From Graphite to Carbon Fiber Excellence
| Verdict |
|---|
| Yes, the Engage Pursuit Pro MX, appears to be a high-quality option for pickleball players, especially those who have incorporated a two-handed backhand into their play. The shift from traditional graphite to carbon fiber, specifically the Raw Toray T7000 Carbon Fiber, suggests an improvement in durability and performance. The elongated shape (16.5 inches) and longer handle (5.75 inches) of the Pro MX are designed to suit players who prefer extended reach, allowing them to cover more court effectively. Furthermore, the combination of the carbon fiber skin and the Control Pro ‘Black’ polymer core in its construction indicates a focus on both control and power. The variable release technology is particularly noteworthy; it adjusts the paddle’s flexibility based on the swing’s speed. This means slower swings will have less flex for increased control, which is crucial for precise shots like 3rd shot drops, while harder swings will experience more flex, enhancing power and spin. This adaptive feature could be highly beneficial for players at various skill levels, offering a balance between control and power. View at Pickleball Central |
| Specs | Description |
|---|---|
| Paddle Weight | 7.65 ounces (LITE), 8.15 ounces (Standard) |
| Paddle Face Material | Raw Toray T700 Carbon Fiber |
| Paddle Core Material | Control Pro ‘Black’ Polymer Honeycomb |
| Paddle Shape | Standard |
| Paddle Length | 16.5″ |
| Paddle Width | 7.5″ |
| Grip Size | 4 1/4″ (Medium) |
| Handle Length | 5.75″ |
First Look
The Pursuit MX Pro is one of four paddles that were recently released as a part of the upgraded Pursuit Pro Line. With a price point of $259.99 the MX Pro is targeted towards serious players. The MX Pro is a direct upgrade to Engage’s classic Pursuit MX Graphite paddle. Keeping the original MX’s elongated shape and handle length, the MX Pro still manages to differentiate itself in various ways.
The paddle reveals Engage’s new colorway, “Artic Gold”. I think the gold and white complement each other well, but it’s obviously a marketing effort as the white crosshairs make the paddle easily recognizable.
In addition to the new look, and more importantly, Engage has upgraded the technology and material used to create the MX Pro. Straying away from graphite, Engage has chosen to equip its new line with Raw Toray T7000 Carbon Fiber. The carbon fiber increases the texture of the surface, generating greater friction between the ball and paddle.
Background Research
Company History
Founded in 2015, Engage Pickleball’s headquarters is located in Oxford Florida. Under the direction of founder Robert Elliott, Engage Pickleball has emerged into one of pickleballs most recognized brands. Through the principles of ‘Applied Physics’, Robert Elliott personally designs and oversees every phase of paddle design. Engage ensures customers that all of their design, innovation and creativity are done in house with quality control being a priority.
Engage’s attention to detail has garnered the attention of athletes across the world, landing some of pickleballs most talented stars to their roster (Jessie Irvine, Hunter Johnson, Yates Johnson, Darrian Young, Yana Newell, Dekel Barr, and many others).
Performance Review & User Experience
*In order to keep testing true, all tests were done without adding any weight or grip to the paddle. My specific Pursuit MX came in at a manufacturer weight of 7.8oz.
Soft game performance
Historically known for their paddles power, Engage took me by surprise with the Pro MX’s soft game performance. Tested through various drills with a ball machine, the Pro MX showed great control close to the net. With the ball machine set to a high velocity, I worked on resetting at the kitchen line. I felt that when I loosened my grip just a tad, the paddle took over and resetting became effortless. I followed up with some dinking drills, both forehand and backhand (my favorite shot being a backhand dink that generates backspin). The paddles improved surface played a key role here as the paddle would grip the ball well generating beautiful backspin. Overall, the soft game showed some of the most improvement from previous Engage paddles.
Power game performance
This paddle DEFINITELY has power. The two shots that I generally test for power are the serve and ground stroke. In this instance, both passed with flying colors. As someone who serves with the intention of generating power, the Pro MX allowed me to do so without compromising control. I was quickly noticing that the harder I swung, the more the ball gripped onto the paddles surface. Even after testing this paddle for multiple weeks, I did not see paddle wear altering the results (keep in mind, I frequently use a pickleball eraser on my carbon faced paddles to keep the surface new). In regard to my groundstroke. I tested shots from the baseline as well as mid court. The power off the paddle allows you keep your opponents pinned back at the baseline while you move up.
Responsiveness
The sweet spot on the Pursuit Pro MX is large enough to hit with a majority of your shots. When contact with the sweet spot is made, the paddle works wonders. This paddle creates such unique ball movement that it is a true joy to play with. However, if you are to hit your shots on any of the four corners of the paddle (primarily on the bottom corners) you will find yourself with a much weaker shot. You can test this yourself, by simply juggling the ball on various portions of the paddle.
