. I really don't have the time or inclination to demo any, so I would like to make a decision based on player recommendations. I played division 1
tennis years ago and now just want to play for exercise. Because I have a sensitive elbow, I thought a Pro Kennex would be a good choice. I'm not as strong as I used to be and I'm not sure about going the 1/2 inch longer. I am an all-court player. Whether to go with the 5G,7G,Ki 5, Ki 5X, or redondo, that is the question. Also, if you could suggest string and tension for your suggested racquet, it would be much appreciated. I am intrigued by the Pro Kennex player's loyalty!

 

[ollinger]

The question would be easier to answer if you'd indicated what you use now. Most would recommend the Ki 5, the choice of Steve "The Prokennex Whisperer" Huff.

 

[Gee]

I have been reading all the new and old posts and reviews of Pro Kennex racquets. I really don't have the time or inclination to demo any, so I would like to make a decision based on player recommendations. I played division 1
tennis years ago and now just want to play for exercise. Because I have a sensitive elbow, I thought a Pro Kennex would be a good choice. I'm not as strong as I used to be and I'm not sure about going the 1/2 inch longer. I am an all-court player. Whether to go with the 5G,7G,Ki 5, Ki 5X, or redondo, that is the question. Also, if you could suggest string and tension for your suggested racquet, it would be much appreciated. I am intrigued by the Pro Kennex player's loyalty!

I just wrote review about the PK Black Ace 98 at the feedback section. You can also read here my thread about the BA98.
I would recommend you to demo the BA98 if you want a frame with a great touch and feel!

 

[max]

I'm a Pro Kennex Whisperer, although I'm currently with a Volkl. PK just makes really good performance frames. One nice thing about the company is that they do not seem to be changing their lineup every year: so you can get a pretty clear fix on their offerings, and you can rely on them to stock your frame if you need to buy more.

I like the PK 5G, but haven't tried the others. I'm intrigued by the Redondo, the Black Ace and the 7G.

 

[diane10us]

I'm embarrassed to say what my current racquet is. I have not played for years, and I've given away most of my more recent frames. Fischer vacuum pro. There, I said it. I would like a new frame around 98 to 100 sq. Does the Black Ace have a smaller head?

 

[ab70]

I found KI5 to be prety easy on the arm after shoulder surgery. Tried Ki5x and 7G but longer frames are more taxing on the joint. I use Babolat Hybrid Pro Hurricane/ VS Gut at 50 and 54. You do have to generate your own power with this frame but it esseantially takes most of the vibration away. It is also a bit more difficult to generate pace on the serves.

 

[mikeler]

Have only used the 7G but I love it. No problems for my arm with the extra length.

 

[prjacobs]

I found that the 5G felt very flimsy stock. I hit with it for about 10 minutes and hated it. I'm going to add some lead and see if that helps. I was very surprised because it's so well loved.

 

[JGads]

A little tough to say without knowing more about your style/stick preferences, but I like the recommendation of the Ace 98. Me, I LOVE both the Ace 93 (but it's smaller than what you said you're looking for) and the 7G (but you say you don't want the extra length), so the Ace 98 could be a good in-between.

The Redondo series is too underpowered/sluggish for me. The 5G supposedly isn't the same beast as the 7G, according to multiple people who have compared both (though I never hit with the 5G).

ProKennex makes some really, really sweet sticks.

 

[basil J]

I have used the Redondo MP extensively,the redondo mid for short periods of time, both Black aces and my current stick the KI5. All are excellent, arm friendly and fairly low powered. I found the Ki5 to be the most versatile and easiest to use for my game-4.0 all courter, 1HBH semi western FH-50 years young.I string it with Becker gut on the mains @60# and becker poly crosses at 56#. Excellent spin, good controllable power, comfortable and decent at the net. I went through a lot of frames and seem to come back to this one time after time, mostly because it is a reliable frame, by that I mean I never go on the court and I don't think about the frame.
The Redondo is also excellent, but too low powered for me. It is a great counter punching racquet with good access to spin and extremely comfortable. I personally felt that the BA's were almost "tweener" versions of the Redondo and did not care for either of them enough to use them long term.

