Pro Kennex tennis racquets

[benraschke]

Anyone on this website use any models of the Pro Kennex line? I have read Pro Kennex makes a very arm friendly racquet. I would like some other feedback from people who have played with one of their racquets. There is only one tennis shop in all of the Phoenix valley that carries Pro Kennex racquets.
Ben

[PBODY 66]

The racket with the movable mass are the choice of several players I know who want a level of arm protection. I don't know why this is as the the frames are not that soft on the RDC scale but they sure do damp down vibrations. The power increases as the frame number goes up with the 5 being the lowest.

[JPtennis]

I got the Pro 5G last year because it was supposed to be great for the arm but that wasn't really the case. Instead, the shock dampening system, which consisted of tiny beads inside of the frame at the head (like a dead blow hammer), drove me absolutely nuts! Killed all my power and made me feel like I was behind on every shot. In an effort to fix the problem, I tried drilling small holes in the frame to get the damn micro-beads out but couldn't get that to work, so the frame sits unused in the closet.

[FuzzyGreenBalls]

I got the Pro 5G last year because it was supposed to be great for the arm but that wasn't really the case. Instead, the shock dampening system, which consisted of tiny beads inside of the frame at the head (like a dead blow hammer), drove me absolutely nuts! Killed all my power and made me feel like I was behind on every shot. In an effort to fix the problem, I tried drilling small holes in the frame to get the damn micro-beads out but couldn't get that to work, so the frame sits unused in the closet.

Any interest in selling it cheap. I'd like to pick up one to try out.

[Gerwalk]

While Pro Kennex frames are supposed to relieve the symptoms of tennis elbow I think you'll find any flexible racquet weighing above 11.2 oz will fit the bill. I would recommend a racquet closer to 12 oz if that fits your game though. Probably the most comfortable racquet I have ever played is the Volkl C10. Amazingly soft, excellent control and plenty of spin. With a full stroke you can find plenty of power. Of all the frames I've played over the course of 18 years that has by far been the most gentle on the arm I have come across. I'm not dismissing Pro Kennex at all, but I wouldn't be hung up about having to purchase one.

And yes those little micro beads are DAMN annoying.

[KendraB]

I played with a Kennex 5g for % months last year and it really helped my bad shoulder. When I started playing with the 5g my shoulder was so bad that I could hardlt serve. I would feel pain when I made contact with the ball on every serve, then after using the 5g for a period of time this pain went away. I could never get a good forehand with the 5g. I couldn't get pace. When you absorb shock you also absorb energy on the ball, perhaps. Anyway I had to add a gram, of lead to the head at 3, 9 and 12 o'clock (just one gram total) to get adequate pace on the forehand. That reduced the racquet's maneuverability, and I couldn't volley as well. The 5g really is good for shock, I can say that.

[Stefano]

I agree with Gerwalk 100%.

I sell both the brands and both have great racquets, but I play Volkl C10 myself and I haven't found a racquet like that on the market so far.

I don't know your level, but in the Pro Kennex range you could demo the Heritage Type C Redondo. Stiffness 56, head size 93 sq.in., beam 20mm, weight 343 grams strung. Not for everyone (the C10 Pro is not an easy racquet itself either) but it's a great frame.

[benraschke]

I really appreciate all the great feedback on the Pro Kennex and other models that are good for tennis elbow. I agree with some of you, I really like the Volkl C-10 but I have a problem buying a racquet that is being discontinued. Once a racquet has been discontinued it becomes too difficult to get accessories like grommets, and if a racquet cracks or breaks. The Volkl C-10 was my first choice with the Pro Kennex Ki 5 PSE my second choice. The Pro Kennex is an absolute sledgehammer, and definitely takes some getting used to. Thank goodmess I work out because you need a great deal of arm and shoulder strength to swing that stick. The Pro Kennex is better at the net, and I play a great deal more doubles than singles. The little micro beads inside the racquet don't bother me at all. In fact I never notice or hear them when I'm playing. Iam not a young man anymore, and I have never really hit the ball hard. I am more of a placement and control player and the Pro Kennex Ki 5 PSE gives me plenty of control.

[Stefano]

Ben, what you just wrote proves once again that choosing a racquet is something totally personal.

I play doubles most of the time too and I found exectly the opposite feeling compared to what you wrote.

C10 Pro = much more control, better on volleys
Pro Kennex Ki 5 = more powerful and slightly better on groundstrokes.

Amazing, isn't it? :D

So just play with what fits you best, everything else is just a chit-chat ;)


P.S.= the C10 Pro will not be discontinued though

[KendraB]

Hi Stephano. I have been using a Kennex Type C 93. I have two of the old ones, which have Kevlar in their composition and are about 1/2 ounce heavier than the new ones, the Redondo. I also have the new one, the Type C 93 Redondo. The new one is more flexible and is easier on the arm. But maybe I like the old one better. I'm not sure. What I like these racquets for is the serve. They swing very freely, and they have a lot of feel.