ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed II Paddle Review

Pickleball, the game that combines all the best elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, has taken the world by storm. It's fast-paced, exciting, and perfect for players of all levels. But let's be real - the gear can make all the difference. So, if you're looking for a paddle that will take your game to the next level, then sit tight because we've got the perfect one for you. Introducing the ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed II Paddle, the paddle that gives you the power to smash and the control to dink. In this review, we'll dive deep into the features, performance, and pros and cons of this paddle. So, if you're ready to up your pickleball game, let's get started!

Introduction: An Overview of the ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed II Paddle

A Unique Design and Innovative Features

ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed II Paddle is a top-rated pickleball paddle that offers several innovative features designed to enhance maneuverability, touch, feel, and kitchen play.

The paddle incorporates thin core technology, wind-resistant edgeless construction, and a kinetic shock-absorbing system that reduces vibration and impact, making it easier for players to handle throughout the game.

A Comprehensive Review of the Paddle

The purpose of this review is to provide an in-depth analysis of the ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed II Paddle and how it performs during gameplay.

We will cover everything from its design and features to its performance in different types of play, giving you a well-rounded view of the paddle.

Whether you are a beginner or a professional pickleball player, this review will help you decide if the ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed II Paddle is right for you.

Design and Features of the ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed II Paddle

The ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed II Paddle features a wind-resistant edgeless construction and thin core technology, all geared towards enhancing the gameplay experience.

The paddle incorporates a kinetic shock-absorbing system that enhances touch, feel, and kitchen play, making it easier to control and improve the quality of your shots.

The Air-O-Guard bumper system protects the edge of the paddle and its fresh new paint job make it visually appealing.

The ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed II Paddle is available in forest green/orange and has a weight range of 7.7 to 8 ounces.

It has a 4-inch grip circumference, 4 7/8 inch handle length, 7.6 inch paddle width, and a 15.3 inch paddle length.

The paddle's face is made of a 7-layer coating and complex composite, including a specially treated soft skin with a spin-grab feature, carbon/fiberglass and Prokennex Release epoxy/resin system.

The paddle core is made from a polypropylene honeycomb matrix with a special quiet, high-impact resistance polymer.

USAPA Approval and Seller Information

The ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed II Paddle is approved for use in USAPA sanctioned tournaments.

Overall, the ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed II Paddle offers some unique design features that enhance the gameplay experience.

The next section will focus on its performance in different types of play.

Design and Features

Wind Resistant Edgeless Construction

The ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed II Pickleball Paddle is designed to reduce wind resistance with its edgeless construction, allowing for easy maneuverability during gameplay.

The slim profile and rounded shape work together to create a paddle that moves effortlessly through the air.

This feature is particularly important to players who require high-speed movement around the court.

Kinetic Shock Absorbing System

The Kinetic shock absorbing system of the Pro Speed II paddle enhances touch, feel, and kitchen play, making it a great choice for both competitive and recreational players.

The shock-absorbing properties add to the paddle's comfort and reduce the impact of the ball on the player's hand.

This feature makes it easier for players to perform delicate shots like dinks and drops, making it the perfect weapon for any pickleball arsenal.

Air-O-Guard Bumper System

The paddle comes with the Air-O-Guard bumper system, which provides added protection to the edges of the paddle.

It is replaceable and can be easily swapped out when damaged by excessive play.

This feature adds to the paddle's durability and extends its lifespan, saving players money in the long run.

Weight Range, Grip Circumference, Handle Length, Paddle Width, and Paddle Length

The Pro Speed II Pickleball Paddle weighs between 7.

7 to 8 ounces, making it lightweight and easy to use.

The paddle has a 4-inch grip circumference, a 4 7/8-inch handle length, a 7.

6-inch paddle width, and a 15.

43-inch paddle length.

These dimensions create a well-balanced paddle that is comfortable to hold and easy to use, even for extended periods.

Paddle Face and Core Materials

The paddle face is made from a 7-layer coating and complex composite, including specially treated soft skin with spin-grab feature, carbon/fiberglass, and Prokennex Release epoxy/resin system.

The paddle core is made from polypropylene honeycomb matrix with a special quiet, high-impact resistance polymer.

The combination of these materials makes the paddle strong, durable, and power-packed.

