PADDLE REVIEWS
ENGAGE EVOLUTION AERO
Look / Cosmetics: 4 / 5 Mostly black carbon paddle face( Toray T700) with the familiar Engage“ reticle” across the face and some red accenting. This paddle shape is a familiar elongated 16.5 " x 7.5 ". Handle length is 5.5 inches. Comes in only the scarlet red color choice as of the time of this review. Thickness is 16mm with a ribbed grip finishing it off. This is a midpriced“ budget” model, but so far everything looks and feels like high quality. My playtest paddle was 8 oz. on the nose.
Serves / Returns / Groundstrokes: 3.5 / 5 Due to the low power level, I had to up my swing speed to hit returns and serves deep. Once I made that adjustment, things were fine. Spin was nice on slice returns, and the paddle cuts through the air very easily, which makes it easy to swing fast. Same thing on groundstrokes— this is not a paddle to hang back and drive the ball. This is a control paddle, so get to the kitchen line and let this paddle do its thing.
Touch / Feel / Spin: 4 / 5 Spin was about average on this paddle, but its strong suit is the overall quickness and fast feel. If you like to plant yourself at the net and defend, you will love this paddle. Fast hand battles will become your favorite part of the game. Dinks were very easy to control, but at times I wished for a little more power to put away high floaters. The elongated shape came in handy on wide-angle dinks and gives you extra reach when you need it.
Sweet Spot / Playability / Who For: 3.75 / 5 This elongated paddle is extremely maneuverable, which makes it very quick at the net on reaction shots and blocks. It feels very“ whippy” through the air, maybe due to the cutout at the throat. The paddle leans toward the control side for sure, with adequate pop and spin. Any control-oriented players who want a very maneuverable elongated paddle will benefit from this model. Some may want to add weight due to its low swing weight. The sweet spot seemed average in size but feels a bit smaller due to the throat cutout.
Summary: 3.8 / 5 This model from Engage is a niche model. It’ s a fast-feeling control paddle that punches well above its price point. Just make sure you bring your own power, as it offers little free pop. This paddle would make a great step up from cheaper beginner paddles, but won’ t break the bank like some higher priced models.
Current Price: $ 140
by JACK BANDEL
FRANKLIN C45 DYNASTY
Look / Cosmetics: 4 / 5 Mostly black( T700) carbon paddle face with an“ F” logo in geometric lines across the face. High-quality tacky grip feels great, and the shape is a familiar elongated 16.4 " x 7.6 ". Handle length is 5.6 inches, which would suit two-handed backhands. Comes in three color choices: green, red and blue, which changes the edge guard and grip color. This review is focused more on the 14mm model, but a thicker 16mm option is also available. My test paddle weighed 7.8 oz.
Serves / Returns / Groundstrokes: 3.75 / 5 This paddle felt very light through the air, which caused me a little adjustment time. I would recommend that advanced players add a little weight and customize it to their liking. Groundstrokes felt very solid, with the ability to shape the ball. I had to swing a little harder than usual to get the power and depth I wanted, but I’ m sure lead tape would bring up the power level. Returns were the same, but I found some nice dipping and slicing spin on my returns.
Touch / Feel / Spin: 4.5 / 5 This paddle has a very nice plush, responsive feel, which may be the result of Franklin’ s unique“ double-thermoforming” process, which also greatly reduces vibration. Spin potential is on the high side, and I was very impressed with how much I was able to shape the ball when I wanted to add spin. There are softer-feeling paddles out there, but this one feels just as at home in the kitchen as it does on the baseline. Also, I am now finding this paddle leans toward the control side over power in stock form.
Sweet Spot / Playability / Who For: 3.75 / 5 The sweet spot feels about average in size to me and shouldn’ t hamper any skilled players. This is an“ all-court” type of paddle that does everything well and gives you a lot of control over how and where you want to hit the ball. The nice feel makes it an enjoyable paddle to play with, but I would advise beginners to steer clear. This is a player’ s paddle meant for higher skill levels. Advanced players will love to customize this paddle to their preferred specs since it’ s a great platform to add weight to.
Summary: 4 / 5 I believe this new C45 line from Franklin is its best offering yet. The new tech really delivers an exceptional all-around paddle that has no real weaknesses. With three different shape and thickness choices, you can be certain to find one that fits your game. All-court players who want a nice-feeling paddle that can spin the ball like crazy while still offering excellent control should check this one out.
Current Price: $ 229.99
For more info, go to the Pickleball Paddle Reviews group page on Facebook. Paddle Manufacturers: Contact Jack Bandel at jackbandel @ gmail. com if you’ d like your products to be reviewed.
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