Yet another Kinetic 5g experience

[Zverev]

Got my new 5g, blind buy on specs, strung for free by TW with cheap synthetic at 62/60
I think I will make it work, but it's not really playable in stock form.

Compared to HM 200g and Head Classic Pro I was hitting with...much less stability and plowthrough. I guess not enough mass there. Just added 10g at 2-10. Will see tomorrow.
Feels stiff as well - could disappear with more weight and another set of strings.

Spin is great.
I am not convinced that sand in it does anything, The mass of it is too small I think to make any difference - just an opinion.

There is something there that I like, let see how adding lead has changed things.

 

[Hominator]

Got my new 5g, blind buy on specs, strung for free by TW with cheap synthetic at 62/60
I think I will make it work, but it's not really playable in stock form.

Compared to HM 200g and Head Classic Pro I was hitting with...much less stability and plowthrough. I guess not enough mass there. Just added 10g at 2-10. Will see tomorrow.
Feels stiff as well - could disappear with more weight and another set of strings.

Spin is great.
I am not convinced that sand in it does anything, The mass of it is too small I think to make any difference - just an opinion.

There is something there that I like, let see how adding lead has changed things.

I've found that the 5G plays much better with 4" of 1/4-inch lead tape on each side at 3/9. Much better stability and plow-through, IMO. Best part is that the inside of the frame is silver, so the lead tape blends in. 1/4-inch tape fits perfectly.

 

[BMC9670]

I moved to the 5G because of shoulder issues and found that I liked it the more I played it. I also thought it felt stiff at the beginning, which was opposite of why I got it, and liked the feel much better at lower string tension.

 

[BMC9670]

^^^ also should mention that I was coming from a slightly lighter racket, so I didn't have the plow through issue.

 

[Tennis Dunce]

most people who play the 5g lead up the hoop...try it.

 

[Zverev]

I've found that the 5G plays much better with 4" of 1/4-inch lead tape on each side at 3/9. Much better stability and plow-through, IMO. Best part is that the inside of the frame is silver, so the lead tape blends in. 1/4-inch tape fits perfectly.

Yeah, that silver hoop just asking for lead to be put there.
How much is 4"?

 

[Hominator]

Yeah, that silver hoop just asking for lead to be put there.
How much is 4"?

I have no idea. 4" of lead just felt right.

 

[Pneumated1]

Yeah, that silver hoop just asking for lead to be put there.
How much is 4"?

4" of 1/4" tape is 1g. So Hominator had 4g total at 3&9.

 

[Steve Huff]

4gms is not much. You can add a lot more and still have a reasonable swingweight. I have about 6" total, 1/2" Babolat lead tape added at both sides (3" on each side) from 9 to 11 and it's still easy to swing. I wish I could tell you how much wt that is, but it's been a while since I did the customizing.

 

[Pneumated1]

4gms is not much. You can add a lot more and still have a reasonable swingweight. I have about 6" total, 1/2" Babolat lead tape added at both sides (3" on each side) from 9 to 11 and it's still easy to swing. I wish I could tell you how much wt that is, but it's been a while since I did the customizing.

Usually, 1/2" tape is .5g per inch. So if you have 6" total, you would only have 3g. However, if I'm not mistaken, I think Babolat makes 1/2" lead that has more density than most: 1g per inch. If it's the kind I'm thinking of, you have 6g of lead. This heavier tape, if memory serves, is white, as opposed to the silverish color of standard lead tapes.

 

[Steve Huff]

I added 2 layers, so it's about 12 gms. Well, the 2nd layer doesn't quite cover the bottom layer, so probably closer to 10gm. And yes, I think it is 1gm/inch with the Babolat tape.

 

[Zverev]

4gms is not much. You can add a lot more and still have a reasonable swingweight. ....

Yes, that was what I was counting for...on low starting point at 318 and be in control of that swingweight.
With my addition it still swings light.

 

[Zverev]

I found something good, rather great, in the stock version - serve.
Control and power, very very good.
Almost as good as HM200g.
But the rest...sigh... needs more lead and the cheap synthetic goes to the bin tonight.
I might try multi, it probably won't last for me, but, heck, will start with something that at least doesn't feel that stiff.
Funny, from what people write in here, one would never figure out that the racket is so tricky to tune.