Performance of the ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed II Paddle

Maneuverability: Enhancing Player's Movement on the Court

The ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed II Paddle is designed to be lightweight, making it easy for players to move quickly on the court.

This paddle boasts an edgeless construction which significantly reduces wind resistance, allowing for smooth and easy maneuverability.

Players can change directions, make quick movements, and adjust their position with ease.

The paddle's design enables it to be responsive to wrist movement and with the lightness of the paddle, allows for quick reflexes when players need to make sudden movements.

Touch, Feel, and Kitchen Play: Improving Player's Touch and Feel

The Kinetic shock-absorbing system used in the Pro Speed II Paddle is responsible for enhancing the touch, feel, and kitchen play.

The system consists of chambers filled with kinetic gel that absorbs vibration and shock, allowing for a softer, more comfortable feel to the paddle.

The paddle's tapered grip design also ensures greater control and precision in every shot, especially at the net.

Players can place delicate shots as the paddle provides the desired "soft" touch to ensure that the ball lands where they desire.

Power and Speed: Generating Impressive Shots on the Court

The Pro Speed II Paddle's core is made of a polypropylene honeycomb matrix with high impact resistance polymers.

These materials allow the paddle to generate all the power needed for impressive shots, enabling players to make quick points.

Furthermore, the paddle's design also enables arm speed and strength to generate more power behind the ball.

Its lightweight construction ensures that players can move quickly on the court, allowing for quicker play and swifter rallies.

Control and Balance: A Perfect Balance for Players

The Kinetic Pro Speed II Paddle is incredibly well-balanced, providing players with a perfect balance between power and speed.

The bumper system Air-O-Guard protects the edges from any collisions, protecting the paddle's durability.

The paddle has a 4-inch grip circumference and provides excellent grip, allowing players to exert greater control and keep the ball on the desired placement as they play.

This feature ensures that shots are more accurate, and players can play calmly with the perfect strike zone.

Sweet Spot: Larger and More Forgiving

The Pro Speed II Paddle has a larger sweet spot than other paddles of similar design, making it more forgiving when executing shots.

This feature ensures that if players don't hit the ball in the right spot with the paddle, they can still make the required shots.

This results in less error and more successful shots, allowing players to stay in control throughout the game.

Vibration and impact reduction: Softening the Blow

The Pro Speed II's Kinetic Shock-Absorbing System ensures that any vibration or impact is effectively dampened, resulting in a softer and more comfortable 'feel' of the paddle.

Additionally, the paddle makes use of a unique 7-layer composite which reduces vibration in the paddle.

This ensures that the player can use the paddle for an extended period without experiencing discomfort in their wrist.

Spin and Shot Control: Increasing Ball Movement and Direction

The Pro Speed II Paddle's face is made up of a 7-layer coating complex composite consisting of a specially treated soft skin with spin-grab feature, carbon/fiberglass, and Prokennex Release epoxy/resin system.

This allows for greater spin on the ball, resulting in improved ball movement and direction during play.

The composite's design ensures that players have greater control over the ball's movement, providing them with more spin without sacrificing shot accuracy.

Attacking Play

When it comes to pickleball, aggressive play can often be advantageous.

The ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed II Paddle is designed to generate power and speed, making it a great choice for those looking to improve their attacking play.

Here are some of the ways in which the paddle can excel at power and aggressive shots:

Power Shots

The ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed II Paddle is perfect for those with ample arm speed and strength, as it can generate all the power needed for successful power shots.

The tapered grip of the paddle makes it easier to control both power and spin, which can be essential when trying to hit a power shot that lands inside the court.

Thanks to its 7-layer coating and complex composite design, the paddle can create the necessary spin needed to generate top speed and control the direction of the ball.

Combined with its narrow edgeless construction, the Pro Speed II is the tool of choice for those looking to create and use powerful shots to their advantage and dominate their opponents.

Smashes

The Pro Speed II Paddle can also be used to hit powerful smashes that force your opponent to play defensively.

With its lightweight body and narrow construction, the paddle can be swung easily and quickly, making it perfect for hitting a smashing shot.

The Pro Speed II can also augment your smashing power with its Kinetic Shock Absorbing System, as it will absorb the impact of the ball and prevent potential injury on your wrist.

The high-tack grip of the paddle will help ensure that it does not slip out of your hands during your smash shot.

