Engage X2 Elongated vs Franklin Ben Johns Signature 13mm

    Engage X2 Elongated 7.9oz 16mm pickleball paddle — Carbon fiber face

    Engage

    X2 Elongated

    $207.99

    Shop Engage →
    Franklin Ben Johns Signature 13mm 7.5oz 13mm pickleball paddle — Fiberglass with MaxGrit face

    Franklin

    Ben Johns Signature 13mm

    $56.36

    Shop on Amazon →

    Pickle's 5-axis score

    Spec-grounded, quartile-ranked across the 322-paddle catalog. Diff highlighted when one paddle leads by 0.5+ points.

    Engage X2 ElongatedFranklin Ben Johns Signature 13mm
    Power — Engage +5.5
    9.6 vs 4.1
    Hand speed — Franklin +6.5
    3.0 vs 9.5
    Forgiveness — even
    4.9 vs 4.9
    Touch — Engage +7.9
    9.9 vs 2.0
    Spin — Engage +2.7
    4.4 vs 1.7

    The value vs. premium matchup

    The Engage X2 Elongated's 16mm core delivers a more forgiving sweet spot, while the Franklin Ben Johns Signature 13mm's 13mm core trades a little plush feel for quicker ball speed. Franklin Ben Johns Signature 13mm is the value pick at $56.36. Engage X2 Elongated is the premium option at $207.99 — you're paying for

    Side-by-side specs

    Weight

    7.9–8.3 oz7.5–8 oz

    Shape

    ElongatedElongated

    Core thickness

    16mm13mm

    Core material

    High-density foam corePolypropylene

    Face material

    Carbon fiberFiberglass with MaxGrit

    Handle length

    5.5"5.6"

    Price

    $207.99$56.36

    What the spec differences mean

    • Weight. Engage X2 Elongated is listed at 7.9–8.3 oz; Franklin Ben Johns Signature 13mm at 7.5–8 oz. At the low end of each listed range, the Franklin Ben Johns Signature 13mm is 0.4 oz lighter. How paddle weights compare across our catalog
    • Core thickness. Engage X2 Elongated has a 16mm core; Franklin Ben Johns Signature 13mm has a 13mm core, so the Engage X2 Elongated core is 3mm thicker. What core thickness changes
    • Length and width. Engage X2 Elongated measures 16.5" × 7.38"; Franklin Ben Johns Signature 13mm measures 16.5" × 7.5". Paddle shapes and the size rule
    • Handle length. Engage X2 Elongated has a 5.5" handle; Franklin Ben Johns Signature 13mm has a 5.6" handle, so the Franklin Ben Johns Signature 13mm handle is 0.1" longer. What grip length changes
    • Face material. Engage X2 Elongated lists its face as Carbon fiber; Franklin Ben Johns Signature 13mm lists Fiberglass with MaxGrit. Paddle face materials explained
    • Core material. Engage X2 Elongated lists its core as High-density foam core; Franklin Ben Johns Signature 13mm lists Polypropylene. Paddle core materials explained

    Who each paddle is for

    Engage X2 Elongated

    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 face surface keeps spin honest without overdoing it.

    Playing style: power, spin

    Franklin Ben Johns Signature 13mm

    Best for advanced power players (4.0+) who can manage a hot face who play with a balanced two-handed/one-handed mix. The elongated shape extends your reach at the kitchen line, the 13mm core delivers high pop with a tighter touch window, and the fiberglass face emphasizes pop over spin.

    Playing style: power

    Pickle's verdict

    Both are great. Pick by playstyle, not specs.

    Pick the Engage X2 Elongated if…

    • ✓you prize control on resets and dinks
    • ✓you like reach at the kitchen line

    Pick the Franklin Ben Johns Signature 13mm if…

    • ✓you want a quick, hands-first paddle
    • ✓you want a hot face for put-aways
    • ✓you like reach at the kitchen line
    Shop Engage X2 Elongated →Shop on Amazon Ben Johns Signature 13mm →

    More matchups with the Engage X2 Elongated

    More matchups with the Franklin Ben Johns Signature 13mm

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