ProKennex Black Ace LG

In depth

ProKennex Black Ace LG — the long answer

Softness 92 — the highest published in the database. The Black Ace LG uses ProKennex's Kinetic damping chambers to cut shock, and it is our default recommendation for players managing arm pain.

Who should buy the Black Ace LG?

Most compared with the Black Ace LG

The matchups people actually cross-shop, each with a full 15-trait breakdown.

• ProKennex Black Ace LG vs ProKennex Kinetic Pro FlightIn depthIn-depth head-to-head
• ProKennex Black Ace LG vs GAMMA Obsidian 16In depthIn-depth head-to-head
• Black Ace LG vs Tempest Pro C 16Cross-shopped at the same price
• Black Ace LG vs Vanguard Control Air InviktaCross-shopped at the same price
• Black Ace LG vs Vanguard 2.0 InviktaCross-shopped at the same price
• Black Ace LG vs Model E Max V3Cross-shopped at the same price
• Black Ace LG vs Pursuit MX 6.0Cross-shopped at the same price
• Black Ace LG vs Tempest Wave V3$50 cheaper
• Black Ace LG vs Crush Control 16$40 cheaper

DNA match — paddles within 5% of the Black Ace LG

Our similarity engine ranks the whole database by average DNA deviation. Tighten or widen the band to see how far you have to travel to save money or gain a trait.

Paddle DNA™ match

Match tolerance

±3%±5%±8%±12%

Only show cheaper paddles

ProKennex Black Ace LG

IQ 83.1 · $200

8 paddles within 5% of the Black Ace LG

Ranked by DNA deviation

1. #1Paddletek Tempest Pro C 16$190 (-10) · 16 mm · standardDNA match98%85
   +4 control-4 softness+2 power+2 spin

   +4 control · -4 softness · Higher IQ score (84.5 vs 83.1)

   CompareFull DNA
2. #2JOOLA Vision CGS 16$180 (-20) · 16 mm · standardDNA match97.2%85
   -8 softness+6 spin+4 power+4 maneuverability

   Saves $20 versus the Black Ace LG · +6 spin · -8 softness · Higher IQ score (85.3 vs 83.1)

   CompareFull DNA
3. #3Six Zero Quartz Hybrid 16$180 (-20) · 16 mm · hybridDNA match97.1%86
   +6 power+6 spin+6 pop+4 maneuverability

   Saves $20 versus the Black Ace LG · +6 power · -4 swing weight · Higher IQ score (85.8 vs 83.1)

   CompareFull DNA
4. #4Six Zero Sapphire 16$190 (-10) · 16 mm · standardDNA match96.9%86
   +9 spin+6 power-6 swing weight-6 softness

   +9 spin · -6 swing weight · Higher IQ score (85.9 vs 83.1)

   CompareFull DNA
5. #5Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2$170 (-30) · 16 mm · standardDNA match96.9%85
   -12 softness+6 power+6 spin+4 stability

   Saves $30 versus the Black Ace LG · +6 power · -12 softness · Higher IQ score (85.4 vs 83.1)

   CompareFull DNA
6. #6Engage Pursuit MX 6.0$220 (+20) · 16 mm · elongatedDNA match96.9%85
   +7 twist weight-6 maneuverability+5 launch angle+4 power

   +7 twist weight · -6 maneuverability · Higher IQ score (85.2 vs 83.1)

   CompareFull DNA
7. #7Vatic Pro Atlas 16$110 (-90) · 16 mm · widebodyDNA match96.9%85
   -10 softness+4 power+4 spin+4 sweet spot

   Saves $90 versus the Black Ace LG · +4 power · -10 softness · Higher IQ score (84.8 vs 83.1)

   CompareFull DNA
8. #8Holbrook Pickleball Crush Control 16$160 (-40) · 16 mm · hybridDNA match96.9%84
   -12 softness+6 power+6 pop+4 spin

   Saves $40 versus the Black Ace LG · +6 power · -12 softness · Higher IQ score (84.1 vs 83.1)

   CompareFull DNA

Best alternatives to the Black Ace LG

Each pick beats the Black Ace LG on one specific thing — price, power, control or forgiveness.

