ProKennex Pickleball Paddle Reviews: A Deep Dive

In the rapidly evolving sport of pickleball, one brand has continuously led the charge in designing cutting-edge paddles – ProKennex Pickleball. Through rigorous engineering and testing with top pros, ProKennex Pickleball Paddle produces some of the most technologically advanced paddles available.

In this extensive review, we’ll analyze four of ProKennex’s premier paddle models in great detail: the Black Ace LG, Ovation Flight, Pro Speed II, and Pro Spin. We’ll closely examine the construction, materials, performance nuances, and key technologies that make each ProKennex Pickleball paddle unique. Whether you crave power, spin, control or speed, read on to find your ideal Pro Kennex Pickleball match.

ProKennex Black Ace LG (Long Grip)

The ProKennex Black Ace LG pickleball paddle is designed in collaboration with professional racquetball player Daniel de la Rosa. As the name suggests, it features an elongated grip preferred by players with a two-handed backhand style. Let’s take a closer look at the features and performance of this unique pickleball paddle.

Extended Grip Length

The most noticeable feature of the Black Ace LG is its extra long grip, measuring 5.8 inches compared to the standard 5 inch grip. The extended length allows two-handed backhand players to easily grip the handle with both hands for added power and control on backhand shots. Even one-handed players may find the longer grip provides a bit more leverage for spin and touch shots.

Lightweight Construction

Weighing in at just under 8 oz, the Black Ace LG is on the lighter side for a pickleball paddle. The lightweight polypropylene core keeps the overall weight down. The thin core also enhances the flex and touch for controlled shots.

Raw Carbon Graphite Face

The paddle face is made of raw carbon graphite without overlays or coatings. This provides a smooth surface and clean pop off the face. The carbon graphite generates good spin potential.

Air-O-Guard Edge Guard

The Air-O-Guard edge guard is an interchangeable bumper guard designed to protect the paddle edge without adding excess weight. It can be replaced as needed.

Performance and Playability

Overall, the elongated grip and lightweight paddle head make the Black Ace LG a very nimble and maneuverable pickleball paddle. Here’s an overview of how it performs for various playing styles and stroke techniques:

Control and Touch

With its thin core and flexible carbon face, the Black Ace LG offers an impressive amount of control and finesse. The lightweight paddle is easy to maneuver quickly for touch shots in the kitchen. The long grip gives added stability for carefully placing dink shots or blocking hard drives.

Spin Potential

The textured carbon graphite face generates a good amount of spin on groundstrokes and serves. Topspin and backspin shots are certainly possible with some practice. The longer grip allows for extended reach and leverage to really brush up on the ball for heavier spin.

Power and Drives

While the Black Ace LG errs on the side of control over power, its flexible face and sweet spot set up higher on the blade still packs plenty of pop. The paddle offers a blend of finesse and power suitable for all-around play. Drives can be hit firmly with good pace and depth.

Serving

The blend of spin, control and power makes the Black Ace LG well-suited to a variety of serve styles. The elongated grip gives ample room for a continental grip for topspin serves. The paddle provides consistency for drop shots or angle spin serves. The lightweight design also aids quick reaction time at the non-volley line.

Volleys and Transitions

The lightweight paddle and long grip equip the Black Ace LG for quick volleys and reaction shots. The flexible face adds a bit of dwell time for reducing pace on volleys. The paddle is maneuverable for quick transitions from defense to offense.

Double-Handed Backhand

As expected, the extended grip design of the Black Ace LG makes it a top choice for players using a two-handed backhand. The extra length allows both hands to fit comfortably on the grip and generates impressive power. The paddle still has enough touch for slice backhands too.

Durability

The Black Ace LG features robust construction with quality materials that provide decent durability for regular play. Here are some notes on long-term wear:

• The carbon graphite face holds up well against dings and scratches. It won’t chip or crack under normal use.
• The polymer core stands up to impact without taking on dead spots or warping over time.
• The edge guard protects the rim from bumps and edge hits. It can be replaced as needed.
• The paddle does tend to show surface scuffs and scratches more readily than coated graphite faces. These are mostly cosmetic and don’t affect performance.

