Selkirk Pickleball Paddles Review (2023)

Last Updated: June 8, 2022

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.

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

Top Picks

Selkirk Amped Epic

A perfect blend of power & control—great balance with a longer handle for great two-handed swings

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• Octagonal grip for control
• Longer grip for 2-hands
• Excellent spin
• Lots of power

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Selkirk Amped S2

Standard shape, with the largest surface & sweet spot

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• Excellent feel
• Comfortable grip
• Good for power shots

Amazon

Selkirk Evo Soft Max

A great choice for a wide range of pickleball players, including beginners – shorter handle and a large playing surface

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• Responsive carbon fiber
• Absorbs vibration well
• Comfortable grip

Amazon

Selkirk Amped Pickleball Paddles

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 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 Evo Pickleball Paddles

The Selkirk Evo Hybrid 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

These 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 Evo range 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.

Selkirk 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.

Selkirk 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 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 Selkirk 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.

Selkirk 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 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 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, so you should be able to enjoy power shots with some topspin as well as be able to play softer shots in and around the non-volley zone (kitchen) without ending up with 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.

SelkSLK 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 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.

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