Selkirk Pickleball Paddles: Are They The Best On The Market?

Selkirk Pickleball Paddles

When it comes to pickleball, Selkirk is a name that commands a lot of respect. Selkirk makes some of the best pickleball paddles in the business, and their products are used by some of the top players in the world.

Their new paddles are made with a unique composite material that provides more power and ball control. Selkirk also claims that their paddles have a larger sweet spot than other brands, making them more forgiving on off-center hits. So what does all this mean for the average pickleball player?

Selkirk’s paddles could be the best Pickleball paddles on the market. If you’re serious about Pickleball, Selkirk is keep reading as we do a deep dive.

We’ll provide a full breakdown of Selkirk Pickleball Paddles and why they are one of the most popular brands on the market.

What Paddle is Best for Pickleball?

Well, this is a bit subjective everyone has an opinion on the best pickleball paddle. It’s important to analyze your style of play to try and match which pickleball paddle is best for you.

Let’s dive into that, here are a few key questions you may ask yourself when trying to find the best fitting paddle for your style play:

  • Do you like a heavy or lighter weight?

  • Do you use spin in your pickleball game?

  • Do you prefer power or a better feel?

  • Are you looking for a traditional or extended-length shape?

  • What is your budget?

  • Finally do you like a thicker core for a soft touch?

With all these factors in mind, let’s dig into what this all means and how it will help you make a good decision when shopping for a new paddle.

Selkirk Pickleball Paddles

Is There Really a Difference in Pickleball Paddles?

It can be daunting picking a new paddle we get it, there are so many choices out there and they range in weight, shape, materials and so many more factors. 

It’s important to get a paddle that fits your hand properly and feels natural to swing. There are several factors that can affect your choices, such as size and shape, material, and weight.

How Do You Choose a Pickleball Paddle?

With a little guidance (hopefully this article helps), you can narrow down your options and find the perfect fit for your game. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you shop:

The first thing to consider is the size and shape of the paddle. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so it’s important to find one that feels comfortable in your hand. If you have smaller hands, you may want to choose a smaller handle grip. Conversely, if you have larger hands, you may prefer a larger paddle.

Just like tennis rackets, pickleball paddles come in a variety of grip sizes to suit different hand sizes. It’s important to choose a grip size that feels comfortable in your hand. If the grip is too small, you’ll have less control over the paddle, but if it’s too large, you’ll risk losing control altogether. (We have an excellent post on how to determine your grip size)

The shape of the head can also affect your game – for example, shorter lengths and wider heads are great for control, while longer paddles with narrower heads offer more power.

(Do you know the difference between indoor and outdoor pickleballs? Read our post.) 

Are you moving over from tennis? 

You may want to look at an extended paddle face as it’s typically easier for tennis players to adjust to.

When choosing a pickleball paddle, one of the most important factors to consider is the weight. Paddle weight is measured in ounces; the range can be anywhere from 5 ounces to over 12 ounces. As a general rule, lighter paddles are better for beginners because they are easier to control. 

Heavier paddles are typically preferred by more experienced players because they offer more power. However, ultimately it is up to the player to decide what weight works best for them. 

A good way to test out different weights is to try paddles of different sizes and weights at your local pickleball court. By trying out different paddle weights, you can get a feel for what works best for your game.

With these factors in mind, shopping doesn’t have to be daunting. By taking the time to find the right paddle for your game, you can improve your performance on the court and enjoy pickleball even more.

Which Pickleball Paddle is Best For a Beginner?

While there are many choices on the market, the best one for a beginner is typically a lightweight paddle with a bigger head. A paddle with a large head will give you more surface area to hit the ball, making it easier to keep the ball in play.

A lightweight paddle will be easier to swing and won’t wear you out as quickly. In addition, it’s usually best to avoid paddles with too much grip on the face, as they can be difficult to control.

Once you’ve been playing for a while and have developed your own style, you can experiment with different styles to find the one that works best for you. But when you’re just starting out, it’s best to keep things simple and choose a basic, all-around paddle. Selkirk offers customization of their paddle weights which is a great option for all players to get the perfect fit.

Is a Heavier or Lighter Pickleball Paddle Better?

Pickleball paddles come in a variety of weights, but there is no definitive answer as to whether a heavier or lighter paddle is better. It really depends on your personal preference and playing style.

Some people find that a heavier paddle provides more power and stability, while others prefer a lighter weight for greater maneuverability.

Ultimately, the best way to find the perfect weight for you is to experiment with different weights and see what feels best for you. Ask some of your fellow pickle ballers if you can try out their paddles for a round or two.

You can also always add lead tape you adjust to the weight of your paddle. 

The Barnes Family owners of Selkirk Pickleball

Who Owns Selkirk Pickleball?

Selkirk is a family-owned business based in Hayden, Idaho. Rob and his brother Mike started the company in 2014 with a passion for Pickleball and a belief that the sport was about to take off.

In the early days, they were focused on making Pickleball paddles with the best materials possible and set out to use hi-tech manufacturing and craftsmanship. As the sport of Pickleball grew in popularity, they began to experiment with different materials and design elements to create the perfect paddle.

Today, Selkirk Sport produces some of the most popular pickleball paddles on the market. The company is still family-owned and operated, and they continue to innovate in order to bring the best possible products to their customers. They have a full research and development department to continue to innovate striving to be the best manufacturer in the sport.

