ProKennex is mainly known for its arm-friendly tennis rackets that use tiny beads in the hoop to dampen the vibration. But they also do a full range of grips, bags, and, more importantly – tennis strings.
As part of the ongoing series of reviews on Perfect Tennis, I recently experimented with the Prokennex IQ Hexa, which has received good feedback despite being almost unheard of in the more significant Western markets.
Despite ProKennex’s relatively low profile, its dazzling, intense light blue makes it hard to miss on the court. But does it live up to its flashy appearance? Here is my take.
ProKennex IQ Hexa Specification
Specification
Composition: Monofilament, based on co-polyester.
Gauge: I used 1.23mm. It is also available in 1.18mm and 1.28mm.
Colour: Blue. It is also available in Red, Yellow, Black, Orange and Grey.
Tension: The recommended tension range for Prokennex IQ Hexa is between 20 and 24 kg.
Racket Setup For Testing
Tension: Strung at 21 – 20.5 kg with four knots
Frame: Yonex V-CORE, 300g unstrung, 326 complete kit, string pattern 16×19, length 687 mm, balance 325 mm.
Grip Size: #2
Head size: 100 inches.
Previous string on the frame: Dunlop Black Widow, StringLab Tournament strung at 20-19.5 kg
ProKennex IQ Hexa Playest and Review
First Impressions
Uncoiling the IQ Hexa from its neatly packaged form, the immediate allure is its striking, intense, light blue hue.
It reminded me somewhat of clear blue skies on a sunny day or the shimmering waters of a tropical beach. Such a distinct colour provides a visually appealing aesthetic to the racket and adds a touch of unique character. This vibrant shade seems to promise flair, both in appearance and performance.
As I further inspected the string, my eyes were drawn to its thickness – its thinness. The 1.23mm gauge, slimmer than many popular strings on the market, intrigued me.
Gauge plays a pivotal role in determining the playability and attributes of the string. Thanks to the reduced string surface, a thinner gauge often implies more significant potential for spin, feel, and touch. It’s akin to the delicate touch of a paintbrush, allowing for nuances in stroke play.
Groundstrokes
Out on the court, having completed my usual warm-up routine, I was poised to assess the ProKennex IQ Hexa’s performance. Groundstrokes, a foundational aspect of any player’s game, seemed the logical starting point for this evaluation.
The ball and string interaction differed from my usual experiences from the outset. The IQ Hexa displayed a noticeable grip on the ball, translating to commendable spin capabilities.
On executing topspin forehands, the ball trajectory felt consistent, and backhand slices demonstrated a stable descent, indicating reasonable control of the string’s texture and composition.
However, challenges arose when trying to dial up the intensity and depth of my shots from the baseline.
Typically, I can generate significant power with my preferred strings, pushing the ball deep into the opponent’s territory.
With the IQ Hexa, this aggressive play felt constrained. The stringbed’s response was more muted than expected, and the potential energy transfer from racket to ball seemed limited.
I made several technical adjustments to account for this power deficit: increasing racket head speed, adjusting the strike zone, and using more physical strength than usual.
Yet, the results remained consistent. The power output, especially during full swings, was not at par with what I am accustomed to. The depth of shots became harder to maintain, requiring more physical effort to keep the ball in the desired court zones.
To be clear, the IQ Hexa was not unresponsive. It offered tactile feedback, especially noticeable in controlled rallies.
However, the string might challenge generating the desired pace and depth for players like me who rely on powerful baseline shots.
This initial evaluation suggests that while the string might excel in spin and control, it lacks the requisite attributes for raw power generation.
Touch Shots and Serves
Transitioning from baseline rallies to softer touch shots and intricate volleys, I began to discern a more favourable facet of the IQ Hexa. The string seemed more at home in this nuanced aspect of the game.
The 1.23mm gauge of the IQ Hexa had certain advantages when it came to delicate touch shots. The thinner profile of the string allowed for a heightened sense of connection with the ball.
When executing volleys, especially those requiring finesse, I could distinctly feel the ball’s texture and trajectory, which translated to improved placement.
This tactile sensation also manifested in drop shots. The ease of control, the way the string seemed to cradle the ball, allowed for precise, delicate drops that died quickly after crossing the net, posing challenges for an advancing opponent.
Slices and drop shots demanding precision and touch provided an exciting perspective on the Prokennex IQ Hexa.
