Engage Pursuit Pro EX Pickleball Paddle vs Franklin Sports Signature Carbon Pickleball Paddle 13mm:

By Glen · Last updated 2026-10-14 · Researched from published specs, USA Pickleball rules and verified owner reviews, not play-tested by us · How we pick

The Franklin Sports Signature Carbon Pickleball Paddle 13mm is about half the price of the Engage Pursuit Pro EX Pickleball Paddle (under $100 vs under $200). Choose the Engage Pursuit Pro EX Pickleball Paddle if you want more stability against hard hitters, you want a more forgiving sweet spot, you want the more premium build; choose the Franklin Sports Signature Carbon Pickleball Paddle 13mm if you want to spend less, you want faster hands or less load on your arm, you want extra reach.

Specs side by side

SpecEngage Pursuit Pro EX Pickleball PaddleFranklin Sports Signature Carbon Pickleball Paddle 13mm
BudgetUnder $200Under $100
Listed weight8.1 oz7.75 oz
Core thickness13 mm13 mm
Shapewidebodyelongated
Facecarbon fibercarbon fiber
Core materialNot statedpolymer honeycomb
ThermoformedNot statedNot stated
USA Pickleball approvalClaimedClaimed

From each Amazon listing. "Not stated" means the listing does not say.

What actually differs?

  • The Franklin Sports Signature Carbon Pickleball Paddle 13mm is about half the price of the Engage Pursuit Pro EX Pickleball Paddle (under $100 vs under $200).
  • The Engage Pursuit Pro EX Pickleball Paddle is 0.35 oz heavier by listing (8.1 vs 7.75 oz): a little more stability and plow-through, a little slower at the kitchen, and a little more load on the arm.
  • Both use a 13 mm core, so feel differences come from construction and face rather than thickness.
  • Shapes differ: Engage Pursuit Pro EX Pickleball Paddle is widebody, Franklin Sports Signature Carbon Pickleball Paddle 13mm is elongated. Elongated shapes add reach and swing weight; widebody and standard shapes add forgiveness.

Which should you buy?

Choose the Engage Pursuit Pro EX Pickleball Paddle if you want more stability against hard hitters, you want a more forgiving sweet spot, you want the more premium build.

Choose the Franklin Sports Signature Carbon Pickleball Paddle 13mm if you want to spend less, you want faster hands or less load on your arm, you want extra reach.

Weight class: mid vs mid. Not sure what you need? The paddle weight calculator and core thickness calculator answer that in under a minute. We have not play-tested either paddle; this comparison is researched from listings and verified owner reviews.

Other paddles to consider

Budget tiers come from the last listed Amazon price; Amazon shows the current price.

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Frequently asked questions

Which is better, the Engage Pursuit Pro EX Pickleball Paddle or the Franklin Sports Signature Carbon Pickleball Paddle 13mm?

Neither is better for everyone. Choose the Engage Pursuit Pro EX Pickleball Paddle if you want more stability against hard hitters, you want a more forgiving sweet spot, you want the more premium build. Choose the Franklin Sports Signature Carbon Pickleball Paddle 13mm if you want to spend less, you want faster hands or less load on your arm, you want extra reach. Check both against your ideal weight with the paddle weight calculator before deciding, because fit matters more than brand.

Which is heavier, the Engage Pursuit Pro EX Pickleball Paddle or the Franklin Sports Signature Carbon Pickleball Paddle 13mm?

By their listings, the Engage Pursuit Pro EX Pickleball Paddle weighs 8.1 oz and the Franklin Sports Signature Carbon Pickleball Paddle 13mm weighs 7.75 oz. Individual paddles vary slightly from stated weights. Heavier paddles add stability and power but load the elbow and shoulder more.

This is researched general guidance, not professional advice. Specs and prices come from manufacturer listings and change often; confirm details on the product page before buying.