How Long Does a Selkirk Paddle Last?

Selkirk is one of the first manufacturers to offer a lifetime limited warranty for all their paddles. This gives you a bit of peace of mind when purchasing a Selkirk paddle, normal wear and tear aren’t covered in the warranty, but they have a nice paddle care guide.

While it’s hard to say how long your paddle may last I have had mine for a few years now and it’s in great shape.

Is Selkirk Made in the USA?

Selkirk is a leading manufacturer of pickleball paddles, and many of their paddles are made in the USA. In addition to supporting American jobs, Selkirk products are made with the best materials and craftsmanship. While Selkirk does produce the SLK series overseas, the company is committed to providing its customers with the best possible products USA-made products.

Top-Selling Selkirk Paddles Models

The three models of the Amped and Vanguard lines are Invikta, S2, and Epic. Let’s take a look at what sets them apart so you can make an informed decision.

Invikta

The Invikta model is the elongated paddle shape for extended reach and control. While it has the smallest sweet spot of any of the three it’s still lightweight and durable with a polypropylene honeycomb technology core. The invikta line may be best suited for tennis players moving over to pickleball because of its longer paddle face. The polypropylene core produces a quieter sound and a softer touch for players of all skill levels. The inikta is used by one of the sports top pros Tyson McGuffin.

S2

Next up is the S2 model, the S2 boasts the largest sweet spot of the three with the shortest handle length. Its paddle’s shape and width are in between the invikta and Epic series making it a good mid-range for those still looking for a bit longer reach. The S2 face is a pro-spin textured face giving you maximum ball grip and spin while out on the court.

Epic

Lastly, the Epic model is the best all-around paddle and one I recommend to most people. As with most of Selkirk’s products, you can customize the weight and grip style you want. The Gen 2 technology in the vanguard series is designed for the ultimate durability and wear resistance. The epic is the perfect balance between length, sweet spot, and grip size.

Selkirk S2 Pickleball Paddle

What is The Difference Between Vanguard and Amped Models?

Selkirk Vanguard and Amped series are two very popular lines. Both are made with the best materials that are designed to withstand the elements and rigorous gameplay. So, what is the difference between Selkirk Vanguard and Amped?

One major difference is the price point. Selkirk Vanguard products are generally more expensive around $50-$100 more than Amped series. Vanguard 2.0 has been in research and development for 2 years and uses a carbon fiber-weaved face that gives it a larger sweet spot. As a result, the Vanguard line tends to be more durable than the Amped series which uses a fiberglass face.

Another key difference is the Amped line boasts vibration dampening and torque suppression technology. As a result, the paddle is more stable increasing ball control with a softer touch. The paddle also tends to help players that have a history of tennis elbow.

In terms of quality, both Selkirk Vanguard and Amped are excellent products. However, Selkirk Vanguard tends to be slightly higher quality and more durable, while Amped is more affordable. So, ultimately, it comes down to your needs and budget when deciding which brand to choose. The nice thing about all Selkirk paddles is they offer customized weights and grips, so find a series you like and adjust it to your needs.

My Personal Thoughts – Which Selkirk Paddle is Best?

As we have discussed there are a few things to keep in mind as you make your decision. First, think about your playing style. Are you a power player who likes to hit hard, or a finesse player who relies on accuracy? Second, consider the weight and balance of the paddle. Finally, take a look at the size and shape of the paddle head. A larger head gives you more surface area to hit the ball, while a smaller head provides more control. With these factors in mind, you’re sure to find the perfect Selkirk paddle for your game.

If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly paddle, we recommend the Slk Neo. With its lightweight construction and large sweet spot, the Neo is ideal for players who are just starting out it’s also very budget-friendly at a $49.99 price point.

For more mid-range to experienced players, we recommend the Selkirk Amped line. This paddle is made with high-performance materials, which gives it excellent power and control without breaking the bank.

And if you’re looking for the absolute best of the best, the Selkirk Omni is our top pick. Made with a proprietary polymer core, this paddle provides exceptional performance and durability. So whatever your skill level, there’s a Selkirk paddle that’s right for you.

Which Selkirk Paddle is Best for Spin?

If you’re looking for a paddle that will help you step up your game, Selkirk is a great option. But with so many different models on the market, it can be tough to choose the right one.

When it comes to spin, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll want a paddle with a large sweet spot. This will give you more forgiveness on off-center hits.

Second, you’ll want a paddle with a lot of power. This will help you keep your shots consistent even when you’re putting a lot of spin on the ball. (6 Best Pickleball Paddles for Spin)

Third, you’ll want a paddle that’s mid-weight and has a high-quality textured surface (most companies offer this). With all of these factors in mind, we think the best Selkirk paddle for a spin is the Omni Pro. It’s got a large sweet spot, plenty of power, and it’s lightweight and comfortable to hold. So if you’re looking to step up your game, the Omni Pro is the paddle for you.

Wrapping Up

So, if you’re in the market for a new pickleball paddle and want to make sure you get the best performance possible, then Selkirk is definitely the brand for you. Their paddles are customizable in terms of weight and grip size, so you can find the perfect fit for your own playing style. Plus, they offer a warranty, so you can be confident that you’re getting a the best product. And finally, Selkirk have been shown to perform better than any other paddle on the market – so what are you waiting for? Give them a try today!

Looking for a custom pickleball paddle? Read our guide first!