I had suspected that longer dwell time correlates with lateral volatility on precision ground strokes, and you seem to confirm that. Most people tell me I’m wrong. Nice review, thank you.
Hey Luca, I loved the feel of amped invikta fiberglass paddle Selkirk had years ago because of its core and responsiveness, but obviously the spin isn’t there. Is this a similar feeling to that with the new x5+ core? Trying to figure out between this and the Luxx, which one has a better blend of soft control and responsiveness on shots like reaching half volleys and resets.
It's tough because the Luxx paddles are thermoformed so there is a tad bit more pop to them, I find, but it's very close. The GP Challenges are great shoes! I reviewed them on our other channel: ua-cam.com/video/0SqtYhEq5Jk/v-deo.html
Absolutely, these paddles have incredible feel. I should have mentioned more specifically that that feel is one of the best, not just much better than the Vanguard 2.0.
Why are you saying thermoformed paddles have anything to do with spin? With thermoformed paddles you typically get more power and a larger sweet spot then gen 1 paddles. Doesn’t spin mostly depend on the peel ply texture and the surface of the sheet under that?
It's the rigid nature of a thermoformed paddle that is (IMO) the most important factor for spin. Because there is so little dwell time, the ball loses as little energy as possible so you can transfer spin very one-to-one from your technique through the ball.
There's a half ounce variance because you can choose from 2 different weights when purchasing the paddle. A lightweight and a midweight. Your video doesn't mention that, but that is why there's such a large weight variance.
To be honest, I think it has much better feel than the average RCF paddle which, again, is something Selkirk has always done a very good job with, but if that's not important to you, then it is very similar in terms of power/spin/etc...
I’d be interested in info on the s2 shape, too. All of the Selkirk promo stuff I’ve seen seems to be centered on the Invikta, but I’m already used to the s2 2.0
@carriegooding Yes, due to shape, the Epic has a larger sweet spot according to the Selkirk website. Swingweight is also a bit lower. I guess we have to wait until more reviews come out that actually include the other shapes.
It's a much more forgiving and quicker paddle but doesn't quite work for me because of the lack of leverage/spin/stability. That's the tradeoff with a shorter shape.
How does this feel and compare to the original Joola Hyperion? I have yet to find a paddle that has the same dwell time and feel as the Hyperion (and yes, I've spend $1,000s on all the new paddles) and keep going back to the Hyperion. Would you say it's the same or better than the Hyperion? Or does it just feel like a Vatic Prism Flash but elongated?
@@GlobePwnage I haven't tried the V7. I do have the Prism Flash. I read the V7 was pretty heavy (or as heavy as the Hyperion). I like the feel of the Hyperion and have no gripes about it, other than it's head heavy and slower in the hands. If I could find that same feel but in a lighter paddle, that would be ideal. I saw another review on this new Selkirk and he was raving about the lightweight version of the Selkirk, thus my curiosity to see if it feels like the Hyperion but lighter.
I would say, these and the Hyperion are some of the best feeling non-thermoformed paddles I've tried. I'd have to test them more side by side to tell you how similar they are, but that's one of the things that sets Joola and Selkirk apart for me, their paddles always feel excellent.
Great feedback, do you have any thoughts on the lightweight vs midweight version of this paddle? The lightweight has me very intrigued. @@RacketsandRunnersPickleball
Good stuff, Luca 🙂 How does this paddle compare to the Selkirk Luxx Invikta? I believe the Vanguard Control is cheaper? If so, is it essentially a slightly toned-down version of the Luxx?
I wouldn't compare it to the Luxx -- that one is edgeless, themoformed, unibody design, has perimeter edge foam, and uses grit-based texture versus peel-ply raw carbon fiber. This paddle is basically a gen-1 T700 raw carbon fiber paddle but with the Selkirk lifetime warranty. So it should play similar to the SLK Halo, but with the better face shapes and handle length options. It's also made in the USA, if that matters to you.
