Engage Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0 vs Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)
Both paddles measured on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA test. Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
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Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 82Power85
- 90Control88
- 89Spin95
- 84Forgiveness82
- 86Sweet spot84
- 82Stability83
- 76Maneuverability84
- 76Pop82
- 88Touch86
- 86Consistency88
- 70Swing weight68
- 80Twist weight82
- 50Launch angle57
- 80Plow through78
- 80Softness80
Engage Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0 vs Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) specs
Every measured spec side by side. Highlighted values are the better of the two where one is objectively better.
| Spec | Engage Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0 | Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $230 | $175 — better |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 84.4 | 85.6 — better |
| Weight(oz) | 8.2 | 7.9 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 16 | 15 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 113 | 110 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 6.5 — better | 6.3 |
| Shape | elongated | elongated |
| Face length(in) | 16.5 | 16.5 |
| Face width(in) | 7.5 | 7.375 |
| Handle length(in) | 5.5 | 5.375 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4.25 | 4.25 |
| Surface | Raw carbon fiber with Control Pro Omni grit | Aerospace bi-directional carbon with exposed aramid weave |
| Core material | Specialized polymer honeycomb | Nomex and polypropylene hybrid honeycomb |
Engage Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0 verdict
Engage's most balanced Pursuit yet. The Omni grit face holds spin longer into a paddle's life than most raw carbon, which matters more than peak-day RPM numbers.
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) verdict
The exposed Kevlar weave is the story: it grips the ball like a fresh grit face but, unlike sprayed textures, it is the material itself, so the spin number does not decay over a season.
The verdict
Measured on the same 15-trait test, the clearest separation is maneuverability: Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) scores 84 against 76 for Engage Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0 — a 8-point gap. They are effectively level on power, control, forgiveness, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) is $55 cheaper at $175.
Maneuverability
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads by 8 points (84 vs 76).
Launch angle
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads by 7 points (57 vs 50).
Spin
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads by 6 points (95 vs 89).
Pop
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads by 6 points (82 vs 76).
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 (84.3 vs 84 on the weighted index). Take Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) and keep the $55.
- Forgiveness
- Sweet spot
- Control
Intermediate
3.0–3.9 — playing organised rec and early tournaments
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) is a narrow pick at this level — maneuverability 84 vs 76, spin 95 vs 89, power 85 vs 82. At 110 kg·cm² swing weight it stays quick enough for hands battles.
- Maneuverability
- Spin
- Power
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) is a narrow pick at this level — spin 95 vs 89, maneuverability 84 vs 76, power 85 vs 82. Swing weight 110 kg·cm² is what carries that through contact.
- Spin
- Maneuverability
- Power
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (81.1 vs 80.9 on the weighted index). Take Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) and keep the $55.
- Forgiveness
Which one should you buy?
Engage Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0
Take Engage Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0 if you prefer a elongated face and a 5.5 in handle — it gives up nothing measurable to Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner).
Read the Engage Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0 review →Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)
Take Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) if you want maneuverability (+8), launch angle (+7), spin (+6). Its swing weight of 110 kg·cm² and 15 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) review →Engage Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0 vs Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) FAQ
- Which is better, the Engage Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0 or the Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (85.6 vs 84.4), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — maneuverability — Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads by 8 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner), at 110 kg·cm² swing weight against 113 for Engage Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0. Lower swing weight is the single best predictor of hand speed in fast exchanges.
- Which paddle has more power, the Engage Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0 or the Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) measures 85 on power against 82 for Engage Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0. That comes from a 15 mm Nomex and polypropylene hybrid honeycomb core swinging at 110 kg·cm² — mass behind the ball, not face material.
- Which one gives more control and touch?
- Engage Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0 at 90 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?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) scores 95 for spin off its Aerospace bi-directional carbon with exposed aramid weave face, against 89 for the Raw carbon fiber with Control Pro Omni grit face on Engage Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0. In practice a 6-point gap is noticeable on third-shot drives.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- Engage Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0, with 6.5 twist weight against 6.3. Higher twist weight means the face rotates less when you miss the middle, and Engage Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0 carries the higher forgiveness score (84) as a result.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) costs $175, $55 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 Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0: 16 mm Specialized polymer honeycomb core with a Raw carbon fiber with Control Pro Omni grit face. Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner): 15 mm Nomex and polypropylene hybrid honeycomb core with a Aerospace bi-directional carbon with exposed aramid weave face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- Engage Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0, at 5.5 in of handle against 5.375 in. Anything under 5.25 in forces you to choke the bottom hand onto the face bevel, which Engage Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0 avoids.
- Which one is better for beginners?
- Engage Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0 is the safer first paddle here: forgiveness 84 and sweet spot 86 mean fewer mishits while your contact point is still inconsistent. Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) rewards a repeatable swing and can feel unstable before that.
- Which is lighter in the hand?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) at 7.9 oz against 8.2 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (110 vs 113) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Engage Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0 to the Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads on maneuverability by 8 points; everything else is within 7 points. At $230 vs $175, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
Also worth comparing
Head-to-heads that share DNA with this matchup — useful if you're still deciding between shapes, cores or price tiers.
- Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0 vs SLK Halo XL Control
- Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0 vs V-Sol Pro 16
- Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0 vs Radius CGS 16
- Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0 vs V7 Hybrid
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs V-Sol Pro 16
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs SLK Halo XL Control
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs V7 Hybrid
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Ruby
Top alternatives to both
Paddles that beat one of these two on a specific trait or on price.
Read the full reviews: Engage Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0 and Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner). Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.