Engage Pickleball Paddles Review

If you’re reading this, you’re probably in the same boat I was a year ago. You’ve been hearing the buzz about engage pickleball paddles, seeing them in the hands of some serious players, and wondering if they’re the real deal. You’ve likely asked yourself the same questions that were bouncing around in my head: Are they just another overhyped brand, or is there something special about them? Where are they even made? And what’s the deal with their warranty?

As an experienced player and someone who works in the pickleball industry, I’m constantly on the lookout for paddles that offer the best value for money. For the past year, I’ve been using their paddles exclusively, and I’m here to share my honest experience with you.

So, let’s dive into the world of Engage and find out if their paddles are right for you.

Let’s cut to the chase: are engage pickleball paddles good? In my opinion, yes, they are. But “good” is a subjective term, so let me break down what makes them stand out in a crowded market.

From the moment I first picked up an Engage paddle, I noticed something different. It wasn’t the graphics or the shape, but the feel. There’s a certain “plushness” to them that you don’t find in many other paddles, especially in the era of thermoforming. This unique feel is a double-edged sword, and it’s something you’ll either love or hate. For me, it was a game-changer.

The soft feel of the paddle face gives you an incredible sense of control and connection to the ball. I found that my dinks were more precise, my drops were softer, and my ability to reset the point from the transition zone improved significantly. This is something I’ve seen echoed in many engage pickleball paddles reviews. Players often talk about the paddle’s ability to absorb pace and provide a level of touch that’s hard to find elsewhere.

But don’t let the soft feel fool you; these paddles pack a punch. While they may not have the raw, unadulterated power of some of the stiffer, thermoformed paddles on the market, they offer a more controlled and nuanced power. I found that I could generate plenty of pace on my drives and overheads, but with a level of precision that I often struggle with when using a more powerful paddle. It’s a power that you have to earn, but once you dial it in, it’s incredibly rewarding.

The spin potential of Engage paddles is another area where they truly shine. The textured surface, combined with the paddle’s unique core, allows you to generate a ridiculous amount of spin. My serves have more kick, my backhand slices stay lower, and my topspin drives dip at my opponents’ feet with a satisfying bite. If you’re a player who likes to shape their shots and use spin as a weapon, you’ll feel right at home with an Engage paddle.

However, no paddle is perfect, and it’s important to be aware of the potential downsides. Some players, particularly those coming from a tennis background or who are used to the feel of a stiffer paddle, might find the sweet spot on some Engage models to be a bit smaller than what they’re used to. This is a common point of discussion in many an engage pickleball paddle review. It’s not a deal-breaker by any means, but it’s something to be aware of, especially if you’re not consistently hitting the center of the paddle.

In an industry where the vast majority of paddles are manufactured overseas, Engage stands out as one of the few brands that can proudly say their paddles are made in the USA. But where are engage pickleball paddles made specifically, and does it really make a difference?

This question matters more than you might think, and the answer impacts both quality and warranty service. Engage pickleball paddles are manufactured in the USA, with the company performing every step of the manufacturing process internally. All design, innovation, and creativity is done internally by their engineers, working with US-based suppliers.

From my experience, the USA manufacturing shows in build quality consistency. I’ve owned paddles from overseas manufacturers where quality control varied significantly between batches. My Engage paddle maintained consistent performance characteristics throughout the year, with no unexpected changes in weight distribution or surface texture.

The domestic manufacturing also means faster warranty service and better customer support responsiveness. When I had questions about paddle care, I received detailed responses within 24 hours rather than waiting days for overseas customer service.

A paddle is an investment, and it’s important to know that the company you’re buying from stands behind their product. This brings us to the engage pickleball paddle warranty. Is it as good as it sounds?

Engage offers a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects and workmanship. This is one of the best warranties in the industry, and it speaks volumes about the confidence they have in their products. However, it’s important to understand what the warranty covers and what it doesn’t.

The warranty covers any defects in materials or workmanship, such as a delaminated face or a broken handle. It does not cover normal wear and tear, such as scratches on the edge guard or fading graphics. It also doesn’t cover damage caused by abuse or neglect, such as hitting the ground or another paddle.

To be eligible for the warranty, you need to register your paddle on the Engage website within 30 days of purchase. The warranty is non-transferable, so it only applies to the original purchaser.

While I haven’t had to use the warranty myself, I’ve heard nothing but good things about Engage’s customer service. They have a reputation for being responsive, helpful, and fair. In a world where customer service often seems like an afterthought, this is a major plus.

Now for the fun part. After a year of playing with a variety of Engage paddles, I’ve narrowed down my top picks. These are the paddles that I believe offer the best performance and value for a wide range of players.

The Pursuit Pro1 6.0 is Engage’s flagship paddle, and for good reason. It’s an all-court paddle that excels in every aspect of the game. It comes in a variety of shapes (elongated, hybrid, and widebody) and thicknesses (12.7mm and 15.2mm), so you can find the perfect model to suit your playing style.

I personally prefer the elongated version, as it gives me a little extra reach at the net and a bit more power on my serves and overheads. The 15.2mm core provides a soft, controlled feel, while the 12.7mm core offers a bit more pop and power.

