Selkirk Pickleball Paddles Review (2023)

Last Updated: September 7, 2023

Selkirk Pickleball Paddles Review

In this article, we review the Selkirk pickleball paddles including the Amped line-up, the EVO line-up and the SLK neo line-up.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may receive a small commission (at zero cost to you).

Top PicksSelkirk Pickleball Paddles Review

Selkirk Amped Pickleball Paddle Reviews

The Selkirk Sport Amped range of pickleball paddles continues the evolutionary process seen in other sports with innovative materials, larger contact surfaces, and improved surface textures.

The Amped range of pickleball paddles continues the evolutionary process seen in other sports with innovative materials, larger contact surfaces, and improved surface textures. The design of this next-generation paddle is aimed not only at professional players but also at recreational and competitive players.

Selkirk Amped Epic Pickleball Paddle

  • Core: Polypropylene X5
  • Weight: Midweight 7.8 – 8.4 ounces and Lightweight 7.3 – 7.7 ounces
  • Paddle face: Fiberglass
  • Grip size: 4.25″ circumference and 5.25″ length (Selkirk Comfort Grip)

PROS

  • Octagonal grip design provides more control (Selkirk Sport Comfort Grip)
  • Longer grip allows you to play 2-handed
  • Excellent control of spin
  • Lots of power

CONS

  • Slightly less control than the Selkirk Amped S2
  • Can be a bit unwieldy for smaller players.
  • Pricey compared to the competition.

Paddle at a Glance

Very sharp graphics make the Selkirk Amped Epic paddle stand out on the court. Your opponents are not going to be in any doubt about which paddle you’re using and the longer handle on the Epic provides a performance-boosting addition to your game.

Hitting

It’s a more or less a standard-shaped paddle at 8″ wide with a normal handle length.  There is about a half-inch extra space for your hand.  With the longer handle, there’s slightly less control than with the shorter Amped S2, for instance.

Core & Surface

The extra power comes from the thicker X5 Polymer core, which is covered with the new Fiberflex fiberglass surface. This leap forward in technology with the thicker X5 polypropylene core married to the Fiberflex face provides a combination of power, control, and consistency together with an improved spin that far exceeds previous equipment.

Look & Fit

The company has come up with optimized inks and finishing processes to produce more vibrant and durable colors. This is evident in the high-quality finish on the paddle, which handles wear extremely well. This paddle should last a long time.

The gradated background passes the color tones and shades imperceptibly from one to the other, highlighting the underlying core material and surface textures while providing an eye-catching and trendsetting appeal to the paddle.

Don’t be surprised if you’re bugged by your opponents to try out the Amped Epic paddle, it really does catch the eye.

Selkirk Invikta Pickleball Paddle

  • Core: Polypropylene X5
  • Weight: Midweight 7.8 – 8.4 ounces and Lightweight 7.3 – 7.7 ounces
  • Paddle face: Fiberglass
  • Grip size: 4.25″ circumference and 5.25″ length

PROS

  • Excellent for passing shots.
  • Grip is great for players with larger hands.
  • Soft feel.
  • Provides more space for players with larger hands.

CONS

  • Not suitable for beginners
  • Small sweet-spot
  • High rate of missed shots

Paddle at a Glance

For players with a well-balanced game and who have come to pickleball from racquetball or tennis, then the Invikta might work really well for you.

It’s been described as the power-oriented version of an elongated paddle.

Not the best for beginners and intermediate players as you’re sacrificing width for the extra height.

This translates into a smaller sweet spot, so you could be missing a few more shots as a less experienced player.

Overall, the skinnier the paddle, the more accurate you have to be as a player.

Hitting

The Midway version (7.9 – 8.3 ounces) feels solid and provides plenty of power. The lightweight version (7.3 to 7.7 ounces) is slightly easier on the wrist but still gives you plenty of power.

Core & Surface

The reason for the great power characteristics of this paddle is the X5 Polymer core, which gives a good combination of power and control.

Compared to other paddles, this one is very thick with the new core resulting in a lot more feel.

