Engage Pursuit Pro1 Innovation Paddle Review

Engage Pursuit Pro1 Innovation Overview

I want to address something that might already be on your mind: paddle review fatigue. It can feel like every new release is “the greatest paddle ever,” so I get why you might be skeptical when reading this Engage Pursuit Pro1 Innovation review. I’ve heard many people say they don’t trust online reviewers because paddles are often overhyped. That’s exactly why I believe in being direct, honest, and a bit critical where it counts.

Enter the Engage Pursuit Pro1 Innovation line, available in two thicknesses: 12.7mm and 15.2mm. While it shares a name with the standard Pursuit Pro1 paddles, this isn’t just a repackaged version, Engage has introduced an entirely new shape and internal weight distribution in the Innovation model, designed to enhance power, spin, and forgiveness. This model is also PBCoR-approved, meaning it meets the upcoming USAP paddle rules that went into effect in March 2026.

As someone who has played with most of the earlier Engage models (and many other paddle brands), I was curious to see if the Innovation paddles could really back up the talk. My promise is to share my genuine experiences and not sugarcoat the negatives. If you decide to buy, I’ve included discount links that can save you some money. I don’t receive cash for these referrals, but I do earn credits that help me test more demo paddles and gear. These perks never influence my honest opinions, what you read here is always my unfiltered take.

If you’re interested in the broader Pursuit Pro1 lineup, including the Hybrid and Widebody shapes, I’ve reviewed those as well and compared how each shape performs. Engage has always tried to strike a balance of power and control. So let’s see how these new Innovation paddles stand out, and if they’re really worth your attention.

Engage Pursuit Pro1 Innovation Specifications

Both versions of the Engage Pursuit Pro1 Innovation paddle share the same overall silhouette, a new elongated shape not found in the standard Pursuit Pro1 lineup. This new geometry was designed specifically to work in tandem with SpinCore Technology, which is exclusive to the Innovation line and not found in the standard Pro1 models.

These paddles are built for players who want to combine aggressive topspin, power driven shotmaking, and modern control features in a single frame. The Power Flex Polymer core and optimized weight distribution are engineered to enhance feel, whip, and forgiveness, particularly in high pressure exchanges.

Pursuit Pro1 Innovation 12.7mm

• Weight: 7.8 – 8.2 oz
• Dimensions: 16.6″ x 7.4″
• Thickness: 12.7mm
• Material (Skin): Raw Toray T700 Carbon Fiber with Next-Gen Inner Layer
• Core: Power Flex Polymer with exclusive SpinCore Technology
• Handle Length: 6.0″
• Grip Circumference: 4 1/4″
• USAP Status: PBCoR-approved for post-2026 tournament legality

Pursuit Pro1 Innovation 15.2mm

• Weight: 7.8 – 8.2 oz
• Dimensions: 16.6″ x 7.4″
• Thickness: 15.2mm
• Material (Skin): Raw Toray T700 Carbon Fiber with Next-Gen Inner Layer
• Core: Power Flex Polymer with exclusive SpinCore Technology
• Handle Length: 6.0″
• Grip Circumference: 4 1/4″
• USAP Status: Currently in the process of full PBCoR approval

Engage Pursuit Pro1 Innovation Performance Analysis

Below are my thoughts on key performance categories. Keep in mind that certain aspects, like feel, are subjective. I’ll point out where I loved them, and where they might trip you up.

Engage has packed the Innovation line with a unique weight distribution strategy that places mass in both the handle and sweet spot, creating what they describe as a “virtual hinge effect.” This is part of their SpinCore Technology, which also includes Advanced Torque Acceleration and Optimized Twist Weight, fancy names, but the results are real: fast head speed, more control on off-center shots, and whip like acceleration when swinging through the ball.

Comparison Chart

Engage Pursuit Pro1 Innovation In Depth Review

Design & Build Quality

These paddles feature a raw Toray T700 carbon fiber face with a minimal but recognizable Engage design. One side has the familiar bullseye style graphic seen across the Pursuit line, it’s a visual signature that some players love and others could do without. Personally, I think it gives the paddle a clean but distinct identity.

What’s more important is the shape, this is a completely new elongated mold, exclusive to the Innovation line. While the dimensions may seem familiar, this isn’t a copy/paste of the original Pursuit Pro1 or Hybrid. The design was built from the ground up to pair with Engage’s SpinCore Technology, resulting in a paddle that feels more like a finely tuned instrument than a generic control paddle.

