
Are you looking for a fast control paddle that won't break the bank? You might like the Engage Evolution Aero, a carbon fiber paddle with an open-throat design that's quick at the kitchen.
The Aero is one of Engage's Enthusiast paddles. This new line offers a more affordable alternative to their premium paddles which can cost up to $260. Read on for my Engage Evolution Aero review to see if it's good value for money at $139.99.
Buy or pass?
Buy if:
You want a control paddle with reach:
while most elongated paddles are built for power, the Aero is control-focused and still has great reach at the net.
You want to add spin to your game:
this is a great step-up from a beginner paddle, bringing a lot of spin into your game without being overwhelming.
You want a fast paddle:
speed is this paddle's best attribute thanks to the open-throat design.
Pass if:
You need putaway power:
this is a rare elongated paddle that lacks in power, so try the Paddletek Bantam TKO-C instead.
You're an advanced player:
the Selkirk LUXX Control has a very similar build (elongated shape and open throat) but is more suited to high-level players.
You have a higher budget:
you'll get better value for money with the higher-performing Engage Pursuit V2.0 ($180) and Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 ($260).
Paddle Weight
7.8-8.2 oz
Paddle Length
16.5"
Paddle Width
7.5"
Handle Length
5.5"
Grip Circumference
4.25"
Paddle Face Material
Raw Toray T700 carbon fiber
Core Material
HoldTEK polymer
Core Thickness
16 mm (0.63")
Sweet Spot
Medium
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Review summary
If you're moving from beginner to intermediate level and looking for a mid-range paddle, the Engage Evolution Aero is worth checking out.
It reminds me less of other Engage paddles and more like a budget-friendly version of the $250 Selkirk LUXX Control. Both are elongated control paddles with an aerodynamic open-throat design. Like the LUXX, the Aero lacks in power.
The Aero was built for speed and that's what it does best. It's especially fast during hand battles. Plus, switching between forehand and backhand feels smooth with minimal drag.
I just wish it had more pop to go with the speed. While the Paddletek Bantam ALW-C is slightly slower, it has a lot more pop to help me win hand battles more easily. I also struggle a bit with mishits, pop-ups, and balls going into the net because the elongated shape, extra-long handle, and Aero throat make for a smaller surface area to hit the ball with.
Check out my first thoughts on the Engage Aero:
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I like hitting two-handed backhands with the long 5.5" handle. The spin generation is much better here with the carbon fiber face than the fiberglass Engage Encore Pro V2.0. The 16 mm core has good feedback that helps my touch game, allowing me to be more precise on my drops, drinks, and resets.
Overall, this is a smooth mid-range paddle that suits players transitioning from beginner to intermediate. It won't be powerful enough to provide a complete game for higher-level players but if you're below a 3.5 pickleball skill rating and you want to focus on your hand speed and touch game, it's a good option for you.
It's fairly priced at $139.99, right in the range of other paddles for intermediate players. I was personally let down by the power, so if you're looking to hit hard. I'd recommend more balanced paddles like the Bread & Butter Filth or the Six Zero DBD.
Pros:
Long 5.5" handle makes two-handed backhands easy.
Made from strong Toray T700 raw carbon fiber.
Very quick in hand battles.
Cons:
Paddle shape and design make the playing surface smaller, leading to more mishits for me.
Not enough pop for my game.
Lacking in putaway power.
Features
The Engage Evolution Aero has a sleek design that many people will like, with the long handle (5.5") and "Aero" throat. It looks premium and I'm a fan of Engage's bullseye logo.
This is an elongated paddle (16.5 x 7.5") that weighs 7.8-8.2 oz. Let's take a look at the other features.
Aero Flex Technology
This is what Engage calls the hole in the paddle throat. It has two functions: boosting aerodynamics and enhancing the paddle's flex (which is meant to make it more powerful).
The aerodynamics definitely work—the Aero moves quicker than most paddles I've tested. I didn't feel any boost in power, though. I'd say this is more of a soft control paddle.