Outdoor balls can feel a little hard, which is common with a skinnier paddle, but indoor balls feel great. The fiberglass face provides a bit more spin than a composite or graphite face.

If you love passing shots with lots of topspin, then you’re going to adore the Selkirk Invikta, as ball spin is pronounced with the paddle.

Look & Fit

At 16 ½” long, the Selkirk Invikta is not the largest paddle and it is a bit narrower than standard at a width of 7 1/3″. However, the extra reach, similar to the Selkirk Omni but with a longer handle, allows you to grip closer to the contact surface. You can get more wrist action with your shots, so you end up really whipping the ball. Available in reds, blues and purple.

Selkirk Amped S2 Pickleball Paddle

  • Core: Polypropylene X5
  • Weight: Midweight 7.9 – 8.4 ounces and Lightweight 7.4 – 7.8 ounces
  • Paddle face: Fiberglass
  • Grip size: 4.25″ circumference and 4.5″ length

PROS

  • Excellent feel.
  • Comfortable grip (Selkirk Comfort Grip).
  • Good for power shots

CONS

  • Some quality issues.
  • Surface wears quite quickly.
  • Short handle not suitable for bigger hands.

Paddle at a Glance

The face on the Amped S2 is thicker than the older models and covered with a new material called Fiberflex, which is a fiberglass composite.

You get the same power but it feels softer due to the core, which is an X5 Polymer honeycomb.

If you’re moving over from a previous model, then there’s no play-in period needed, the paddle feels natural in your hand and has similar power characteristics to previous Pro models but with an impressively soft touch.

Hitting

So, you can combine power strokes, passing shots, and overheads with soft shots from the kitchen as well as dinks that prove to be really easy.

The surface produces a quieter, lower register sound, and it feels and sounds smooth.

The larger sweet spot provides a greater, more forgiving playing area and the heavier construction absorbs power shots better.

Core & Surface

You’ll experience fewer missed shots due to the bigger sweet spot.

The Amped S2 paddle absorbs a lot of the shock of high-speed balls, which translates into fewer wrist and elbow problems.

Playing for hours on end will be far easier with less stress on your joints, especially if you are carrying an old injury.

The paddle surface isn’t particularly rough but it does seem to grab the ball, providing high levels of spin when returning shots.

Counter-intuitively, the paddle absorbs spin from your opponent’s shots without flying off your paddle. This extra control makes the paddle a joy to play with.

Look & Fit

It has a shorter handle than the traditional designs. There’s just enough room for your hand and it gives a slightly larger contact area for blocking.

This is in contrast to other models, and it gives you more control over the tip of the paddle.

And the Selkirk Comfort Grip makes holding the paddle comfortable with great sweat absorption.

The shorter handle also allows you to easily place your index finger on the paddle surface, which is something that ex-table tennis players seem to be more comfortable doing.

Eye-catching graphics, with a translucent paint effect showing the honeycomb design, are very appealing, with the high-quality finish promising a long life and plenty of use.

Selkirk Omni Pickleball Paddle

  • Core: Polypropylene X5
  • Weight: Midweight 7.7 – 8.3 ounces and Lightweight 7.2 – 7.6 ounces
  • Paddle face: Fiberglass
  • Grip size: 4.25″ circumference and 4.25″ length

PROS

  • Great feel.
  • Excellent for power shots.
  • Provides an excellent feel.

CONS

  • Can be a bit light for some players.
  • Some players experience quality issues.
  • Expensive

Overall Feel of The Paddle

The Selkirk Omni Pickleball Paddle is a slightly elongated paddle with a very short handle has a longer and narrower face.

This makes it a paddle that is better suited for more experienced players, as greater accuracy is required to enjoy its benefits.

Hitting

It’s not difficult to get used to playing with the extra length compared to a standard-sized paddle.

While it is not quite as long and thin as the Maxima, which is the longest paddle you can get from Selkirk Sport, it is an excellent singles player paddle, allowing you to reach balls that would have been beyond you if playing with a shorter paddle.

Paddle Core & Surface

You get a great feel and the ability to power shots at your opponents combined with the ability to extend your reach quite substantially.

And you can generate a lot of torque with the extra length, which makes a huge difference to your game.

