Selkirk Power Air Pickleball Paddle Review

For the past two years spectators have seen this pickleball paddle being used in pickleball tournaments by Tyson McGuffin.  The opening in the face of the paddle catches your attention, especially the first time you see it in person.  The paddle also has a slightly different sound when hitting the pickleball.

Now that Selkirk has launched the Power Air pickleball paddle series, you see this paddle all over the place.  The pickleball paddles come in three models - Invikta, Epic, S2 - and two colors - Black and Red.  It appears that the Invikta model is the best seller of the trio...based our Pickleball Superstore sales and what you see on the pickleball courts.

The Power Air pickleball paddles have high power, spin, and maneuverability which makes them very attractive. For many players however, upon first use they don't have the most pleasant feel in your hand - it is something you have to get used to.  If you get turned off by that in the beginning you probably will put the paddle aside.  What we've heard and found is that if you keep playing with the paddle, you'll keep this in your quiver as a preferred pickleball paddle option.  Give it two weeks, then make your decision.

KEY TAKEAWAY:  These paddles have some pop to them!  They are for pickleball players looking for power and spin.  Players who love the slow, controlled game my not find these pickleball paddles a fit for their game.  But, honestly, many new players entering the sport are looking for power and spin.  Try the three different models because they each are slightly different - shape, sweet spot, grip length, etc.

 

SELKIRK POWER AIR PICKLEBALL PADDLE OVERVIEW

A culmination of over two years of Research & Development, in partnership with top Pickleball pros such as Tyson McGuffin, the VANGUARD Power Air addresses the need for both power and spin. 

As professional Pickleball became increasingly focused on power and spin over the past 2 years, the larger community discovered the benefits of power and spin, especially when it comes to dominating opponents. VANGUARD Power Air technology was developed to champion these players and provide a paddle that enables full control of the court, with performance power and maximum spin. 

The first iteration of this technology was developed in Selkirk Labs and launched as Project 002. Utilizing Labs member feedback, Power Air optimizes the 002, providing additional control from the SuperCore, enhanced consistency with 360° Proto Molding, and next-level aerodynamics and edge durability with Aero-DuraEdge Edgeless technology. 

While edgeless technology has been around for several years, Selkirk is committed to introducing many new performance innovations to edgeless paddles. The Power Air focuses on durability, offers an elevated feel, complete with a polymer honeycomb core, and is the power paddle the Pickleball community has been asking for.

 

SELKIRK POWER AIR INVIKTA PICKLEBALL PADDLE

This is their elongated shape. It offers more reach and bit more power and spin compared to the Epic at the expense of a smaller sweet spot. The difference in the size of the sweet spot was more noticeable between the Invikta and the Epic in  the Vanguard Power Air series compared to the same shapes in Selkirk’s control focused Vanguard Hybrid series.

 

SELKIRK POWER AIR EPIC PICKLEBALL PADDLE

This shape is a little shorter and wider and would be considered a classic shape. It has a bigger sweet spot and is more player friendly. It has a little less power and spin though not enough to make a material difference. This shape had the edge in maneuverability too.

 

SELKIRK POWER AIR S2 PICKLEBALL PADDLE

The S2 is the same length and width as the Epic but with a shorter handle. I didn’t play with this one but I would speculate that it plays similar to the Epic, just with a little less power and spin and maybe a little bigger sweet spot. 

 

SELKIRK POWER AIR PICKLEBALL PADDLE TECHNOLOGY

• Air Dynamic Throat:Developed in Selkirk Labs with Project 002 and fine-tuned to provide maximum flex, the Air Dynamic Throat is now larger and even closer to the handle, offering optimal air flow and improved ball control.  
• ThroatFlex:Created to provide maximum flex when you connect with the ball, our new ThoatFlex open throat design extends dwell time on the paddle and enhances power play, for unbeatable consistency.
• ProSpin+ NextGen Texture for long-lasting maximum spin surface:Formulated in Selkirk Labs to generate more spin than any technology on the market, our ProSpin+ NextGen Micro Texture technology features a longer-lasting spin surface and provides unparalleled consistency, ensuring you can shape and control the ball with ease, to dominate on the court.
• QuadFlex 4 Layer Hybrid Face:Initiated in Selkirk Labs with Project 002, the QuadFlex 4 Layer Hybrid Face features a first-of-its-kind blend of two layers of Fiberflex and two layers of Quantum+ carbon, for effortless power and control.
• 360° Proto Molding:Engineered to provide 360 degree composite coverage, using a proprietary high pressure manufacturing process, 360° Proto Molding technology generates ultimate power, while delivering a consistent feel on every play.
• Aero-DuraEdge Edgeless Technology:Introduced to increase edge reliability alongside the FlexFoam edge perimeter, Aero-DuraEdge Edgeless technology is composed of our specialty, impact resistant blend of composites and polymer.
• FlexFoam Perimeter:Achieved by injecting specially formulated foam into the entire perimeter of the paddle, our FlexFoam Perimeter technology increases durability, adds weight, enlarges the sweet spot, and absorbs the vibrations from every hit, for a stable, reliable feel. This technology was originally developed in Selkirk Labs for Project 002.
• SuperCore Polymer Honeycomb Core:Created for the QuadFlex Face, the groundbreaking polypropylene honeycomb SuperCore delivers supreme power while enhancing your control of the ball.

 

SELKIRK POWER AIR PICKLEBALL PADDLE SPECS

• Midweight Range: 7.7 – 8.1 oz.
• Custom weights are not available
• Grip Circumference: 4 1/4"
• Grip: Selkirk Geo Grip
• Face: Hybrid Blend of Fiberglass and Carbon Fiber
• Core material: Polymer Honeycomb
• Core Thickness: 0.5'' (12.7mm)
• Edge Guard: Edgeless DuraEdge
• Manufacturer: Selkirk Sports
• Assembled in the USA