Engage Pursuit Pro1 Innovation: Engage Pickleball has launched its newest pickleball paddle, the Pursuit Pro1 Innovation, the last model in its Pro1 line. Released recently, this paddle features new SpinCore technology designed to boost power and spin.
New Shape and SpinCore Technology Set Paddle Apart
The Pursuit Pro1 Innovation stands out with a slightly longer length of 16.6 inches, compared to the 16.5 inches of the elongated Pro1 model. However, the biggest change is the introduction of SpinCore technology.
Engage founder Robert Elliott explained during a recent Instagram Q/A session that SpinCore technology adjusts the weight distribution for maximum flex and dwell time.
“This paddle has weight in the handle and in the head, creating a virtual hinge in the middle to allow for even more flex than we’ve ever created before, so that you’re able to hit those hard shots and keep them in with topspin. No matter where your opponent is on the court, you’ll be able to dip the ball at their feet.” – (Robert Elliott)
“In order to create that virtual hinge and flex, we did have to put some weight in the head. But we kept some weight in the handle—like with other Pro1 paddles—so it balances out for the desired effect.” – (Robert Elliott)
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Performance Highlights: Power and Spin Shine
The paddle features strong performance benefits, especially in power and spin. A 4.5-level player who tested the paddle shared his thoughts: he was impressed with the Pro1 Innovation’s power, especially from the baseline where he could really let loose on his drives. While the paddle is advertised as a power paddle, the player felt it delivered even more than expected, especially considering it is not a thermoformed paddle.
The player also pointed out the paddle’s strong spin performance. They said they got very good spin with the Pro1 Innovation, especially when playing at the kitchen line. The player felt that their cut dinks had more spin than with most other paddles they had used before. The six-inch grip was another plus, especially for players using two-handed backhands.
Performance Challenges: Forgiveness and Speed Issues
However, not all the feedback was positive. The tester mentioned there was some inconsistency when the ball missed the sweet spot. They said they could really rip the ball when they hit the sweet spot, but noticed clear drops in performance when they didn’t. The player added that this isn’t too surprising for a power paddle like the Pro1 Innovation.
Another issue the tester noticed was the paddle’s head-heavy feel during quick exchanges. They said the extra weight in the head made the paddle a little slow in fast hands battles. Since the player enjoys getting into quick, fast-paced points by speeding up shots off the bounce, they felt this was a bigger problem for them than it might be for other players.
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Comparison to Other Models
The Pursuit Pro1 Innovation was compared to Paddletek’s Bantam TKO-C, another strong non-thermoformed paddle. Both paddles focus on delivering powerful shots while maintaining control.
Significance and Future Outlook
The Pro1 Innovation marks an exciting end to the Engage Pursuit Pro1 series. With the successful debut of SpinCore technology, Engage may look to bring similar designs to new paddle models.
The player who tested the paddle was very positive about what’s ahead. They said the extra power and spin were much more important than the things they didn’t like about the paddle. The player is excited to see Engage use the SpinCore technology in other paddle models in the future.
News in Brief: Engage Pursuit Pro1 Innovation
Engage Pickleball has launched the Pursuit Pro1 Innovation, the final paddle in its Pro1 series. Featuring new SpinCore technology, it offers extra power and spin but feels slightly heavy in fast exchanges.
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