Engage Pursuit Pro1 Hybrid and Widebody

Engage Pursuit Pro1 Hybrid and Widebody: New Paddles

Wondering which new Engage Pursuit Pro1 Hybrid and Widebody paddle best suits your style? Engage has long been a favorite among pros for its crisp power and reliable spin. Now, they’ve expanded the Pursuit Pro1 lineup to include two new shapes, Hybrid and Widebody, so every pickleball player can find the perfect fit. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to make an informed decision, from baseline performance to handle length to how these paddles compare with other Pursuit Pro1 versions.

Engage Expands the Pro1 Series: Why and How

In 2024, Engage made waves by introducing the Engage Pursuit Pro1 (commonly called the “Elongated” model), boasting a thin profile, aerodynamic shape, and extended handle length. Many ex-tennis players gravitated toward it because it delivers power, spin, and extra reach. Yet, not every pickleball player wants an elongated paddle. Some need more forgiveness, a bigger sweet spot, or a shape that suits doubles play. That demand sparked Engage to release two new shapes for the Pro1 series: the Engage Pursuit Pro1 Hybrid and Widebody.

As part of the “Pursuit” family, these paddles share many core technologies:

• Raw Toray T700 Carbon Fiber Face: Renowned for high spin rates and a crisp feel.
• Mach Pro Poly Core: Engineered for top of the line power and consistency without needing thermoformed construction.
• Variable Release 2.0: Engage’s proprietary approach to paddle flex for added spin and power on fast swings.

With the new Hybrid and Widebody shapes, Engage aims to deliver that same top end performance to players who prioritize control, maneuverability, or a defensive style. Each shape is available in two thicknesses: 13mm (Pro1) and 16mm (Pro1 6.0). We’ll dig into those differences throughout this article.

Shapes Breakdown: Hybrid vs. Widebody

Engage Pursuit Pro1 Hybrid

The Hybrid measures about 16.25 inches long by 7.75 inches wide, placing it between a standard and an elongated shape. You get a slightly longer face for added reach, plus a wide enough hitting area for forgiveness. Its key attributes include:

• Balanced Power & Control: A sweet spot located fairly high but still wide enough to accommodate off center hits.
• Moderate Reach: Slightly elongated for better coverage without feeling unwieldy.
• Good Spin Potential: The curved paddle tip fosters better whip, essential for topspin rolls and flicks.

If you’re a player who loves to drive the ball from the baseline but still wants a quick response at the net, the Hybrid might be ideal. It’s also a universal shape that suits many skill levels, from up and coming competitive players to seasoned pros.

Comparably shaped paddles: Spartus Olympus, Six Zero Ruby, Franklin C45

Engage Pursuit Pro1 Widebody

The Widebody shape is about 15.875 inches long and 8.125 inches wide, which is shorter in overall length but wider at the face. The handle is also slightly shorter, around 5 inches, making room for the extra face width. Its key features include:

• Very Large Sweet Spot: More surface area for consistent contact, boosting control and consistency.
• Excellent Maneuverability: You can easily react to fast volleys and hand battles at the kitchen line.
• Defensive Power: Absorbs incoming pace well; you can still unleash putaways when needed.

Players who rely on quick dink exchanges and hand speed will enjoy the Widebody. The added width also makes it less intimidating for newer players who tend to miss the center of the paddle face.

Comparably shaped paddles: Pickleball Apes Pulse V, 11Six24 Jelly Bean, Bread & Butter Fat Boy

13mm (Pro1) vs. 16mm (Pro1 6.0)

Both the Hybrid and the Widebody come in two core thicknesses: the standard 13mm and the thicker 16mm (often labeled as “6.0” in Engage’s naming). Here’s what sets them apart:

• 13mm Pro1:
  • More Pop: A crisp, springy feel on contact. Drives and overheads can really explode off the face.
  • Faster Swing Speed: The thinner profile slices through the air. You’ll likely have an easier time whipping the paddle around for rolls.
  • Less Forgiving: Off center hits might rattle the hand more without extra mass or lead tape customization.
• 16mm Pro1 6.0:
  • Plush Feel: Absorbs pace effectively, producing a soft, controlled response, particularly helpful when dinking or blocking hard shots.
  • Stable & Solid: The thicker core generally enlarges the sweet spot, making resets and counters more dependable.
  • Heavier Swing Weight: You might sacrifice some paddle speed, though many advanced players add lead tape to find their preferred balance.