Drives

Drive shots require accuracy, speed, and control.

The ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed II Paddle excels in all three areas, providing you the necessary tools to hit that perfect drive shot.

The paddle's composite face layer and polypropylene honeycomb matrix core are designed to generate the necessary spin and control, giving you that extra edge in the game.

Thanks to the balance of the paddle, the drive shots have a consistent feel and a predictable trajectory, making it easier to aim your shots at your opponent's weak sides.

The paddle's thin construction also ensures that it will have a negligible impact on your arm�s speed and accuracy while you execute drive shots.

Volleys

The Pro Speed II Paddle is also an excellent choice for executing consistent and powerful volleys at the net.

Its lightweight construction means it can be easily maneuvered to block opponent volleys, while its composite coating layer will provide the necessary control and spin to execute successful hitting shots.

The Pro Speed II Paddle also has a large sweet spot and an Air-O-Guard bumper system making it easy for you to hit the ball properly every time.

With the Pro Speed II Paddle in hand, you can easily dominate the net and make successful shots, putting your opponents at a disadvantage.

Mastering Control Play

Control play in pickleball is a crucial aspect of the game that separates average players from the pros.

The ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed II Paddle is specifically designed to enhance control while maintaining power and speed.

In this section, we'll discuss four fundamental techniques for control play: dinks, drop shots, blocks, and soft shots.

Dinks

A dink is a soft shot that lands just over the net and spins away from your opponent.

It's an essential shot in pickleball that requires finesse and control.

The Kinetic shock absorbing system in the Pro Speed II paddle provides an increased touch, feel, and kitchen play that allows players to perform dinks with ease.

The high-tack grip and flush fit carbon fiber frame also help players maintain proper technique and control.

When performing a dink shot, it's crucial to use your wrist to create spin and angle the paddle downwards slightly to ensure the ball clears the net.

Take a comfortable position, avoid overhitting, and focus on the placement of the ball.

The Pro Speed II paddle's tapered grip can be a useful tool to manipulate the power and angle of your dink shots.

Drop Shots

A drop shot is a soft shot that lands just behind the non-volley zone (NVZ) line and is designed to catch your opponent off guard and force them to move forward unexpectedly.

The ProKennex Pro Speed II paddle's lightweight and maneuverable design allows players to execute drop shots with precision and control.

Its 7-layer coating and complex composite ensure the perfect blend of power and touch for an effective drop shot.

The key to a successful drop shot is to hit the ball low and with minimal power.

Use the backspin and angle of the paddle to create a shot that lands softly, bounces low, and stays close to the net.

The Pro Speed II paddle's thin core technology can generate the right amount of power to make your drop shots effective and puts pressure on your opponent.

Blocks

Blocking is an intermediate technique that requires minimal movement and is designed to quickly return incoming attacking shots from your opponent.

The ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed II paddle's design and technology provide players with excellent control and quick reflexes necessary to execute a perfect block shot.

When performing a block shot, keep your paddle in front of your body and try to absorb the pace of the incoming ball.

By controlling the momentum, you can direct the ball back to your opponent and force them to make the next move.

The Pro Speed II paddle's vibration and impact reduction system ensure that players can react comfortably and quickly to any incoming shots.

Soft Shots

Soft shots are a versatile technique used to throw your opponent off balance and create space on the court.

The Pro Speed II paddle's large sweet spot and well-balanced design make it an excellent choice for executing soft shots.

The technique for a soft shot is to hit the ball with minimal power and backspin.

This creates a shot that is slow and bounces low, just behind the NVZ line.

The Pro Speed II paddle's 7-layer coating and complex composite create a spin-grab feature that provides excellent shot control and makes it easier to execute effective soft shots.

Remember that control play is a game of patience and finesse.

This requires practice, precision, and the right equipment, like the ProKnight Kinetic Pro Speed II paddle.

With these essential techniques and paddle design, you can take your pickleball game to the next level and become a master of control play.

Pros and Cons of the ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed II Paddle

Advantages

Using the ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed II Paddle has several advantages that make it popular among pickleball players, including:

1. Maneuverability and Control

The wind resistant edgeless construction and thin core technology of this paddle make it highly maneuverable, allowing players to put spin on the ball and control their shots with precision.

