Pickleball Paddle Review: Engage Encore Pro
Last year, I broke my paddle so I had to buy a new one. I tried out a couple of paddles at the dedicated indoor facility nearby and didn't like any of them. So, I purchased the Onix Z5 again which is the paddle I had used since I started playing pickleball. Fast forward a few months later when I became an Engage pickleball dealer. I ordered a bunch of demo paddles and had a chance to play with all of them numerous times. As a result of this, my go-to paddle is now the Engage Encore Pro.
So, what is so great about this paddle?
The Engage Encore Pro paddle is the best balanced Engage paddle. That means it provides the perfect mix of power and control. While many paddle manufacturers make this claim, the Engage Encore Pro really has the best balance of these two attributes for all paddles in the Engage line. Practically, this means the gritty surface allows you to easily put plenty of spin on the ball. It also has great touch, meaning you can place the ball exactly where you want it. The paddle at 7.8-8.3 ounces is heavy enough to provide some power without the player having to generate all of it.
When I first transitioned to the Engage Encore Pro, I definitely felt like the power and touch of the paddle was a step up from the Onix Z5.
The Engage Encore Pro has a traditional wide body shape at 15.5” by 8.125”. This is definitely my preference in a paddle as I have pretty good quickness so I don't necessarily need extra reach in a paddle. The length of the grip is perfect for one-handed backhands. I'm not sure if it would be comfortable, however, for those using a two-handed backhand. Another thing I noticed about the paddle is that it is thicker than the Onix Z5 but not as thick as the newer Engage paddles in the 6.0 series such as the EX and MX. Still, the Encore Pro has little vibration and a very solid feel when hitting the ball.
The other great thing about the paddle is it is pretty easy on the wallet considering the quality. While many paddles are now being sold in the $200 range, the Encore Pro retails for $109.99. The paddle comes in four colors including red, purple, green, and blue. I have to admit, I'm not a big fan of the “target” graphics or the color scheme. However, it is still my paddle of choice despite its looks.
