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Paddle Comparison

Engage Alpha Pro vs Pickleball Apes Zen S+

A side-by-side spec, value, and use-case comparison of two of the most-searched pickleball paddles. Below: the attributes each paddle wins, a full spec table, and a clear recommendation for who should buy which.

Who wins on what

Power

Engage Alpha Pro

Higher Swing Weight (power) (111.89 vs 109.15, +2.74)

Hand Speed

Pickleball Apes Zen S+

Lower Swing Weight (hand speed) (111.89 vs 109.15)

Sweet Spot / Forgiveness

Pickleball Apes Zen S+

Higher Twist Weight (forgiveness) (6.27 vs 7.03, +0.76)

Value

Pickleball Apes Zen S+

Lower effective price ($179.99 vs $169.99, with PLAYBOOK)

Side-by-side specs

Brand

Engage
Pickleball Apes

Model

Alpha Pro
Zen S+

Shape

Hybrid
Hybrid

Thickness

16mm
16mm

Weight

8.0 oz
7.87 oz

Swing Weight

111.89
109.15

Twist Weight

6.27
7.03

Play Style

power
power

Retail Price

$199.99
$188.88

Discount

10% (PLAYBOOK)
10% (PLAYBOOK)

Effective Price

$179.99
$169.99

Engage

Alpha Pro

$179.99 (was $199.99)

Pickleball Apes

Zen S+

$169.99 (was $188.88)

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Which paddle should you buy?

Pick the Engage Alpha Pro if…

  • You want more power — SW 111.89 is 2.74 points higher.

Pick the Pickleball Apes Zen S+ if…

  • You want faster hands — lower SW (109.15 vs 111.89) means quicker maneuvering at the kitchen.
  • You want a bigger sweet spot — TW 7.03 is more forgiving on off-center hits.
  • You're price-conscious — about $10 cheaper after PLAYBOOK discount.

Compare other paddles in our database