Engage Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0 vs Proton Series Two Project Flash
Both paddles measured on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA test. Proton Series Two Project Flash takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
Add a third paddle to this comparison →
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 82Power84
- 90Control88
- 89Spin92
- 84Forgiveness84
- 86Sweet spot86
- 82Stability84
- 76Maneuverability80
- 76Pop80
- 88Touch86
- 86Consistency88
- 70Swing weight70
- 80Twist weight80
- 50Launch angle50
- 80Plow through80
- 80Softness80
Engage Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0 vs Proton Series Two Project Flash 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 Two Project Flash |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $230 | $200 — better |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 84.4 | 85.3 — better |
| Weight(oz) | 8.2 | 8 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 16 | 16 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 113 | 111 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 6.5 | 6.7 — better |
| Shape | elongated | hybrid |
| Face length(in) | 16.5 | 16.3 |
| Face width(in) | 7.5 | 7.6 |
| Handle length(in) | 5.5 | 5.4 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4.25 | 4.25 |
| Surface | Raw carbon fiber with Control Pro Omni grit | Gritted raw carbon |
| Core material | Specialized polymer honeycomb | Thermoformed polymer 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 Two Project Flash verdict
The grittiest face Proton has made. Spin 92 puts it in the top tier of the database, and the hybrid shape keeps it usable at the kitchen line.
The verdict
Measured on the same 15-trait test, the clearest separation is maneuverability: Proton Series Two Project Flash scores 80 against 76 for Engage Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0 — a 4-point gap. They are effectively level on spin, power, control, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Proton Series Two Project Flash is $30 cheaper at $200.
Maneuverability
Proton Series Two Project Flash leads by 4 points (80 vs 76).
Pop
Proton Series Two Project Flash leads by 4 points (80 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 84.8 on the weighted index). Take Proton Series Two Project Flash and keep the $30.
- Stability
- Consistency
Intermediate
3.0–3.9 — playing organised rec and early tournaments
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (85 vs 86 on the weighted index). Take Proton Series Two Project Flash and keep the $30.
- Maneuverability
- Spin
- Power
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (84.4 vs 85.3 on the weighted index). Take Proton Series Two Project Flash and keep the $30.
- 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 81.1 on the weighted index). Take Proton Series Two Project Flash and keep the $30.
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 Two Project Flash.
Read the Engage Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0 review →Proton Series Two Project Flash
Take Proton Series Two Project Flash if you want maneuverability (+4), pop (+4). Its swing weight of 111 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Proton Series Two Project Flash review →Engage Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0 vs Proton Series Two Project Flash FAQ
- Which is better, the Engage Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0 or the Proton Series Two Project Flash?
- Proton Series Two Project Flash carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (85.3 vs 84.4), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — maneuverability — Proton Series Two Project Flash leads by 4 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Proton Series Two Project Flash, at 111 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 Two Project Flash?
- Proton Series Two Project Flash measures 84 on power against 82 for Engage Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0. That comes from a 16 mm Thermoformed polymer honeycomb core swinging at 111 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 Two Project Flash scores 92 for spin off its Gritted raw carbon face, against 89 for the Raw carbon fiber with Control Pro Omni grit face on Engage Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0. In practice a 3-point gap is small enough that technique matters more.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- Proton Series Two Project Flash, with 6.7 twist weight against 6.5. 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 Two Project Flash costs $200, $30 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 Two Project Flash: 16 mm Thermoformed polymer honeycomb core with a Gritted raw carbon face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- Engage Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0, at 5.5 in of handle against 5.4 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 Two Project Flash rewards a repeatable swing and can feel unstable before that.
- Which is lighter in the hand?
- Proton Series Two Project Flash at 8 oz against 8.2 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (111 vs 113) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Engage Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0 to the Proton Series Two Project Flash?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Proton Series Two Project Flash leads on maneuverability by 4 points; everything else is within 4 points. At $230 vs $200, 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 Crush Control 16
- Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0 vs SLK Halo XL Control
- Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0 vs Double Black Diamond Control V2
- Series Two Project Flash vs Ruby Hybrid 16
- Series Two Project Flash vs Crush Control 16
- Series Two Project Flash vs R3 Pulsar
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 Two Project Flash. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.