ProKennex Black Ace Pro A Complete Review (Features & Performance)
The ProKennex Black Ace Pro is a high-performance paddle designed for various players, from power hitters to those seeking to minimize arm strain. Its unique construction, featuring TORAY-textured carbon, provides exceptional aerodynamics and speed, allowing for powerful shots and quick volleys. The FlexLogic technology also helps reduce arm fatigue, making it a suitable choice for players who experience discomfort or pain, tennis elbow.
The Black Ace Pro’s thin beam, smaller head size, and open 16×19 string pattern contribute to its well-balanced design. The 11.4 oz weight offers a comfortable swing, while the 4-point head light balance ensures excellent control and maneuverability. This combination of features makes the Black Ace Pro a versatile paddle that can excel in various playing styles and conditions.
Table of Contents
Paddle specification
| Feature | Value |
| Paddle Weight | 7.95 oz |
| Paddle Length | 15.8″ |
| Paddle Width | 7.6″ |
| Handle Length | 5.33″ |
| Grip Circumference | 4″ |
| Paddle Face Material | Toray carbon fiber |
| Core Material | Polypropylene honeycomb |
| Core Thickness | 10 mm (0.39″) |
| Sweet Spot | Small |
Prokennex Black Ace Pro: A Quick Overview
The ProKennex Black Ace Pro is a high-performance pickleball paddle that offers a perfect blend of power and control. Its lightweight design, featuring TORAY faced carbon construction, ensures exceptional speed and aerodynamics, allowing for powerful shots and quick volleys.
The paddle’s thin beam and smaller head size provide optimal power and maneuverability, while the FlexLogic technology helps to reduce arm fatigue, making it suitable for extended play.
The headlight balance point ensures precise control and accuracy, allowing players to easily place the ball. Additionally, the open 16×19 string pattern delivers impressive spin potential, enabling players to shape the ball and control its trajectory.
The Black Ace Pro is a versatile paddle that can cater to a wide range of playing styles and skill levels, making it a great choice for players seeking to elevate their game.
Pros:
- Unmatched Power: Delivers explosive power, especially on overhead smashes.
- Lightning-Fast Response: Excels at countering hard drives due to its incredible speed.
- Lightweight Powerhouse: Offers exceptional power without sacrificing maneuverability, thanks to its sub-8 oz static weight.
- Aerodynamic Mastery: The TORAY textured carbon construction ensures maximum speed and efficiency.
- Arm-Friendly Design: FlexLogic technology reduces arm fatigue, making it suitable for players prone to discomfort.
- Precise Control: The headlight balance point provides excellent control and accuracy.
- Open String Pattern: Offers exceptional responsiveness and spin potential.
Cons:
- Premium Price: This may be considered expensive for some players.
- Compact Head Size: While ideal for many, the smaller head size may not suit players who prefer a larger sweet spot.
- String Pattern Sensitivity: While offering great responsiveness, the open string pattern may require more control for some players.
ProKennex Black Ace Pro: Feature Breakdown
Aesthetic Appeal
The Black Ace Pro features a prominent spade logo in the center of the paddle face, a design element that may appeal to or deter individual players. Its edgeless design contributes to its sleek appearance and aerodynamic performance, but it also sacrifices some durability compared to paddles with edge guards.
Unique Core Technology
One of the Black Ace Pro’s standout features is its 10mm core, one of the thinnest available on the market. This thin core is responsible for the paddle’s powerful, loud pop, which some players may find enjoyable while others might prefer a more subdued sound.
Carbon Fiber Face
The paddle’s face is constructed from heat-molded Toray carbon fiber, enhancing its power and providing a textured surface for added grip. However, some reviewers have noted that the spin generation, while sufficient, may not be as impressive as other raw carbon paddles like the Legacy Pro or ProXR Zane Standard.
Vibration Dampening Technology
ProKennex’s patented Kinetic technology is incorporated into the handle to absorb shocks and vibrations, potentially reducing arm fatigue and discomfort. While the reviewer did not experience significant injury issues, they found the paddle comfortable for extended play sessions and appreciated its low swing weight, which allowed for powerful swings without excessive strain. This feature makes the Black Ace Pro a potential option for players prone to injuries.