With proper care, the Black Ace LG will maintain its playability and performance for many seasons of play. It should withstand several times per week moderate to heavy use.

Conclusion

With its unique elongated grip design, the ProKennex Black Ace LG pickleball paddle makes a great choice for players using a two-handed backhand stroke. The paddle provides a nimble feel with impressive touch and spin potential from the flexible carbon face. While not the most powerful option, it still packs decent pop while prioritizing control. Backhand drivers should definitely give this paddle special consideration.

Ovation Flight Navy Blue/Green (2023)

The 2023 edition of the Ovation Flight from ProKennex Pickleball introduces a stylish new navy blue and green colorway. But more importantly, it benefits from years of refinement to deliver optimal performance in an ultra lightweight design. Let’s see what this paddle has to offer current and aspiring pickleball players.

Extremely Lightweight

The most notable feature of the Ovation Flight is its remarkably low weight, ranging from 7.3 to 7.6 oz. This makes it one of the lightest paddles available. The featherlight feel enhances quickness and maneuverability.

Polypropylene Honeycomb Core

At the heart of the paddle is an extra wide polypropylene honeycomb core. The honeycomb design cuts down on overall mass while retaining stability and rigidity. The polymer material dampens vibrations for a soft touch.

Carbon Fiber Composite Face

The paddle face utilizes a carbon fiber composite material reinforced with fiberglass. This imparts power and strength while keeping the weight low. A proprietary diamond frost coating adds grip and spin potential.

Smaller Grip Size

The Ovation Flight downsizes to a 4 inch circumference grip compared to the standard 4.25 inch grip. This gives the paddle a thinner profile preferred by players with smaller hands.

Performance and Playability

The lightweight design and smaller grip of the Ovation Flight make it a highly maneuverable and quick pickleball paddle. Here’s an overview of how it handles for different playing styles and stroke techniques:

Control and Touch

The Ovation Flight provides exceptional touch and finesse thanks to its dampened honeycomb core and flexible face. The paddle almost feels like an extension of your hand for placing shots accurately. Dinks, drops, blocks and resets can be performed with surgical precision.

Spin Potential

While not as grippy as a textured surface, the diamond frost carbon face achieves ample spin to keep shots deep and moving. The paddle face flexes to grab and snap the ball with topspin or backspin. The smaller grip aids wrist action for brushing shots.

Power and Drives

Given its featherlight design, the Ovation Flight unsurprisingly leans more towards control and finesse over pure power. But the paddle still provides very capable drive potential, just don’t expect the deep power of heavier paddles. Drives carry good speed and depth with precision.

Serving

The quickness of the Ovation Flight makes it ideal for rapid fire spin serves. The smaller grip enhances wrist snap for extra rotation. The paddle is well-balanced for consistent serving accuracy and placement. Mixing up various serve types is certainly viable.

Volleys and Transition

The lack of mass makes the Ovation Flight an extraordinarily quick and agile paddle at the net. Quick reflex volleys can be punched with precision. The paddle swiftly changes direction for reactive returns. Players can transition seamlessly from defense to offense.

Double-Handed Backhand

The smaller grip circumference doesn’t leave quite as much room for a two-handed backhand grip. While doable, the grip may feel too slender for some two-handed players. For single backhand players, the paddle is a top choice.

Durability

The Ovation Flight is engineered with robust materials and construction, but being so lightweight, it doesn’t quite match heavier paddles for long-term durability. Here are some notes on wear over time:

• The carbon fiber face holds up well against chips, cracks and dead spots with normal use.
• Over time, the honeycomb core may take a bit more deformation from repeated impacts compared to polymer cores.
• The edge guard effectively protects the rim from bumps and dings.
• Surface scratches do show up more easily on the coated carbon face. These are mostly cosmetic.