 

[Hominator]

I found something good, rather great, in the stock version - serve.
Control and power, very very good.
Almost as good as HM200g.
But the rest...sigh... needs more lead and the cheap synthetic goes to the bin tonight.
I might try multi, it probably won't last for me, but, heck, will start with something that at least doesn't feel that stiff.
Funny, from what people write in here, one would never figure out that the racket is so tricky to tune.

If you're looking to try a multi in this frame, I've had good reults with Babolat Excel 17. I've also had good results with poly at low tensions (around 30 lbs.).

As for the stick being tricky to tune, I think that's subjective. Personally, I had no problems playing the racquet stock, though I preferred the frame with a little lead for added stability. Whether you need to tune the stick depends on what frame you were using and your personal preferences, IMO.

 

[Zverev]

If you're looking to try a multi in this frame, I've had good reults with Babolat Excel 17. I've also had good results with poly at low tensions (around 30 lbs.).

As for the stick being tricky to tune, I think that's subjective. Personally, I had no problems playing the racquet stock, though I preferred the frame with a little lead for added stability. Whether you need to tune the stick depends on what frame you were using and your personal preferences, IMO.

True.
Unfortunately I am coming from the sticks that go through the ball like it's not there. But I am getting too old to swing those, that was the whole idea behind getting a bit lighter stick with more power. My sensitive tendons seems to dislike the move.
But hey let me try lower tensions and softer strings and see what happens. It could change the racket entirely.
Otherwise, today when I was hitting with it, I thought that it feels like Pure Drive.
Another thought was...this is freshly made rackets..just arrived at TW...what if the new 5g is slightly different from the old stock? I just couldn't believe how strikingly different my experience is from all those feedbacks.

 

[Pneumated1]

True.
Unfortunately I am coming from the sticks that go through the ball like it's not there. But I am getting too old to swing those, that was the whole idea behind getting a bit lighter stick with more power. My sensitive tendons seems to dislike the move.
But hey let me try lower tensions and softer strings and see what happens. It could change the racket entirely.
Otherwise, today when I was hitting with it, I thought that it feels like Pure Drive.
Another thought was...this is freshly made rackets..just arrived at TW...what if the new 5g is slightly different from the old stock? I just couldn't believe how strikingly different my experience is from all those feedbacks.

That is an unusual experience with this racket. I don't hit it, but I have a good friend who does. Any other racket seems to give him a lot of arm problems, and he always comes back to this stick and without pain--this time for good. He's hitting the old model, not the newer Ki 5. Which model do you hit?

 

[SteveI]

I moved to the 5G because of shoulder issues and found that I liked it the more I played it. I also thought it felt stiff at the beginning, which was opposite of why I got it, and liked the feel much better at lower string tension.

Hi,

Are you playing the frame stock? What frame did you use before the 5G? Are you using Rip Control 16 or 17G? Thanks..

Steve

 

[SteveI]

True.
Unfortunately I am coming from the sticks that go through the ball like it's not there. But I am getting too old to swing those, that was the whole idea behind getting a bit lighter stick with more power. My sensitive tendons seems to dislike the move.
But hey let me try lower tensions and softer strings and see what happens. It could change the racket entirely.
Otherwise, today when I was hitting with it, I thought that it feels like Pure Drive.
Another thought was...this is freshly made rackets..just arrived at TW...what if the new 5g is slightly different from the old stock? I just couldn't believe how strikingly different my experience is from all those feedbacks.

I am playing the frame stock..using either a Multi 17G or Nat Gut @ mid range. I find that the frame swings quite easy. Plays about like a 64-65 flex should. Funny thing is the best thing about the frame is the pop I get on the serve. I think the nat gut/multi @ mid range, really gives the frame the right power for me without losing control. The best part is I can play all day with this frame.. no arm stain.

Mine are 12.1 oz with Klippermate Pro Overgrip and Unique Vibration Dampener. The frame is 9 points HL. I do not know the SW.. but it feels like 310-315. I know what 320 feels like and it is not there. Have no trouble with hitting thur the court..maybe that is the nat gut.. and the lower tension. I also do not feel the much reported "dead" upper hoop.. but I feel it with the Ki5. I know, just the opposite of what others have reported. Again, it could be the lower tension and powerful string set-up.