Review Report:

• Power: 8/10
• Control: 9/10
• Spin: 10/10
• Forgiveness: 8/10

Pros:

• Incredible feel and control: The Pursuit Pro1 6.0 has one of the softest and most responsive feels of any paddle I’ve ever played with. It’s a dinker’s dream.
• Massive spin potential: The textured carbon fiber face generates a ton of spin, allowing you to shape your shots with ease.
• All-court performance: This paddle can do it all, from soft dinks to powerful drives. It’s a great choice for players who like to mix up their shots.
• Arm-friendly: The soft core and vibration-dampening technology make this a great choice for players with tennis elbow or other arm issues.

Cons:

• Pricey: The Pursuit Pro1 6.0 is one of Engage’s more expensive paddles, so it might not be the best choice for budget-conscious players.
• Smaller sweet spot: As with many elongated paddles, the sweet spot on the Pursuit Pro1 is a bit smaller than what you’ll find on a standard-shaped paddle.

Who is it for?

The Pursuit Pro1 6.0 is for the serious player who wants a paddle that can do it all. It’s a great choice for all-court players who value feel, control, and spin. If you’re looking for a paddle that will help you take your game to the next level, the Pursuit Pro1 6.0 is an excellent option.

Paddle Price：$207.99 from Engage

The Pursuit Pro MX 6.0 is another one of my favorite paddles from Engage. It’s an elongated paddle that offers a fantastic blend of power and control. It has a slightly stiffer feel than the Pursuit Pro1, which gives it a bit more pop, but it still maintains a good level of touch and feel.

Review Report:

• Power: 9/10
• Control: 8/10
• Spin: 9/10
• Forgiveness: 7/10

Pros:

• Great blend of power and control: The Pursuit Pro MX 6.0 is the perfect paddle for players who want a little extra pop on their shots without sacrificing control.
• Large sweet spot: For an elongated paddle, the Pursuit Pro MX 6.0 has a surprisingly large and forgiving sweet spot.
• Excellent spin: The graphite face generates plenty of spin, allowing you to hit heavy topspin drives and sharp-angled dinks.

Cons:

• A bit head-heavy: Some players may find the Pursuit Pro MX 6.0 to be a bit head-heavy, which can make it feel a little sluggish at the net.
• Not as soft as the Pursuit Pro1: If you’re looking for the softest paddle on the market, the Pursuit Pro1 is a better choice.

Who is it for?

The Pursuit Pro MX 6.0 is for the player who wants a little more power than the Pursuit Pro1 offers, without sacrificing too much control. It’s a great choice for aggressive players who like to attack from the baseline and finish points at the net.

Paddle Price：$159.99 from Engage

If you’re looking for a high-quality paddle at a more affordable price, the Encore Pro V2.0 is an excellent option. It’s a great paddle for beginners and intermediate players, but it has enough performance to satisfy even advanced players.

The Encore Pro V2.0 has a fiberglass face, which gives it a lot of pop and power. It also has a soft polymer core, which provides a good level of control and feel. It’s a great all-around paddle that’s easy to play with and very forgiving.

Review Report:

• Power: 9/10
• Control: 7/10
• Spin: 7/10
• Forgiveness: 9/10

Pros:

• Great value: The Encore Pro V2.0 offers a ton of performance for the price.
• Powerful and forgiving: The fiberglass face and soft polymer core make this paddle both powerful and forgiving. It’s a great choice for players who are still developing their strokes.
• Durable: Like all Engage paddles, the Encore Pro V2.0 is built to last.

Cons:

• Not as much spin as the Pursuit series: The fiberglass face doesn’t generate as much spin as the carbon fiber faces on the Pursuit series paddles.
• A bit loud: The fiberglass face can be a bit loud, which may be a turn-off for some players.

Who is it for?

The Encore Pro V2.0 is for the player who wants a high-quality paddle without breaking the bank. It’s a great choice for beginners, intermediate players, and even advanced players who are looking for a reliable and affordable backup paddle.

Paddle Price：$59.99 from Engage

Finding the Best Deals on Engage Paddles

While Engage paddles are not the cheapest on the market, you can often find them on sale. Keep an eye out for engage pickleball paddles sale events on their website and at major pickleball retailers. You can also sometimes find discounts through player associations or online forums.

It’s also worth noting that Engage often sells refurbished or cosmetically blemished paddles at a significant discount. These paddles have minor imperfections that don’t affect their performance, so they’re a great way to get a high-quality paddle at a lower price.

So, after a year of playing with engage pickleball paddles, what’s my final verdict?

I can honestly say that I’m a convert. I’ve been incredibly impressed with the quality, performance, and feel of their paddles. They’re not for everyone, and they’re certainly not the cheapest paddles on the market, but if you’re a player who values feel, control, and spin, I highly recommend giving them a try.

The “Made in the USA” label is more than just a marketing gimmick; it’s a reflection of the brand’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship. And with one of the best warranties in the business, you can be confident that you’re investing in a paddle that will last.

At the end of the day, the best paddle for you is the one that feels right in your hand and helps you play your best pickleball. For me, that paddle is an Engage.