Spin Capabilities
Engage has always had plenty of power and in order to take their paddle to the next level, I always thought they needed more spin/control.
After extensively practicing with the Pro MX, I have come to the conclusion that it actually delivers more spin than power. Which is saying a lot seeing that the paddle delivers A LOT of power. I saw my dinks become more aggressive with plenty of back spin as well as my drives land right at my opponents’ feet with topspin. The introduction of the carbon fiber surface has been a game changer for the Pursuit Line. They have taken their power paddles and added a lethal combination of spin and control.
Comfort and Durability
As mentioned above, all of my testing was done with zero weight or grip modifications added to the paddle. The paddle came in at a weight of 7.8oz, which would be classified as its ‘LITE’ version. Engage does offer a heavier ‘Standard’ version that comes in at around 7.9-8.30z.
The Pro MX did receive some weight balance modifications, lowering the balance point of the paddle. This allows for quicker hand speed when partaking in hand battles at the net.
The stock grip is quite comfortable and does an excellent job of absorbing sweat with its porous material. Although the grip is not necessarily tacky, I never found myself losing grip of the paddle.
When it comes to paddle durability the Pursuit Pro MX withstood all of my testing with minimal wear to the paint of the logo. The stock grip still appears practically unused.
*Please keep in mind, I frequently clean all of my carbon faced paddles with a pickleball specific eraser. This will definitely assist you with keeping the fibers within the paddle cleaner.
Comparative Analysis
The Pursuit Pro MX Raw T700 Carbon Fiber is a direct upgrade from the Pursuit MX Graphite. Having used both of these paddles, Engage has taken a massive step in the right direction with all of the modifications made to the Pursuit Pro MX. The Pro MX seems to be superior in every aspect compared to the MX Graphite. With only a $40 increase in price between the two, the Pro MX is definitely worth the upgrade if you are still using the Pursuit MX Graphite.
With a market price of $259.99, Engage is definitely targeting the more competitive player. But more importantly, Engage is showing that they believe in their product.
I would definitely advise anyone to demo the paddles they are interested in prior to purchasing. Paddles preferences and feel are a very personal connection, differing player from player.
Overall
With the release of the Pursuit Pro Line, Engage has continued to differentiate itself from competitors in a market oversaturated with paddles. This upgrade puts the entire industry on notice. It let Engage fans know that their feedback is being heard and taken into consideration with the development of new products.
🔥🔥 nice review!
@waldinarosibeth
Sounds like a great paddle. I really like the design, I’m hoping to try it out soon!! My instagram is @criscimatopb. Thanks 🙂
Really hope I can try this paddle soon, heard great things!
@noahromaan
This paddle looks like a cool new era for Engage. Would love the opportunity to try one!
Insta handle @picsbyrajeev
Wow, this is awesome. Looks like a really nice paddle. I’m looking forward to trying it soon, and those pictures, videos look really spectacular as well Nick.
I have 2 friends that are playing with this paddle and the comments are great. I will replace my Pursuit MX6.0 for this one.
@alfredix66
Nice paddle! _kai_yi_
Loving the power out of a “soft” paddle. I have large hands and the thick handle goes a long way. @stevenb0n0
I love my engage paddles. I started with an older Poach given to me by a friend and haven’t looked back. Glad to see an excellent carbon option form my favorite brand and hope to be able to try it out! @heypearly
Excellent review. Definitely going to check this paddle out.
Killing it with this review and great info!!🔥🔥🔥
I love Engage. As a beginner I used the Poach and through the years worked my way to the graphite paddle and I now use the EX Pro. I would love a chance to use the MX Pro.
Laurahorvath2020
Excellent review! Can’t wait to try it!
@Kiu.barker
Seems like a great paddle
Plays like a great paddle too! 😉
Great review. I’d love to try it!
Nice review. Currently using the Pursuit MX6 (awesome paddle) and would love to upgrade to the Pursuit MX Pro. I’m currently from Ajijic, Mexico. They have some great pickleball here. Would love to show off your paddle and get other players interested in the Engage brand.
I just had a knee replacement and am eager to start playing again soon! It would be so cool to have a great new paddle!!
Looking for a new paddle, so will try this one out! From Wolfeboro, NH.
Control, spin, win!
bethmerry@hotmail.com
It’s that easy!
As a women with large hands, I’m excited to try this new veraion
As a women with large hands, I’m excited to try this new version
Great review. Lots of important details, but told in a way that helps me understand how it will apply to my game. Always looking for the paddle that can cover all areas of my game and not ones i have to switch back and forth because they lack in a certain area. We love our pickleball in Ocean City, NJ and play year round outside a couple blocks from the beach, so wind is always a factor to contend with. So spin is a great asset if you can get it and control it, like you discussed.