It's not very comparable to the Luxx just because of how unique those feel with the different design but the best way to put it would be: the two paddles have similar power and control (the Luxx a bit more spin) and if you want a traditional feel, go for these, and if you want a very unique but fantastic plush/responsive feel, go for the Luxx.
Selkirk has been pretty behind the curve and it’s sad to see. They do so much for the game in terms of sponsoring aspiring pros and I love how their paddles look.
I've been trying to avoid them, but the one big advantage I see that leans me towards giving them a shot is the lifetime warranty. Even though regular wear and tear isn't covered, I feel like it's still a good protection over premature breakdown or flaws.
I think you’re making a big mistake by not reviewing paddles you don’t like. It’s not good optics to have all your videos love every paddle your review either. Even though it’s genuine, we don’t expect you to only do ones you like and it will feel like you just vouch for everything. Just my thoughts.
I've reviewed quite a few paddles that I didn't mesh with. With the Vanguard 2.0s, I didn't review them because they came out before our channel started up.
Going through the comments this guy is answering everyone's questions. Super rare to see that. Very cool too! I'm a fan.
I appreciate you giving an honest review and not shilling for Selkirk!
Thank you!
Agreed. It's so tedious sifting through all the sponsored and sales pitch videos.
I love the sliding footage, can't believe you guys are playing singles on a wet court
Once you're used to it, it's actually not that bad!
I had suspected that longer dwell time correlates with lateral volatility on precision ground strokes, and you seem to confirm that. Most people tell me I’m wrong. Nice review, thank you.
It adds a sort of "mushiness" to the feel which does make it a little more random.
Thank you for your time and posting.
You;'re welcome!
Hey Luca, I loved the feel of amped invikta fiberglass paddle Selkirk had years ago because of its core and responsiveness, but obviously the spin isn’t there. Is this a similar feeling to that with the new x5+ core? Trying to figure out between this and the Luxx, which one has a better blend of soft control and responsiveness on shots like reaching half volleys and resets.
Man.. I was scared FOR you watching you slide around on that wet court 😆
😅 It's honestly not as bad as it looks.
Is it more powerful than the Luxx? Also how are you liking the new Nikes?
It's tough because the Luxx paddles are thermoformed so there is a tad bit more pop to them, I find, but it's very close. The GP Challenges are great shoes! I reviewed them on our other channel: ua-cam.com/video/0SqtYhEq5Jk/v-deo.html
The plus of American made anything is, it puts Americans to work. Good job Selkirk!
I think what selkirk does best is the feel of the paddle. Thats what selkirk excels at.
Absolutely, these paddles have incredible feel. I should have mentioned more specifically that that feel is one of the best, not just much better than the Vanguard 2.0.
Why are you saying thermoformed paddles have anything to do with spin? With thermoformed paddles you typically get more power and a larger sweet spot then gen 1 paddles. Doesn’t spin mostly depend on the peel ply texture and the surface of the sheet under that?
It's the rigid nature of a thermoformed paddle that is (IMO) the most important factor for spin. Because there is so little dwell time, the ball loses as little energy as possible so you can transfer spin very one-to-one from your technique through the ball.
There's a half ounce variance because you can choose from 2 different weights when purchasing the paddle. A lightweight and a midweight. Your video doesn't mention that, but that is why there's such a large weight variance.
The LW has a weight range of 7.3 - 7.6 ounces. They are two different paddles.
this or the crbn 1x?
I’m pretty sure this one looks like a Gearbox GBX, I’d love to see a comparison.
I haven't gotten around to testing the GBX but I'll have to give it a go.
So it’s a gen 1 rcf paddle that’s $100 more expensive than most similar paddles on the market?
They do say the x5 core is different then a normal core. Is it? I don't know...
To be honest, I think it has much better feel than the average RCF paddle which, again, is something Selkirk has always done a very good job with, but if that's not important to you, then it is very similar in terms of power/spin/etc...
Selkirk halo xl vs vanguard invikta which you think is better for the price?
