Engage Alpha Pro vs Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm

Franklin
Ben Johns Signature 16mm
$64.85
7.9–8.3 oz · 16mm core · Elongated
Shop on Amazon (opens in a new tab)Pickle's 5-axis score
Based on published specs, ranked against all 320 paddles we cover. Diff highlighted when one paddle leads by 0.5+ points.
Engage Alpha Pro vs Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm across five scored traits: Power, Hand speed, Forgiveness, Touch, Spin.
Comparing two is a start. Answer five quick questions and we'll rank the whole catalog for how you play.
Find my paddleThe value vs. premium matchup
Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm is the value pick at $64.85. Engage Alpha Pro is the premium option at $199.99 — you're paying for the carbon-fiber face. Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm trades a touch of maneuverability for more reach at the line; Engage Alpha Pro is easier to whip around in hand fights.
Side-by-side specs
| Spec | Engage Alpha Pro | Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 7.8–8.2 oz | 7.9–8.3 oz |
| Shape | Multiple | Elongated |
| Core thickness | 16mm | 16mm |
| Core material | Polymer honeycomb | Polypropylene |
| Face material | Carbon fiber | Fiberglass with MaxGrit |
| Handle length | 5.25" | 5.6" |
| Price | $199.99 | $64.85 |
What the spec differences mean
- Weight. Engage Alpha Pro is listed at 7.8–8.2 oz; Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm at 7.9–8.3 oz. At the low end of each listed range, the Engage Alpha Pro is 0.1 oz lighter. How paddle weights compare across our catalog
- Length and width. Engage Alpha Pro measures 16.2" × 7.7"; Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm measures 16.5" × 7.3" (multiple vs elongated). The Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm is 0.3" longer. Paddle shapes and the size rule
- Handle length. Engage Alpha Pro has a 5.25" handle; Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm has a 5.6" handle, so the Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm handle is 0.35" longer. What grip length changes
- Face material. Engage Alpha Pro lists its face as Carbon fiber; Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm lists Fiberglass with MaxGrit. Paddle face materials explained
- Core material. Engage Alpha Pro lists its core as Polymer honeycomb; Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm lists Polypropylene. Paddle core materials explained
Who each paddle is for
Engage Alpha Pro
Best for 3.5+ players who prioritize control and reach who play with a balanced two-handed/one-handed mix. The standard shape rewards clean contact, the 16mm core gives you a soft touch window, and the face surface keeps spin honest without overdoing it.
Playing style: balanced
Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm
Best for 3.5+ players who prioritize control and reach who play with a balanced two-handed/one-handed mix. The elongated shape extends your reach at the kitchen line, the 16mm core gives you a soft touch window, and the fiberglass face emphasizes pop over spin.
Playing style: power, spin
These two play alike.
Pick on price, feel or looks.
More matchups with the Engage Alpha Pro
More matchups with the Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm
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