One of the best frames ever made. A real classic. PK has been making this frame since 1997 I think going back to the SMI version.

Just my 2 cents while watching yet another winter storm...out my office window!!

 

[Zverev]

That is an unusual experience with this racket. I don't hit it, but I have a good friend who does. Any other racket seems to give him a lot of arm problems, and he always comes back to this stick and without pain--this time for good. He's hitting the old model, not the newer Ki 5. Which model do you hit?

Kinetic Pro 5g, old model, not ki
What I mean is that though it's an old model but it was made recently, it's new stock TW has just received.
Maybe ProKennex has changed the way they are making these rackets or something. Surely it's not the same machine they were using in 1997.

 

[Zverev]

I am playing the frame stock..using either a Multi 17G or Nat Gut @ mid range. I find that the frame swings quite easy. Plays about like a 64-65 flex should. Funny thing is the best thing about the frame is the pop I get on the serve. I think the nat gut/multi @ mid range, really gives the frame the right power for me without losing control. The best part is I can play all day with this frame.. no arm stain.....
!

It is probably Nat Gut. Nat Gut can make Pure Drive play soft, I don't think you need Kinetic with gut.
5g does swing easy and great on serve.
I hoped to use poly in it, but I see clearly that unless I load it up with lead, no way my ulnar tendon will hold.
But soft strings, low tension, more lead can make almost any racket arm friendly, why would one need kinetic "technology"?
Never mind that sand in the frame, the frame itself is playable, good mix of power and control, so I might get somewhere with it.
I tend to think though that this frame can offer no advantage in arm friendlyness to any proper players racket, like 200g or PB10, etc

 

[Hominator]

True.
Unfortunately I am coming from the sticks that go through the ball like it's not there. But I am getting too old to swing those, that was the whole idea behind getting a bit lighter stick with more power. My sensitive tendons seems to dislike the move.
But hey let me try lower tensions and softer strings and see what happens. It could change the racket entirely.
Otherwise, today when I was hitting with it, I thought that it feels like Pure Drive.
Another thought was...this is freshly made rackets..just arrived at TW...what if the new 5g is slightly different from the old stock? I just couldn't believe how strikingly different my experience is from all those feedbacks.

It makes sense that it reminds you of a Pure Drive. IIRC, Pro Kennex sold the Destiny line design to Babolat back in the nineties. The 5G and the Pure Drive share a lot of similar design characteristics, shape-wise, anyway.

 

[Pneumated1]

Kinetic Pro 5g, old model, not ki
What I mean is that though it's an old model but it was made recently, it's new stock TW has just received.
Maybe ProKennex has changed the way they are making these rackets or something. Surely it's not the same machine they were using in 1997.

Yeah, I was following you, but I think I remember reading on the reviews/comments that the KI-5 was a little stiffer, so I was just curious which racket you hit. I guess the layup could be different that many years later, but my guess is that if you hit it awhile, it'll get a little softer/flexier.

Never mind that sand in the frame, the frame itself is playable, good mix of power and control, so I might get somewhere with it.

I agree with you here. My friend handed me his 5G a few times and I was a little put off by the "shifting sand." Other than that, I thought it was a very playable frame. If I remember correctly, it's around 11.8oz., 8pts. hl, and sw of approx. 315-318? I like a balance of 5-6pts. hl and a sw of around 325-330, so I would do lead at 3&9 or 2&10 to achieve these approx. specs. I think you'd be satisfied with that, getting better plow, if you choose to stick with it.

 

[Tennis Dunce]

Damn I miss my 5g...gonna have to get another one...the black SMI is the best. 1 1/2 grams at 12, 3 grams each at 3 and 9...leather grip, overgrip and a half dollar glued on the buttcap was the best racquet ever.

The notorious dead spot is easily eradicated by bleeding the sweetspot outwards.

I'm in the 'little goes a long way' camp when it comes to lead tape.

 

[Don S]

I have 3 PK5G's. One old SMI version and two of White/black/yellow PJs that I bought back in 2001 when they first came out. So those are the older versions of the New PJ. I noticed that while all 3 play close to the same, one in particular newer PJ frame just feels better to me. Like it's more flexible more plowthrough. I checked the specs of both newer PJ frames and they are almost identical in SW, balance and overall weight. Yet one just feels more comfortable. I don't really use my old SMI version much, it's relagated to third string backup. I'd sell it but there's not much demand for a 4-5/8 grip. So it stays in my bag.

