Engage Pursuit Pro EX 6.0 Review
Engage Pursuit Pro EX 6.0: Power and Control
The Engage Pursuit Pro EX 6.0 paddle is in my opinion the best pickleball paddle of the new Engage Pro line. Designed for intermediate and advanced pickleball players. Featuring cutting-edge technology and premium materials, this paddle promises exceptional performance on the court. The 6.0 stands for its 16mm core thickness, providing enhanced control and feel.
Specifications
- Weight: 7.7 – 8.5 oz
- Dimensions: 16″ x 8″
- Thickness: 16mm
- Material: Raw Toray T700 Carbon Fiber (face) and Control Pro Black Polymer Core
- Handle Length: 5 inches
- Grip Circumference: 4.5 inches
- Colors: Arctic-Gold, Jessie-Irvine-Signature, Red-White-Blue, Deep-Magenta, Alpine-Lime
- Swingweight: 115
- Twistweight: 7.37
- Balance Point: 23.5
Performance Analysis
- Control/Feel: 94%
- Power: 91%
- Spin: 94%
- Pop: 95%
- Forgiveness: 95%
- Maneuverability: 91%
- Spin RPM: 2180
- Power Rating: 54.2
- Pop Rating: 35.7
In-Depth Review
Design & Build Quality
The Engage Pursuit Pro EX 6.0 paddle is constructed with Raw Toray T700 Carbon Fiber, providing a gritty surface for maximum spin potential. The core is made of Engage’s proprietary Control Pro Black Polymer, offering a soft yet responsive feel. The paddle’s build quality is top-notch, with innovative technologies like Vortex Barrier Edge and Uniform Guard ensuring durability and enhanced performance.
On-Court Performance
Control
This paddle excels in control, allowing for precision shots with ease. The 16mm core offers a cushioned feel, helping players to reset shots and manage ball placement effectively.
Power
The Pursuit Pro EX 6.0 delivers impressive power, making it suitable for aggressive players. It generates powerful shots without compromising on control, thanks to its advanced core technology.
Spin
With the Raw T700 Carbon Fiber surface, this paddle achieves high spin rates, comparable to top thermoformed paddles. It allows for easy application of spin, enhancing gameplay for advanced techniques. Spin RPM: 2180.
Pop
The paddle’s responsiveness is remarkable, providing a trampoline-like effect. The ball feels bouncy and lively off the face, making it ideal for quick exchanges and dynamic play.
Forgiveness
The large sweet spot and forgiving nature of the EX 6.0 make it an excellent choice for players who occasionally hit off-center. It maintains performance even on off-center hits.
Maneuverability
Despite its substantial swing weight, the paddle remains easy to handle. It offers a balanced feel, allowing for quick adjustments and effective net play. Swingweight: 115. Twistweight: 7.37. Balance Point: 23.5.
My Personal Experience
After playing with the Engage Pursuit Pro EX 6.0 for a few weeks, I was genuinely impressed by its performance. As a player who prefers a balanced mix of power and control, this paddle fit my style perfectly.
First Impression
One of the first things I noticed was the paddle’s ability to generate power effortlessly. The 16mm core thickness and Raw T700 Carbon Fiber surface provided a trampoline-like effect, making my shots more powerful without needing to exert extra force. This was particularly noticeable during drives and smashes, where the ball seemed to fly off the paddle with minimal effort.
Spin
The spin potential was another standout feature. Engage’s use of the Raw T700 Carbon Fiber surface has significantly improved spin capability compared to their previous models. I could apply heavy topspin and backspin, which gave me an edge during serves and in rallies. My spin RPM was consistently high, around 2180, which is impressive.
Control
In terms of control, the paddle did not disappoint. The soft, cushioned feel of the Control Pro Black Polymer core allowed for precise shot placement, whether I was executing delicate dinks or resetting shots from the baseline. The paddle’s large sweet spot also contributed to its forgiving nature, making it easier to handle off-center hits without losing control or power.
