4 Best Selkirk Pickleball Paddles in 2024
- Alex Horscroft
- Last updated
After studying paddles from the Selkirk range, it was clear that the Vanguard Power Air is the best Selkirk pickleball paddle. It can generate 1800 RPMs of spin and has 4 layers in the face helping you generate power.
But this is only for the top-level players. What about the rest? Here are my favorite Selkirk pickleball paddles:
- Best overall: Vanguard Power Air
- Best value: Vanguard Invikta
- Best all arounder: SLK Omega Max
- Budget choice: SLK Latitude
Stay tuned for my Selkirk pickleball paddle reviews!
Table of Contents
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All of our reviews are entirely impartial — we are not paid to endorse products. I selected the best Selkirk paddles based on my own experience.
Selkirk Paddle Comparison Chart
Here, you can find a Selkirk paddle comparison at a glance, although I recommend you check out each review for a full picture.
Face Material |
Core Material |
Shape |
Warranty |
|
Carbon fiber with ProSpin+ NextGen Texture |
Polymer honeycomb |
Elongated and standard |
Lifetime warranty |
|
Quad Carbon |
Polymer honeycomb |
Elongated |
Lifetime warranty |
|
GC9-Flex Dual Carbon + fiberglass |
Rev-Core+ Polymer Core |
Regular |
1 year |
|
G4 Graphite |
Polymer Rev-Core |
Regular |
1 year |
Selkirk Pickleball Paddle Reviews
After many hours of research, I settled on four models. These are the best Selkirk pickleball paddles for different types of buyers.
1. Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Pickleball Paddle — Best Overall
Specifications
- Face material: Carbon fiber with ProSpin+ NextGen Texture
- Core material: Polymer honeycomb
- Shape: Elongated and standard
- Grip dimensions: 4 ⅛”
- Weight: 7.7-8.1 oz
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty
Rating: 9.6
In my opinion, the best Selkirk pickleball paddle right now is the Vanguard Power Air. Not only is this one of the best-looking paddles I’ve ever seen, but it also ticks all the boxes regarding performance.
In particular, it’s a top performer when it comes to spin, generating an insane 1800 RPM (it actually topped our list of the best spin paddles). This is thanks to the ProSpin+ NextGen Texture which is industry-leading.
I also found it to be incredibly powerful. Unlike paddles from other brands, the Vanguard Power Air has a four-piece face. This consists of two layers of FiberFlex and two layers of Quantum+ Carbon.
To top it all off, this paddle comes with a lifetime warranty which gives you complete peace of mind.
2. Selkirk Vanguard Invikta Pickleball Paddle — Best Value
Specifications
- Face material: Quad Carbon
- Core material: Polymer honeycomb
- Shape: Elongated
- Grip dimensions: Not listed
- Weight: 7.8-8.3 oz
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty
Rating: 9.3
In my second spot, I have the Selkirk Vanguard Invikta. With the release of the Invikta 2.0, the first model is now more affordable, yet it still performs at a very high level.
Sure, it doesn’t quite match up with the Vanguard Power Air, but it doesn’t have to, as it is less than half the cost. What I noticed about this racket was its high level of control. This is because Selkirk uses a thick X5 honeycomb core. It helps hold the ball a little longer before release and dampens vibrations.
As for the face, it uses Quadcarbon like the Vanguard Power Air, but with two layers rather than four. These layers are arranged in a cross-weave pattern.
Something to note is that the elongated shape reduces the sweet spot’s size a little, which may turn some players off. Overall, though, I think it’s a top-level pickleball paddle by Selkirk.
3. Selkirk SLK Omega Max Pickleball Paddle — Best All-Arounder
Specifications
- Face material: GC9-Flex Dual Carbon + fiberglass
- Core material: Rev-Core+ Polymer Core
- Shape: Regular
- Grip dimensions: 4 ¼”
- Weight: 7.7-8 oz
- Warranty: 1 year
Rating: 9.1
SLK is the budget range from Selkirk, yet these paddles have similar properties to the standard Selkirk line, making them great pick-ups. Of all those I looked at, the SLK Omega Max impressed me the most. While it lacks top-end speed, it has copious amounts of control and produces a tonne of spin.
High spin generation seems to be a consistent quality with most paddles from the brand, and I’m all for it! With more spin at your fingertips, you can not only play more aggressively but also with more versatility. And due to the high control of the Omega Max, playing with consistency is relatively simple.
Unlike the other paddles discussed thus far, this one only comes with one year of warranty which is quite the drop-off from a lifetime warranty. However, considering its performance, I still think it represents exceptional value.
