Engage Pursuit MAXX MX 6.0 - pickleball paddle review

Are you looking for an Engage paddle that's cheaper than their $259.99 Pro Series? Maybe you're after an elongated paddle that's not thermoformed but still has decent power? If that's you, the Engage Pursuit MAXX MX 6.0 is worth checking out.

I don't have much experience with Engage paddles, but I've heard a lot about them, like that they're made in the US and have a unique feel. I was excited to put this to the test and see if the MAXX is good value for money at $199.99 (or $179.99 with my discount code).

The MAXX MX 6.0 is built for players who want a non-thermoformed with plenty of power—similar to the more advanced Pursuit Pro EX 6.0, but for a lower price tag.

Engage's signature "Black Core" definitely feels different upon contact with the ball, and I can see why some people go for these paddles. They're not thermoformed, so you don't get that overly stiff feel like with a CRBN-1X Power Series or Gearbox CX14E. Instead, the MAXX is smoother like the Selkirk LUXX Control.

Also, with the pop comes better power than I expected. You don't have to swing too hard to get the putaway power you need. The elongated handle (5.5") and shape will suit players who play with two-handed backhands.

Watch my first thoughts here:

That said, the MAXX is surprisingly poppy for a non-thermoformed paddle marketed as having "the softest core in the industry". I struggle to rein it in on drops and even some dinks, especially against higher-level players. Spin is an even bigger letdown, and nowhere near the Pursuit Pro EX 6.0.

On multiple occasions, I've attempted a drive where the topspin doesn't catch and the ball goes into the net. The medium-sized sweet spot catches me out sometimes as well.

If I don't hit dead center on the paddle face, I often mishit the ball. If you're an intermediate and need a more forgiving paddle, I'd recommend the Pickleball Apes Pro Line Energy S or Franklin FS Tour Tempo instead.

If you're an Engage fan, I still recommend the Pursuit Pro over the MAXX. It performs better across the board so it's well worth the $70 premium if you can afford it. If it's your first time playing with an Engage paddle, be aware that there's a big adjustment period.

You'll get more value in this price range ($160-190) from a paddle that performs better straight out of the box. Try the Bread & Butter Filth if you're looking for power or the PIKKL Hurricane Pro for better control. Both are user-friendly and have way better spin than the MAXX MX 6.0.

Engage is one of the only top paddle manufacturers whose paddles are made in the United States. The Pursuit MAXX MX 6.0 is an elongated paddle (16.5" x 7.5") with an elongated handle (5.75"). It comes in two weight choices: 7.6-7.9 oz (LITE) or 8.0-8.4 oz (Standard). Mine is the Standard model.

Engage paddles are known for their unique feel. Let's see what makes them special.

Engage claims that their signature polymer "Black" core is the softest of any pickleball paddle. While it definitely feels unique (poppy and soft at the same time like a Gearbox paddle), I don't think it's the softest core. The Vatic Pro PRISM Flash feels softer to me. Still, while I'm not a huge fan, I see why a lot of players like it as it's something different.

Engage chooses to go against the thermoformed paddle trend, and that helps them stand out. Their paddles have their own distinct feel which you'll either love or have, but they're not stiff.

I like that the MAXX still gets decent power. The more expensive Pro EX 6.0 gets even better power and that's not thermoformed either.

One feature this paddle shares with most thermoformed paddles is the foam injection in the walls. That gives the paddle stability and some forgiveness, as it extends the sweet spot.

The type of carbon fiber used on the paddle surface is different from the Pro Series. Rather than Toray T700 raw carbon fiber, it's just called "enhanced friction carbon", which I assume means it's a cheaper material. The result is a lot less spin. I scored the Pro EX 6.0 a near-perfect 9.5/10 on spin, while I'm only giving this paddle a 7.

The MAXX MX 6.0 lacks the power of a thermoformed paddle like the Six Zero Black Diamond Power. I struggle to get deep serves even when I amp up my swing speed.

That said, the pop does help me on my drives and volleys. I don't have to swing as hard to access power because the ball accelerates off the face. It reminds me a bit of the Gearbox Pro Power, one of the best power paddles I've tested.

This feels most like a control paddle thanks to how Engage's trademark plushness helps me dial in my drops and dinks. The pop keeps it from scoring higher here. The ball bounces off the paddle face, which can take a while to adjust to. I've had a few drops pop right up, giving my opponents an easy putaway.

Spin is the biggest letdown for me. It's there but it's nothing like I'm used to from paddles over $150 these days. The Bread & Butter Shogun, which I tested around the same time, has similar control and forgiveness but spin is much better.

Often with the MAXX, I'll try to engage heavy topspin on a drive and it simply doesn't catch, sending the ball straight into the net. If you need more spin in your game, check out my best pickleball paddles for spin.

The sweet spot could definitely be larger. The Vatic Pro Flash showed us that you can make a paddle that's super forgiving, with foam injected in the walls, for an affordable price. The sweet spot on the MAXX is limited to the center of the paddle face, leading to mishits when I hit near the edges.

I did bump it up a point or two because it's not as stiff as thermoformed paddles and that helps with forgiveness.

The Standard version has a moderately high static weight (8.0-8.4 oz) and swingweight (117). It plays lighter, though, and is decently quick at the net.

You get OK power for the weight but the Six Zero DBD Control or Bread & Butter Filth are a lot more powerful at even lower static weights. That's why I scored them much higher on weighting.

This paddle has a thick grip that's bulky in the hands and a little uncomfortable. I've heard others complain about it too. I'd prefer if Engage brought it down a size, which would allow room for an overgrip.

I usually prefer a standard-sized grip but the Franklin FS Tour Series has a thick grip that actually works really well. Sadly, I can't say the same for the Engage MAXX.

I'm used to thermoformed raw carbon fiber paddles so these Engage paddles feel different to me. The MAXX has a feel I can only describe as "plasticy". I'm not sure how durable it'll be but it is made from carbon and is built in the USA, so I expect it to hold up.

The MAXX is a bit bulky with no real aerodynamic qualities to report. If you want a super-fast paddle, I'd recommend the Six Zero Infinity DBD or the ProKennex Black Ace Pro.

Personally, I think this paddle is wildly overpriced at $199.99. It's $20 more than the Six Zero DBD Control, one of the best paddles in 2024. Thankfully, you can take it down to $179.99 with my discount code. At that price, it starts to feel more worth it but it still doesn't have mass appeal.

This paddle mostly suits one kind of player: those who find thermoformed paddles too stiff but don't want to sacrifice power by going to a super-soft control paddle. You'll get the best of both worlds—some soft, plush control aspects as well as power and pop when you need it. If this is you, $180 might be worth it.

If you're an Engage fan who's considering saving money against the more advanced Pursuit Pro, I advise you to spend up if you can. There's a big jump in performance—especially on power and spin—and you might regret not spending that extra $70 in the long run.

For anyone else, I recommend shopping around as there's better value available. The Six Zero DBD Control, Bread & Butter Filth, and Pickleball Apes Pro Line Energy S are just some of the 5-star paddles you'll find in the $160-200 price range.

If the Engage Pursuit MAXX MX 6.0 isn't right for you, check out some other paddles I recommend:

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