Thank you for the early look. I am pulling for Selkirk to figure some of these things out and hope they use the feedback to address some of these noted issues with the paddle.
Crazy paddle. Seeing your reviews just makes me appreciate how good a player Catherine Parenteau is, how can she use this thing against other pros and still perform well? Wow
In the right hands the paddle plays very well. It just has a very high ceiling to achieve it IMO, and has a very, very low floor if you are playing poorly. I gave it to my friend to mess with and he loves it. But he's also a 5.25+ player.
I purchased the Selkirk Power Air when I was a beginner and I hated the paddle.. because I didn't know how to control it. After playing with the project 003 (Control Paddle) and the Lux (Control Paddle) and learning more of the control / less power game.. moving to this paddle feels SO good. If you're experienced and you know how to control a paddle, you will like this paddle. It takes what the power air has (thin and quick) and turned it into a heavier, better feeling paddle overall. My drives have never felt faster.
Great presentation with a balanced review. Thank you. This paddle is hard to justify because even if you are able to hit the sweet spot every time, it doesn’t seem to offer much above other more competitive paddles on the market… and for less money.
If you get an opportunity to compare the 10mm head-to-head against a broken in gearbox PPE, would really love your opinion on that! I'm using the latter and loving it but looking for something even more poppy and explosive that I can try to tame 😂 I have no issues with a tiny sweet spot
Thanks for your video. I look forward to more follow-up evaluations. Just played my friend's paddle yesterday, Hudef Newera Luxury Gen1, which is similar to Luxx.
They should include swing stats for western grip slicing through the air with the thin profile of the paddle. The side profile aerodynamics must be part of the performance and "feel" . But what do I know, I"m just a lowly 3.25 :D
As always, nice honest opinion from Chris. Based on these stats and performance, there is better paddles for better price. I have a feeling that Selkirk was late to the party again...
I have the epic 14mm coming tomorrow. Love trying new ones but given your description, I might be using the 30 return if my experience is the same as yours.
I will ALWAYS check your review before buying a paddle and use your code. You saved me money on my Vatic Pro 16mm. I have used it into the ground. Do paddles normally only last 10-12 months? Is there any paddles that would last longer? I am trying to save money but I also play pickleball 3-4 times a week. I love your content and I watched your review on the Filth from Bread & Butter. I am thinking that will be my next paddle. Any chance you have an extra one laying around you could send me? haha any recommendations on what I should go with that will hold up over time?
Not spending $333 on a prototype, but very excited to see this tech trickle down into the rest of the industry later on. In five years we're all going to laugh that we used to use textured epoxy as a surface material. This might not be the permanent solution either, but it has a chance.
My buddy demoed this paddle and let me play with it. Both he and myself put it down in favor of our usual paddles after a handful of rallies. It's trash. unless you enjoy playing pickle with a wood plank. But if that's the case, you can find some dirt cheap cutting boards at Target offering the same play profile. People who pay $300 for Selkirk labs stuff are the type of people who are going to rave about any paddle they just dropped 3 hundo on regardless of it's performance. Whether they're lying to themselves or everyone else, it's not for me to say.
Where do I even start? Haha. 11six24 Hurachex Control+ Spartus Olympus PaddleTek 14.3mm or 12.7mm Neonic Flow Prime X Engage Pursuit Pros Honolulu J2K Six Zero Black Diamond Six Zero Double Black Diamond Vatic Prism Flash Reload RLD 1 Bread and Butter Shogun Chorus Shapeshifter 11six24 Monarch line CRBN X series List could go on and on.
$333 is hella expensive, but keep in mind the buyer is paying that premium to get first access to a somewhat unrefined “project”. The dialed version of the paddle will come out in like a year and will be far less expensive. And side note…it comes with the Selkirk tungsten tape which is narrow enough to fit nicely even on the 10mm versions of this paddle. 👍
What would you consider as a fair price for this paddle? Obviously at $333 there are better options out there, but what if it were $200 or $250? Just curious.
Sadly dinking has died quite a bit compared to a couple years ago. Thermoformed paddles changed the game, and now gen 3 paddles have really made that strategy worse.
Interesting effort by Selkirk. Pass on the tiny sweet spot, but they should roll out that grit technology across the board. They won't, they will trickle it out slowly in new, premium paddle releases... and that is why I don't like them.
Really dude? You don't like them bc they're doing a limited release to help bolster sales? All companies do that... Do you dislike your cell phone or computer manufacturer too? They sold you a product that they already have already improved upon, yet I'm sure you don't have them.
