Review: Engage Poach Icon Pickleball Paddle

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Hey Pickle People, here’s another review!

I’m here today with a review on the Engage Poach Icon Pickleball Paddle. For as long as anyone can remember, Engage has been making amazing pickleball paddles that are used all round the pickleball world from recreational players to pros at the top of the game. They are known for their amazing performance and not flashy design. I have reviewed a couple products in the past and have not been disappointed with the performance, so without further ado, here is my personal review of the Engage Poach Icon Pickleball Paddle.

Power: 7/10

Compared to the Engage paddles of the past and other paddles at this price range, the Poach Icon is lacking a tiny bit in the power area. Now let me be clear, this paddle does have pop and you can still hit some massive power, but compared to other paddles at this price range it just doesn’t have that back of the court power, or that non-sweetspot power. I found myself playing a much more consistent dinking game because of how much control you have and only hitting for power when I really eyed the ball where I wanted it. This actually forced me to play a smarter game and less power dependent.

Control: 9/10

An Engage staple is the control of the ball. Something about the core coupled with the fiberglass face really gives you so much control over the ball and gives you more confidence in your spin ability. This can be extremely important in a finesse game and a more toward the net game. Because many of the higher level games are played at the net and control is everything, many players love the Icon, but for those of us who are not always playing at the net, you can even feel the control at the back of the court. You can really hit some nice topspin and even back spin from the back line and it can help those who play more of a finesse game.

Forgiveness: 8/10

One thing I look for in terms of how forgiving a paddle is, I count how many shots I hit poorly and still go relatively in the direction I was intending. I know that is not an extremely scientific way of calculating forgiveness of a paddle, but I did notice when I used this paddle that many of the shots I was hitting which missed the sweet spot were generally going where I wanted them to and with some amount of power and control. I think given its great control, many shots that come in at either bad angles and tough speeds, I still have a chance to hit a directionally intended shot with this paddle. Some games are decided on just a couple points that could go either way and a more forgiving paddle like the Icon may give you the edge.

Overall: 24/30

• Great control from all places

• Great dink feel and control

• Can hit for finesse or power

I was really happy with the Engage Poach Icon and would definitely take it out to play for my everyday paddle. It is not the flashiest most powerful paddle out there, but with is combination of control, forgiveness, and power when you need it, it is really a great all-around paddle for anyone from a casual player to a pro level player. One thing that makes a great paddle is being able to hit all the shots consistently and with confidence and the Poach Icon really provides both at all times. The one knock I do have about this paddle is slight and although it is not the most powerful paddle out there it does have the pop to put points away. It also has different handle lengths, so be sure to get the handle length that is best for you. I have always loved Engage paddles and this is just another great paddle to add to their ever growing line of premium pickleball paddles.

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Specs:

• Weight Average: 8.0 ounces

• Weight Range: 7.5-7.8 ounces (LITE)

• Weight Range: 7.9-8.3 ounces (Standard)

• Grip Circumference: 4 1/4" (Medium) Actual grip sizes may vary up to 1/8".

• Grip Style: Perforated cushion

• Grip Manufacturer: Engage

• Grip Length: 5”

• Paddle Length: 16”

• Paddle Width: 8”

• Paddle Face: Proprietary Chemical bond

• Core Material: Polymer

• Edge Guard: Low-profile vinyl

Hereis the Amazon link if you wanted to check the paddle out!

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