ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed vs. Ovation Speed Paddles: A Comprehensive Review for All Players

Discovering Prokennex: A New Force in Pickleball Paddles

When one thinks of popular pickleball paddle brands, Prokennex may not be the first name that comes to mind. However, in the last year, I’ve noticed a significant increase in the number of players using their paddles at tournaments. Intrigued by this trend, I decided to give a Prokennex paddle a try for myself and uncover what makes them special.

Prokennex has been in the racquet sports market since the 1980s, primarily designing and manufacturing tennis, racquetball, and squash rackets. Recently, they’ve applied their innovative technology to pickleball paddles, creating a unique blend of tradition and modernity. For more detailed insights into their specific paddle technology, it’s available for review on their dedicated site.

Paddle Options: Pro Speed and Ovation Speed

Prokennex offers two paddle models: the Pro Speed and the Ovation Speed. While both paddles share identical construction qualities, their designs differ slightly. The Ovation Speed features an oval shape, while the Pro Speed adopts a more conventional rectangular form.

After extensive playtesting with both paddles, I gathered some vital performance stats. Given their similar constructions, I found that they performed quite alike in various areas. Here are my initial ratings based on my experience:

– Control/Feel: 75%
– Power: 95%
– Spin: 70%
– Forgiveness: 80%

Understanding Paddle Design and Its Impact

The Ovation Speed stands out with its distinctive oval design, a rarity in the pickleball community. Most paddles follow the traditional shape, but it’s interesting to note that oval designs are common in other racquet sports, such as tennis and table tennis. Therefore, it’s surprising there aren’t more oval paddles in pickleball, considering the increased surface area for contact. For those who prefer conventional shapes, the Pro Speed provides a more familiar option.

Both paddles are slim and feature a design with no edge guard, reminiscent of Gearbox paddles. Personally, I find the absence of an edge guard appealing; it gives the paddle a sleek look and maximizes the perceived surface area.

While using both paddles, I couldn’t feel a significant difference when striking the ball in the center. However, I consistently found myself making solid connections with the Ovation Speed paddle, likely due to its unique shape and weight distribution. If given a choice, I would lean towards the Ovation Speed because of its enhanced precision.

Additionally, the Ovation Speed felt more agile compared to the Pro Speed. The oval shape contributes to its excellent maneuverability, making quick adjustments easier.

Game Play: Performance on the Court

From the moment I picked up the paddles, their solid construction was evident, and the ball shot off the surface with impressive speed. The responsiveness was remarkable without being overwhelming. My serves and groundstrokes gained instant velocity without any alterations in my swing technique.

Notably, even with the added power, I didn’t lose the crucial connection with the ball. This feature proved especially advantageous during delicate drop shots and net plays. I quickly adjusted to the added power, allowing me to execute effective drop shots and soft dinks without feeling out of control. While I wouldn’t rely solely on this paddle to improve my accuracy, it didn’t compromise my existing skills.

Although the power and control delivered by these paddles are exceptional, I noticed a slight decline in my ability to generate spin. I enjoy executing deep backspins and side spins, particularly on served returns and drop shots. With these paddles, those particular spins didn’t quite have the crispness I was used to with top-tier models. However, the advantages of increased power without sacrificing control made this slight trade-off acceptable.

One challenge associated with the extra power arises during fast volley exchanges. If you find yourself a bit late to react—with your paddle angled upward—the ball can become overly lifted, creating opportunities for your opponent to strike decisively.

Who Should Use the Prokennex Paddles

I would recommend these paddles to players rated at 4.0 and above who appreciate power and possess a solid grasp of touch shots, like drop shots and dinks.

If you thrive on power, this paddle will maximize your ball speed. However, I caution players who struggle with touch shots, as the increased power could make your dinks more attackable.

For those players who excel in touch and finesse, this paddle can amplify your strength in serves, groundstrokes, and volleys without compromising your control.

It’s worth noting that if you find yourself positioned at the net and don’t possess the most nimble hands, this paddle may not be ideal. In situations where you’re late with your paddle, its power can elevate the ball, leading to easy points for your opponents.

Players rated 3.5 or lower may face challenges managing the power on groundstrokes without relying heavily on topspin. Additionally, keeping the ball low during dinks can be difficult. However, you will appreciate the benefits when your opponents give you an open shot.

A Deeper Look into Paddle Construction and Feel

The construction of the Prokennex paddles also plays a vital role in their performance. Lightweight yet durable materials contribute to the paddles’ responsiveness while ensuring they can withstand the rigors of competitive play.

In my experience, the thin profile of these paddles encourages quick hand movements and reduces drag during shots. The absence of edge guards contributes to a more traditional feel and opens up a larger hitting area, promoting a smooth and seamless experience on the court.

The feedback during ball contact is another crucial aspect. Both paddles provide an excellent response, so you know exactly where you’ve made contact. This feedback is essential, particularly for advanced players looking for precision in their shots.

Final Thoughts on Prokennex Paddles

As my testing with the Prokennex paddles wraps up, I find myself impressed with their performance. The unique design and focus on power while maintaining control make them compelling options for serious players at varying skill levels.

Whether you lean towards the traditional shape of the Pro Speed or prefer the innovative oval design of the Ovation Speed, both paddles deliver a high level of playability. It’s clear that Prokennex is carving out a notable presence in the pickleball scene, and I believe serious players should consider adding their paddles to their game.

If you’re looking for a new paddle that combines power with responsiveness, look no further. The Prokennex paddles provide a balance of features that could enhance your performance on the court.

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