Nearly a year after releasing the popular Pursuit Pro1 in an elongated version, Engage has now released two new shapes that incorporate the same Pro1 technology.

The new widebody and hybrid options have a similar feel to the Pro1 elongated, but each shape offers different strengths, giving players of all types a great chance to find something that suits their game.

Each design comes in a 13mm option (Pro1) and 16mm option (Pro1 6.0). In general, the 16mm versions feel a little more plush and solid overall, while the 13mm Pro1 paddles are more poppy and maneuverable.

According to Engage, these paddles test at the top end of the maximum allowable power limits set by USA Pickleball and the United Pickleball Association of America and they play consistently over extended use, while other paddles can change drastically after a “break-in” period.

There’s been a lot of talk in the pickleball community lately about which shape is ideal — elongated, hybrid or widebody — and the answer almost always depends on the type of player.

For players who aren’t coming from a tennis background, the widebody or hybrid shapes offer the benefit of faster hand speed and more control. Most former tennis players, however, prefer an elongated shape because it’s closer to the feel and balance of a tennis racquet, and they’re able to generate more power on groundstrokes. 

For this review I’ll break down the pros and cons of each Engage Pro1 variation and how each paddle performs in three critical areas — at the kitchen, in the transition zone and from the baseline.

Let’s cook!