Engage Encore Pro EX vs ProKennex Black Ace LG
Both paddles are scored using the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model. ProKennex Black Ace LG takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
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Quick answer
ProKennex Black Ace LG edges it on the overall Paddle IQ score (83.1 vs 80.9), but the two split the scored categories — pick on the one trait you care about most.
Power
74 vs 70
Spin
82 vs 74
Control
Too close to call
88 vs 88
Forgiveness
Too close to call
89 vs 88
Hand speed
105 vs 109 kg·cm² swing weight
Value
$130 at IQ 80.9 vs $200 at IQ 83.1
Overall pick: ProKennex Black Ace LG · $200 · IQ 83.1
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 70Power74
- 88Control88
- 74Spin82
- 89Forgiveness88
- 90Sweet spot86
- 80Stability82
- 84Maneuverability78
- 66Pop70
- 86Touch90
- 85Consistency88
- 50Swing weight70
- 74Twist weight78
- 68Launch angle48
- 60Plow through76
- 90Softness92
Engage Encore Pro EX vs ProKennex Black Ace LG specs
Every spec side by side. Highlighted values are the better of the two where one is objectively better.
| Spec | Engage Encore Pro EX | ProKennex Black Ace LG |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $130 — better | $200 |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 80.9 | 83.1 — better |
| Weight(oz) | 7.8 | 8 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 16 | 16 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 105 | 109 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 5.9 | 6.4 — better |
| Shape | standard | elongated |
| Face length(in) | 15.9 | 16.3 |
| Face width(in) | 8 | 7.5 |
| Handle length(in) | 5 | 5.5 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4.25 | 4.25 |
| Surface | Fiberglass composite | Textured carbon |
| Core material | Control core | Kinetic core with damping chambers |
Engage Encore Pro EX verdict
A soft, light, extremely forgiving paddle that has quietly become the default recommendation for players over 60.
ProKennex Black Ace LG verdict
The most arm-friendly build in the database. Softness 92 comes from ProKennex's Kinetic damping, and it is the one paddle we recommend without hesitation for players managing tendon pain.
The verdict
Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is swing weight: ProKennex Black Ace LG scores 70 against 50 for Engage Encore Pro EX — a 20-point gap. They are effectively level on consistency, stability, softness, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Engage Encore Pro EX is $70 cheaper at $130.
Swing weight
ProKennex Black Ace LG leads by 20 points (70 vs 50).
Launch angle
Engage Encore Pro EX leads by 20 points (68 vs 48).
Plow through
ProKennex Black Ace LG leads by 16 points (76 vs 60).
Spin
ProKennex Black Ace LG leads by 8 points (82 vs 74).
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 (84.8 vs 85.1 on the weighted index). Take Engage Encore Pro EX and keep the $70.
- Twist weight
- Consistency
- Stability
Intermediate
3.0–3.9 — playing organised rec and early tournaments
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (82.1 vs 83.7 on the weighted index). Take Engage Encore Pro EX and keep the $70.
- Spin
- Power
- Touch
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
ProKennex Black Ace LG
ProKennex Black Ace LG is the clearer pick at this level — plow through 76 vs 60, spin 82 vs 74, power 74 vs 70. Swing weight 109 kg·cm² is what carries that through contact.
- Plow through
- Spin
- Power
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (86.8 vs 88.4 on the weighted index). Take Engage Encore Pro EX and keep the $70.
- Softness
- Twist weight
Which one should you buy?
Engage Encore Pro EX
Take Engage Encore Pro EX if you want launch angle (+20), maneuverability (+6), sweet spot (+4). Its swing weight of 105 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Engage Encore Pro EX review →ProKennex Black Ace LG
Take ProKennex Black Ace LG if you want swing weight (+20), plow through (+16), spin (+8). Its swing weight of 109 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the ProKennex Black Ace LG review →Engage Encore Pro EX vs ProKennex Black Ace LG FAQ
- Which is better, the Engage Encore Pro EX or the ProKennex Black Ace LG?
- ProKennex Black Ace LG carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (83.1 vs 80.9), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — swing weight — ProKennex Black Ace LG leads by 20 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Engage Encore Pro EX, at 105 kg·cm² swing weight against 109 for ProKennex Black Ace LG. Lower swing weight is the single best predictor of hand speed in fast exchanges.
- Which paddle has more power, the Engage Encore Pro EX or the ProKennex Black Ace LG?
- ProKennex Black Ace LG scores 74 for power against 70 for Engage Encore Pro EX. That comes from a 16 mm Kinetic core with damping chambers core swinging at 109 kg·cm² — mass behind the ball, not face material.
- Which one gives more control and touch?
- Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Both score 88 for control.
- Which paddle spins the ball more?
- ProKennex Black Ace LG scores 82 for spin off its Textured carbon face, against 74 for the Fiberglass composite face on Engage Encore Pro EX. In practice an 8-point gap is noticeable on third-shot drives.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- Engage Encore Pro EX, with the higher forgiveness score (89 vs 88). ProKennex Black Ace LG actually carries the higher twist weight (6.4 vs 5.9), but Engage Encore Pro EX makes it back on sweet spot (90) and overall face stability.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- Engage Encore Pro EX costs $130, $70 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?
- Engage Encore Pro EX: 16 mm Control core with a Fiberglass composite face. ProKennex Black Ace LG: 16 mm Kinetic core with damping chambers core with a Textured carbon face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- ProKennex Black Ace LG, at 5.5 in of handle against 5 in. Anything under 5.25 in forces you to choke the bottom hand onto the face bevel, which ProKennex Black Ace LG avoids.
- Which one is better for beginners?
- Engage Encore Pro EX is the safer first paddle here: forgiveness 89 and sweet spot 90 mean fewer mishits while your contact point is still inconsistent. ProKennex Black Ace LG 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 8 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (105 vs 109) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Engage Encore Pro EX to the ProKennex Black Ace LG?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. ProKennex Black Ace LG leads on swing weight by 20 points; everything else is within 20 points. At $130 vs $200, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
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Read the full reviews: Engage Encore Pro EX and ProKennex Black Ace LG. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.