Engage Encore Pro EX vs JOOLA Essentials 16
Both paddles are scored using the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model. JOOLA Essentials 16 takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
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Quick answer
JOOLA Essentials 16 wins this matchup for most players: it takes power, spin and value on Paddle DNA against the Engage Encore Pro EX, which costs $130.
Power
74 vs 70
Spin
78 vs 74
Control
Too close to call
89 vs 88
Forgiveness
Too close to call
91 vs 89
Hand speed
105 vs 108 kg·cm² swing weight
Value
$89 at IQ 82.2 vs $130 at IQ 80.9
Overall pick: JOOLA Essentials 16 · $89 · IQ 82.2
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 70Power74
- 88Control89
- 74Spin78
- 89Forgiveness91
- 90Sweet spot92
- 80Stability79
- 84Maneuverability84
- 66Pop76
- 86Touch82
- 85Consistency86
- 50Swing weight46
- 74Twist weight71
- 68Launch angle66
- 60Plow through62
- 90Softness88
Engage Encore Pro EX vs JOOLA Essentials 16 specs
Every spec side by side. Highlighted values are the better of the two where one is objectively better.
| Spec | Engage Encore Pro EX | JOOLA Essentials 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $130 | $89 — better |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 80.9 | 82.2 — better |
| Weight(oz) | 7.8 | 7.9 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 16 | 16 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 105 | 108 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 5.9 — better | 5.8 |
| Shape | standard | standard |
| Face length(in) | 15.9 | 16 |
| Face width(in) | 8 | 7.9 |
| Handle length(in) | 5 | 5 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4.25 | 4.25 |
| Surface | Fiberglass composite | Textured fiberglass |
| Core material | Control core | Polypropylene honeycomb |
Engage Encore Pro EX verdict
A soft, light, extremely forgiving paddle that has quietly become the default recommendation for players over 60.
JOOLA Essentials 16 verdict
The widest sweet-spot score in our sub-$100 group. Mishits off the top third still clear the net, which is exactly what a new player needs while their contact point is inconsistent.
The verdict
Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is pop: JOOLA Essentials 16 scores 76 against 66 for Engage Encore Pro EX — a 10-point gap. They are effectively level on twist weight, forgiveness, sweet spot, so those traits should not decide the purchase. JOOLA Essentials 16 is $41 cheaper at $89.
Pop
JOOLA Essentials 16 leads by 10 points (76 vs 66).
Power
JOOLA Essentials 16 leads by 4 points (74 vs 70).
Spin
JOOLA Essentials 16 leads by 4 points (78 vs 74).
Touch
Engage Encore Pro EX leads by 4 points (86 vs 82).
Which one is right for your level?
Each call below re-weights the Paddle DNA traits that matter at that level, so the winner can differ from the overall pick.
Beginner
New to 3.0 — still building a consistent contact point
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (85.4 vs 84.8 on the weighted index). Take JOOLA Essentials 16 and keep the $41.
- Forgiveness
- Sweet spot
- Consistency
Intermediate
3.0–3.9 — playing organised rec and early tournaments
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (83.3 vs 82.1 on the weighted index). Take JOOLA Essentials 16 and keep the $41.
- Spin
- Power
- Forgiveness
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (77.3 vs 75.8 on the weighted index). Take JOOLA Essentials 16 and keep the $41.
- Power
- Spin
- Plow through
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (85.7 vs 86.8 on the weighted index). Take JOOLA Essentials 16 and keep the $41.
- Softness
- Twist weight
Which one should you buy?
JOOLA Essentials 16
Take JOOLA Essentials 16 if you want pop (+10), power (+4), spin (+4). Its swing weight of 108 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the JOOLA Essentials 16 review →Engage Encore Pro EX
Take Engage Encore Pro EX if you want touch (+4), swing weight (+4). Its swing weight of 105 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Engage Encore Pro EX review →JOOLA Essentials 16 vs Engage Encore Pro EX FAQ
- Which is better, the JOOLA Essentials 16 or the Engage Encore Pro EX?
- JOOLA Essentials 16 carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (82.2 vs 80.9), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — pop — JOOLA Essentials 16 leads by 10 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Engage Encore Pro EX, at 105 kg·cm² swing weight against 108 for JOOLA Essentials 16. Lower swing weight is the single best predictor of hand speed in fast exchanges.
- Which paddle has more power, the JOOLA Essentials 16 or the Engage Encore Pro EX?
- JOOLA Essentials 16 scores 74 for power against 70 for Engage Encore Pro EX. That comes from a 16 mm Polypropylene honeycomb core swinging at 108 kg·cm² — mass behind the ball, not face material.
- Which one gives more control and touch?
- JOOLA Essentials 16 at 89 versus 88. Its 16 mm core holds the ball on the face slightly longer, which is what makes resets and dinks land shorter.
- Which paddle spins the ball more?
- JOOLA Essentials 16 scores 78 for spin off its Textured fiberglass face, against 74 for the Fiberglass composite face on Engage Encore Pro EX. In practice a 4-point gap is small enough that technique matters more.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- JOOLA Essentials 16, with the higher forgiveness score (91 vs 89). Engage Encore Pro EX actually carries the higher twist weight (5.9 vs 5.8), but JOOLA Essentials 16 makes it back on sweet spot (92) and overall face stability.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- JOOLA Essentials 16 costs $89, $41 less. Whether that gap is worth closing depends on whether you actually use the traits it trades away — check the head-to-head DNA bars above before paying up.
- Do they use the same core and face?
- JOOLA Essentials 16: 16 mm Polypropylene honeycomb core with a Textured fiberglass face. Engage Encore Pro EX: 16 mm Control core with a Fiberglass composite face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Both run a 5 in handle, short enough that either forces the bottom hand up onto the face bevel.
- Which one is better for beginners?
- JOOLA Essentials 16 is the safer first paddle here: forgiveness 91 and sweet spot 92 mean fewer mishits while your contact point is still inconsistent. Engage Encore Pro EX rewards a repeatable swing and can feel less stable before that.
- Which is lighter in the hand?
- Engage Encore Pro EX at 7.8 oz against 7.9 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (105 vs 108) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Engage Encore Pro EX to the JOOLA Essentials 16?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. JOOLA Essentials 16 leads on pop by 10 points; everything else is within 4 points. At $89 vs $130, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
This matchup is a touch vs pop decision
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Read the full reviews: Engage Encore Pro EX and JOOLA Essentials 16. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.