 

[SteveI]

It is probably Nat Gut. Nat Gut can make Pure Drive play soft, I don't think you need Kinetic with gut.
5g does swing easy and great on serve.
I hoped to use poly in it, but I see clearly that unless I load it up with lead, no way my ulnar tendon will hold.
But soft strings, low tension, more lead can make almost any racket arm friendly, why would one need kinetic "technology"?
Never mind that sand in the frame, the frame itself is playable, good mix of power and control, so I might get somewhere with it.
I tend to think though that this frame can offer no advantage in arm friendlyness to any proper players racket, like 200g or PB10, etc

I can't really comment on how the frame would compare with a 200g or a PB10 regarding being arm-happy.. I just fits my spec... feels great.. the perfect flex for me. Control is there and at the level I play at.. does not really need to be improved with lead. The upper hoop issue may not be a problem for me.. since I tend to hit a bit lower on the string bed. I found the Ki5 to be a bit more flexy. Think that are both great frames!!! BTW.. I am playtesting a new thePrince Breat Xt 17 @ 50/48.. in one of my 5Gs. The natty gut does make the 5G shine! Good luck in your quest!

Steve

 

[Hominator]

It is probably Nat Gut. Nat Gut can make Pure Drive play soft, I don't think you need Kinetic with gut.
5g does swing easy and great on serve.
I hoped to use poly in it, but I see clearly that unless I load it up with lead, no way my ulnar tendon will hold.
But soft strings, low tension, more lead can make almost any racket arm friendly, why would one need kinetic "technology"?
Never mind that sand in the frame, the frame itself is playable, good mix of power and control, so I might get somewhere with it.
I tend to think though that this frame can offer no advantage in arm friendlyness to any proper players racket, like 200g or PB10, etc

The PB10 mid is one of the few frames with which I can string a full bed of poly and not have any arm problems.

 

[Zverev]

The PB10 mid is one of the few frames with which I can string a full bed of poly and not have any arm problems.

PB10mid sounds like a great frame, and I would buy it if I would be looking for straight replacement for 200g.
But the whole purpose of me being on the market again is to find a frame which weighs no more than 12 ounces strung, weighted and overgripped, still being arm friendly and having a bit more power than 200g.
I thought 5g would be that.

 

[Zverev]

... BTW.. I am playtesting a new thePrince Breat Xt 17 @ 50/48.. in one of my 5Gs. The natty gut does make the 5G shine! Good luck in your quest!

Steve

I don't mind soft strings at all. The only problem for me is that they don't last long. And I hate stringing and don't really have time to string often.
That is probably major reason for me using poly, second one being that poly is better for spin as well.

 

[basil J]

I use a KI5 and it is a frame that does not really shine in ay area, but rather holds the pilot accountable for their play and provides great control spin and comfort. It is a good serving stick. I use a poly hybrid at 56# and I get good performance out of the frame. I came from a TI80 and a redondo and the KI5 allows me to play consistent ball without any shoulder pain.

 

[cg.tennis]

I added 2 layers at 10 and 2 o'clock too to make it 12.1 OZ strung. The ground stroke feels really solid and it serves great. I'm using SPPP main at 52 lb, and good multi like nrg2 at around 57.

I added 2 layers, so it's about 12 gms. Well, the 2nd layer doesn't quite cover the bottom layer, so probably closer to 10gm. And yes, I think it is 1gm/inch with the Babolat tape.

 

[SteveI]

I use a KI5 and it is a frame that does not really shine in ay area, but rather holds the pilot accountable for their play and provides great control spin and comfort. It is a good serving stick. I use a poly hybrid at 56# and I get good performance out of the frame. I came from a TI80 and a redondo and the KI5 allows me to play consistent ball without any shoulder pain.

I would have to say..the frame does not really help you that much in any area. Just a really true response based on user input. I like the fact that it seems stable enough for me to handle decent pace..but swings easy enough for me to generate good racket head speed and pace when I have the chance to attack. In addition, as Basil stated.. you can play consistent ball without any shoulder pain. I find the frame to be very solid and very easy on my arm.. joints.. etc. I think I may stay with this one for quite a while.