It’s best to test both thicknesses if you can. If you crave maximum power and quick handling, the 13mm is for you. If you favor soft resets, blocking, and consistent touch shots, the 16mm will feel more comfortable.

Power, Spin & Consistency: Do They Live Up to the Hype?

Engage states these paddles test near the maximum power allowances set by USA Pickleball and the United Pickleball Association of America. They also promise exceptional spin and a stable feel that doesn’t degrade after a break in period.

Real world feedback generally supports these claims:

• Power Over Time: Most users report the pop remains consistent through extended use, instead of dropping off significantly after a few sessions.
• Spin Capabilities: Raw Toray T700 Carbon Fiber is known for generating top tier spin, especially when players accelerate with confidence. You can shape your serves and groundstrokes effectively.
• Defensive Stability: The 16mm versions, in particular, excel at blocking high pace shots without becoming too head heavy.

Many advanced players also like to customize with lead tape to dial in the sweet spot and stability. If you check out the Pursuit Pro EX 6.0 or Engage Pursuit Pro MX 6.0 reviews, you’ll notice a trend: Engage paddles respond well to minor modifications, letting you tailor them to your exact preferences.

Engage Pursuit Pro1 Hybrid and Widebody On Court Analysis: Where Each Paddle Excels

From the Baseline

Hybrid (13mm or 16mm):

• 13mm version: Very lively for drives and aggressive topspin strokes. If you enjoy ripping third shot drives, this could be your paddle.
• 16mm version: Still gets good spin but feels more controlled on third shot drops or heavy topspin rolls.

Widebody (13mm or 16mm):

• 13mm version: Surprising pop for a wider shape. Drives lack the raw power of elongated paddles, but are still solid.
• 16mm version: Feels stable for consistent drops, which many doubles players love.

If you rely more on controlled drops and methodically moving up to the kitchen, the Widebody fits nicely. If you want to mix power drives and spin based passing shots, the Hybrid is your friend.

Transition Zone

This mid court region tests a paddle’s ability to handle incoming pace, especially when resetting or blocking:

• Hybrid: The sweet spot location makes it versatile. You can add lead tape near the throat to improve stability during fast rallies. The 16mm version typically shines here for resetting drives.
• Widebody: The bigger face can be a lifesaver when dealing with awkward bounces. You’ll often find it easier to pop the paddle into position, even under pressure.

Neither shape is specifically designed for tennis like groundstroke patterns (that’s where the original elongated Pro1 is preferred). But many players find the Hybrid quick enough for scrambling from mid court, while the Widebody’s sweet spot gives you a margin of error on tough shots.

At the Kitchen Line

Here’s where shape and thickness can decide fast exchanges:

• Hybrid:
  • 13mm: Faster hands and easy flicks out of the air. Great if you like to roll dinks aggressively.
  • 16mm: More control for angled dinks and fewer mishits. Still offers decent pop for putaways.
• Widebody:
  • 13mm: A bit more bite than you’d expect from a wide shape. You can surprise opponents with quick punches and overhead smashes.
  • 16mm: Superior stability during block volleys. Excellent for “hand battles” since the big face helps you catch the ball in chaotic net exchanges.

If you’re tall and depend on reach for aggressive volleys, the Hybrid shape might feel more natural. For a stable volleying platform with top tier forgiveness, the Widebody is tough to beat.

Comparing Hybrid & Widebody to the Elongated Pro1

The original Elongated Pro1 remains a go to for tennis players who like a more extended feel. It supplies massive power, especially on groundstrokes and serves. So how do these new shapes measure up?

• Hybrid: Gives you partial reach and good speed. If you find the elongated shape unwieldy or the sweet spot too high, the Hybrid might solve those issues.
• Widebody: Sacrifices some reach for a larger hitting area. If you used an elongated paddle but struggled at the kitchen line, the Widebody might be a better match.

Beyond shape, both the Hybrid and Widebody come in one weight range (7.8–8.2 oz). This mirrors the shift in Engage’s approach, no longer separating “Lite” and “Standard.” Instead, you can choose thickness and then fine tune the weight with lead tape.

Engage’s Promises and Player Feedback

Engage says these paddles are top tier in power testing, maintain stable performance over time, and give players more shape choices. They also mention better handle construction (a more uniform design) and new color options, including Arctic Gold, Fierce Red, and Carbon Sky. The feedback from players so far has been quite positive:

• Solid Construction: The sealed handle edges reduce any chance of loose edges or build quality flaws.
• Consistent Feel: The raw carbon fiber doesn’t degrade quickly, making the paddle’s playstyle remain steady.
• Improved Ergonomics: The new tennis octagonal grip shape helps differentiate edges and adds control.