Look & Fit

Not such a great option for players with big hands.

There just isn’t enough room on the handle for larger hands.

The look is just okay and not likely going to catch the eye of your fellow players.

What’s most important with this paddle is that it provides a bit of extra reach for those who want it.

Selkirk SLK Evo Pickleball Paddles Review

The SLK Evo Hybrid Max paddles are designed to combine power and control. They are a popular choice for intermediate and advanced players but are a good option for beginners as well.

Hitting

The SLK Evo Hybrid Max paddles feature a fairly large sweet spot, making them perfect for beginners.

The grip has been designed to offer a good balance of comfort and control with the added bonus of being a fairly inexpensive paddle compared to the competition.

Core & Surface

The C6-Flex Power Fiberglass face provides both power and control.

The Rev-Core Power Polymer core absorbs the vibration well and allows players to finesse shots over the net.

If you are a power player, then the SLK Evo Hybrid Max will suit your style of play too.

This paddle is a well-rounded piece of equipment that does its job of providing a balanced platform off which players of all levels can enjoy success.

Look & Fit

Allowances have been made for players with varying needs, so that, no matter what your style of play or size and weight requirements, the Evo range has an option that will meet your requirements.

SLK Evo Hybrid

  • Core: Polymer
  • Weight: 7.6 – 8 ounces
  • Paddle face:  Fiberglass C6-Flex Power
  • Grip size: 4.25″ circumference and 5.25″ length

PROS

  • Good entry-level paddle.
  • Large sweet spot
  • Good reach.

CONS

  • Not as responsive as some more expensive paddles.
  • Lacks the latest technology face.
  • Pricey compared to the competition.

Overall Feel of the Paddle

The SLK Composite EVO Hybrid is perfect for a beginner’s first paddle.

With its fiberglass playing surface and polymer core interior, you get a large sweet spot and a short handle that makes controlling the ball a breeze.

Even advanced players have said that they enjoy using this paddle.

Hitting

The C6-Flex Power Fiberglass was developed to help players dominate the game through superior power and control.

Surface & Core

The Rev-Core power polymer core combines a powerful paddle interior with a surprisingly large sweet spot.

Engineered to give players the ability to control powerful shots as well as give them an above-average feel, this paddle handles the job very well.

Look & Fit

Judging by the positive reports we’ve received from players at all levels, I’d say that Selkirk has succeeded in producing a quality paddle that will age well.

The SLK Ultra-Comfort grip gives players confidence.

The paddle has a cushioned, stable grip that is both comfortable and non-slip.

This gives players hours of hassle-free play without the paddle slipping around in their hands or becoming difficult to handle.

SLK Evo Soft Max

  • Core: Polymer
  • Weight: 7.6 ounces
  • Paddle face: Carbon Fiber
  • Grip size: 4.25″ circumference and 5.25″ length

PROS

  • Responsive carbon fiber.
  • Absorbs vibration well.
  • Comfortable grip resists twist.

CONS

  • Not as much reach as some other paddles in the range.
  • Lacks some of the features experienced players demand.
  • Expensive for what you are getting.

Overall Feel of the Paddle

The SLK Evo Soft Max makes a great choice for beginners and advanced pickleball players. It’s been designed with a shorter handle and a larger playing surface than the XL paddle.

Hitting

If you are looking for a paddle with a longer and wider face, then this one fits the bill perfectly. Using the same technology as the rest of the EVO range, you get the benefits of a larger paddle.

Core & Surface

The G8-Flex Control Carbon Fiber face is designed to provide an extra-soft feel.

Playing around the kitchen is made easier with players reporting that the paddle is confidence-inspiring with the added control the playing surface provides.

This is partly due to the Rev-Soft polymer core that gives the paddle a huge sweet spot. So, combined with the large sweet spot, you get a softer feel and plenty of power for passing shots and overhead smashes.

Look & Fit

Nice, clean design that stands out against other paddles for its simplicity. The SLK Evo Soft Max has a slightly shorter handle than other paddles which may not work for those who prefer to put two hands on the handle.

