Astes Sports Engineer Max 16mm Review

Astes Sports Engineer Max Pickleball Paddle

A fresh face in the pickleball world, Astes Sports has introduced the Engineer Max 16mm, a paddle that promises to shake up the game. Despite being new to pickleball, Astes brings a wealth of manufacturing experience, rooted in their vision: “Arts, Sciences, and Tech Evolve Sports.” Comprising architects, engineers, and artists trained at MIT and Parsons, they’re poised to make significant strides as they gather more player feedback. After spending ample time on the court with the Engineer Max, I can confidently say this paddle is a force to be reckoned with, catering to intermediate and advanced players seeking a blend of power and control.

Specifications

• Weight: 7.7 – 8.1 oz (217 – 230 grams) – The paddle tested was 8.0 oz.
• Dimensions: 15 3/4” (40.0 cm) Length x 7 11/16” (19.5 cm) Width
• Thickness: 16 mm (0.63 inches)
• Material: T700 Carbon Fiber Face with Polymer Honeycomb Core
• Handle Length: 5 1/8” (13.0 cm)
• Grip Circumference: 4 1/4” (10.8 cm)

Performance Analysis

• Control/Feel: 8/10 – Offers solid control with a generous sweet spot.
• Power: 8/10 – Delivers impressive power without sacrificing much control.
• Spin: 9/10 – Exceptional spin capabilities, especially on drives.
• Pop: 9/10 – Highly responsive with noticeable pop.
• Forgiveness: 8/10 – Forgiving on off-center hits due to the large sweet spot.
• Maneuverability: 9/10 – Mid-weight design with a throat hole (less drag) ensures quick handling and agility.

Unveiling the Astes Sports Engineer Max 16mm

Packaging and Presentation

Right out of the box, the Astes Sports Engineer Max 16mm makes a striking impression. The paddle arrived in a padded envelope containing a high-quality black box, exuding a premium feel. Inside, the paddle was nestled within a foam insert specifically designed to hold it securely, covered by a protective sheet—a level of attention to detail that’s rare in the industry. The packaging also included thoughtful extras: an overgrip, a replacement grip, and a paddle eraser, showcasing Astes Sports’ commitment to providing value beyond the paddle itself.

Overall, the packaging and presentation are top-notch. Astes Sports has clearly invested in not just the paddle’s performance but also the unboxing experience, which adds to the overall satisfaction. From the moment you receive the Engineer Max 16mm, it’s evident that you’re handling a premium product designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind.

Design & Build Quality

The paddle itself boasts a sleek, almost entirely white face with bronze accents. The “astes” logo runs vertically on the left-hand side, while “Engineer Max” and other details like “16MM” and “T700 Carbon Fiber” are featured down the right. The graphics have a shiny, modern appeal that hasn’t diminished even after extensive play, maintaining their legibility and luster.

Crafted using thermoformed one-piece molding, the paddle feels exceptionally sturdy with no flimsy parts. The face is made of T700 carbon fiber, providing both strength and rigidity. Running my hand across it, I immediately noticed the micro-textured surface coating; it’s super gritty, which translates to enhanced spin on the court. The edgeless design not only adds to its modern aesthetics but also contributes to its durability.

The grip is white and, while it doesn’t feature texture or ridges and lacks some tackiness, it remains comfortable to hold. The handle cap also features the “astes” logo, adding a nice finishing touch. The paddle includes an aerodynamic throat hole at the base, reducing drag and enhancing maneuverability during swings. The USA Pickleball approval logo is subtly placed beneath this aerodynamic hole, maintaining the paddle’s clean design.

Astes Sports Engineer Max On-Court Performance

Taking the Engineer Max onto the court was an exciting experience. Despite initially feeling slightly head-heavy, the paddle proved to be remarkably balanced during play. Here’s a deeper dive into its performance facets:

Control

The paddle offers decent control, allowing for shots that land close to where you intend. The large sweet spot is forgiving, which boosts confidence during tight dinks and delicate placements at the kitchen. While it’s marketed as a control paddle, I found it leans slightly towards power, but without compromising on finesse (might be a bit poppy for some players).

Power

When it comes to unleashing powerful shots, the Engineer Max doesn’t disappoint. Drives feel explosive, and the paddle’s reactive honeycomb core seems to transfer energy efficiently. In several matches, I noticed my baseline shots carrying more depth and dive, pushing opponents back and giving me the upper hand.

