I've been using the OG Black Ace since it's release. The delisting is a real bummer. I'm hesitant to shell out $280 for a paddle from a company that's seems to be in total disarray. Thank you for the thoughtful review. Cheers!
Really good review and I'm especially happy that you took the time to address how Pkx appears to be "all over the map" here. First, I do sympathize with what they are going through. The previous Black Ace was approved by the USAPA for over 2.5 years. Then they change the criteria on them and now they are banned? That doesn't seem right. They should have been grand-fathered in with the caveat that Pkx would need to make changes to fit their new criteria. Then everyone could be happy. However, all that said, how are these new paddles not up on Pkx's own web site? Just before the announcement came out that the older model would be banned, Pkx dropped the price of their Black Ace everywhere. Really bad form. Pkx clearly was pushing all their inventory that they knew would eventually be banned, but the customer is left in the dark. Could this be why they aren't showing their new paddles on their own site? Just as you alluded to, people can still go buy the banned paddle on Amazon just fine, but their unbanned products aren't even on Amazon. It is all incredibly confusing and Pkx is no where to be found answering these questions. They did announce they are appealing the de-listing of their legacy paddles, but that still doesn't answer all these other questions. And what about all those customers with brand loyalty with Pkx. I own 6 Pkx tennix racquets and 2 Black Ace PB paddles. Give healthy discounts to those who have bought the banned paddles to upgrade to a newer paddle. That $280 price tag does come with some sticker shock. Anyway, a lot to be said here and I think Pkx could do better and I hope they do. I would like to stay with them, but I must admit, it now has be considering other paddle manufacturers. We'll see.
The original Blace Ace that Steve Dawson designed is still a solid paddle. I play with a group in rec that are still playing with the first release. The new owners did something to the internals that makes it "rattle" way more than the original. Maybe since they are 14mm and not 10.5mm New owners made changes.
I just can't understand how these paddles are so expensive. I can see paying that for something that is hot, like the Ripple. But when it's a good all around paddle but not great at really anything, it should be more around $150 or under. The Honolulu J3K is a good example of where this paddle should be priced.
I've been using the OG Black Ace since it's release. The delisting is a real bummer. I'm hesitant to shell out $280 for a paddle from a company that's seems to be in total disarray. Thank you for the thoughtful review. Cheers!
Really good review and I'm especially happy that you took the time to address how Pkx appears to be "all over the map" here. First, I do sympathize with what they are going through. The previous Black Ace was approved by the USAPA for over 2.5 years. Then they change the criteria on them and now they are banned? That doesn't seem right. They should have been grand-fathered in with the caveat that Pkx would need to make changes to fit their new criteria. Then everyone could be happy. However, all that said, how are these new paddles not up on Pkx's own web site? Just before the announcement came out that the older model would be banned, Pkx dropped the price of their Black Ace everywhere. Really bad form. Pkx clearly was pushing all their inventory that they knew would eventually be banned, but the customer is left in the dark. Could this be why they aren't showing their new paddles on their own site? Just as you alluded to, people can still go buy the banned paddle on Amazon just fine, but their unbanned products aren't even on Amazon. It is all incredibly confusing and Pkx is no where to be found answering these questions. They did announce they are appealing the de-listing of their legacy paddles, but that still doesn't answer all these other questions. And what about all those customers with brand loyalty with Pkx. I own 6 Pkx tennix racquets and 2 Black Ace PB paddles. Give healthy discounts to those who have bought the banned paddles to upgrade to a newer paddle. That $280 price tag does come with some sticker shock. Anyway, a lot to be said here and I think Pkx could do better and I hope they do. I would like to stay with them, but I must admit, it now has be considering other paddle manufacturers. We'll see.
Does the vibration dampening on these paddles really work or is it marketing hype?
The original Blace Ace that Steve Dawson designed is still a solid paddle. I play with a group in rec that are still playing with the first release.
The new owners did something to the internals that makes it "rattle" way more than the original. Maybe since they are 14mm and not 10.5mm
New owners made changes.
Never owned that brand before. I hear mixed things about this release.
I just can't understand how these paddles are so expensive. I can see paying that for something that is hot, like the Ripple. But when it's a good all around paddle but not great at really anything, it should be more around $150 or under. The Honolulu J3K is a good example of where this paddle should be priced.
I wish they had reserved the Black Ace name for a paddle that lives up to it's reputation in some ways. This is a completely different paddle.
Curious about the details on the sale of the company when Steve sold it last year.
@kimleith1378 didn't know he sold it. But that makes sense. New owners often mess things up. Especially when they prioritize profit.