PADDLE REVIEWS
ENGAGE PURSUIT MX 6.0 PRO PADDLE REVIEW
Look / Cosmetics : 4 / 5 Stealthy black graphics with the familiar scope target and gray lettering . Typical plastic edge guard . MX is the elongated shape for Engage and this paddle has the popular T700 raw Toray carbon face , which has a gritty feel . A 5.75 " handle length ( great for two-handers ) and a “ thick-ish ” feeling 4.375 " grip size . My test model was 8 oz . This one also has Engage ’ s unique black poly core .
Serves / Returns / Groundstrokes : 5 / 5 Hard-hitting power players , listen up ! This paddle hits HARD . But not just hard — hard with tons of ball-dipping spin . You might just think about leaving your soft game at home . So much fun hitting hard shots with this paddle . Serves , returns , you name it … all come rocketing off the face with a “ springy ” smooth feel . Love it !
Touch / Feel / Spin : 4.5 / 5 Lots of spin here , but control can be a little challenging . This paddle leans toward power over control but is still respectable in by JACK BANDEL
the dinking game . High marks for feel , since the ball impact feels so nice , cushioned and bouncy . However , that bouncy feel takes time to dial in .
Sound / Sweet Spot / Playability : 4.25 / 5 Sweet spot is average , located a bit toward the tip ( use the scope ) and this paddle feels a bit heavy to swing ( high swing weight ). Not great for “ hands ” type players who hang out at the net . The sound is a pleasant “ clock .” Advanced players should have no trouble wielding this paddle . Beginners need not apply .
Summary : 4.4 / 5 Engage has really put out a top paddle with the new Pursuit line . Just find the shape and weight you prefer and hit the courts with this powerful , great-feeling weapon . Huge improvement over the previous Pursuit model and I predict you will see this in the hands of many top pros .
Current Price : $ 259.99
PBPRO RAZOR PATRIOT PADDLE REVIEW
Look / Cosmetics : 3.5 / 5 Simple , mostly black design . Red , white and blue lettering along the left edge , appropriate for a “ Patriot ” theme . This thermoformed design paddle is 13.3mm thick , with 7.5 " x 16.5 " measurements and a smooth-feeling T700 raw carbon face . The handle has pronounced bevels and a nice white padded grip . Typical black plastic edge guard , with foam injected inside it .
Serves / Returns / Groundstrokes : 4 / 5 Nice balanced-feeling paddle through the air . Was easy to get returns deep right off the bat . For a long , narrow shape , you don ’ t get that top-heavy feel like some do . Good balance of power and control so far . Spin was about average on my slice returns .
Touch / Feel / Spin : 4.5 / 5 High marks here for touch and feel . This paddle just has a nice feel that ’ s neither too soft or too firm . The ball really jumps off the face for those quick put-aways . Plays a very nice soft game as well . Seems like a great “ all court ” type of paddle .
Sound / Sweet Spot / Playability : 4 / 5 Pop is a bit loud for me , but not too bad . The sweet spot was above average , which let me play whatever type of game I chose — attacking or patient / defending . Really a well-rounded , easy-to-use paddle that is very playable for most levels . Great for intermediates who like this shape .
Summary : 4 / 5 Surprisingly good paddle from a company I did not know much about . Hard to find any faults with this model — it just lets you play your game without getting in the way . PBPRO is only a few years old , and puts out a high-quality product at an affordable price .
Current Price : TBD
SELKIRK LUXX CONTROL AIR INVIKTA PADDLE REVIEW
Look / Cosmetics : 4.5 / 5 Really pretty paddle that will be noticed when you step onto the court . The next evolution of the “ Project 003 ” line and it shares many characteristics . Measures 16.45 " long and 7.5 " wide , with a 5.35 " grip . Love the flared butt cap and the nice-feeling grip . Test paddle was a touch under 8 oz . “ Edgeless ” design and 20mm thick with a throat cutout . New feature here is the Florek carbon face .
Serves / Returns / Groundstrokes : 3.5 / 5 Super-soft control paddle , so you don ’ t want to spend a lot of time hitting groundstrokes . The soft , smooth feel and pinpoint accuracy really assist on hitting a nice third shot drop or a defensive reset that gets you up to the line . Now the fun starts …
Touch / Feel / Spin : 5 / 5 This paddle is meant for those who want to dink all day and frustrate their opponents with their defense . Brilliant touch and feel around the net , allowing you to control the tempo like Leonard Bernstein . The 20mm thickness absorbs pace really well and the entire paddle feels solid , even near the edges . Putaways take more effort , but this paddle really rewards patience .
Sound / Sweet Spot / Playability : 4 / 5 Mixed bag here because the sweet spot is enormous and the sound is very nice , but the playability is tricky . You need to bring your own power . This is more for the crafty , all-court type player . Lead tape would bring more power , but in stock form there isn ’ t a lot of plow-through .
Summary : 4.25 / 5 This paddle takes a lot from the Project 003 and refines it . If you are a smooth-swinging , patient , control-oriented player who doesn ’ t need extra power , this one should be at the top of your list . In the right hands , this all-court weapon can dominate .
Current Price : $ 250
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