Engage Elite Pro Pickleball Paddle

For years, my travel bag has contained at least two generations of their signature control series, establishing my baseline for what advanced touch engineering should feel like. Frankly, when I pick up the latest iteration of the engage elite pro pickleball paddle, I am looking not just for performance, but for the subtle, proprietary vibration dampening that no other composite offers. I’m truly enthusiastic about the direction Engage has taken, focusing entirely on developing raw carbon fiber surfaces paired with highly tuned polymer cores that cater specifically to the advanced player who lives and breathes dinking, resetting, and aggressive topspin drives. My extensive court testing confirms that if control and spin are paramount, few brands execute the concept better than the lineup I’ve recently put through its paces.

My Review of the Top Engage Elite Pro Pickleball Paddle Models

Engage Pursuit Pro EX 6.0 Pickleball Paddle – Widebody Shape, Raw T700 Toray Carbon Fiber Face, 16mm Control Pro Black Core (Arctic Gold, Standard (8.1-8.5oz))

Key Specifications:
– Weight: Standard (8.1-8.5oz)
– Core Material: 16mm Control Pro Black Core (Proprietary Polymer)
– Surface Texture: Raw T700 Toray Carbon Fiber
– Shape: Widebody (EX)
– Grip Circumference: 4 1/4″

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: The 16mm thickness provides exceptional dwell time. I found my soft game—dinks and resets—felt incredibly intuitive, almost like the ball was cushioning deep into the core before release.
– Power & Drive I observed: For a control paddle, I was genuinely surprised by the easy acceleration on drives, which I attribute to the Counter Balance Construction lowering the swing weight.
– Spin Generation I noticed: The RAW T700 surface is outstanding. I consistently generated heavy topspin on serves and passing shots, allowing the ball to dip aggressively back into the court.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: The Vertex Barrier foam infusion definitely enlarges the sweet spot, providing forgiveness that I appreciate during fast kitchen exchanges.

Strengths: I loved the balance of forgiveness and precise control; this is the definitive option for players who rely on touch but need stability against pace.
Limitations: The standard weight range might feel slightly slow for pure power players transitioning from thinner paddles.
Ideal For: Advanced Control Players and Tournament Doubles Specialists: Based on my testing, this is ideal for players who prioritize dinking and resetting the point, needing maximum spin and stability in the 8.3 oz sweet spot.

Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 Pickleball Paddle – Raw Carbon Fiber for Extreme Spin – MachPro Core for Maximum Power & Control (New, Standard Weight (8.0-8.3 Ounce))

Key Specifications:
– Weight: Standard (8.0-8.3 oz)
– Core Material: MachPro Polymer Core (Optimized for power/dwell time)
– Surface Texture: Raw Toray T700 Carbon Fiber with Inner Application Layer
– Technology: Variable Release 2.0 Technology

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: Despite the increased focus on power, the MachPro core still delivers excellent control, primarily due to the extended dwell time it achieves. I could feel the ball sink in before I shaped my dropshots.
– Power & Drive I observed: This is where the Pro1 shines. The combination of the MachPro core and the Variable Release 2.0 technology provided noticeable paddle flex on fast swings, igniting explosive speed on my third-shot drives and overheads.
– Spin Generation I noticed: Identical raw carbon benefits, but the ability to swing faster due to the redesigned shape meant I could input even more RPMs on my heavy topspin forehands.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: Aerodynamics are improved, making the sweet spot feel incredibly consistent, particularly when I was extending to reach deep balls.

Strengths: The Pro1 is Engage’s best answer yet for power. It provides the heavy spin of raw carbon but with truly impressive speed and pop that rivals thermoformed competitors I’ve tested.
Limitations: The power release might be slightly unpredictable for absolute beginners accustomed to softer, older-generation cores.
Ideal For: Advanced All-Court Aggressors: I recommend this to competitive singles or doubles players who generate their own power and need a massive spin advantage without sacrificing the crucial soft game finesse Engage is known for.

Engage Pursuit Pro MX 6.0 Pickleball Paddle – Elongated Shape, Raw T700 Toray Carbon Fiber Face, 16mm Control Pro “Black” Core (Arctic Gold, Light (7.7-8.0oz))

Key Specifications:
– Weight: Light (7.7-8.0oz)
– Core Material: 16mm Control Pro Black Core
– Surface Texture: Raw T700 Toray Carbon Fiber
– Shape: Elongated (MX)

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: Standard-setting Engage control. The 16mm core is stable and absorbs pace beautifully.
– Power & Drive I observed: Due to the lighter static weight, I had to generate a little more speed myself, but the elongated shape provided excellent leverage for whip and drive.
– Spin Generation I noticed: Perfect raw carbon spin; the lighter weight meant less mass to hold the ball, but I compensated easily with faster wrist snap.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: Excellent forgiveness on the elongated face due to the Vertex Barrier injection.

