Pro Kennex Black Ace padel racket: technical features and build quality
The reviewer introduces the Pro Kennex Black Ace as a diamond-shaped padel racket designed for players seeking both protection and substance. Unlike many rackets that focus solely on power or comfort, the Black Ace aims for a balanced, all-round experience. A key innovation is the Kinetic System, a patented technology featuring micro-spheres inside the frame that absorb vibrations on impact. This system, long used in Pro Kennex tennis rackets, is specifically engineered to reduce arm strain and prevent injuries—making it a standout choice for players with sensitive arms or those wanting to avoid future issues.
- Weight: 370g declared, 368g measured (review sample)
- Balance: 27 cm declared, 26.7–26.8 cm measured
- Core: Comfort soft foam
- Face material: Full carbon
- Shape: Diamond (but plays closer to a teardrop/goccia)
The reviewer notes that the racket feels lighter and more maneuverable than the specs suggest, thanks to its well-distributed weight and “educated” head. The comfort soft foam core provides a moderate level of softness—neither too rigid nor overly plush—striking a balance that supports both control and comfort.
Design, aesthetics, and grip details
Visually, the Black Ace stands out with a refined, elegant look that avoids flashy colors in favor of a more understated, premium aesthetic. The carbon face features a dedicated spin texture that, while not extremely pronounced to the touch, delivers effective spin performance on court. The reviewer praises Pro Kennex for moving away from overly vibrant designs and achieving a sophisticated finish.
The handle is shaped with a clear nod to tennis, offering a grip similar to a size 2 tennis handle. This choice is described as intelligent, catering to players transitioning from tennis or those who prefer a more substantial grip. The wrist strap is uniquely designed for easy removal and replacement, adding a practical touch. The reviewer suggests trimming the excess strap for comfort, but overall finds the grip system flexible and user-friendly. The racket also comes with a head protector pre-installed, providing extra durability.
On-court performance: control, spin, and versatility
Contrary to expectations for a diamond-shaped racket, the Black Ace does not chase maximum power. Instead, it excels in control and spin, with a sweet spot that is “decent” and a playing style that leans closer to a teardrop. This makes it ideal for players who prefer constructing points with precision rather than relying solely on raw power.
The reviewer highlights the following key performance traits:
- Control: Outstanding, among the best experienced this year
- Spin: Excellent, with the textured face delivering consistent results
- Sweet spot: Medium-high, regular and forgiving
- Power: Present but requires player input—best at medium to medium-high tempo
- Manoeuvrability: Surprisingly good for its weight and balance
While the kinetic system slightly dampens the “pure” feel of the ball, the overall sensation remains connected and confidence-inspiring. The Black Ace is described as immediate and easy to adapt to, offering a sense of familiarity from the first session.
Comparisons with other Pro Kennex models and market alternatives
The reviewer compares the Black Ace to other Pro Kennex rackets, notably the Focus and Legend models. Both are considered more powerful, with the Focus delivering a firmer, more classic impact. However, the Black Ace stands out for its completeness and versatility, especially in control and spin.
On the broader market, the Black Ace is likened to the Head Speed Pro X and Speed Pro in terms of proportions. However, it surpasses these in spin and control, while being slightly less powerful but more progressive and forgiving. This positions the Black Ace as a strong choice for players seeking a technical racket that doesn’t sacrifice comfort or playability.
Detailed breakdown of playability in all areas of the court
From the baseline, the Black Ace moves fluidly and does not feel cumbersome despite its weight. The head is well-balanced, never feeling too heavy, which allows for quick reactions and precise shot placement. The racket rewards players who “pat” the ball rather than those who simply brush it, and it shines in medium to medium-high tempo rallies.
At the net, the Black Ace offers solid touch and excellent spin, with enough sensitivity for delicate volleys and aggressive finishes. The reviewer notes that the racket feels “immediate” and inspires confidence, making it easy to execute a variety of shots without a steep learning curve.
On overheads and smashes, the Black Ace performs best on kick smashes, where the combination of spin and ball exit speed compensates for the lack of raw power. Flat smashes require more player effort, but the racket remains democratic—rewarding good technique without being overly punishing. The vibora and other spin-heavy shots are highlighted as particular strengths, with the racket delivering heavy, controlled trajectories and allowing for creative shot-making.
Reviewer’s ratings and key qualitative evaluations
The channel provides clear ratings for each performance aspect, offering a transparent view of where the Black Ace excels and where it is more moderate:
- Ball exit: 7 (good, especially at medium to high tempo)
- Sweet spot: 7.5 (regular, medium-high)
- Control: 9 (outstanding, best this year)
- Power: 7.5 (requires player input, not extreme)
- Manoeuvrability: 7 (better than expected for the weight)
- Comfort: 8 (improved kinetic system, arm-friendly)
- Feel: 8 (good, though slightly dampened by kinetic system)
- Spin: 9 (excellent, a constant across all shots)
- Stability: 8 (solid, not too head-heavy)
- Wall play: 8- (would prefer more power, but spin and control compensate)
- Volleys: 8 (good feel, great spin, strong control)
- Flat smash: 7.5 (needs player effort, but delivers if executed well)
- Kick smash: 8 (spin compensates for less brute force, very effective)
These ratings reflect a racket that is not extreme in any one area but offers a rare blend of comfort, control, and spin. The Black Ace is especially recommended for players seeking a technical, protective, and aesthetically refined racket that performs consistently across all areas of the court.
Summary: who should consider the Pro Kennex Black Ace?
The reviewer concludes that the Pro Kennex Black Ace is a “racket of substance”—a technical tool that combines protection, control, and spin without being bland or overly specialized. It is especially suitable for players who want a diamond or teardrop-shaped racket that is arm-friendly, easy to adapt to, and visually striking. While not the most powerful option on the market, it rewards players who value precision, spin, and a sense of control in their game. For those seeking a complete, elegant, and protective padel racket, the Black Ace is a compelling choice.