 

[diane10us]

I like the 7G's specs and it seems to be loved by many. Is it a guys racquet?
I've heard that it's a little heavy for some women. Also, they seem to only be about 3/8" longer not 1/2".

 

[max]

I like the 7G's specs and it seems to be loved by many. Is it a guys racquet?
I've heard that it's a little heavy for some women. Also, they seem to only be about 3/8" longer not 1/2".

You know, I'll confess it, Dianne, but there have been times when I've swung a long racquet and not even known it.

Basil: thanks for the note on the Ki5. My current frame might be getting a bit fatigued by now; 12 years old. But like an old dog, it's sad to let it down.

 

[tennis-kid]

I like 7G for sure. I demoed Redondo and I didn't like it. When I played 7G it was very different than other racquets in good way. It is a little longer but you might adjust to it easily. I don't know about 5G or Ki5

 

[thug the bunny]

I have the Redondo 93, haven't tried the others, and yes, it is low powered, so if you like to smack the ball it feel lucious and sweet. It was a little too soft for me with a multi so I put a poly on and now it is dialed in.

 

[AverageJoe]

I just wrote review about the PK Black Ace 98 at the feedback section. You can also read here my thread about the BA98.
I would recommend you to demo the BA98 if you want a frame with a great touch and feel!

+1. The BA98 is an amazing frame. One of the best "players frames" out there.

 

[Steve Huff]

Yes, like Olli said, I'm a PK user for a few decades now (not the only frames I've used though). I prefer the ki5. I had been using the ki 10PSE, but just went back to the ki 5. Seems I always go back to the 5 series. Just a great all-around frame.

 

[mikeler]

I like the 7G's specs and it seems to be loved by many. Is it a guys racquet?
I've heard that it's a little heavy for some women. Also, they seem to only be about 3/8" longer not 1/2".

How much strength do you feel that you've lost over time? It could be a tad heavy for you. Could you demo a local racket that is around the same swing weight? If you can find a Pure Storm Tour AND can handle that, then you'll have no issues with the 7G.

As for strings, I've tried a few soft polys in the mains along with a few of my favorite multis. My setup now is Weiss Cannon Black 5 Edge 17 mains at 52# and Genesis Thunder Blast 16 crosses at 56# in my 7G. I had a bad case of Golfer's Elbow a few years ago and this setup works for my arm.

 

[Ronaldo]

Used the Ki5 PSE, now the Redondo mp. Redondo has a softer feel, never notice any elbow discomfort.

 

[ollinger]

^^ Ki10PSE, if you can find it, is indeed a terrific frame, a comfortable 100 with a great power/control balance.

 

[ae1222]

I am also a former Div 1 player and I just switched to the Black Ace 98. I posted my thoughts in my thread in this section about leaving the PT57A...

 

[Steve Huff]

I have a couple of the 10g PSE's, and although they are about the same wt as the ki 5 (maybe even a little lighter), they swing heavier. I'd stick with the ki 5. You played D1 tennis. The ki 5 is not going to be too heavy. Plus, it's easier on the arm the the 10.

 

[Polaris]

I'll throw in a vote for the Redondo 98, which I switched to, after a bout of tennis elbow.
1. Extremely safe on the elbow and shoulder.
2. Reasonably good ploughthrough.
3. Low powered, but rewards long swings.
4. No gimmicks, just 100% graphite.
5. A great frame for rallying, probably not the best if you enjoy cranking winners left and right.

Among the less well-known racquets, this racquet (along with its 93 sq. in version) has since become one of the most loved racquets on TW. Check out the surprisingly long "Redondo Talks Thread".

The 7g is also a very good racquet. It is, and feels, noticeably heavier during play, but if you're powerful enough, it will give you more oomph than the Redondo.

 

[diane10us]

Thanks for all the advice. The 7G may be a tad heavy for me. I think I will look for a used ki 5.