For recreational use a few times per week, the Ovation Flight should retain its playability for at least a couple seasons before a noticeable decline in pop and response. Heavy daily use will shorten the lifespan.

Conclusion

With its remarkably lightweight design, the 2023 ProKennex Ovation Flight offers lightning quick reflexes and precise control for finesse-oriented players. The paddle excels at touch shots, spin serves, volleys, and transitions. While it falls a bit short in the power department compared to heavier paddles, the Ovation Flight provides outstanding mobility and feel with surgical precision. Finesse players will love having this feathery paddle in their hands.

Pro Speed II Orange/Green (2023)

The 2023 edition of the Pro Kennex Pro Speed II showcases a flashy new orange and green color scheme. More importantly, it incorporates manufacturing improvements for optimal performance in an aerodynamic paddle built for speed. Let’s take a close look at what this paddle provides for competitive and aspiring players.

Moderately Lightweight Construction

Weighing 7.7 to 8 oz, the Pro Speed II hits a nice sweet spot between extremely lightweight and heavy paddles. The weight provides a blend of quickness, power and stability.

Polypropylene Honeycomb Core

The Pro Speed II utilizes an extra wide polypropylene honeycomb core optimized for balance, touch and responsiveness through the ball. The honeycomb channels also minimize overall mass.

Composite Face with Spin Coating

The paddle face uses a carbon fiber and fiberglass composite layered with a proprietary 7-layer spin coating. This imparts great touch along with ample grip and spin potential.

Octagonal Grip

The Pro Speed II grip takes on an octagonal shape reminiscent of tennis racquet grips for enhanced comfort and reduced twisting. The 4” circumference suits most hand sizes.

Performance and Playability

With its blend of control, power and quickness, the Pro Speed II provides versatile all-around playability for competitive or recreational play. Here’s how it handles across various playing styles and techniques:

Control and Touch

The Pro Speed II delivers very solid touch and finesse thanks to the dampened feel of the honeycomb core and flexible composite face. The paddle provides great accuracy for carefully placed shots. Touch shots can be hit with purpose.

Spin Potential

The grippy composite face is very receptive to generating heavy topspin or slice on groundstrokes. The spin coating grabs and snaps the ball with extra rotation, leading to nice arcing shots that stay in the court.

Power and Drives

With its moderate weight, the Pro Speed II packs plenty of drive power when you unload into shots. The paddle has a very solid and crisp feel on contact for driving the ball deep with authority. Flat drives jump off the sweet spot like a cannon.

Serving

The Pro Speed II gives players a full arsenal of serve options. The paddle pairs touch for controlled placement with driving power for heaters down the line or heavy spin serves that kick wide. The octagonal grip aids consistent serving motion.

Volleys and Transition

The moderate weight and head-light balance make the Pro Speed II maneuverable for reactive volley exchanges and transitions between offense and defense. Solid touch softens volley pace while ample power is on tap.

Double-Handed Backhand

With its 4” grip and octagonal shaping, the Pro Speed II can accommodate a two-handed backhand grip comfortably. Good finesse for touch shots combines with excellent power on driving backhand shots.

Durability

Provided proper care and maintenance, the Prokennex Pickleball Paddle Pro Speed II provides better than average lifespan for a composite pickleball paddle. Here are some durability notes:

• The carbon composite face holds up very well over time and sustained use without developing dead spots or cracks.
• The polymer honeycomb core retains its pop and consistency longer than some materials before taking a set.
• The edge guarding protects the rim from bumps and hits at the net.
• The spin coating does tend to show scuffs and scratches more readily over time. This is mostly cosmetic.

With moderate use a few times per week, the Pro Speed II should maintain its playability and performance for at least a couple seasons before declining. Avid daily players may get a season or less.