The 6.0″ handle is also a welcome feature, it’s long enough for two handed backhands. But the stock grip edges might feel sharp to players used to more cushion, adding an overgrip on top of a Hesacore makes it a non issue.

Internal Technology

Here’s a breakdown of the internal tech that makes the Innovation series stand out:

• ProFlex Weighting – Strategic mass placement increases stability, adds spin potential, and improves plow-through while maintaining hand speed.
• Repositioned Flex Zone – Moves the flex point closer to the sweet spot for better energy transfer, improved accuracy, and more consistent spin, even on off center hits.
• Advanced Torque Acceleration – Creates a dynamic whip effect, helping generate faster paddle-head speed and sharper topspin with less effort.
• Optimized Twist Weight – Designed to keep the paddle face square on contact, even during off-center hits. It boosts forgiveness and consistency in high-speed exchanges.

At around $279.99, these paddles sit in the premium tier. But between the custom engineered weight distribution, raw carbon face, new shape, and PBCoR compliance for 2026 and beyond, Engage clearly designed this for serious players who want tech driven performance that also stands the test of time.

Pursuit Pro1 Innovation On Court Performance

I tested these paddles in everything from casual dinks at the local park to more competitive open play sessions. Right away, I noticed how differently the two thicknesses played, even though they share the same materials and face design.

With the 12.7mm, my first serves had a tendency to fly a bit long until I adjusted. The shorter dwell time and snappy rebound meant I had to dial in my timing. But once I did, the power advantage was undeniable, especially for drives, overheads, and serve returns where I wanted the ball to jump off the face. The paddle’s “hinge like” feel, created by its unique weight balance between the handle and sweet spot, made it easy to accelerate through shots without feeling unstable.

On the other hand, the 15.2mm model felt like it wanted to help me more. Put-aways were reliable, but it didn’t feel too jumpy or unpredictable. The added thickness and higher twist weight made it feel more grounded and forgiving, especially when I was under pressure or reacting late. This version really seemed to shine for players who like to redirect pace or play aggressive drop shots with precision, exactly what Engage described when they framed this paddle as being for counter punchers and topspin attackers.

Both paddles feel purpose-built, and while they each require a little adjustment time depending on your play style, their design choices become more noticeable, and more appreciated, the more you hit with them.

Control

The 15.2mm is a solid choice if you prioritize a large, predictable sweet spot. When you’re looking for control on dinks, resets, or angled drops, it offers a consistent, stable feel that’s easy to trust. That extra thickness, combined with Optimized Twist Weight, helps keep the paddle face square, even when you don’t make perfect contact.

The 12.7mm version has control too, especially in the hands of players who hit the center consistently. But off center contact can produce a bit of twist or flutter, which you’ll definitely feel. It’s not a deal breaker by any means, but if you’re still refining your consistency or tend to mishit under pressure, it could be something to think about.

One detail that really stood out to me, in a good way, was the sweet spot placement on the 15.2mm. Compared to my previous Pro1 paddle, the sweet spot feels noticeably lower on the face. This isn’t necessarily a flaw. In fact, I preferred it for resets, drops, and low contact shots, where I want the paddle to stay solid through the ball. That said, if you’re used to a higher sweet spot (which is common on many elongated paddles), you may need a little adjustment time depending on where your contact point naturally falls.

This shift in sweet spot location is likely due to Engage’s Repositioned Flex Zone, a feature that moves the flex point closer to center to boost energy transfer and consistency. It’s subtle, but once you feel it, it makes sense.

Power

Both paddles pack plenty of punch, but the 12.7mm really rewards players who love to rip drives, smashes, and power serves. It delivers a quick pop off the face and feels like it wants to accelerate through the ball, thanks in large part to the Advanced Torque Acceleration built into the Innovation’s core design. That “whip effect” allows you to generate explosive paddle head speed with minimal effort, which can catch opponents off guard when you lean into a shot.

The 15.2mm also delivers solid power, but with a smoother, more controlled release. It doesn’t feel as springy off the face, but it’s stable and confident, ideal for put aways, counters, and heavy topspin drives. The ProFlex Weighting adds mass where it matters most, so you still get excellent power without sacrificing control or forgiveness.