 

[drumnman2]

I bought a KI5 a while ago and wasn't real excited about it. I have been demoing a ton of racquets and have used the Ki5 in between demos. Gee I am just realizing that I have been playing a lot better with this racquet than all the others I have tried. Some are magical in one way or the other but this is just solid in all areas of the court. No WOW factor but the balls are just going where I want them to and with an easy on the arm feel. I'm about 90% set to switch to this as my main stick. Just waiting to demo the new 200 dunlops and the new Volkls. I'm 3.5.

 

[Steve Huff]

Just weighed my old 5g. It's leaded up to 12.4oz strung with a 16g poly, overgrip and Gamma ShockbusterI. My ki5s are 12.6oz strung, overgrip and ShockbusterI. I just put a copoly (which I never use) in at 51#. I'll have to see if it spares my arm.

 

[SteveI]

Steve,

I am playtesting a new the Prince (Green Poly) Breast Xt 17 @ 50/48.. in one of my 5Gs. I have about 4 hours in. I did the hybrid with Gamma Syn gut 16. At that tension the ball pockets quite well. I can generate a decent amount of pace (not like nat gut of course) and I have not suffered any arm pain so far. Please post your impressions when you have some playtime on those set-ups. Thanks again..

Steve

 

[bhupaes]

Zverev, I use the PK 7g, which is very close to the 5g in feel. I had exactly the same reaction as you in the beginning, but I was wrong. To make a long story short, I wrapped 12 grams of lead tape under the grip near the butt end, and added 3 grams at 12 o'clock. It was a magical transformation. I have since removed the 3 grams at 12 o'clock to make the racquet more maneuverable, but kept the lead at the tail end. I don't understand quite why, but the 12 grams of lead at the tail end does increase the plough-through by quite a bit, and it doesn't make the racquet feel clumsy. I also use a poly these days - Solinco Tour Bite 17g - and this doesn't hurt my arm at all, thanks to the racquet. The same string on a Babolat would kill my arm. Anyway, that's my experience, and I hope it helps.

 

[Zverev]

I have put single layer of Gamma lead tape from 8 to 11.
I think it will make around 10 grams.
I see that most folks are using rather low tension, so I have cut original synthetic at 62/60, and will probably string it with Dunlop Comfort at.... 55/53 ?
I am looking for some drastic change in feel for now, I want transformation. Eventually I will try to sneak in some poly in the mains.
For now, as my ulnar tendon is playing up again, I am on Cat 10 therapy, which is truly arm friendly racket, even with full poly.

 

[SteveI]

I have put single layer of Gamma lead tape from 8 to 11.
I think it will make around 10 grams.
I see that most folks are using rather low tension, so I have cut original synthetic at 62/60, and will probably string it with Dunlop Comfort at.... 55/53 ?
I am looking for some drastic change in feel for now, I want transformation. Eventually I will try to sneak in some poly in the mains.
For now, as my ulnar tendon is playing up again, I am on Cat 10 therapy, which is truly arm friendly racket, even with full poly.

Zverev,

I played the frame a few years ago.. at higher tensions. I was being pushed around due to lack of pop. The frame also did not have great feel over 60 lbs for me. I never gave the frame a second thought and moved on. This time I was lucky enough to pick up a 5G in a trade that was just strung with a full bed of VS Nat 17G at 57. I was very suprised this time, my experience was much different. Decent power, great control and I was able to win free points on my serve. I would think a nice co-poly 17G at 50# would work quite well, or a hybrid with something soft in the crosses.

Good luck..

 

[Cfidave]

Just went back to my 7G due to elbow problems returning. Strung it up with a very soft poly in the mains and multi in the crosses at low 50's tension. I am really impressed with this racquet, don't know why I ever went away from it. I seemed to do everything a little better, with far less discomfort. The 7G may be one of the most under rated racquets out there.

 

[max]

I would have a hard time with poly in a PK5G. I'd probably also tweak it with lead.

 

[Zverev]

... I would think a nice co-poly 17G at 50# would work quite well, or a hybrid with something soft in the crosses.

Good luck..

I seem to be heading this way...

 

[Zverev]

...The 7G may be one of the most under rated racquets out there.