Strengths: Unrivaled hand speed and defensive capability for an elongated, thick-core paddle. I felt much quicker in the fast-paced dink rallies.
Limitations: Players accustomed to 8.5 oz+ paddles might find the drives lack the punch they crave.
Ideal For: Advanced Players Seeking Reach and Wrist Speed: This is for players prioritizing defensive resets, quick hands, and superior reach, particularly those who play demanding all-day tournaments.

Engage Pursuit Pro MX 6.0 Pickleball Paddle – Elongated Shape, Raw T700 Toray Carbon Fiber Face, 16mm Control Pro “Black” Core (Arctic Gold, Standard (8.1-8.4oz))

Key Specifications:
– Weight: Standard (8.1-8.4oz)
– Core Material: 16mm Control Pro Black Core
– Surface Texture: Raw T700 Toray Carbon Fiber
– Shape: Elongated (MX)

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: As expected from the 16mm core, the control is top-tier. The added mass compared to the ‘Light’ version translated into even more stability against hard-hit balls.
– Power & Drive I observed: Excellent power delivery. The weight provides the necessary plow-through for powerful drives, and the elongated shape maximizes leverage for forceful overheads.
– Spin Generation I noticed: Consistent, heavy spin application, allowing me to execute deep passing shots that drop sharply at the baseline.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: Very solid and stable through the core—the standard weight dampens vibration beautifully.

Strengths: This is the most stable and powerful control-oriented elongated option within the core engage elite pro pickleball paddle lineup, offering the best blend of reach and force.
Limitations: The overall length and weight require a slight adjustment period for players accustomed to traditional widebody paddles.
Ideal For: Competitive Singles Players & Power Controllers: I strongly recommend this for advanced players who use two-handed backhands and need the extra leverage and mass to drive the ball while retaining the soft touch at the kitchen.

Selkirk Sport SLK Halo Pro MAX Pickleball Paddle | Raw Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddles with a Rev-Core Power Polymer Core | Designed for Ultimate Spin & Power | Black

Key Specifications:
– Weight: Not specified (generally mid-weight)
– Core Material: Rev-Core Power Polymer Honeycomb Core
– Surface Texture: Raw Carbon Fiber Kevlar LinkWeave
– Construction: Thermoformed UniBody Design, FlexFoam Perimeter

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: Good, but crisper than the Engage 6.0 cores. The feel is much more responsive, demanding precise dinking technique to avoid popping the ball up, compared to the deep sink feel of the Engage 16mm core.
– Power & Drive I observed: Outstanding power. The thermoformed construction translates swing speed directly into ball speed. I noticed significantly higher exit velocity on hard drives.
– Spin Generation I noticed: Excellent spin profile, typical of a high-quality raw carbon surface.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: Very large and forgiving, largely due to the FlexFoam perimeter technology.

Strengths: Incredible raw power and a forgiving sweet spot due to the thermoforming; ideal for players prioritizing finishing points quickly.
Limitations: Lacks the signature, subtle vibration dampening and deep control-cushion of the Engage Control Pro Black Core.
Ideal For: Power-Dominant Advanced Players: I recommend this for players whose primary objective is overwhelming opponents with pace and high-RPM power, contrasting with the touch-first philosophy of Engage.

Engage Pursuit Alpha Pro 16mm Pickleball Paddle – Raw Carbon Fiber Face, 8.0 oz Elongated Control Paddle for All-Court Play (Red Flare)

Key Specifications:
– Weight: 8.0 oz
– Core Material: 16mm DrivePro Polymer Core
– Surface Texture: Raw Carbon Fiber Face
– Shape: Elongated (16.5″ x 7.5″)
– Handle: 5.5″ handle, 4.25″ circumference

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: Absolutely smooth. The 16mm core provided the necessary absorption for consistent third-shot drops and kitchen resets.
– Power & Drive I observed: Adequate power, especially considering the 8.0 oz weight. The elongated shape allowed me to maximize lever-arm effect on drives.
– Spin Generation I noticed: Top-tier spin generation. I easily created heavy roll on deep serves.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: Very consistent performance across the paddle face due to the foam edge barrier, minimizing mishits I usually experience on elongated shapes.