4. SLK Latitude Pickleball Paddle — Budget Choice
Specifications
- Face material: G4 Graphite
- Core material: Polymer Rev-Core
- Shape: Regular
- Grip dimensions: 4 ¼”
- Weight: 8-8.4 oz
- Warranty: 1 year
Rating: 8.5
For those players just starting out, you’ll be wasting your money on the likes of Vanguard Power Air or Vanguard Invikta. Instead, consider the SLK Latitude. It is very affordable and has all of the tools you need to elevate your game.
With its wide body design, you get a large sweet spot, and the combination of the G4 Graphite face and Polymer Rev-Core gives you a good blend of control and speed.
Read More: The Best Pickleball Paddles Under $100 in 2024
Things To Consider When Buying Selkirk Pickleball Paddles
When selecting a Selkirk pickleball paddle, consider the following factors, each pivotal in determining the right fit for your game. Here’s how these aspects apply to specific Selkirk models:
1. Price
- Vanguard Power Air: High-end, premium price with advanced features.
- Vanguard Invikta: Mid to high-range, offering value for advanced materials.
- SLK Omega Max: More affordable, suitable for players seeking quality without the premium price tag.
- SLK Latitude: Budget-friendly, ideal for beginners or casual players.
2. Paddle Weight
- Heavier Paddles (like some Vanguard models): Offer more power, suitable for aggressive play.
- Lighter Paddles (found in SLK series): Easier for maneuverability and quick reactions, beneficial for beginners or players with a softer playing style.
3. Material
- Carbon Fiber (Vanguard Power Air): Durable and lightweight, offering enhanced control and spin.
- Quad Carbon (Vanguard Invikta): Provides a good balance of power and control, with durability.
- GC9-Flex Dual Carbon + Fiberglass (SLK Omega Max): Offers flexibility and power, suitable for a wide range of playing styles.
- G4 Graphite (SLK Latitude): Lightweight and responsive, ideal for players who value speed and agility.
4. Core Type
- Polymer Honeycomb (Vanguard series): Offers a good blend of power and control, dampens vibrations.
- Rev-Core+ Polymer (SLK Omega Max): Enhances control and stability, suitable for players who need a balanced paddle.
- Polymer Rev-Core (SLK Latitude): Provides a good balance between power and control, ideal for beginners.
5. Shape
- Elongated (Vanguard Power Air & Invikta): Offers more reach and leverage, suitable for aggressive players.
- Standard (SLK series): Provides a traditional feel and balance, ideal for players who prefer a classic paddle shape.
6. Warranty
- Lifetime (Vanguard series): Indicates high durability and long-term investment.
- 1 Year (SLK series): Offers peace of mind for beginners or casual players.
When choosing a Selkirk paddle, consider your playing style, experience level, and budget. For example, if you’re an advanced player looking for top-notch performance and willing to invest, the Vanguard series, especially the Power Air, would be an excellent choice. Conversely, if you’re new to pickleball or play more casually, the SLK series, like the Omega Max or Latitude, offers quality at a more accessible price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Are Selkirk Pickleball Paddles Made?
The high-performance range of Selkirk paddles is handmade in the US. However, their budget SLK brand paddles are made overseas. This reflects their lower cost.
Who Plays With Selkirk Paddles?
Many of the top pickleball athletes use Selkirk paddles. This includes Catherine Parenteau, Jack Sock, and Susannas Barr.
Do Selkirk Paddles Wear Out?
While Selkirk paddles are high quality, they wear out just like other paddles do. Most typically last a few years before the grit noticeably drops off. This is a good time to purchase a replacement.
Is Selkirk a Good Pickleball Paddle Manufacturer?
Selkirk is one of the top pickleball paddle manufacturers. They are constantly innovating and many of their paddles offer exceptional spin. The brand is also popular with professional players.
Closing Thoughts
The best Selkirk pickleball paddle across the board right now is the Vanguard Power Air. It’s fast, has high control, and offers the most spin by a long shot. However, it’s very pricey and best suited to advanced players. If you have a smaller budget but want a competitive edge, I feel either the Vanguard Invikta or SLK Omega Max is a superior choice.
Similar Reads
- Best Pickleball Paddles for Women
- Best Graphite Pickleball Paddles
- Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners
Freelance writer. Table tennis enthusiast. Lover of all things online. When I’m not working on my loop game I’m probably binge-watching some fantasy show.
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Alex Horscrofthttps://pingpongruler.com/author/alex-horscroft/
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Alex Horscrofthttps://pingpongruler.com/author/alex-horscroft/
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Alex Horscrofthttps://pingpongruler.com/author/alex-horscroft/
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Alex Horscrofthttps://pingpongruler.com/author/alex-horscroft/
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