However, I did need some time to adjust to the higher launch angle. Initially, my returns and drives would occasionally sail longer than intended, but after a few sessions, I made the necessary adjustments to my stroke to bring the ball down consistently.
Maneuverability
Another noteworthy aspect was the paddle’s maneuverability. Despite having a moderate swingweight of 115, the paddle felt balanced and easy to handle during quick exchanges at the net. The twistweight of 7.37 ensured stability, reducing the tendency for the paddle to twist in my hand during off-center hits.
Overall, the Engage Pursuit Pro EX 6.0 has become my go-to paddle for doubles play. Its combination of power, spin, and control makes it a versatile choice suitable for various playing styles. The higher price point is justified by its performance and durability, making it a worthwhile investment for serious players.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High power and spin potential
- Large sweet spot
- Soft, cushioned feel
- Durable build quality
- Effective in both singles and doubles play
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Requires adjustment for higher launch angle
Player Feedback
Players who have tested the Pursuit Pro EX 6.0 appreciate its combination of power, spin, and control. The paddle’s forgiving nature and large sweet spot are frequently praised. Some players noted the need for adjustment to the higher launch angle, but overall, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Pro players using and winning with this paddle include Jessie Irvine, Alix Truong, Eric Oncins, Richard Livornese, Jaime Oncins, and others.
Engage Pursuit Pro EX 6.0: Final Thoughts
The Engage Pursuit Pro EX 6.0 is a top-tier paddle that brings together power, control, and spin in one package. It is best suited for intermediate to advanced players looking for a versatile paddle that can enhance their aggressive playstyle. While it comes at a higher price, the durability and performance make it a worthy investment. Comparable paddles in the market include the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air and the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion, but the Pursuit Pro EX 6.0 stands out with its unique blend of technologies and player-friendly features.
Save $51.99 by using the Engage Discount Code at the Official Engage Website
Comparable Paddles
- Selkirk Vanguard Power Air
- JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion
- Electrum Pro 2
- CRBN 1X
Q&A
What makes the Engage Pursuit Pro EX 6.0 unique?
The Pursuit Pro EX 6.0 features a Raw Toray T700 Carbon Fiber surface and a Control Pro Black Polymer core, offering unmatched power, spin, and control.
Is the Engage Pursuit Pro EX 6.0 suitable for beginners?
While it is designed for intermediate and advanced players, dedicated beginners looking to invest in a high-quality paddle can also benefit from its features.
How does the paddle handle off-center hits?
The EX 6.0 is highly forgiving with a large sweet spot, maintaining performance even on off-center hits.
What is the warranty on the Engage Pursuit Pro EX 6.0?
Engage offers a limited lifetime warranty on this paddle, ensuring long-term durability and performance.
Who are the pro players using the Engage Pursuit Pro EX 6.0?
Pro players using and winning with this paddle include Jessie Irvine, Alix Truong, Eric Oncins, Richard Livornese, Jaime Oncins, and others.
I’ve been using the Pursuit Pro EX 6.0 for a few weeks now, and it’s fantastic. The balance between power and control is perfect for my playing style. My shots are more precise, and I love the feel of the paddle in my hands. Definitely a great investment for any serious pickleball player.
The Engage Pursuit Pro EX 6.0 has taken my game to new heights! The control and power this paddle provides are unmatched. Its sleek design and comfortable grip make it a joy to play with, and I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my performance on the court. Highly recommend this paddle to anyone looking to step up their game.
This paddle is amazing! The sweet spot is large, and the pop you get on your shots is excellent. I’ve been able to improve my dinks and volleys significantly. It’s a bit on the pricey side, but totally worth it for the performance you get.
I was skeptical about spending so much on a paddle, but the Pursuit Pro EX 6.0 has exceeded my expectations. The control and power are just what I needed to enhance my game. It’s lightweight yet durable, and the spin I can generate is fantastic. Couldn’t be happier with this purchase.
Playing with the Engage Pursuit Pro EX 6.0 has been awesome. The paddle offers sweet control, and my shots have become more consistent and powerful. They are made very well, and it feels great in my hand. This paddle is definitely worth the investment.