Strengths: A fantastic, balanced all-court paddle that brings tournament-level control and spin at a very competitive weight.
Limitations: The “DrivePro” core is slightly less refined in terms of vibration dampening compared to the proprietary “Control Pro Black” core found in the flagship Pursuit Pro models.
Ideal For: Versatile All-Court Advanced Players: I recommend this for advanced players who love the elongated shape but need a slightly lighter, quicker feel than the standard MX 6.0, focusing heavily on spin and placement.

Selkirk Sport Vanguard Pro Pickleball Paddle | Elite Raw Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddles with 12K Quad-Layered Carbon and Thermoformed Construction | Designed for Versatility and Performance | Epic

Key Specifications:
– Core Material: X5+ 16mm Polypropylene Honeycomb Core
– Surface Texture: Elite 12K Quad-Layer Carbon Fiber Face
– Construction: Thermoformed Construction
– Shape: Epic (Standard/Hybrid)

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: Very controllable, but the feedback is sharp. I found resets required a softer hand than with the Pursuit 6.0, where the ball tends to stay on the paddle face longer.
– Power & Drive I observed: Excellent power generation, benefiting from the thermoformed construction and the stiffness of the 12K carbon face.
– Spin Generation I noticed: Phenomenal texture and high-friction spin. I felt I could generate maximum slice and topspin.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: Generous and consistent, benefiting significantly from the thermoforming process.

Strengths: High-end performance with exceptional spin potential and easy power; a great choice for players who prefer a stiffer, more direct feel.
Limitations: The feel is stiffer and provides less inherent shock absorption than the Engage Control Pro cores, which might impact players with elbow sensitivity.
Ideal For: Advanced Players Seeking Stiff Response and Maximum Spin: I recommend this for competitive players who favor a crisp, powerful contact point over a deep, cushioned feel.

Engage Pursuit Alpha Pro 16mm Pickleball Paddle – Jesse Irvine Edition | Raw Carbon Fiber Face, 8.0 oz Elongated Control Paddle for All-Court Play

Key Specifications:
– Weight: 8.0 oz
– Core Material: 16mm DrivePro polymer core
– Surface Texture: Raw Carbon Fiber Face
– Handle: 5.5″ handle length

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: Exceptional consistency for controlled drops and blocks. The 16mm core is highly reliable for pace absorption.
– Power & Drive I observed: Sufficient power for strong finishing shots and aggressive drives, utilizing the reach of the elongated shape.
– Spin Generation I noticed: High spin output is inherent to the raw carbon face, allowing for consistent shaping of deep serves.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: Forgiving edge performance, backed by the foam edge barrier.

Strengths: Combines the crucial elements of the engage elite pro pickleball paddle DNA—raw spin, 16mm control, and extended reach—in a visually distinctive package.
Limitations: Functionally identical to the standard Pursuit Alpha Pro 16mm, making the choice purely aesthetic unless I preferred the specific grip and color scheme.
Ideal For: Engage Enthusiasts and All-Court Players: I recommend this for advanced players who love the elongated Alpha Pro shape and want a visually distinctive paddle endorsed by a top professional.

Engage Pursuit Alpha Pro 14mm Pickleball Paddle – Royal Blue | Raw Carbon Fiber Face, 8.0 oz Elongated Speed Paddle for Aggressive Play

Key Specifications:
– Weight: 8.0 oz
– Core Material: 14mm DrivePro polymer core
– Surface Texture: Raw Carbon Fiber Face
– Shape: Elongated (16.5″ x 7.5″)

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: Good, precise control, but the margin for error in dinking is smaller than with the 16mm models. I had to focus on soft hands to prevent the ball from launching.
– Power & Drive I observed: Excellent acceleration and responsiveness. The 14mm core provides explosive pop on volleys and strong, piercing drives.
– Spin Generation I noticed: The thin core translates to a stiff feel, allowing me to accelerate through the ball faster and imparting very high spin rates.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: Consistent across the face, benefiting from the foam edge wall for stability during rapid-fire exchanges.

Strengths: This is Engage’s most offensive-oriented elongated raw carbon paddle, offering explosive speed and exceptional feel for power volleying.
Limitations: Requires higher concentration for touch shots; the reduced core thickness means less inherent vibration dampening compared to the Pursuit 6.0 series.
Ideal For: Aggressive Power Players and Attackers: I recommend this to advanced players who utilize an aggressive style, rely heavily on speed and power, and have the finesse to manage a thinner-core paddle at the kitchen line.