If you’re coming from a more moderate or control-oriented paddle, both versions can give your offensive game a noticeable lift. Just expect a slight learning curve, particularly with the 12.7mm, when reacting to fast balls or adjusting timing in quick exchanges.

Spin

Thanks to the raw Toray T700 carbon fiber face, both versions of the Innovation paddle offer excellent grip on the ball. Whether you’re carving out sharp angles, hitting dipping passing shots, or rolling topspin from the baseline, there’s plenty of grit to make it happen.

But the spin performance isn’t just about surface texture, SpinCore Technology plays a major role here. The way Engage repositioned the flex zone and optimized the weight distribution helps the paddle stay more stable through contact, allowing for cleaner and more consistent spin mechanics.

I found the 15.2mm version to be especially effective during extended spin rallies, likely due to the larger sweet spot and improved contact stability. It gave me confidence to shape the ball without needing to overhit. The 12.7mm still delivers big spin, but the slightly firmer, poppier feel may take a little more finesse to harness on soft touch spin shots.

Pop

If you crave a lively, reactive paddle, the 12.7mm is definitely the livelier of the two. It feels like the ball springs off the face, especially on serve returns or quick punch volleys. That bounce comes from a combination of the thinner core and the way the paddle’s weight is concentrated toward the face. The result is fast rebound energy and quick feedback.

The Power Flex Polymer Core contributes here too, it’s engineered to return energy efficiently, and on the 12.7mm, that really shines through with every fast swing.

The 15.2mm model isn’t lacking in pop, but it’s noticeably more controlled and dampened. That thicker core and added mass make it feel smoother and slightly quieter, which some players might actually prefer, especially if they’re looking for precision over punch.

Forgiveness

This is where the 15.2mm version clearly pulls ahead. It simply lets you get away with more, slight mishits, late contact, or rushed swings don’t throw the paddle face off nearly as much. That’s thanks to Engage’s Optimized Twist Weight, which is designed to reduce torque when you miss the sweet spot, and the Repositioned Flex Zone, which keeps energy transfer consistent across more of the paddle face.

The 12.7mm, on the other hand, is a bit more demanding. If your contact is slightly off, you’ll feel it twist a little or lose stability. That said, I actually appreciate that immediate feedback, it pushes me to focus on form and stay disciplined during rallies. But for players still working on consistency or needing a bit more margin for error, the 15.2mm is the more forgiving option by far.

Maneuverability

When you’re at the NVZ, ready for fast volley exchanges, the 12.7mm feels super swift and responsive. It’s easy to make quick hand adjustments, block hard shots, or react instinctively without feeling like the paddle is dragging behind. The lighter core and head speed friendly balance really come through here.

The 15.2mm has a bit more mass in the head, but thanks to Engage’s “virtual hinge effect”—where weight is placed in both the handle and the sweet spot, it still feels surprisingly balanced in motion. It’s not quite as quick as the 12.7mm, but it’s not sluggish either. I found it plenty mobile, especially after adding an overgrip to tweak the handle feel and rebalance things just slightly.

That balance is part of what makes the ProFlex Weighting system so effective. It adds mass where it helps most without making the paddle feel clunky. Bottom line: both paddles are maneuverable, but if reaction speed is your top priority, the 12.7mm has the edge.

Pros and Cons

12.7mm – Pros

• Explosive power for drives, overheads, and fast paced serves
• Quick handling at the net, ideal for fast hands battles
• High spin potential from the raw Toray T700 carbon face + SpinCore Technology
• Noticeable “pop” and crisp feedback, great for aggressive play styles
• Benefits from Advanced Torque Acceleration for whip-like paddle speed

15.2mm – Pros

• Wider sweet spot with better contact stability, especially on off center hits
• Controlled power with a smoother, more forgiving feel
• Enhanced forgiveness from Optimized Twist Weight and the repositioned flex zone
• Balanced swing weight from the “virtual hinge effect” makes it feel stable but not clunky
• Slightly lower sweet spot can benefit drops and resets, depending on your play style

Cons (Both Models)

• Premium price ($279.99) may not fit every budget
• Some players may experience dead spots near the upper edge, depending on hit location
• Handle edges can feel sharp for those who prefer extra padding (though easily fixed with an overgrip)
• May require an adjustment period, especially if you’re used to ultra forgiving or non torquey paddles
• The balanced weight distribution may feel unusual at first but becomes intuitive with time