Thank you so much!! If you can play with the wind, you can definitely control this paddle ahah!
Great review & would be paddle to try for game improvement here in Kansas City, MO.
Nick, great review! The word on the court is this is a great paddle. I haven’t tried it yet but I’m dying to get my hands on it! I Love my Engage but is getting a little dated. All this CF is giving my opponents to much power and spin! I need to catch up! My Engage has lasted but it’s time for this new beauty!
Great reviews would love to try
Would love to try it!
I’m from Prescott, Arizona. There are so many people here playing. I would love to try this paddle. I paid $100 for mine which I thought was a lot. I can’t imagine how much better I’d play with a $250 paddle!
Hey Jill! First off, I love Prescott. Secondly, you can also follow me on instagram @contentbynick. I always host giveaways. I try to make sure that if I can, I will always give stuff away. Best of luck and thank you for reading the article.
Sounds like a great padfle. Looking fotwardvto trying it.
I’m 75 and play in Cuenca, Ecuador six days a week. I’m currently using the Selkirk AMPED Inviktus X5 that was custom ordered to the lightest weight range (7.2-7.4 oz) so I’m interested in trying the Pursuit Pro MX LITE version. I like the extra lenngth that these paddles offer.
Six days a week! You are incredible. Keep up the great work. I think this paddle is may be a great fit for you!
I’m very fond of the elongated shape. I live in the Pickleball Capital, The Villages, Florida. I have been playing for over 10 years. It’s great to see continued evolution of Paddle designs.
Elongated shape is a true beauty! I am very envious of your location. I will have to make a trip over there in the future to play some pickle.
Great review man. I see a bunch of people picking it up as their go to paddle right now. Can’t wait to try and get my hands on one now thanks to your review. From the St. Petersburg area.
Thank you so much ! I do plenty of giveaways throughout the year. You can constantly follow my content on IG @contentbynick. All my articles will be uploaded to pickleball portal.
I really love playing pockleball but couldn’t afford a paddle of this quality. It seems like the top of the line of elite paddles. From New Orleans but moved to Denton after Hurricane Katrina.
Very impressive. I am looking for a new paddle. I would love to try it out.
I’m from Prescott Arizona area.
The review was interesting, but each player needs a paddle that has their own special feel and response from a paddle that fits their strengths and abilities. I did have the opportunity to try this paddle from an Engage rep and the paddle was not comfortable in my hands. I didn’t care how it was weighted so much near the base and handle. The surface of this paddle was very grainy & rough, but that didn’t help me because of the swing weight factor. So, “to each his own.”
great review. will look to buy if there’s a sale on black friday!
Good plan!
I am interested in getting a new paddle. After reading your review this maybe a great possibility.
Thank you for your information and review.
Give it a try!
Currently using a Joola Hyperion. Looking forward to trying this paddle!
Nice! I enjoyed that paddle for a while. I think the Engage has more pop than the Hyperion, I would need to double check with Nick.
Good review, I would like to try this paddle. Perhaps it will find it’s way to Ajijic, Mexico (where I spend my winters)
That would be something!
Very thorough review. As a relatively new convert to Pickleball, I was not aware how technically complex and advanced these racquets can be. Very interesting.
Thanks
Chris
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Good to hear from you Chris! Yes, the technicality is over my head sometimes… Do any waterfowl or upland hunting in Alberta?
Exactly what I have been looking for
Awesome design and engineering looks fantastic!
Would love to play a game with this paddle!
Cheers
Maybe you will win!
Nice.
Prince Edward Island, Canada 🇨🇦
Based on Nick’s review this sounds like a great paddle. Although it may be a little out of my price range.
Good reviews
Thanks Jerry!
Currently am using a Joola Hyperion here in Brookfield, WI. I will definitely check out the new Engage paddle!
Frank Ericson
Brookfield, WI
Love that paddle too! A little plush for me now that I have used the Perseus, but can’t go wrong. Yes, give it a shot!
nice, but prob not for an intermediate level player as myself
I would certainly love to try this paddle!
I am from Brantford, Ontario, Canada
I can’t wait to try it out! I have an older model Engage paddle and love it – looking to upgrade! I am in NC and love playing both indoors and outdoors
Good to hear Laurie! Nice!
Looking for a new paddle. I would love to give it a try.
Great review from an even greater guy! I’m a fan of a more standard shape paddle so this is right up my alley. Additionally, it’s nice that it’s not thermoformed so don’t have to worry about any delamination concerns. Would love to hit with this paddle to see if I should make the switch. Seems like a lot of people, including pros are enjoying the paddle.
@onederricktion
What paddle eraser do you use?
Hey Daniel, this is Dan. I’m not sure what Nick uses, but I’ve seen a lot of CRBN Erasers on the court!