I like how the Aero throat looks. It's a very appealing design but it isn't a feature I'll be looking for in future paddles. I feel that it takes away some of the surface area of the paddle and, unfortunately, the added speed doesn't make up for this loss in forgiveness.
Raw Toray T700 carbon fiber
Having tested the fiberglass Engage Encore Pro V2.0 before this one, I was happy to see raw carbon fiber used instead in the Aero. It's premium Toray T700 carbon too.
I'm able to generate the high levels of topspin I'm used to with paddles in this price range like the PIKKL Vantage Pro ($139.99) and Vatic Pro Flash ($130).
16 mm core
The 16 mm core provides the right amount of feedback when hitting the ball that I'd expect from a control paddle in this price range. It feels like an extension of your hand and gives you confidence that the ball will go where you want it to.
How the Engage Evolution Aero plays
Power
Control
Spin
Forgiveness
Weighting
Grip
Durability
Aerodynamics
Power - 7/10
I have a hard time generating power with this paddle in every situation. I struggle to hit overpowering drives from the backline. It lacks the pop I need to win hand battles more effortlessly. Whenever I get a pop-up, I struggle to slam the ball past good defenders waiting on the backline.
The Aero reminds me of the Ronbus R2 PULSAR FX, another 16 mm control paddle. Despite having great control, the R2 lets me down whenever I try to slam the ball. If my opponents are in a good defensive position on their backline, I'll have trouble hitting with enough pace and power to win rallies with 1-2 overhead attacks.
If you want more power, I'd recommend spending $40 more for the Engage Pursuit V2.0.
Control - 8.5/10
On the other hand, the control feels like that of a $200+ paddle, not far off the Selkirk LUXX. I can hit precise shots like drops and dinks with ease. I'm able to target weaker players, hitting their feet as they come up to the kitchen and moving them around during dink rallies.
It's great for resetting the ball and working your way up to the kitchen, then dinking with slice or topspin, or placing the ball in different positions at the kitchen to keep your opponent on their toes.
If you're an intermediate player looking to add more touch and control to your game, you might like what the Aero is offering at this price point.
Spin - 8.5/10
The raw carbon surface does not disappoint. I can easily get a good amount of spin on my shots, with high levels of dip on my third-shot drops and drives to confuse my opponents.
The grit gives me the confidence to drive the ball on third shots from all over the court, whether they're low or high-bouncing balls. The paddle face does a great job of grabbing the ball and generating topspin that goes over the net and dips down aggressively at the other team.

I can also get good slice on my dinks to keep my opponents on their toes and generate more pop-ups. I can even attack wide dinks by putting sidespin on the ball to make it go around the post (ATP) and still land in.
Forgiveness - 8/10
This paddle has good forgiveness thanks to the 16 mm thickness, the foam injected in the walls (which expands the sweet spot), and the core technology.
The reason I'm docking points here is the lack of hittable surface area on the paddle. Given this, it's better suited for intermediate players (rather than beginners) as they'll have less trouble making solid contact on the center of the paddle.
Weighting - 8.5/10
My paddle weighs less than 8 oz and feels very smooth to swing around. The weight is nicely distributed.
I can't see players having issues with tennis elbow or discomfort that comes from paddles with less-balanced weight distribution. The paddle is also really fast at the kitchen and great for hand battles.
Grip - 8.5/10
I like the grip that Engage uses on their Enthusiast paddles. It doesn't get sweaty and it holds up after hours of play.
The 5.5" handle makes it easy to get two hands on it for backhands and really lets you put a good whip on the ball to generate more spin.
Durability - 8/10
The Aero feels really sturdy. I haven't noticed any loss in performance after several practice sessions. The carbon fiber feels great and should allow for long-lasting spin.
Aerodynamics - 9/10
"Aero" is the name of the paddle for a reason. It's lightweight and fast. I don't know if it's a placebo effect or if the throat hole actually works, but the paddle moves really quickly. I feel like I have fast hands when playing with it.

Is the Engage Evolution Aero worth it?
Retailing for $140, the Engage Evolution Aero is well-priced for what it is: a really solid and fast control paddle for intermediates. It's the right price point for someone who's getting more seriously into pickleball and wants a good upgrade from their cheap starter paddle. If that's you, this paddle will add more control and spin to your game.
It's a good-value alternative to some paddles that play similarly. It's $40 cheaper than the Ronbus R2 PULSAR FX and $110 cheaper than the Selkirk LUXX Control.
If you want more power, I'd recommend the Gearbox Pro Power or Six Zero Infinity DBD instead, or even the Volair Mach 2 FORZA. All of these are aerodynamic paddles with more pop. Advanced players might prefer the Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0, one of the best pickleball paddles for tournament players.
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Alternatives to the Engage Evolution Aero
If the Engage Evolution Aero isn't right for you, here are some paddles I recommend you check out:
Better power

Paddletek Bantam TKO-C
More advanced

Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta
Best from Engage

Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0
What even more options? Try my 30-second quiz and I'll recommend the best paddles for your play style and budget.

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