Pro Kennex Smash Grey Racket

The Pro Kennex Smash Grey, comfort above all

The Smash is Pro Kennex's entry-level racket: a teardrop shape, a graphite and fibreglass frame and a Soft EVA 16 core. In the lab it surprises: its comfort is among the highest we have measured, ball exit is very easy and forgiveness excellent. Grey camo pattern.

Who is this racket for?

Beginners and intermediate players who want a soft racket that sends the ball deep without effort and forgives off-centre hits. Pro Kennex presents it as light and manoeuvrable, but our X-Compare measurements show mass placed towards the head with high inertia: it is more stable than lively and needs a little more preparation time at the net. Control is moderate and spin limited: its strength is ease of hitting.

The technologies explained

• Soft EVA 16 and soft face: a very gentle feel and very easy ball exit.
• Graphite and fibreglass frame: three layers, plus a carbon layer to protect the frame.
• Teardrop shape (74 in²): a large sweet spot that forgives off-centre contact.
• Smooth face: little grip for spin.
• 38 mm profile and free racket cover.

The Extreme Tennis team's verdict

The Smash is the most comfortable and easiest racket in this Pro Kennex range, at a very accessible price. If you want more precision and manoeuvrability, the Turbo and Turbo Speed are much stronger on control. The Smash is also available in red.