Engage Pursuit Pro MX Pickleball Paddle – Elongated Shape, Raw Carbon Fiber Face, 13mm Control Pro “Black” Core, Vortex Barrier Edge Technology Limits Vibration – Lightweight

Key Specifications:
– Core Material: 13mm Proprietary Polymer Composite (Control Pro ‘Black’ Technology)
– Surface Texture: Raw Toray T700 Carbon Fiber
– Technology: Vortex Barrier Edge Technology
– Grip Circumference: 4 1/4”

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: High precision, low margin. I found this paddle rewarded clean strikes, offering excellent feel for drops, but it demanded flawless technique due to the thin core.
– Power & Drive I observed: Maximal power within the Engage lineup. The 13mm core stiffness transfers energy exceptionally well, leading to blistering drives and highly impactful overheads.
– Spin Generation I noticed: Outstanding spin. The high paddle speed achieved with the 13mm profile allows for massive RPMs on the ball.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: Surprisingly stable for a thin core, thanks to the Vortex Barrier technology reinforcing the perimeter.

Strengths: Unmatched combination of speed, power, and spin for an engage elite pro pickleball paddle, especially for players who want a thin core without the typical heavy vibration.
Limitations: The most difficult paddle in the lineup to use consistently at the kitchen line; touch shots require superior finesse and soft hands.
Ideal For: High-Level Power Volleyers and Ex-Tennis Players: I recommend this exclusively to high-performance advanced players who are highly aggressive, prioritize finishing points at the net, and thrive on pace.

Engage Elite Pro Pickleball Paddle Comparison Insights

When analyzing the extensive lineup of the engage elite pro pickleball paddle models I tested, the key differentiation points reside in the core thickness and the overall shape.

Shape Differences: The EX (Widebody) shape, exemplified by the Pursuit Pro EX 6.0, provides the largest hitting surface and the highest level of forgiveness, making it my go-to recommendation for dedicated doubles players who prioritize blocking and stability. Conversely, the MX (Elongated) shape, seen in the Pro MX 6.0, provides superior reach (critical for singles and two-handed backhands) but slightly less width forgiveness.

Core Thickness for Performance: The choice of core thickness is crucial. The 16mm cores (Pro EX 6.0, Pro MX 6.0, Alpha Pro 16mm) are the undisputed kings of control and vibration dampening. I found the 16mm core allows the ball to sink deeper, giving me enhanced tactile feedback for dropshots and resets—essential for high-level technical play. The step down to 14mm (Alpha Pro 14mm) results in a noticeable increase in responsiveness and power, favoring quick hands and punch volleys. The 13mm core (Pro MX 13mm) is the powerhouse choice; it demands the most precise technique at the net but delivers maximum exit velocity and paddle speed.

Specialized Cores: The Pursuit Pro1 6.0 stands alone with its MachPro Core. If I were forced to pick the model that best blends control, spin, and easy power for an aggressive all-court game, the Pro1 is currently the top of the line, offering a unique flex profile that the standard 6.0 models, while excellent, simply cannot replicate.

What I Look for When Buying Engage Elite Pro Pickleball Paddle

When I approach testing a new engage elite pro pickleball paddle, I don’t just look at the raw specifications; I analyze how those specs translate into court feel and consistency under pressure.

I always start by evaluating the proprietary core technology. Engage’s Control Pro Black Core and the newer MachPro Core are designed specifically to increase dwell time and dampen vibrational energy, minimizing arm strain—a massive plus for competitive players playing multiple matches in a day. I pay close attention to the feel of the ball coming off the face during rapid-fire dinking exchanges; if the paddle “deadens” the pace effectively without sacrificing feel, it’s a winner.

Furthermore, I prioritize the balance point and swing weight. Engage’s use of Counter Balance Construction is noticeable, keeping the weight in the handle area. This means the paddle feels lighter and quicker in my hands than the static weight suggests, which is critical for reflexes at the kitchen line. Finally, I confirm the consistency of the raw carbon texture. Since the primary benefit of their Pursuit line is spin, I look for a uniform, aggressive texture that retains friction even after heavy usage.

Types Explained

Engage primarily categorizes its professional paddles based on two key metrics: shape and core thickness, designed to meet specific advanced playing needs.