The string enhanced the ball’s feel and connection when slicing, particularly in backhand situations. It seemed to grip the ball just a touch longer, allowing for controlled skidding slices that stayed low, proving challenging for opponents.
Drop shots, meanwhile, showcased the string’s potential for delicate touch. The IQ Hexa cushioned the ball, making it easier to temper the pace and drop it over the net.
The level of control was notable; the ball consistently landed close to the net, making it harder for opponents to chase down.
Both these shots – the slice and the drop shot – felt intuitive and efficient, highlighting the string’s strengths in finesse and control-oriented play.
Yet, as I transitioned to the service box, old challenges reemerged. Serving, an integral game component, often sets the tone for a point.
As someone who relies on a potent serve as a cornerstone of my play, the feedback from the IQ Hexa was less than ideal.
The inherent elasticity and response I expect from a string, which contributes to the explosive “pop” on serves, seemed muted with the Hexa. This dampened feedback was reminiscent of my earlier experience with groundstrokes.
Each serve required a more exaggerated swing, a conscious effort to compensate for the power deficit. Even with these adjustments, the results weren’t optimal.
The ball lacked the usual speed and depth, making it less challenging for the receiver. This scenario highlighted a broader theme: while the IQ Hexa presented advantages in control-oriented shots, it is not optimally geared for power-heavy aspects of the game.
Durability
During the initial sessions, tension retention was commendable. Shots remained consistent, and there wasn’t a noticeable dip in performance.
The inherent elasticity of the string seemed intact, ensuring a consistent response on ball strikes. However, some typical wear patterns emerged after subjecting it to several hours of rigorous play.
The string’s surface displayed minute fraying, and there was a subtle shift in the sound and feel during ball strikes, suggesting tension loss.
Moreover, while it did not snap during my evaluation period, the wear patterns indicated that I might be restringing sooner than with other premium poly strings I used.
In conclusion, the IQ Hexa offers a reasonable lifespan, especially for casual or intermediate players. But those engaged in heavy, daily hitting or professional play might require more frequent replacements.
While it doesn’t top the charts in durability, it holds its own, providing a balanced performance over a reasonable play duration.
ProKennex IQ Hexa vs Yonex Polytour Pro
To shed light on my observations, it’s pertinent to note that I’ve extensively used the Yonex Poly Tour Pro for a significant duration.
This prior experience forms the baseline for many of my evaluations, especially when testing new strings like the Prokennex IQ Hexa.
Upon comparison, the disparity in power output between the two strings becomes palpable. The IQ Hexa, with its unique construction, prioritises touch and feel. Its design caters to players seeking a heightened connection with the ball, especially during delicate net play and touch shots. Its unique attributes, however, come at the expense of raw power.
On the other hand, the Yonex Poly Tour Pro presents itself as a more versatile option. Its balanced construction aims to cater to a broader spectrum of playstyles.
This string offers an admirable combination of power, spin, and control, making it suitable for aggressive baseliners and touch artists. This blend of attributes has made it my go-to string for so long and, in direct contrast, underscores the specialised nature of the IQ Hexa.
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Who is ProKennex IQ Hexa For?
Navigating the vast world of tennis strings, choices often come down to individual playing styles and preferences.
For the Prokennex IQ Hexa, my experience signals caution for a specific subset of players. If you are an aggressive baseliner who relishes the depth and power of booming groundstrokes, or if those impactful big shots characterise your game, the IQ Hexa might not align with your expectations.
However, tennis is a game of nuance and not just raw force. This string presents intriguing possibilities for those who find beauty in the sport’s subtleties and value precision, touch, and control.
Its thin gauge and unique construction offer an enhanced feel, particularly beneficial at the net. The IQ Hexa could complement your arsenal if your style leans towards delicate drop shots, crafty slices, or deft touch volleys.
In essence, while the string may not be universal in its appeal, for the tacticians of the court, those who rely on guile as much as strength, the Prokennex IQ Hexa might be a worthy exploration.
Pros
Good spin potential
Stable/consistent response
Control orientated
Cons
Low powered
Average comfort
Have you tried any ProKennex strings? Let me know in the comments.
Power – 5
Control – 8
Comfort – 5
Touch / Feedback – 8
Spin – 7
Snapback – 7
Durability – 8
Tension Maintenance – 6
6.8
GOOD FEEL
ProKennex IQ Hexa offers control and feel, but lacks the characteristics for aiding powerful stroke production.