REVIEWS
IN THE KNOW: EQUIPMENT
ENGAGE
PRECISION REVIEW
GAMMA LEGEND
PADDLE REVIEW
TMPR OCULUS
XT REVIEW
By Jack Bandel
Look/Cosmetics: 4/5
Not your typical Engage
graphics, but I like it. In
the center is a target
reticle with an overlaying
blue or green design.
Traditional width (8”) with
a little extra length (16”).
The high-quality grip and
trim on the paddle are the
same as all other Engage
paddles, even though it’s
priced very moderately at
$74.99. Weight is average at
7.75-8 oz.
Serves/Returns/Groundstrokes:
4/5
This paddle leans a bit toward
the power side with its composite
surface, which makes it easy to keep
serves and groundstrokes deep. Ball
depth and placement is very predictable,
as you would expect from a paddle called
“precision.” Spin is adequate with the new
textured surface from Engage.
Touch/Feel: 3.5/5
This new surface gives you a nice
combination of power and control. Not as soft
feeling as some other Engage paddles, but
not harsh either. Dinks came off the paddle
face in a reliable manner and I was able to
strategically place the ball where I wanted.
Touch and feel are fine for all-around players
of most recreational levels.
Sound/Sweet Spot: 3.5/5
Casual players to advanced players should
have no problem with this paddle. Sweet
spot feels average in size and performed
adequately. The paddle feels wellbalanced,
which made quick reaction shots
manageable. The sound of the paddle is very
non-intrusive and won’t cause any issues
with your community.
Summary: 3.75/5
This value-priced new offering from Engage
is just that, a great value. As many paddles
get more expensive, it’s great to have
something for about half the price of the
high-performance paddles that will still allow
you to play your game and not slow you
down. Casual and recreational players will
appreciate the playability of the paddle.
Look/Cosmetics: 4/5
Trademark Gamma graphics
in two different color
schemes (white and
gray).. Much prefer
the white/red/black
choice to the rather
plain gray/black/white
one. 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 reliable grip on 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
Textured composite surface feels smooth like
butter. As with most composite paddles, good
power on full strokes. The slightly thicker
core gives you more pop on serves and lets
you keep returns deep in the backcourt. Very
impressed so far...let’s see what happens
when we get up to the kitchen line!
Touch/Feel: 4.5/5
Very nice soft feel for a powerful composite
paddle. Just as smooth on dinks as it was
from the backcourt. Great for blocking drives
and absorbing power from incoming drives.
The thicker core seems to absorb shock
well, making this a great choice for folks with
elbow issues. Balanced feel that’s easy to
maneuver quickly.
Sound/Sweet Spot: 4.5/5
Very QUIET paddle, due to the thicker core
and textured surface. Sound is a little muted
compared to most paddles. Sweet spot is a
good size, and I found no trouble with slightly
off-center hits.
Summary 4.25/5
Another impressive model from Gamma. It
has really upped its game with the recent
paddle line, and serious pickleball players
have been taking notice. The Legend is a
well-rounded, do-it-all paddle, with a perfect
balance of power and control that should
satisfy a lot of players of all levels.
Look/Cosmetics: 4.5/5
Bright, colorful graphics that
get noticed. Large “T” logo
in the middle with circular
lines surrounding it.
Comes in red, green,
blue and pink. Handle
has angled edges—
former tennis players
will feel at home using it.
Fiberglass face provides
nice pop and the paddle
shape is a rounded oval,
which extends the sweet spot
outwardly.
Serves/Returns/Groundstrokes:
4/5
The Oculus XT is another one of
those balanced paddles with a
perfect blend of power and control.
Paddle makers have realized you
need both equally to play a well-rounded
game, and they are delivering. Placement is
very predictable, and you’ll enjoy hitting from
all parts of the court with this high-quality
paddle. Decent spin off the composite face.
Touch/Feel: 4/5
There are softer paddles out there, but that
doesn’t diminish the ability to dink with this
paddle. Consistency is where it’s at and
this paddle allows you to target your dinks
to certain spots to keep your opponent offbalance.
The handle-dampening technology
also saves your elbow from bad vibrations.
Sound/Sweet Spot: 4.5/5
Sound is very rewarding—I liked it. The
rounder paddle shape extends the sweet
spot outward and is this paddle’s greatest
attribute. Mishits were a less frequent
occurrence and I really believe it’s due to the
shape. Great for blocking, too. Should please
all skill levels.
Summary: 4.25/5
TMPR continues coming out with some great
paddles at very competitive prices and this
one was my favorite of them all. If you have
only played with traditional-shaped paddles,
you owe it to yourself to check this one out
and see if it doesn’t improve your overall
game. Great paddle for both doubles and
singles players.
For more info, visit www.pickleballpaddlereviews.net.
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