Conclusion

Featuring quality construction and well-balanced attributes, the 2023 ProKennex Pro Speed II remains one of the best overall pickleball paddles on the market. Its blend of control, power and quickness suits all-around playing styles. The paddle provides versatile shot-making capability from touch shots to driving power. Intermediate and advanced players looking for a paddle to grow with should give the Pro Speed II serious consideration. It delivers on performance and longevity.

ProKennex Pro-Spin

The ProKennex Pro-Spin pickleball paddle utilizes an industry-first multi-faceted texturing approach to maximize ball spin and control. The unique surface treatments allow players to take their shot-making to the next level. Let’s examine how this paddle generates heavy spin for competitive play.

Triple Spin System

The Pro-Spin paddle features a multi-layered surface designed to engage and grip the ball in three ways:

1. Starrett legal textured face
2. Non-slip coating with embedded texture
3. 21 submerged cross strings

Together these treatments maximize friction and snap for heavy spin generation.

Control Oriented Weight

Weighing in at 7.6 oz, the Pro-Spin has a control-focused weight. The minimal mass enhances quick maneuverability for spin shots and touch play.

Polypropylene Core

At the paddle’s core is a polypropylene honeycomb material that provides a dampened response and balanced feel through the ball. This aids control.

Ergonomic Handle

The Pro-Spin paddle has a 5.12” handle with a curved indent for improved ergonomic grip comfort during play.

Performance and Playability

With its multi-textured ball grabbing face, the Pro-Spin allows players to take spin shots to the next level. Let’s see how it performs for play styles and techniques:

Control and Touch

The lightweight design and polypropylene core equip the Pro-Spin paddle with precise touch and control for finesse shots. Excellent feel for the ball enhances shot placement capabilities with high margin for error.

Spin Potential

When it comes to spin, the Pro-Spin delivers the goods. The multi-tiered texturing bites into the ball for extreme topspin or slice. Brushing the textured surface at contact generates heavy rotation. Angled shots stay in the court.

Power and Drives

Given its focus on control and spin, the Pro-Spin comes up a bit short in the power department. Driven shots lack the explosive pop of heavier paddles. For flat drives, the paddle performs adequately but doesn’t wow with its pace and depth.

Serving

The Pro-Spin equips players with an arsenal of high spinning serves. The textured surface adds vicious slice or topspin across a range of serve types. Mixing speeds and spins keeps opponents off balance. Flat power serves have less pace.

Volleys and Transition

The quickness of the Pro-Spin makes it effective for reactive volleys and transitions between offense and defense. The paddle exhibits finesse at the non-volley zone with controlled placement. Spin can be generated on volley put-aways.

Double-Handed Backhand

With its elongated, ergonomic handle, the Pro-Spin provides a comfortable grip for two-handed backhand players. The paddle generates heavy topspin on backhand drives. Slicing backhands are also enhanced by the textured face.

Durability

The durability and lifespan of the Pro-Spin paddle stands up reasonably well compared to other composite paddles. Here are some notes on wear over time:

• The polymer core retains its consistency and pop even with heavy use.
• The composite face and special coatings are prone to scratches and scuffs but aren’t fragile.
• The molding and materials aren’t susceptible to warping or dead spots.
• As with all textured paddles, the surface patterns do flatten out slightly over time.

With proper care, the Pro-Spin should maintain its playability for at least a couple seasons for frequent recreational use before declining noticeably.

Conclusion

Featuring an innovative multi-tiered textured face, the ProKennex Pro-Spin pickleball paddle unleashes extreme spin potential for next-level shot making. The paddle excels at controlling pace and placing shots with heavy topspin or slice. While it falls a bit short in the power department, the Pro-Spin provides a very unique advantage for spin-focused players looking to add a new dimension to their game. When it comes to spin potential, this paddle is hard to beat.

FAQs

Conclusion

ProKennex paddles consistently rate among the best composite performers across all skill levels. Their outstanding touch and playability rival other top brands. For players seeking quality craftsmanship and reliable performance season after season, ProKennex remains a top choice to consider.