This is a significantly better paddle IMO. Much better feel/sweet spot and even spin.
Did you try the Epic shape? Opinion of Epic versus Invicta shape?
I’d be interested in info on the s2 shape, too. All of the Selkirk promo stuff I’ve seen seems to be centered on the Invikta, but I’m already used to the s2 2.0
@carriegooding Yes, due to shape, the Epic has a larger sweet spot according to the Selkirk website. Swingweight is also a bit lower. I guess we have to wait until more reviews come out that actually include the other shapes.
It's a much more forgiving and quicker paddle but doesn't quite work for me because of the lack of leverage/spin/stability. That's the tradeoff with a shorter shape.
How does this compare with the ENgage paddles (MX Pro)?
I have never played with that paddle, unfortunately.
How does this feel and compare to the original Joola Hyperion? I have yet to find a paddle that has the same dwell time and feel as the Hyperion (and yes, I've spend $1,000s on all the new paddles) and keep going back to the Hyperion. Would you say it's the same or better than the Hyperion? Or does it just feel like a Vatic Prism Flash but elongated?
Have you tried the Vatic Pro V7 Prism? I came from the Hyperion and the transition to the V7 prism was seamless
@@GlobePwnage I haven't tried the V7. I do have the Prism Flash. I read the V7 was pretty heavy (or as heavy as the Hyperion). I like the feel of the Hyperion and have no gripes about it, other than it's head heavy and slower in the hands. If I could find that same feel but in a lighter paddle, that would be ideal. I saw another review on this new Selkirk and he was raving about the lightweight version of the Selkirk, thus my curiosity to see if it feels like the Hyperion but lighter.
I would say, these and the Hyperion are some of the best feeling non-thermoformed paddles I've tried. I'd have to test them more side by side to tell you how similar they are, but that's one of the things that sets Joola and Selkirk apart for me, their paddles always feel excellent.
Great feedback, do you have any thoughts on the lightweight vs midweight version of this paddle? The lightweight has me very intrigued. @@RacketsandRunnersPickleball
Good stuff, Luca 🙂
How does this paddle compare to the Selkirk Luxx Invikta? I believe the Vanguard Control is cheaper? If so, is it essentially a slightly toned-down version of the Luxx?
I wouldn't compare it to the Luxx -- that one is edgeless, themoformed, unibody design, has perimeter edge foam, and uses grit-based texture versus peel-ply raw carbon fiber.
This paddle is basically a gen-1 T700 raw carbon fiber paddle but with the Selkirk lifetime warranty. So it should play similar to the SLK Halo, but with the better face shapes and handle length options. It's also made in the USA, if that matters to you.
It's not very comparable to the Luxx just because of how unique those feel with the different design but the best way to put it would be: the two paddles have similar power and control (the Luxx a bit more spin) and if you want a traditional feel, go for these, and if you want a very unique but fantastic plush/responsive feel, go for the Luxx.
Is there a power version coming out
Not to our knowledge.
How does this compare to the BNB Filth?
Much more soft control and less power/spin.
Selkirk has been pretty behind the curve and it’s sad to see. They do so much for the game in terms of sponsoring aspiring pros and I love how their paddles look.
Highway robbery American made or not.
Selkirk is basically the apple of the pickleball world. Way behind most other brands, but people geek out over every release.
I've been trying to avoid them, but the one big advantage I see that leans me towards giving them a shot is the lifetime warranty. Even though regular wear and tear isn't covered, I feel like it's still a good protection over premature breakdown or flaws.
I think you’re making a big mistake by not reviewing paddles you don’t like. It’s not good optics to have all your videos love every paddle your review either. Even though it’s genuine, we don’t expect you to only do ones you like and it will feel like you just vouch for everything. Just my thoughts.
He doesn't like this paddle. That destroys your theory.
I've reviewed quite a few paddles that I didn't mesh with. With the Vanguard 2.0s, I didn't review them because they came out before our channel started up.