Engage Pickleball: A guide to the company's top-selling pickleball paddles
Last Edited
Feb 28 2025
Category
Gear
Engage Pickleball made big strides in 2024 and early 2025 with several new releases that keep up with some of the top paddles on the market.
The Pursuit Pro1 line of paddles has been very popular among both pros and amateurs in the past year, delivering power and spin that tests at the top end of the United Pickleball Association of America's allowable limits, according to Engage.
Engage paddles have also been known for their durability over the past couple years, playing consistently over extended use, while other paddles can change drastically after a “break-in” period.
Engage Pickleball: Quality pickleball paddles made in the USA
Engage differentiates itself from other major pickleball paddle companies because all Engage paddles are made in the U.S., while the vast majority of other paddle brands are imported from China.
In early 2025 Engage also released two new shapes of the Pro1 series, so there are now widebody, hybrid and elongated options in that line. Those paddles come in 13mm (Pro1) and 16mm (Pro1 6.0). That variety gives players of all types a great chance to find something that will fit their game. Find an in-depth review of all of those paddles here.
Below we'll break down the basics of the Pro1 series, the Pro series that was released in 2023 and some of the other budget-friendly options that Engage offers.
Engage Pursuit Pro1 Elongated
Pros
- Best option for players transitioning from a tennis background -- extra long handle for two-handed backhands.
- Generates the most power of any paddle in the Pro1 line.
- Offers more reach at the kitchen line, allowing for more aggressive attacks out of the air.
Cons
- Smaller sweet spot than the widebody or hybrid.
- Not as fast in the hand as the widebody, but the curved top helps in this regard.
- 16mm version has the highest swingweight of any paddle in the line.
Engage Pursuit Pro1 Hybrid
Pros
- Overall shape along with curved edge at the top of the paddle makes it very whippy -- making it good for flicks out of the air or aggressive roll dinks.
- Most balanced paddle in the line in terms of playability -- solid in all aspects, especially the 16mm version.
Cons
- Not as forgiving as the widebody, although adding weighted tape to the throat/bottom corners helped in this regard.
- Not as much power as the elongated version.
Engage Pursuit Pro1 Widebody
Pros
- Very big sweet spot.
- Consistent on dinks and resets.
- Most maneuverable option while still generating good pop, making it a strong paddle in hands battles.
Cons
- Not as much power on drives and overheads as the elongated model.
- Can feel a little clunky on flicks and rolls at the kitchen line.
- Shorter handle than many modern paddles.
Engage Pursuit Pro EX
The Pursuit Pro EX, released in the fall of 2023 and available in two weight options, is designed for players who rely on a traditional widebody shape to help with blocks and resets. This paddle generates good spin and consistent control with a little extra power than traditional widebody paddles.
Key specs
Weight: 7.65-8.25, depending on weight option and thickness.
Handle length: 5 inches
Paddle length: 16 inches
Paddle width: 8 inches
Paddle face: Raw Toray T700 carbon fiber
Core material: Control Pro 'Black' polymer honeycomb
Core thickness: 13mm or 16mm
Engage Pursuit Pro MX
The Pursuit Pro MX balances an elongated shape (for added power) with multiple control-oriented features. The long handle not only leaves room for two-handed backhands but also offers Variable Flex Technology that flexes to add power on overheads, while staying rigid on softer shots like drops and resets.
Key specs
Weight: 7.65-8.25, depending on weight option and thickness
Handle length: 5.75 inches
Paddle length: 16.5 inches
Paddle width: 7.5 inches
Paddle face: Raw Toray T700 carbon fiber
Core material: Control Pro 'Black' polymer honeycomb
Core thickness: 16mm
Engage Pursuit V2.0
The Pursuit V2.0 is an all-court paddle at a lower price point, but it stands out in terms of spin potential compared to other paddles in this price range. That's due to its Amplified Carbon Surface, which increases dwell time and allows player to easily shape the ball on drives or heavy topspin drops.
Key specs
Weight: 8.0 ounces
Handle length: 5.3 inches
Paddle length: 16.25 inches
Paddle width: 7.75 inches
Paddle face: Amplified Carbon Surface
Core material: Black Control+ polymer
Core thickness: 15.2mm
Engage Evolution Aero
The elongated shape and aerodynamic design make this one of the more powerful paddles at this price point. The open throat allows players to create more swing speed and also lets the paddle face flex more upon impact. But it's not just a power paddle, as the 16mm core offers a cushioned and consistent feel.
Key specs
Weight: 8 ounces
Handle length: 5.5 inches
Paddle length: 16.5 inches
Paddle width: 7.5 inches
Paddle face: Raw Toray T700 carbon fiber
Core material: HoldTEK polymer
Core thickness: 16mm
Engage Encore Pro V2.0
The Engage Encore Pro V2.0 is a perfect beginner-level paddle that will keep up with players as they progress. Its unique FiberFlex Fiberglass Skin hitting surface offers players plenty of forgiveness and the ability to "feel" their shots. Although the 15.2mm version is the thicker and more controllable iteration of the Encore Pro V2.0, the polymer core still packs a punch on putaways. Lightweight yet high-performing, it’s a go-to for new players working on their soft game.
Key specs
Weight: 8.0 ounces
Handle length: 5.3 inches
Paddle length: 16.25 inches
Paddle width: 7.75 inches
Paddle face: Fiberflex fiberglass skin
Core material: E1+ polymer core
Core thickness: 15.2mm
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