I guess leaded up 5g would make standard length 7g, would it?

 

[SteveI]

I guess leaded up 5g would make standard length 7g, would it?

Well.. the specs of the 5G and the 7G are the same expect for the lenght and therefore the SW... other than that.. they are the same. Not sure what the specs of a 7G reduced to 27 inches.

 

[Cfidave]

FWIW, I have played with both 5G & 7G. As you would expect the 7G offers more pop. Most noticable on the serve, due to higher SW & extended length. I found the 5G to be slightly better at net, but just barely. Both offer the same comfort, and I felt both were equal in control. I think it would be tough to duplicate the advantages of the extra lenght of the 7G by adding lead to the 5g. The 7G with the added power just fits my game a little better, without any negatives in the control department.

 

[max]

I've really enjoyed the 5G the few times I played it. I read the 7G review when it came out, and I think the 7G would be the way I'd go nowadays.

 

[LPShanet]

I guess leaded up 5g would make standard length 7g, would it?

They have a different feel and flex pattern despite the similarity on paper. This is due to differences in layup.

 

[Zverev]

At last I have tried my 5g with multi - Yonex 850 Pro 16g, strung at M55/C53 and single layer Gamma lead strip from 8 to 11.
It's now 342 g strung - exactly where I wanted it to be.

The racket has changed and could be called arm friendly now.
Plowthrough has increased considerably, I liked the mix of power and control. Great for serves - multi at lower tension didn't do anything to spoil the first impression.
It's almost there, but not quite - there is tad bit instability in upper hoop still. And it won't take poly still I think.
I will probably add a bit more lead and try poly, as it still swings lighter than my other rackets.
That's a good thing about 10 points HL - you can experiment.

 

[scotus]

At last I have tried my 5g with multi - Yonex 850 Pro 16g, strung at M55/C53 and single layer Gamma lead strip from 8 to 11.
It's now 342 g strung - exactly where I wanted it to be.

The racket has changed and could be called arm friendly now.
Plowthrough has increased considerably, I liked the mix of power and control. Great for serves - multi at lower tension didn't do anything to spoil the first impression.
It's almost there, but not quite - there is tad bit instability in upper hoop still. And it won't take poly still I think.
I will probably add a bit more lead and try poly, as it still swings lighter than my other rackets.
That's a good thing about 10 points HL - you can experiment.

About the upper hoop, many people string the top 5 crosses looser.

I personally do not tension the first cross at all and begin pulling tension from the second cross. It seems to work nicely for me. It livens up the upper hoop and is easy on the knot.

 

[SteveI]

About the upper hoop, many people string the top 5 crosses looser.

I personally do not tension the first cross at all and begin pulling tension from the second cross. It seems to work nicely for me. It livens up the upper hoop and is easy on the knot.

The is a great idea and might help correct this upper hoop issue. I am going to give it a try next time I string my 5Gs. I am not big on adding weight to the 5G as it is very close to my limit on static and swing weight in stock form.

 

[Zverev]

I never heard of it - I might try it too one day.
I wonder what manufacturer would say....I guess couple of pounds doesn't really matter. Though some guys here raise concern about fragility of 5g...
I add weight almost to all rackets I ever bought, except 200g and Head Classic Mid plus (the Red). As a matter of fact I took off bumper guard and stripped paint 11-1 off the Classic.
There is obviously some swingweight that I favour, I don't know the figure but I normally arrive at it by tweaking the racket.

 

[SteveI]

I never heard of it - I might try it too one day.
I wonder what manufacturer would say....I guess couple of pounds doesn't really matter. Though some guys here raise concern about fragility of 5g...
I add weight almost to all rackets I ever bought, except 200g and Head Classic Mid plus (the Red). As a matter of fact I took off bumper guard and stripped paint 11-1 off the Classic.
There is obviously some swingweight that I favour, I don't know the figure but I normally arrive at it by tweaking the racket.

There are many folks on this board that break frames while not abusing them. I guess I can't swing that fast.. and have never broken one. All of the PK frames that I have owned seem very solid. While I know the handle system on 5g can be a source of concern as Steve Huff can verify. Stringing the 1st few crosses a few pounds less can't be much for a big concern since folks employ the proportional string system. I am going to give it a try..