Additionally, the tapered grip of the paddle makes it easy to control power and spin.

2. Power and Speed

The Pro Speed II Paddle is highly effective in generating all the power needed for players with superior arm speed and strength.

It's lightweight design is perfect for speed play at the net, giving players a quick reaction time to counter their opponents' shots.

3. Ball Control and Balance

Players who have used the ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed II Paddle have reported that it offers great control on court and makes shots easier to hit.

The balance of the paddle between power and speed is perfect, providing the balance needed for a great game.

4. Vibration and Impact Reduction

The paddle's Kinetic shock absorbing system is highly effective in reducing vibration and impact, making the game more comfortable for players.

Disadvantages

Despite its many advantages, the ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed II Paddle also has some downsides that players should be aware of before making a purchase.

1. Price

At $179.95, the Pro Speed II Paddle is a bit more expensive than most paddles on the market.

However, its durability and performance make it an investment that players who take pickleball seriously are willing to make.

2. Grip Circumference

The grip circumference of the paddle is only 4 inches, making it less suitable for players with larger hands.

However, this size is perfect for players who prefer a small grip circumference and like to have a great feel of the paddle during a game.

3. Noise Level

The Pro Speed II Paddle is constructed with a quiet polymer core that makes it perfect for tournaments.

However, some players have reported that it produces a loud sound when hitting the ball, which may take some getting used to.

Overall, the ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed II Paddle is a great investment for players looking for a paddle that offers great performance, control and speed on the court.

While it does have a few downsides, the pros of using this highly rated paddle far outweigh the cons.

Comparison to Other Paddles

Design and Features

When compared to similar paddles, the ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed II Paddle stands out with its unique design and advanced features.

The paddle's wind-resistant edgeless construction and thin core technology provide better maneuverability, while its Kinetic shock-absorbing system enhances touch, feel, and kitchen play.

Additionally, the Air-O-Guard bumper system and fresh paint job make it a stylish and sturdy paddle.

On the other hand, the paddle's face is made from a 7-layer coating and a complex composite material, including specially treated soft skin with a spin-grab feature, carbon/fiberglass, and Prokennex Release epoxy/resin system, making it a highly durable paddle.

The core is made from polypropylene honeycomb matrix, which is a quiet and high-impact-resistance polymer, and it comes with a replaceable bumper guard.

Performance

The ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed II Paddle excels in both power and control when compared to other paddles.

The paddle generates all the power needed and is perfect for arm speed and strength, and its lightweight design is great for speed at the net.

Additionally, the paddle offers great control, making shots easier to hit and allowing for more precision.

The paddle's large sweet spot provides excellent accuracy, while the Kinetic shock-absorbing system reduces vibration and impact, thereby adding to the overall comfort of the paddle.

The 7-layer coating on the paddle face creates spin and increases shot control, making it an excellent paddle for both attacking and control play styles.

Comparison to Other Paddles in Terms of Performance

Compared to other paddles, the ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed II Paddle is one of the best on the market.

One of its closest competitors is the Selkirk Prime Epic Paddle, which also features a honeycomb core and an edge guard.

However, it does not come with a Kinetic shock-absorbing system or a wind-resistant edgeless construction, which makes the ProKennex paddle stand out in terms of maneuverability and comfort.

In terms of performance, the ProKennex paddle has a better balance between power and speed than the Onix Graphite Z5 Paddle.

While the Onix paddle is excellent for power shots, the Kinetic Pro Speed II Paddle offers superior shot placement and better control for both attacking and control play styles.

In conclusion, the ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed II Pickleball Paddle is a top-of-the-line paddle that stands out from its competition with its unique design and advanced features.

Its excellent performance and control make it a great option for players of all skill levels.

Conclusion

After having the pleasure of trying out the ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed II Paddle, I can confidently say that this baby has some serious speed. With its lightweight and balanced design, I felt like I was wielding a lightsaber on the court. The Kinetic Technology also helps reduce shock and vibration, making my delicate little arms feel less like jello after a long game. And let's talk about the sound - oh man, there's nothing quite like the satisfying THWACK of hitting that sweet spot. Overall, if you're looking to up your pickleball game and make all your opponents green with envy, then you need to get your hands on the ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed II Paddle. Trust me, your game (and your arms) will thank you.