Who Should NOT Buy This Paddle

Although these paddles are solid performers, they’re definitely not for everybody. You might want to pass on the Pursuit Pro1 Innovation if:

• You’re on a tight budget and can’t justify the premium price tag. At $279.99, this is an investment level paddle.
• You prefer a featherlight setup. Both thicknesses fall in the moderate-to-heavy range, and once you add an overgrip or lead tape, they can feel weightier in hand.
• You struggle with consistent form or are still developing clean contact. The 12.7mm version in particular can feel less forgiving on mishits and may expose technique flaws.
• You deal with arm fatigue or tennis elbow. While the Innovation model is well balanced, the standard Pursuit Pro1, with its lower balance point, may be a better choice for minimizing stress on your arm.
• You’re sensitive to sweet spot placement. The 15.2mm model has a slightly lower sweet spot than many elongated paddles. It worked well for me, especially on drops and resets, but it might feel off to players who prefer a higher contact point.

Bottom line: just because it worked well for me and others doesn’t mean it will automatically be the perfect fit for your game or preferences. Paddle choice is personal, and honesty matters more than hype.

Player Feedback

To solidify these observations, I looked at what other players are saying, and overall, the feedback backs up much of what I experienced on court:

“The power is there and control. Added weight to bottom of the paddle to bring sweet spot closer. It’s a great choice for those who like to attack.” – Mark F.

Mark’s comment speaks to the Innovation’s appeal for aggressive players, especially those who like to fine-tune feel and sweet spot placement with custom weight adjustments.

“Fantastic power, placement, spin… this paddle is wicked good.” – fern

This one pretty much sums it up. Players who want all around performance with a poppy feel are loving it.

“Great control, power, and spin. The paddle weight is balanced very well and plays like a light saber.” – Adam B.

That “light saber” line made me laugh, but I get what Adam means. The virtual hinge balance gives it a snappy, maneuverable swing without feeling overly head heavy.

“Pro 1 6.0 INNOVATION: Best stock weight paddle I have played with in years!” – Jim L.

Several players have commented on the stock weight and balance feeling just right, even without lead tape or grip mods, which is a testament to how well Engage tuned the weight distribution.

Across the board, players appear thrilled with how well the Innovation melds power, control, and spin. Some, like me, really appreciated the forgiveness and consistency on the 15.2mm model, while others leaned into the explosiveness of the 12.7mm. A few mentioned adding weight for extra stability, but most agreed that the base setup performs at a high level right out of the box.

Comparable Paddles

• Engage Pursuit Pro1 Hybrid/Widebody: If you like what Engage offers but prefer different shapes, check out my previous article.
• Paddletek Bantam Series: Similar power capacity, though can feel more “poppy” and may have a smaller sweet spot.
• Joola Ben Johns Hyperion: Big spin and decent power but a different feel, some find Engage paddles to be more muted and controlled by comparison.

Engage Pursuit Pro1 Innovation Q&A

Final Thoughts

Where the Engage Pursuit Pro1 Innovation Fits in Your Game

These paddles could be a great fit if you’re looking for a balanced mix of power, spin, and control to support both offense and defense. The 12.7mm suits players with fast hands and an aggressive playstyle, while the 15.2mm is a solid option for those who prefer consistency and forgiveness, especially on softer touch shots and resets.

Are These Paddles Worth It?

What stood out most to me was how both versions manage to feel dynamic without being wild, and controlled without feeling dull. They strike a nice middle ground that rewards clean mechanics and good shot selection. If you’re a strong intermediate or advanced player who knows your game and wants something that complements an all-court approach, either of these could be worth a serious look.

Where to Buy + Discount Links

One quick note: At the time of writing, these paddles aren’t listed in Engage’s main site menu or catalog. They appear to be in a soft launch phase, only available through direct links. Nothing shady, just something to be aware of if you’re searching and can’t find them through the usual channels.

Purchase the Engage Pursuit Pro1 Innovation 15.2mm at a discounted price:
👉 [Buy the15.2mm Paddle]

Purchase the Engage Pursuit Pro1 Innovation 12.7mm at a discounted price:
👉 [Buy the 12.7mm Paddle]

If you think one of these fits your game, the links above will help you save a bit, and they help support this site so I can keep publishing honest, in the trenches paddle reviews. If not? No problem. The right paddle is out there, and it’s all about finding one that feels like an extension of your hand.