Engage Pursuit Pro1 Innovation: Player Review

Model: Engage Pursuit Pro1 Innovation 12.7mm and 15.2mm

Manufacturer: Engage

Paddle Type: 12.7mm (Power) and 15.2 (All-Court Leaning Power)

Spin: Very High

Player Level: Advanced

Thickness: 12.7mm and 15.2mm

Weight: 7.8 - 8.1 oz (Mid-weight)

Surface: T700 Raw Carbon Fiber

The Innovation is Engage’s newest addition to the Pursuit Pro1 family; the Innovation is also an elongated shape but it is slightly longer and skinnier than the PRO1 elongated and with a traditional squared-off head. The Innviation features the longest handle in the family with a 6in handle which gives plenty of room for the two handed backhands out there. It also comes in a 12.7mm or 15.2mm thickness.

This paddle features Engage’s new Spincore Technology, which includes a Repositioned Flex Zone, ProFlex Weighting, Advanced Torque Acceleration, Optimized Twist Weight and Power Flex Polymer Core. So what does all this mean? All this fancy talk is to say they weighted the paddle so it feels like you are catching and releasing the ball with the paddle. 

Let’s break it down:

Repositioned Flex Zone, ProFlex Weighting, and Advanced Torque Acceleration combined means the paddle utilizes targeted weighting in the head and the handle to create a “hinge” that helps spin the ball.  You can really feel the weight in the head and the handle which makes it an interesting feel the first time you hit this paddle and it took me some time to get used to getting the swing.

I personally use handle weight (flick weight or Slyce) on most of my paddles so it was an easier transition.

Optimize Twist Weight means a larger sweet spot for this shape paddle, since shots off the sweet spot are more stable.

Finally the Power Flex Polymer Core is a cold pressed core that delivers hard hitting power, with minimal possibility of core crushing.

The difference between the 12.7 and 15.2mm core:

Both paddles are on the heavier swingweight category due to the added weights for the Spincore technology,  but with that they are on the more powerful side.

 The 12.7mm version was a quicker adjustment on the swing for me as it is a thinner paddle and can still be quick in the hands. It is a stiffer paddle and in my opinion quite harsh feedback. This thickness version is quite poppy, but still has more control than competitors on the market due to the increased twist weight. The paddle felt very good stock as the paddle is very balanced.

The 15.2mm version needed a bit more time to get used to as it has a thicker core and even higher swingweight. The paddle has a more muted and plush feeling which I enjoyed and felt like I had good control over the ball . This paddle is on the lower end of the power category, which isn’t a bad thing because paired with the extra control you get, you can really shape the ball at the baseline and the mid court. Although at the kitchen, hands may be slower due to the weight, but if you are are used to sitting on a two handed backhand this gives the umph to counter balls and execute impressive roll dinks.

Who is this paddle for?

Advanced players who are looking to shape the ball with spin and controlled power, who are not concerned by the smaller sweet spot of this elongated shape. Also players who want extended reach, and need a longer handle will enjoy this new shape. This paddle stock is ready to go for any tournament and does not have a break in period.

Shop Engage Pickleball

Read the Engage Pickleball Story

Read another review on the Pro1 Innovation Paddles