ProKennex adds another chapter to one of the game's most surgical and arm-friendly racquets
With roots that stretch back to the '80s, the Black Ace Pro is defined by its outstanding control and sublime feel. Like the 2022 model it replaces, this racquet features the thinnest beam and most surgical head size in the Black Ace franchise. It also packs one of the softest, most flexible beams this side of the wood era, giving it the kind of buttery feedback that is rare for a modern racquet. For 2025, the layup gets updated with a groundbreaking Aurealian carbon weave, resulting in a more consistent response while also enabling tighter manufacturing tolerances. Complementing this innovation is FlexLogic, allowing the racquet to bend in ways that enhance dwell time, pocketing, and feel. This racquet also benefits from ProKennex's legendary Kinetic System, which places movable mass at 3 and 9 o'clock in the head to boost stability and comfort. Additionally, it features a Kinetic Comfort Cap, a handle technology that minimizes harsh impact vibrations. These time-tested Kinetic technologies offer one of the most arm-friendly hitting experiences available. Ultimately, the Black Ace Pro is an outstanding option for experienced players looking for the ultimate in control and feel. The fact that it allows you to play with less arm fatigue is a nice bonus.
Specifications
| Head Size: 97 in² / 625.81 cm² | ||||
| Length: 27in / 68.58cm | ||||
| Strung Weight: 11.4oz / 323g | ||||
| Balance: 13in / 33.02cm / 4 pts HL | ||||
| Swingweight: 325 | ||||
| Stiffness: 57 | ||||
| Beam Width: 19.5mm / 19.5mm / 19.5mm | ||||
| Composition: Aurealian Carbon Graphite | ||||
| Power Level: Low | ||||
| Stroke Style: Full | ||||
| Swing Speed: Fast | ||||
| Racquet Colors: Black/Gray | ||||
| Grip Type: ProKennex Synthetic | ||||
String Pattern:
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| String Tension: 50-65 pounds |
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Customer Reviews
Best arm friendly racquet for TEI just ordered a second one and thought it would be a good idea to share my story. Sorry that it's a bit long though.
A couple of months ago, I decided it was time to start playing again after not having set foot on court for about 10 years.
I got myself the new Yonex Ezone 98 and started taking lessons to get myself back into the rhythm of things again.
After about 2 weeks, I started developing pain in my forearm, which then turned into a full blown tennis elbow - probably caused by the fact that I hadn't done any exercise during the 10 year break. With physiotherapy and strengthening exercises, it has been getting better and better but some discomfort can still be felt after every session. Now I can only do 1 session per week without causing a major flare up.
Anyway, I decided it was time to experiment with other racquets in hopes of finding something that can alleviate the condition, or at the very least, not aggravate the injury further. I went and bought the Head Gravity Tour 2025, which has a lower stiffness rating and it felt soft enough to hit without causing discomfort during the session. However, it was still sending a bit of vibration to my elbow, which it didn't like at all.
After a couple of weeks, I went and got the Prince Phantom 100X 2024 just to compare and found it to be slightly more muted and therefore more arm friendly in terms of feel even though they both have the same stiffness rating. Elbow pain after session lingered but at a slightly lower degree.
Then I came across this racquet on Youtube. I decided to order it and give it a go. Honestly, I think it was the best decision ever. Out of all the racquets I have tried so far, this racquet has been the only one that doesn't give me elbow pain the day after. It doesn't just stop there, the feel of this racquet when you hit the sweet spot is sublime. Power is sufficient, granted that you have a full swing. I can't really comment on other areas such as serve, volley, and slice since my tennis has been pretty restrictive due to TE, but I'm pretty sure that I can adapt my playstyle to the racquet. Biggest challenge is the 97 head size, even though I'm used to playing with 98 racquets, this one demands better timing and precision.
Strings Set up:
Mains: Solinco Mach 10 16L - 50lbs
Crosses: TRU PRO Ghost Wire 17 - 47lbs
Easy Variety, Easy WinnersPut a shaped poly in the high 40s in and you'll have a setup that you can hit any shot with. I was playing with PA 98 but was having trouble flattening the ball out when presented with a short ball. I switched to a Radical MP (with leather grip) and could flatten the ball out and gained a little touch but I often felt disadvantaged from the baseline. The Pro Kennex Black Ace for me, is the best of both worlds. It is most stable 305g I have ever played with from the back of the court. If you want spin you can get it, though you won't accidentally hit with a bunch spin. For flat and slice shots, the thin beam gives you all the feel you need and the pro kennex technology (ie., the beads) I think helps deliver more speed and court penetration. The 97 inch head size also makes it decently whippy and taking the ball on the rise is no more difficult than with the PA98. Since switching to the Black Ace Pro, my shot selection has expanded allowing me hit more winners than ever against my regular hitting partners. Of course it is comfortable but it is no more mushy than a VCore 95 or a Gravity Pro
High quality control and comfortNarrow beam provides very whippy yet control oriented frame with excellent stability. A more comfortable and maneuverable pure strike 97. This racquet is a sleeper. ProKennex barely markets it and if it wasn't for TW it wouldn't be available. If you are considering a Head Gravity Tour. Hit with it. Wow. 5*
Versatile and accurateWell defined sweet spot for a soft racquet. Great plow and ball pocketing. Does well on both flat shots and spin. Very fast and maneuverable. Super easy on the arm. 65 yo 5.0 singles player.
Wow. Just wow. ProKennex Did ItI am completely blown away by the demo. Normally, I wait until TW staff do a video about a stick. BUT THIS. It had everything. I am genuinely shocked (and very happy).
* Incredible Plow Through (for fast swings and also that slower guide-y kind of shot)
* Easier Timing (The 2021 Q+ Series models were very dependent on your swing's timing).
* Maneuverable - Again, the 2021 Q+ Series models were kinda tough.
* Very Soft - But NOT MUSHY. You can feel where the sweet spot is (and where it is not) but it doesn't hurt (I have some latent tennis elbow from college competition).
*Balanced Capacity to hit Spin and then switch to a Flat winner. The string spacing is absolutely perfect. Stunning quality control. Yonex-Level.
*Traditional beam width of 19.5mm, Flexible RA of 57 but it feels firmer (in a no-pain kind of way).
* Very solid on volleys.
I'm buying one (if not more). Instant best seller for intermediate-advanced players. ProKennex just really stepped it up. Would be fun to see Michelle try this stick. in a Review.
Ace of SpadesThis racquet, with its grey and black patterns with a touch of gold and red with the glossy finish is actually much more impressive looking in real life. Very sharp. The 19.5 beam and 97” head makes it a compact and solid piece. Reminds me of the Volkl Mid Plus. The above TW description holds true. Great control. Precise. Very good for flat hitters both on serve and in the court. Solid on volleys. This is not a whippy big swinging heavy spin racquet. If I don’t keep it to play with it’s because my style has morphed in loving that heavy spin from a head light racquet. Five Star for what it is made to do.