Perhaps the biggest draw is how easy it is to find your sweet spot within the Pro1 family. With three shapes (Elongated, Hybrid, and Widebody) and two thicknesses (13mm and 16mm), Engage ensures a paddle for every preference.

Bonus: Quick Paddle Shape Guide

Still not sure which shape is best for you? Let’s revisit the four main shapes in modern pickleball: Widebody, Standard, Hybrid, and Elongated. This guide helps you see the bigger picture of how shape impacts reach, sweet spot size, and maneuverability.

Widebody – Maximum Sweet Spot & Control

• Dimensions: ~15.5–15.75 in. long, ~8.25–8.5 in. wide
• Pros: Largest sweet spot, very forgiving, great for quick net exchanges.
• Cons: Shortest reach, less pure power on drives.
• Best For: Beginners, control oriented players, doubles specialists who want fast hands.

Standard – Balanced Performance

• Dimensions: ~16 in. long, 8 in. wide
• Pros: Balanced in terms of power, control, and speed.
• Cons: Average sweet spot size, not as specialized as elongated or widebody.
• Best For: All-around players, singles or doubles, looking for a consistent middle ground.

Hybrid – Best of Both Worlds

• Dimensions: ~16.25 in. long, ~7.75–8 in. wide
• Pros: Extra reach without sacrificing too much speed, aerodynamic designs are common.
• Cons: Slightly smaller sweet spot than widebody, not as powerful as elongated paddles.
• Best For: Players who want a balanced mix of control, power, and maneuverability.

Elongated – Maximum Reach & Power

• Dimensions: ~16.5 in. long, ~7.5 in. wide
• Pros: Longest reach, highest power potential, favored by ex-tennis players.
• Cons: Smallest sweet spot, demands more precision.
• Best For: Power hitters, singles players, those who can handle a narrower face.

When deciding between the Engage Pursuit Pro1 Hybrid and Widebody, think about your priorities: Is it a forgiving sweet spot and stable defense (Widebody), or a balanced shape that offers decent reach and easy spin (Hybrid)?

Engage Pursuit Pro1 Hybrid and Widebody: Insights from Player Reviews

To give you an even deeper look, here are some points raised in other reviews and first hand testing experiences:

• Crispy Contact: Testers noted the Pro1 paddles maintain a “crispy” feel from the carbon fiber surface. That contact feel aids in generating spin, while the new Mach Pro core adds enough pop without feeling too stiff.
• Uniform Handle Construction: The newer 6.0 models now have a slimmer, more tennis inspired handle shape. This uniform design helps with two handed backhands and grip consistency.
• Maneuverability: Many found the Hybrid to have less swingweight compared to older Pursuit Pro models, making it easier to whip into position during net battles.
• Customizable with Weighted Tape: Adding lead tape helps off center stability. Players who prefer heavier paddles saw immediate improvements in consistency.
• Recommended Weight Range: Engage merged “Lite” and “Standard” into one 7.8–8.2 oz bracket. This bracket is ideal for customizing.
• Hybrid = All-Court Option: The shape allows for “best of both worlds” performance, giving enough reach for singles yet enough maneuverability for quick hands in doubles.
• Widebody = More Control: The shorter handle and wider face help with stability and block volleys, especially in doubles.
• Power and Consistency: Despite not being thermoformed, the Mach Pro core feels more powerful than many standard polymer cores.

Engage Pursuit Pro1 Hybrid and Widebody: New Colors, Handle Shapes & More

Engage now offers both the Hybrid and Widebody in three main colors: Arctic Gold, Fierce Red, and Carbon Sky. Fans of the original Elongated Pro1 will also see new colors (beyond the initial Arctic Gold) introduced as current inventory cycles out.

There’s also excitement about an upcoming “Innovation” shape. Engage teased it as the “perfect fit for those looking for even more spin and offensive play.” Stay tuned for more details on that future release.

Quick Reference Table

If you’re looking for a new pickleball paddle, Engage Pursuit Pro1 Hybrid and Widebody paddles offer two distinct paths to higher performance. The Hybrid delivers a balanced blend of power and touch, while the Widebody prioritizes a bigger sweet spot and defensive prowess, yet still packs a punch. Explore more of our paddle reviews, compare additional Engage models, and discover pro level strategies to enhance your skills. Don’t forget to share this guide with your pickleball friends or on social media! Visit the Official Engage Website to find the perfect paddle for you.