The payoff is the slightly larger playing surface, providing a bit more room to connect with the ball.

SLK Evo Soft XL

  • Core: polymer
  • Weight: 7.6 ounces
  • Paddle face: Carbon Fiber
  • Grip size: 4.25″ circumference and 5.25″ length
  • Smaller playing surface.
  • Not suitable for more experienced players.
  • Can lack power.

PROS

  • Soft-touch control
  • Large sweet spot
  • Long handle gives extra reach
  • Good impact and vibration dampening

CONS

  • Not as much reach as some other paddles in the range
  • Lacks some of the features experienced players demand
  • Expensive for what you are getting

Overall Feel of the Paddle

The SLK Evo Soft XL is also a beginner-friendly paddle that can be used by more experienced players, but it lacks the features necessary to be competitive.

Core & Surface

The G8-Flex Control Carbon Fiber face provides a well-balanced soft feel combined with a large sweet spot. The thicker core, using SLK Rev-Soft Polymer Core technology, allows for a softer feel combined with power when you need it for passing shots or overhead smashes.

Look & Fit

The XL comes with a longer handle than the rest of the range, but it has a smaller playing surface than the SLK Evo Soft Max paddle.

This is a durable, well-balanced paddle that is very comfortable in your hand.

Selkirk SLK neo Pickleball Paddle Set

Entry-level paddle sets are always going to be a compromise. And that is true of the Selkirk SLK neo set. The 2 paddles and 4 indoor balls will give new players a chance to try out the game and see if it’s to their liking.

However, the paddles are designed to give you a good balance between power and control.,

This should make it easier to enjoy power shots with some topspin and to play softer shots in and around the non-volley zone (kitchen) without putting the ball in the net each time.

Or popping up easy shots for your opponents.

This is a well-priced entry-level set that can be a lot of fun for beginners.

SLK neo Pickleball Paddle Set

Core: Polymer Honeycomb SX3
Weight: Light to Midweight 7.6 – 8.4 ounces
Paddle face: Graphite Composite
Grip size: 4.25″ circumference and 5.25″ length

PROS

  • Great for beginners
  • Includes 2 paddles and 4 balls
  • Excellent value

CONS

  • May not be the best paddle for both players.
  • Small sweet spot.
  • Does not incorporate the latest core technology.

Overall Feel of the Paddle

This is a great beginner’s paddle set. The Selkirk NEO paddle is a good option for players who are new to the game but favor a more aggressive way of playing.

You will be able to generate a fair amount of power, but in the final analysis, this is a compromise paddle and it just doesn’t have the technology to be anything other than an entry-level paddle.

It is affordable, so new players won’t have to spend a huge amount to get into the game.

Core & Surface

The lightweight construction and relatively large playing surface provide a well-balanced paddle that is easy to hold and move around the court.

The physically stronger player will be able to elicit the most out of the polymer core. That being said, the composite face does provide quite a bit of spin, so players with a little finesse should be able to enjoy moving their opponents around quite a bit.

Hitting

Controlling your opponent’s shots is made easier with the composite face. It helps to dampen the power and impact as well as grab onto spin shots that may otherwise get away from you.

The set comes with indoor balls, so you are going to get limited use out of them if you plan on playing outside.

Look & Fit

Players who are trying out pickleball for the first time and those that just want to have fun with friends and family are the target market for this paddle.

Pros of Selkirk Sport Pickleball Paddles

Selkirk Sport is known for the quality of its paddles. The latest ranges include innovative technology that provides players with a large variety of paddles that are suitable for beginners, advanced players, and professionals.

With manufacturing done in-house, there are none of the problems associated with quality control that is often experienced by brands that utilize foreign manufacturers.

Many professional players use Selkirk paddles and the feedback from top-level competition provides a basis for constant improvement in the technology that goes into every paddle.

Cons of Selkirk Sport Pickleball Paddles

Selkirk paddles are not cheap. There’s a good reason for this, as the constant research and development that goes into each range are reflected in the raw materials and technology used to produce each high-quality paddle.

Due to the large range of paddles, it can sometimes be difficult to decide which paddle is suitable for you.

