REVIEWS
By Jack Bandel
IN THE KNOW: EQUIPMENT
ENGAGE
EX 6.0 REVIEW
GAMMA SHARD
GRAPHITE
PADDLE REVIEW
Look/Cosmetics: 4/5
Familiar, safe design with
Engage’s trademark
diagonal stripe separating
a colored lower portion
from the upper white
portion, with a target
reticule. Comes in four
color patterns (red, green,
blue, purple). Traditional
handle length and paddle
shape. Comes in two
weight choices—light and
standard.
Look/Cosmetics: 5/5
Very sharp, eye-catching
graphic design on this
paddle. Comes in two
color schemes (pink
and yellow). Large
trademark “G” in the
top right corner. Handle
length is average (4.75”),
as is grip size (4-1/8”).
Comfy cushioned and
perforated Gamma honeycomb
grip gives you a great connection
to the paddle. Paddle is 25 percent
thicker than typical Gamma paddles.
Length is a typical 15-7/8”. Handle
feels slightly squarish.
Serves/Returns/Groundstrokes:
4.5/5
This “jack of all trades” paddle
excels all over the court. Serves
and groundstrokes are powerful
enough, without causing flyers.
Decent amount of pop to keep
returns fast and deep. The newly developed
skin is called “FiberTek” and gives you
maximum spin and a nice feel off the
paddle. You will definitely start the point with
confidence.
Touch/Feel: 4/5
This new skin formula makes the core and
surface feel like they are working together,
which gives you a great combination of
power and control. You feel very connected
to your dinks and touch shots and the large
sweet spot along with the thicker core really
allow you to execute whatever shot is needed
at that moment. Softer-feeling than some of
Engage’s offerings of the past.
Sound/Sweet Spot: 5/5
Sweet spot? More like a sweet paddle!
The sweet spot seems endless now, with
the thicker core and the new skin/core
technology. Casual players and seasoned
tournament players will appreciate the user
friendliness of this new paddle. The balanced
feel also adds to the maneuverability and
quick shot making at the net.
Summary: 4.4/5
This “middle child” in Engage’s new 6.0
paddle line should benefit many levels and
types of players. This is an excellent “do
everything” paddle, with no real weaknesses.
It’s pretty much up to you to execute, but you
can have confidence that you have the right
tool in your hand.
Serves/Returns/Groundstrokes:
3.5/5
Textured graphite surface feels soft and
smooth on full strokes. Power is on the low
side, as with most graphite paddles, but is
adequate. Feels very balanced through the
air. Hit your return and get up to the line
where this paddle shines.
Touch/Feel: 5/5
Now we’re talking! Wonderful soft feel
that you’ll love in the kitchen. Great for
blocking drives and absorbing power from
incoming “missiles.” Graphite fans who like
a traditional-shaped paddle need to try this
one. Good vibrations are all you feel here.
Dink masters rejoice. This paddle will take
your finesse game to another level.
Sound/Sweet Spot: 4.5/5
Super-quiet paddle, due to the thicker core
and graphite surface. Sweet spot feels about
average in size and a bit larger than typically
found on graphite paddles. Your neighbors
won’t complain about this paddle. Shots in
the center are satisfying and solid feeling.
Summary: 4.5/5
Very impressed with recent models coming
from Gamma. They’ve always been known
for high-quality grips and now the paddles
have caught up in quality. They now also
have many varieties in shape and material, so
anyone should be able to find a favorite. This
traditional-shaped, thicker paddle provides
touch players with a great option!
TMPR
ASCEND REVIEW
Look/Cosmetics: 4/5
Typical colorful graphics
from the folks at TMPR.
Large logo on the right
side with a unique
cloud design on the
lower half. Comes in
three bright colors (red,
lime and blue). Handle
is long-ish (5.5”) and
will benefit two-handed
grips and former tennis
players. Handle has a nicely
cushioned grip. Longer (16.25”)
with aerodynamic rounded edges
will attract singles players and
power players.
Serves/Returns/Groundstrokes:
4.5/5
The Ascend is a power paddle,
targeting ex-tennis players and
players who like playing singles, along with
doubles. The power-to-control ratio definitely
swings way toward the power side and
groundstrokes from the baseline are truly
a blast to hit. The graphite face makes the
ball shoot quickly off and is very responsive.
Depth is easily achieved on serves and
returns without much effort.
Touch/Feel: 3.5/5
This is not the area where this paddle excels,
but it does a decent job at the kitchen line.
The added length does help with reach and
angles while feeling very balanced through
the air.
Sound/Sweet Spot: 3.5/5
Sweet spot is about average in size and
should be playable for most intermediate and
advanced levels. Sound is kind of unique,
but not offensive or overly loud. The rounded
shape does seem to extend the sweet spot
outward in a circular path more so than
squared-off shapes.
Summary: 3.88/5
This is one of the better choices for ex-tennis
players and singles players who want lots of
power to rip topspin groundstrokes past their
opponents. If that’s your game, then definitely
give this one a try. TMPR is putting out high-
quality paddles at a very reasonable price
point. Check ’em out!
For more info, visit www.pickleballpaddlereviews.net
60
TO SUBSCRIBE, CALL 888.308.3720 OR GO TO THEPICKLEBALLMAG.COM