The two main shape categories I recommend are the Standard/Widebody (EX) and the Elongated (MX/Alpha Pro). I typically steer high-level doubles players toward the EX shape for its forgiveness and blocking stability. For singles players or doubles players who incorporate two-handed backhands and need superior reach, the MX is the optimal choice.

Regarding thickness, I recommend the 16mm thickness for 90% of advanced players, especially those focused on controlled dinking, resetting, and maximizing spin potential without excessive power. This is the ultimate control configuration. The 14mm or 13mm thin cores are reserved for high-level attackers who have perfect soft hands and are primarily seeking maximum power, swing speed, and pop for put-aways and aggressive volleying. My personal thought is that while the thin cores offer immense speed, the margin for error is significantly tighter, requiring elite technical consistency.

Engage Elite Pro Pickleball Paddle Performance Comparison

Final Verdict on the Engage Elite Pro Pickleball Paddle Lineup

Having tested these extensively on the court, my verdict is clear: Engage continues to set the standard for high-level control engineering in the raw carbon market. While many competitors have focused on thermoforming for raw power, Engage maintains a singular focus on achieving a unique combination of exceptional spin potential, stability through dense cores, and superior vibration dampening. This makes the engage elite pro pickleball paddle not just a piece of equipment, but a competitive tool designed for precision. I consistently found that their 16mm Pursuit 6.0 models offered a comfort and control level that few other paddles in the high-end market can match, making them a personal favorite for serious tournament play where placement matters more than brute force. The introduction of the Pursuit Pro 1 shows the brand is now fiercely competing on the power front as well, but always with a control focus.

Key Strengths I Discovered:
* Proprietary vibration dampening technology (Control Pro Black Core and Vortex Barrier) that greatly reduces arm fatigue.
* Exceptional spin generation across the entire Pursuit and Alpha Pro raw T700 carbon line.
* Unrivaled control and stability in the 16mm core thickness variations, rewarding touch players.
* Commitment to USA manufacturing and rigorous quality control.

Honest Limitations I Found:
* The premium price point places the flagship models outside the budget for many advanced recreational players.
* The soft, cushioned feel of the 16mm core can feel less “crisp” than the popular thermoformed paddles, requiring players to adjust their expectations regarding direct feedback.

Who Should Buy the Engage Elite Pro Pickleball Paddle?
The Engage Elite Pro line is absolutely designed for the dedicated, high-level advanced player or the professional control specialist who requires equipment that prioritizes spin and soft game execution under pressure. If you suffer from arm issues, need industry-leading vibration reduction, and rely on precise placement and heavy topspin, the Pursuit Pro EX 6.0 or Pursuit Pro MX 6.0 Standard are unequivocally the best choices I can recommend.

Common Questions About Engage Elite Pro Pickleball Paddle

How Does the Engage Elite Pro Pickleball Paddle Achieve Its Exceptional Control?

The exceptional control I experienced is primarily achieved through Engage’s proprietary core technologies, such as the Control Pro Black Core, typically in a 16mm thickness. This dense polymer core is engineered to maximize ball dwell time—the fraction of a second the ball remains on the paddle face—allowing the player to impart maximum spin and precisely shape the trajectory for drops and resets.

What Is the Difference Between the Engage Pursuit EX and MX Shapes?

The EX (Extra Width) shape is a traditional widebody profile, which I found offers the largest sweet spot and maximum forgiveness, ideal for defensive stability and blocking. The MX (Max Elongated) shape is longer, which provides superior reach and leverage, making it optimal for players who need two-handed backhands or prioritize the increased whip and power generation in their swing.

Is the Pursuit Pro Line Approved for Professional Tournament Play?

Yes, every paddle in the Engage Pursuit Pro line, including the Engage Elite Pro Pickleball Paddle models, is USAPA-listed and approved for sanctioned tournament play. I always verify the approved status before taking any paddle into competitive environments.

Which Engage Core Thickness Provides the Most Power?

In my testing, the thinner cores provide the most inherent power due to increased stiffness and faster energy transfer. The 13mm core (like the Pursuit Pro MX 13mm) delivers the highest exit velocity and pop, making it the most aggressive option available, though it sacrifices some touch control.

How Does the Raw Carbon Fiber Face on Engage Paddles Affect Spin?

The raw T700 Toray Carbon Fiber surface on Engage paddles is non-painted and highly textured. I found this aggressive, unvarnished surface creates maximum friction with the ball, allowing me to generate high RPMs for heavy topspin (causing the ball to dip) and sharp underspin (slice/chop).