Engage Encore Pro EX vs Six Zero Quartz Control
Both paddles are scored using the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model. Six Zero Quartz Control takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
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Quick answer
Six Zero Quartz Control wins this matchup for most players: it takes power, spin and control on Paddle DNA against the Engage Encore Pro EX, which costs $130.
Power
78 vs 70
Spin
90 vs 74
Control
93 vs 88
Forgiveness
Too close to call
91 vs 89
Hand speed
105 vs 108 kg·cm² swing weight
Value
$130 at IQ 80.9 vs $190 at IQ 88
Overall pick: Six Zero Quartz Control · $190 · IQ 88
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 70Power78
- 88Control93
- 74Spin90
- 89Forgiveness91
- 90Sweet spot92
- 80Stability90
- 84Maneuverability82
- 66Pop72
- 86Touch92
- 85Consistency91
- 50Swing weight68
- 74Twist weight90
- 68Launch angle50
- 60Plow through72
- 90Softness89
Engage Encore Pro EX vs Six Zero Quartz Control specs
Every spec side by side. Highlighted values are the better of the two where one is objectively better.
| Spec | Engage Encore Pro EX | Six Zero Quartz Control |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $130 — better | $190 |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 80.9 | 88 — 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 | 7.2 — better |
| Shape | standard | standard |
| Face length(in) | 15.9 | 16 |
| Face width(in) | 8 | 7.9 |
| Handle length(in) | 5 | 5.25 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4.25 | 4.25 |
| Surface | Fiberglass composite | Raw carbon friction |
| Core material | Control core | Thermoformed polymer |
Engage Encore Pro EX verdict
A soft, light, extremely forgiving paddle that has quietly become the default recommendation for players over 60.
Six Zero Quartz Control verdict
A control build in the Double Black Diamond tradition, only lighter and quicker. Twist weight and sweet spot are the standouts; power is deliberately mid-pack.
The verdict
Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is swing weight: Six Zero Quartz Control scores 68 against 50 for Engage Encore Pro EX — an 18-point gap. They are effectively level on forgiveness, sweet spot, maneuverability, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Engage Encore Pro EX is $60 cheaper at $130.
Swing weight
Six Zero Quartz Control leads by 18 points (68 vs 50).
Launch angle
Engage Encore Pro EX leads by 18 points (68 vs 50).
Spin
Six Zero Quartz Control leads by 16 points (90 vs 74).
Twist weight
Six Zero Quartz Control leads by 16 points (90 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
Six Zero Quartz Control
Six Zero Quartz Control is the clearer pick at this level — twist weight 90 vs 74, stability 90 vs 80, consistency 91 vs 85. Twist weight 7.2 keeps the face steadier on off-centre contact.
- Twist weight
- Stability
- Consistency
Intermediate
3.0–3.9 — playing organised rec and early tournaments
Six Zero Quartz Control
Six Zero Quartz Control is the clearer pick at this level — spin 90 vs 74, power 78 vs 70, control 93 vs 88. At 108 kg·cm² swing weight it stays quick enough for hands battles.
- Spin
- Power
- Control
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
Six Zero Quartz Control
Six Zero Quartz Control is the clearer pick at this level — spin 90 vs 74, plow through 72 vs 60, power 78 vs 70. Swing weight 108 kg·cm² is what carries that through contact.
- Spin
- Plow through
- Power
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
Six Zero Quartz Control
Six Zero Quartz Control is a narrow pick at this level — twist weight 90 vs 74, forgiveness 91 vs 89. Its 16 mm Thermoformed polymer core at 7.9 oz is the softer, lower-shock build of the two.
- Twist weight
- Forgiveness
Which one should you buy?
Engage Encore Pro EX
Take Engage Encore Pro EX if you want launch angle (+18). Its swing weight of 105 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Engage Encore Pro EX review →Six Zero Quartz Control
Take Six Zero Quartz Control if you want swing weight (+18), spin (+16), twist weight (+16). Its swing weight of 108 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Six Zero Quartz Control review →Engage Encore Pro EX vs Six Zero Quartz Control FAQ
- Which is better, the Engage Encore Pro EX or the Six Zero Quartz Control?
- Six Zero Quartz Control carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (88 vs 80.9), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — swing weight — Six Zero Quartz Control leads by 18 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Engage Encore Pro EX, at 105 kg·cm² swing weight against 108 for Six Zero Quartz Control. 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 Six Zero Quartz Control?
- Six Zero Quartz Control scores 78 for power against 70 for Engage Encore Pro EX. That comes from a 16 mm Thermoformed polymer core swinging at 108 kg·cm² — mass behind the ball, not face material.
- Which one gives more control and touch?
- Six Zero Quartz Control at 93 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?
- Six Zero Quartz Control scores 90 for spin off its Raw carbon friction face, against 74 for the Fiberglass composite face on Engage Encore Pro EX. In practice a 16-point gap is noticeable on third-shot drives.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- Six Zero Quartz Control, with the higher forgiveness score (91 vs 89). Its 7.2 twist weight against 5.9 is what drives it — higher twist weight means the face rotates less when you miss the middle.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- Engage Encore Pro EX costs $130, $60 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. Six Zero Quartz Control: 16 mm Thermoformed polymer core with a Raw carbon friction face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- Six Zero Quartz Control, at 5.25 in of handle against 5 in. Anything under 5.25 in forces you to choke the bottom hand onto the face bevel.
- Which one is better for beginners?
- Six Zero Quartz Control 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 Six Zero Quartz Control?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Six Zero Quartz Control leads on swing weight by 18 points; everything else is within 18 points. At $130 vs $190, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
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