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    Engage Alpha Pro vs Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm

    Engage Alpha Pro 7.8oz 16mm pickleball paddle — Carbon fiber face

    Engage

    Alpha Pro

    $199.99

    7.8–8.2 oz · 16mm core · Multiple

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    vs
    Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm 7.9oz 16mm pickleball paddle — Fiberglass with MaxGrit face

    Franklin

    Ben Johns Signature 16mm

    $64.85

    7.9–8.3 oz · 16mm core · Elongated

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    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 ProFranklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm

    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.

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    The 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

    SpecEngage Alpha ProFranklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm
    Weight7.8–8.2 oz7.9–8.3 oz
    ShapeMultipleElongated
    Core thickness16mm16mm
    Core materialPolymer honeycombPolypropylene
    Face materialCarbon fiberFiberglass with MaxGrit
    Handle length5.25"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

    Pickle's verdict

    These two play alike.

    Pick on price, feel or looks.

    Shop Engage Alpha Pro (opens in a new tab)Shop on Amazon Ben Johns Signature 16mm (opens in a new tab)

    More matchups with the Engage Alpha Pro

    More matchups with the Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm

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