REVIEWS
IN THE KNOW : EQUIPMENT
ENGAGE PURSUIT GRAPHITE MX 6.0 REVIEW
Look / Cosmetics : 4 / 5 Once again , we have the unique black stealth color , which sends a message to your opponents that you ’ re not messing around . Engage target reticule in the upper center . Comes in three color choices : black , ruby red accent , deep purple accent . What ’ s nice is that it also comes in three weight ranges ( standard , light and featherweight ) ranging from 7.1 to 8.3 oz . My playtest model was a little under 8 oz . The MX model has a longer , narrower shape compared to the EX , and the 6.0 means it ’ s slightly thicker ( 5 / 8 ”) for more control and feel .
Serves / Returns / Groundstrokes : 5 / 5 This is a graphite paddle that doesn ’ t sacrifice a lot of power , like you see with other graphite paddles . The thicker 6.0 reins in some of the high power that the non-6.0 model had and that allowed me to place my serves and returns deep , without fear of hitting long . The gritty surface really lets you put some crazy spin on your serves and slice returns . I know it ’ s been said a lot but Engage really nailed the “ power / control ” balance with this paddle . Super consistent off the face and you feel completely in control of where you are placing the ball .
Touch / Feel / Spin : 4.5 / 5 The 6.0 model really gives you tons of control , but the pop is there when needed . Engage really deserves a lot of praise for the balance of great properties in this paddle . The graphite skin gives you a very soft feel , which serial dinkers will absolutely love . Also , the longer handle gives you the added reach on wide-angle shots around the net and for the short ones in the kitchen . Spin potential is tremendous and hopefully the gritty surface will be long lasting . The only reason I took . 5 off this score is because I think the previous model had a tad more feel , but I ’ m being really picky here . There ’ s really not much to complain about with this paddle .
Sound / Sweet Spot / Balance / Playability : 4.5 / 5 Sound is a unique and satisfying pop . None of Engage ’ s paddles are ever overly loud and this one follows that rule . Paddle feels a touch head-heavy , which is probably due to the long handle , but it isn ’ t very noticeable . The paddle feels very balanced when playing and swinging . The thicker core helps with comfort and on off-center hits . Sweet spot was of sufficient size and this paddle should be accessible to most players , except true beginners . I didn ’ t need much time at all to acclimate to this paddle and you shouldn ’ t either .
Summary : 4.5 / 5 It ’ s no secret that I am a big fan of Engage ’ s products and this may be my favorite paddle from the company to date ! I believe this is the highest score for any paddle I have reviewed and it ’ s truly deserving of that high mark . Between the non-6.0 and this 6.0 model , you have two great choices depending on whether you want more power or not . They both play wonderfully . Engage has the pickleball community buzzing about these new Pursuit paddles , and when you try them you will see why .
By Jack Bandel
SELKIRK INVICTA VANGUARD 2.0 PADDLE REVIEW
Look / Cosmetics : 4 / 5 If you ’ ve seen any other Selkirk paddle , you will immediately recognize this one . Familiar Selkirk “ S ” logo across the front . Comes in two basic colors ( red and blue ). Personally , I love the red and black color combo . Very sharp ! Same great Invicta shape as seen in previous models . Selkirk came out with these 2.0 models with the “ Gen2 ” surface to improve on the wearability of the previous model , which sometimes showed some white flakes after much use . Let ’ s see if they were successful .
Serves / Returns / Groundstrokes : 4 / 5 The “ Quantum Carbon-Fiber ” surface feels a little more textured than the previous model . This seems to give you a little more spin on slices and spinny serves . Make no mistake , this isn ’ t the spinniest paddle out there , but it excels in many other areas that more than make up for that . The same unique feel of the previous model is still intact and you still get that perceived “ dwell time ” off the paddle . Groundstrokes have the same great control over length and direction as the previous Invicta Vanguard had . So far so good !
Touch / Feel / Spin : 4 / 5 I am noticing a small increase in spin over the prior model , but the same great feel remains . The carbon face really gives you a nice and unique feel on your shots . You have to try it to see what I am talking about … it ’ s hard to put into words . This paddle is a nice blend of power and control , but I would say it leans more into the control category . Dinks and touch shots were no problem with the 2.0 and consistency and predictability were top notch .
Sound / Sweet Spot / Playability : 4.5 / 5 Playability is really where this paddle shines . From all over the court , you feel like you can pull off all your shots without any worry . The sweet spot seems to be a little toward the tip , as with all my Vanguard models , so I was able to jump right in and feel comfortable with it . No issue with the sound , although these paddles seem to be a touch louder than others . Sweet spot is accessible to anyone of intermediate level and up . Not a beginner ’ s paddle .
Summary : 4.1 / 5 The Invicta has been my favorite paddle for a while and it appears that Selkirk has addressed the cosmetic issues of the previous model . After two weeks I didn ’ t notice any flakes or wear on the paddle face . Kudos to Selkirk for improving on an already outstanding product and listening to customers . The new 2.0 model retains all the great characteristics of the previous model , while making a few subtle improvements . Also it bears repeating that Selkirk offers a full refund if your game doesn ’ t improve in 30 days .
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