Engage Pursuit Pro EX 6.0 - pickleball paddle review

If you're after a non-thermoformed paddle that offers plenty of power, the Engage Pursuit Pro EX 6.0 is built for you. This paddle has been getting a lot of attention as it's made in the US, has unique tech, and hits like a rocket. Having played against it, I can confirm that it goes hard.

I was eager to see if it could balance its power with a softer feel, which is hard to pull off. If so, it will appeal to a lot of players, though it does have a high $259.99 price tag. Read my review to see if it's worth it.

If you're a power player who doesn't like the stiff feel of thermoformed paddles (who also doesn't mind a poppy feel), the Engage Pursuit Pro EX 6.0 is worth checking out. Unlike many of the best power paddles, this one stands out as it's non-thermoformed and has a standard shape (16" x 8").

Once you get used to the poppy and plush feel, there's enough control and forgiveness (thanks to the wide face and large sweet spot). This complements the power and great spin, which is right up there with the best spin paddles. As a former tennis player, I can rip topspin like with the Diadem Edge 18k.

Watch my initial thoughts here:

If you're a rising intermediate to advanced player who likes to play aggressively, the Pro EX 6.0 is one to have on your radar—as long as you can afford the high $260 price tag. It has a more plush feel than other big-hitting paddles, but it still packs a punch with great plow-through on power.

Control players and early intermediates might struggle to contain the pop. The ball flies off the face, so it'll be a tough adjustment—especially if you're used to more control-focused paddles.

If this is you, you're better off with a more user-friendly paddle like the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash (at a big discount too—just $89.99 with our discount code). Also, if you're after a power paddle that's super aerodynamic, try the Six Zero Infinity DBD instead.

The Engage Pursuit Pro EX 6.0 stands out for being made in the US and not China like most paddles. It has a premium feel and I like the blue/pink design of my model. This sets it apart from your average black-and-white paddle.

The standard shape (16" x 8") and core thickness (15.87 mm) give it user-friendly specs and a large sweet spot. My paddle comes in at 8.2 oz but you can choose anywhere from 7.7-8.9 oz as there are three weight options: LITE, Standard, and Standard Plus.

Let's look at some of its unique qualities.

The Pro EX's polymer core is made from Engage's own technology. They claim it's the softest in pickleball and that it enhances "the interaction (and influence) on the ball". It reminds me of the distinct feel of Gearbox paddles, which have their own signature SST core.

Call me old-fashioned, but I prefer a more standard core design. I'm not a huge fan of how Gearbox paddles feel and the same goes for Engage.

That said, the Pro EX's core does feel better than the more affordable Engage Pursuit MAXX, which I tested alongside this one. The same goes for Gearbox paddles. There's a ton of pop but it's still soft and plush.

Unlike most top power paddles, the Engage Pursuit Pro EX 6.0 is not thermoformed. That means you don't get such a stiff feel. Instead, you end up with a powerful paddle that's quite plush and responsive. This is especially surprising given how hard this paddle actually hits.

This is a rarity worth shouting out—these paddles are made in the United States. Many paddles are made in China, and many even in the same factories. This means that so many are almost carbon copies of each other.

Not the Pro Ex, though. You get a unique build, all while supporting US jobs too.

I'd put this paddle squarely on the power side. It has a ton of pop and the ball flies off the face on volleys and counters. This makes shots like rolls and poaches deadly. It was easy to get aggressive and finish a point off early.

I like how it has good plow-through and finishing power behind the pop. When I get a chance for an overhead or hard drive down the middle, I can usually finish off the point—often without my opponent even touching the ball. This is a huge advantage.

This is the paddle's weakest main attribute as it's difficult to control at first. Due to the pop, I sometimes sail a serve long or wide, which rarely happens with my Bread & Butter Filth. It's also too easy to hit a swinging volley or overhead long, just like with the Gearbox Pro Power.

It's not all bad news, though. Once you learn you barely have to swing, you'll adjust to this paddle. After this, I was landing drops where I needed them. I started feeling the softness in the paddle face, which is why I scored it 8/10. If you're patient, you'll unlock this paddle's control side.

You can generate awesome spin with the Pro EX 6.0. It's almost right up there with the 10/10 spin of the Bread & Butter Filth and Six Zero Infinity DBD.

As a former tennis player, I feel right at home ripping topspin drives with this. I like hitting that dipping topspin that puts the ball right on the line. That's always my marker for whether a paddle has enough spin for my game, and this has plenty.

Once you adjust to the pop, you'll be surprised by how forgiving this paddle is for a power model. Unlike the elongated model, the standard version is rare for a performance pro paddle as it gives you a larger playing surface that extends the sweet spot, making mishits rare.

This paddle comes in a wide range of weights (7.7-8.9 oz), depending on your model. Mine is 8.2 oz, a good weight to power up shots.

While my paddle feels a little heavy in the hands, the moderate 115 swing weight helps to keep it relatively maneuverable and quick in play. That said, I'd still prefer a slightly lower static weight and the option to customize with lead tape.

Personally, I don't like how thick the grip is. It does have a premium feel but it's bulky and not as comfortable to play with over long sessions compared to a standard grip.

I recently reviewed the Franklin FS Tour Series, which also has a thick grip. While I grew to like that one, I can't say the same for the Pro EX. It's a shame you don't get much room to customize with an overgrip to resolve the issue.

I'm confident this paddle will last you a long time. It's made in the USA from premium materials, including T700 raw carbon fiber.

The standard shape might boost the sweet spot, but it means you get more drag than an elongated or hybrid (curved-top) shape. I'd put this paddle on the bulky side. So, if you're looking for a fast powerful paddle, you might prefer the Six Zero Infinity DBD instead.

At $259.99, this paddle is one of the most expensive out there. It is different, though, and it fills a niche in the market. It's made for players who don't like thermoformed paddles but still want a lot of power. If that's you, and you have the budget, it's worth the price tag.

If you're already an Engage fan, or you want an Engage paddle, I recommend paying the premium for this over the cheaper Pursuit MAXX line. Those paddles don't have the spin you need to keep up in today's game.

Advanced players who aren't worried about controlling a poppy paddle will also find value even at this high price point. If you're willing to pay the premium for a unique paddle made in the USA, you'll get a lot out of this paddle. You won't find another quite like this one.

Finally, if you suffer from tennis elbow and other strains, this is one of the best pickleball paddles for injuries.

Alternatively, if you don't mind a thermoformed paddle, you can save $100 on paddles with a similar performance, like the Bread & Butter Filth or Six Zero DBD.

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

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