Paddle Performance Analysis
Power
While the Black Ace Pro is capable of delivering impressive power, it may not reach the peak levels of slightly heavier options like the Gearbox Pro Power or Bread & Butter Filth. This is primarily due to its lower swing weight, which requires more effort to generate maximum power.
While the difference is subtle, it can be noticeable on pathways and drives, potentially limiting ball depth and giving opponents opportunities to recover. Some players may consider adding lead tape to increase power, but this could impact control and speed.
Control
The Black Ace Pro offers excellent control, surpassing competitors like the Selkirk VANGUARD and Gearbox Pro Power. This is particularly noticeable when executing drop shots, especially with topspin. The paddle’s ability to consistently land third-shot drops is a testament to its control, although excessive swing speed can lead to pop-ups.
Spin
While the Black Ace Pro provides adequate spin for most players, it may not match the exceptional spin generation of other power paddles like the Bread & Butter Filth, Gearbox Pro Power, Selkirk VANGUARD, and CRBN-1X. This can be noticeable on serve returns and serves, where the ball may sometimes sail long due to insufficient spin.
Forgiveness
The Black Ace Pro’s forgiveness is its weakest attribute, similar to other pure power paddles. Its edgeless design makes it less forgiving than paddles with edge guards, requiring precise hits to unlock its full potential. Off-center hits can result in mishits, potentially leading to errors. However, compared to the Gearbox Pro Power, the Black Ace Pro offers slightly better forgiveness due to its lower twist weight.
Weighting
The Black Ace Pro’s low swing weight is a significant advantage, allowing for powerful shots without excessive effort. This makes it a suitable option for players seeking a lightweight paddle. While some players may prefer a heavier paddle for added power and sweet spot extension, the Black Ace Pro’s design provides flexibility for customization with lead tape.
Grip
The grip quality is a minor drawback, considering the paddle’s price point. It may benefit from an overgrip for improved comfort and grip.
Durability
The Black Ace Pro’s materials are high quality, but its edgeless design makes it more susceptible to dings and scratches. This can affect the paddle’s appearance and potentially its resale value. Adding an edge guard can help mitigate this issue.
Aerodynamics
The Black Ace Pro’s aerodynamic design, combined with its low swing weight, makes it an excellent choice for fast-paced play. It excels at the net, allowing players to counter hard drives effectively. This paddle’s performance at the net is comparable to the Selkirk VANGUARD, known for its aerodynamic design.
Should You Buy the ProKennex Black Ace Pro?
The ProKennex Black Ace Pro is a high-performance pickleball paddle that offers a unique blend of speed, power, and arm-friendliness. If you prioritize these factors, it can be a great investment. However, it’s essential to consider your individual preferences and playing style.
The Black Ace Pro excels in speed and power, making it a suitable choice for aggressive players who enjoy a fast-paced game. Its lightweight design and FlexLogic technology also make it comfortable for extended play, reducing arm fatigue.
The paddle’s forgiveness and spin potential may not be as impressive as some other options on the market.
If you can find the Black Ace Pro at a discounted price, it becomes more appealing. However, if you’re looking for a paddle with more forgiveness and spin, you might want to consider other options like the Bread & Butter Filth or CRBN-1X. Ultimately, the decision of whether to purchase the Black Ace Pro depends on your specific needs and priorities as a player.
Final Thoughts
Summing it up, the ProKennex Black Ace Pro is a high-performance pickleball paddle that offers a compelling combination of power, control, and maneuverability. Its unique TORAY faced carbon construction and FlexLogic technology provide an exceptional playing experience for players seeking to elevate their game.
While the paddle’s durability might be a minor concern, it doesn’t significantly detract from its overall quality. If you’re looking for a paddle that can enhance your control and precision on the court, the Black Ace Pro is a strong contender. Its blend of power and finesse makes it is a versatile option for players of various skill levels.
Frequently Ask Question
What is the difference between black ace and pro flight?
The Black Ace Pro’s thicker core (10mm) enhances control and provides a softer touch near the net, while the Pro Flight’s thinner core (0mm) delivers more power and speed, making it a better fit for aggressive players.