This is where a knowledgeable coach or experienced player can assist a new or intermediate player to select a paddle that fits their unique style of play.

Selecting the right paddle should be determined by the strengths and weaknesses of each player.

Matching your ability and preferred playing style to the products available will ensure that you achieve the maximum benefit from the paddle you choose.

Summary – Selkirk Pickleball Paddles Review

In this article, we talk about the Selkirk paddle line-ups including the Amped line-up, the EVO line-up and the SLK neo line-up.

The Selkirk Sport Amped range of pickleball paddles continues the evolutionary process seen in other sports with innovative materials, larger contact surfaces, and improved surface textures.

The design of this next-generation paddle is aimed not only at professional players but also at recreational and competitive players.

FAQ – Selkirk Pickleball Paddles Review

What are the best pickleball paddles made by Selkirk?

The best pickleball paddles made by Selkirk include the following paddles for different skill levels:

1. Beginners players: Selkirk NEO Composite Paddle
 – Price: Approximately $60. 
2. Intermediate players: Selkirk Prime S2 Paddle – Price: Approximately $90. 
3. Advanced players: Selkirk Invikta Paddle – Price: Approximately $120. 

Prices vary.

What Selkirk pickleball paddles are in the Amped Series?

The Selkirk Amped Series includes the following pickleball paddles:

1. Selkirk Amped S2: A balanced blend of power and control.
2. Selkirk Amped Omni: Versatility for players with a mix of power and finesse.
3. Selkirk Amped Epic
: Enhanced power and a larger sweet spot.
4. Selkirk Amped Invikta: Offers maximum reach and power.

Does Selkirk make an edgeless paddle?

Yes, Selkirk does make an edgeless pickleball paddle called the SLK Omega featuring an edgeless design, providing players with a larger hitting surface and eliminating the traditional edges found on most paddles. This design can offer benefits such as an expanded sweet spot and improved control.

Does Selkirk make a pickleball paddle in an elongated shape?

Yes, Selkirk does make a pickleball paddle in an elongated shape called the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta. This paddle has a larger-than-typical sweet spot, a longer handle, and lots of power and spin. It’s worth noting that the Vanguard Power Air Invikta doesn’t have an edge guard so it’s considered an edgeless paddle. 

​What are Selkirk Amped paddles?

The Selkirk Amped Series includes the following pickleball paddles:
1. Selkirk Amped S2: A balanced blend of power and control.
2. Selkirk Amped Omni: Versatility for players with a mix of power and finesse.
3. Selkirk Amped Epic: Enhanced power and a larger sweet spot.
4. Selkirk Amped Invikta: Offers maximum reach and power.

Did Tyson McGuffin develop the Selkirk Power Air Invikta pickleball paddle?

No, Tyson McGuffin didn’t develop the Selkirk Power Air Invikta pickleball paddle but he did collaborate with Selkirk on the development of the paddle and you’ll see him playing with it on the courts and in tournaments.

What are the best selkirk pickleball paddles for beginners?

The Selkirk SLK Neo pickleball paddle is a ​great paddle for beginners. It’s durable, good quality and at a price point that is suitable for a beginner who wants a well-made paddle that they can grow into.

What is Selkirk Labs?

Selkirk Labs is Selkirk Sports R&D division, promoting collaboration and beta testing of new Pickleball paddles. The Selkirk Labs Membership invites players to pilot and test the latest advancements in paddle technology.

Is the Selkirk Latitude pickleball paddle good for the soft game?

There is no clear consensus on whether the Selkirk Latitude pickleball paddle is good for the soft game. While some reviews mention that it has a soft touch and good control others note that it may not be the best option for players who prefer a softer touch and more control. This is a paddle for beginners. 

What are the best pickleball paddles for beginners?

The best pickleball paddles for beginners are paddles that are mid-weight (7.8 – 8.2 oz) with a standard paddle shape. The Selkirk SLK pickleball paddles are a great choice for beginner pickleball players.

Articles Related to Selkirk Pickleball Paddles

best pickleball paddles for beginners
10 Best Pickleball Paddles For Spin
best pickleball paddles