Spin

This is where the paddle truly shines. The super gritty face made adding topspin and backspin almost effortless. Whether slicing the ball or applying heavy topspin on serves, the paddle enhanced my ability to manipulate the ball’s trajectory, keeping opponents guessing.

Pop

The responsiveness of the Astes Sports Engineer Max is immediately noticeable. The paddle has significant pop, making volley exchanges lively and dynamic. It reacts quickly to fast-paced shots, which is a boon during firefights at the net (I had to loosen my grip more than usual on drops, resets, and dinks).

Forgiveness

Thanks to its wide-body design and enlarged sweet spot, off-center hits are less punishing. During intense rallies, when perfect form isn’t always possible, the paddle’s forgiving nature helps keep the ball in play due to it’s edgeless design.

Maneuverability

Despite its mid-weight range, the paddle is surprisingly nimble. The aerodynamic throat hole contributes to reduced drag, allowing for quick reactions and swift hand movements. This was particularly beneficial during fast exchanges and quick resets.

Astes Sports Engineer Max Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptional spin potential due to the gritty T700 carbon fiber face.
• Balanced performance offering both power and control.
• Modern, sleek design with durable edgeless construction.
• Large sweet spot enhances forgiveness on off-center hits.
• High-quality packaging with included accessories like overgrip and cleaning block.

Cons:

• Grip lacks texture and tackiness, which is easily overcome by adding an overgrip.
• Feels slightly head-heavy initially, which may require an adjustment period.
• Limited capacity for adding extra weight for customization.
• Marketed as a control paddle but performs more like a power paddle.

Player Feedback

Other players who tested the Engineer Max shared similar sentiments. One advanced player remarked, “The spin I can generate with this paddle is phenomenal, it felt great for serves and topspin shots.” An intermediate player noted, “It took a bit to get used to the head-heavy feel, but once I did, my drives and serves were noticeably better.”

Experts in the community have also taken notice. Another local coach commented, “Astes Sports may be new, but they’ve crafted a paddle that competes with the big names. The Engineer Max offers a unique blend of power and control.”

Stepping into the Future with Astes Sports

The Astes Sports Engineer Max 16mm paddle is a compelling entry into the pickleball market. It’s ideal for players who crave a balance of power and spin without sacrificing too much control. While it may not align perfectly with its “control paddle” marketing, it excels as an all-court paddle that leans towards power. The durable construction and modern aesthetics make it a solid choice.

If you’re an intermediate to advanced player seeking a paddle that enhances your ability to apply spin and deliver powerful shots, the Astes Sports Engineer Max is worth considering. As Astes Sports continues to evolve and incorporate player feedback, I anticipate their future products will only get better.

Comparable Paddles

• Noice Elongated Driver V1.0: Similar in playability, but offers longer reach and less power.
• Engage Evolution Aero V2: Offers a throat hole also, but has more control with less power and pop compared to the the Engineer Max.
• Holbrook Power Pro: A power-oriented paddle that has a bit more power, but lacks the same level of spin potential.

Astes Sports Engineer Max Q&A

Is the Astes Sports Engineer Max 16mm suitable for beginners?

While beginners can use the Engineer Max, its features are best suited for intermediate to advanced players who can fully utilize its spin and power capabilities. This paddle may cause too many popups for beginners.

Does the paddle come with any accessories?

Yes, the paddle comes in high-quality packaging that includes an overgrip, replacement grip, and a paddle eraser for maintenance.

How does the Engineer Max 16mm compare to other power paddles?

It offers a unique balance of power and control, with exceptional spin potential thanks to its gritty T700 carbon fiber face. It’s more balanced than some pure power paddles, making it versatile for all-court play.

Can I customize the weight of the paddle?

The paddle feels well-balanced as is, and due to its design, there’s limited capacity for adding extra weight without affecting its performance, and causing arm fatigue.

Is the grip replaceable?

Yes, the paddle comes with a replacement grip, and you can customize it to your preference if you require more texture or tackiness.

Where can I buy the Astes Sports Engineer Max 16mm paddle?

You can purchase the Engineer Max 16mm directly from the official Astes Sports website. Visit their site through this link: Astes Sports Official Store. The paddle retails at $189.99, but you can get it for $170.99 after applying the discount code PICKLETIP at checkout.