• Black Ace LG vs V-Sol Pro 16
• Black Ace LG vs Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16
• Black Ace LG vs Perseus Pro V 16

Black Ace LG — frequently asked questions

Is the ProKennex Black Ace LG good for tennis elbow?

It is the paddle we recommend first. Softness 92 is the highest damping figure we have catalogued, though no paddle substitutes for medical advice or technique work.

Black Ace LG vs Kinetic Pro Flight?

Same damping technology; the LG is the longer, more forgiving body, the Pro Flight is faster through the air.

Is it competitive at a tournament level?

In the soft game, yes. Against power players you have to win with placement rather than pace.

Is the ProKennex Black Ace LG good for beginners?

Yes. Forgiveness scores 88/100 and the sweet spot 86/100, both high enough that off-centre contact still produces a playable ball. At $200 it is more paddle than most beginners need, but it will not hold you back.

Is the ProKennex Black Ace LG worth the price?

At $200 it sits in the 55th percentile of the database for cost and the 42nd for IQ score. If those numbers do not line up for you, the Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16 at $99 is the value alternative we point people to.

How does the Black Ace LG compare to the Tempest Pro C 16?

They are close on DNA. The Black Ace LG reads power 74 / control 88 / spin 82 against 76 / 92 / 84 for the Tempest Pro C 16, at $200 versus $190. Our full head-to-head breaks down every trait.

Is the 16 mm better than the 14 mm version?

A 16 mm core has longer dwell time, which is what produces softer resets and more repeatable placement. The 14 mm build trades that dwell for a faster, poppier response off the face. Control players take 16 mm; players who want the ball gone quickly take 14 mm.

Is the ProKennex Black Ace LG approved for tournament play?

Sanctioned play requires the model to appear on USA Pickleball's official approved-equipment list. ProKennex submits its retail models for approval, but approval is per model and configuration, so check the current USAP list for the exact Black Ace LG build before you enter a sanctioned event. We do not list approval status we have not verified.

Does the Black Ace LG have good spin?

Spin scores 82/100 — the 16th percentile of our database (among the lower values in the database) — off a Textured carbon face. Spin is not this paddle's strength — several paddles in the same price band score meaningfully higher.

Is the Black Ace LG head heavy?

Swing weight is 109 kg·cm² and twist weight 6.4. That is light and fast through the swing path, which favours hands battles over plow-through. Static weight is 8 oz.

Does the Black Ace LG benefit from lead tape?

Yes — at 109 kg·cm² there is room to add. Tape at 3 and 9 o'clock raises twist weight and stability with the smallest hit to hand speed; tape at 12 adds power and plow-through but slows the paddle noticeably. Any added weight can affect tournament legality if it changes the paddle beyond the approved configuration.

What is the best overgrip for the Black Ace LG?

The stock handle is 5.5 in long with a 4.25 in circumference. A thin tacky overgrip adds roughly 1/16 in of circumference and a few grams above the balance point — the cheapest way to fine-tune fit. If your hand is larger than the 4.25 in stock size, build up with an under-wrap first rather than stacking overgrips.

What should I replace the Black Ace LG with when it wears out?

Face wear shows up as lost spin long before the core dies. The straight replacement is another Black Ace LG; if you want to change something, the JOOLA Perseus Pro V 16 adds control (96 vs 88) and the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 adds power (95 vs 74).

Who is the Black Ace LG best for?

Players managing tennis elbow or shoulder pain. Skill levels we would put on it: beginner, intermediate, advanced. Handle length of 5.5 in supports a two-handed backhand.

What shape and size is the Black Ace LG?

elongated shape, 16.3 in long by 7.5 in wide, 16 mm Kinetic core with damping chambers core, Textured carbon face, 8 oz. Released 2025.