That paddle looks very erratic. A couple slowed down shots seemed to show it both shooting off the paddle and barely bouncing at all. Too many better options out there. Hard pass.
What difference does it make to you how others spend their own money?? Asking people to please stop buying a product which doesn't effect you in the least, is just plain ignorant. If this paddle ain't for you but other people want to spend their hard earned money on it, who are you to ask them not to?
Oh Selkirk, still selling mid in 2024 while charging more than everybody else is just so on-brand. No wonder they keep dry snitching on Joola behind the scenes.
Braydon and Johns numbers both came in over 2,000. I think there's a good chance that mine were just duds. Suppose it does make you wonder the consistency across the board though. Usually I tell people at this point getting hung up on the RPM numbers isn't worth it. The vast majority of paddles get very good spin, they just tend to vary by each one made. Even paddles that are advertised as high RPM, a customer could get one that is lower than what someone else tested.
For $333 I need 2500 RPM. On my cork screw serve I need the ball to hit the ground, make a U-turn and kick back over the net to me like a boomerang. I can buy a Honolulu Ti and the new Volare elongated control for less than the 007. And yes - Johns may get 2000 RPM, but he makes over $1mil a year with endorsements, and gets his paddles for free. So he can blow through 10 paddles in a tournament without a bead of sweat. My paddles need to last me a year, and every Selkirk paddle I’ve had lost its spin after 3 months. Now if they want to send me a 14mm 007 for free to test, I’d be open to that.
They are turning this into a club sport where only well to do can play. It will keep out a lot of kids from playing the sport. This is not a good trend for the game.
The labs have been 333 for a long while, they are small run prototypes. This isn't changing the amount of 100 dollar paddles on the market. The game has gotten better for people spending less.
Chris - Great review and your honesty is appreciated by the user community. Paddles are expensive, so your reviews are key in the purchase decision.
Wow, an unbiased review that's not a paid review. Kudos to you, sir.
Those are the only kind of reviews he does.
@@lobstrain Dangit, guess we can't pay for a positive review
Thank you for the early look. I am pulling for Selkirk to figure some of these things out and hope they use the feedback to address some of these noted issues with the paddle.
Crazy paddle. Seeing your reviews just makes me appreciate how good a player Catherine Parenteau is, how can she use this thing against other pros and still perform well? Wow
The one she uses is much different
@@VividTapehow
In the right hands the paddle plays very well. It just has a very high ceiling to achieve it IMO, and has a very, very low floor if you are playing poorly.
I gave it to my friend to mess with and he loves it. But he's also a 5.25+ player.
@PickleballStudio im more of a basement player. I'm scared of heights, so who wants to really play at their ceiling, sounds lame.
Are you serious!!! She is playing trash lately, in MLP she was so frustrated with her paddle that she almost smash/snap her 007 😂
I appreciate taking the feedback on the First Look vs First Impressions title!
I purchased the Selkirk Power Air when I was a beginner and I hated the paddle.. because I didn't know how to control it. After playing with the project 003 (Control Paddle) and the Lux (Control Paddle) and learning more of the control / less power game.. moving to this paddle feels SO good. If you're experienced and you know how to control a paddle, you will like this paddle. It takes what the power air has (thin and quick) and turned it into a heavier, better feeling paddle overall. My drives have never felt faster.
That price is crazy for a paddle with so many compromises. Most people I see at open play seem to have bought it for the look vs performance.
Great presentation with a balanced review. Thank you. This paddle is hard to justify because even if you are able to hit the sweet spot every time, it doesn’t seem to offer much above other more competitive paddles on the market… and for less money.
If you get an opportunity to compare the 10mm head-to-head against a broken in gearbox PPE, would really love your opinion on that! I'm using the latter and loving it but looking for something even more poppy and explosive that I can try to tame 😂 I have no issues with a tiny sweet spot
I'm more interested in the epic-shaped variations of these paddles.
I honestly have not played with a paddle like that pure aesthetic preference, but same. I’m more interested in the epic style.
the lighting in this video is legendary lol
Thanks for your video. I look forward to more follow-up evaluations. Just played my friend's paddle yesterday, Hudef Newera Luxury Gen1, which is similar to Luxx.
What are these stats for $330? Sheesh lol
overpriced trash
It’s actually $333, one less McDouble for the owners
What kind of “stats” are u looking for?
All the project paddles cost $333 when released
@@lobstercrostiniNo some of them like the 005 are $222 on release
They should include swing stats for western grip slicing through the air with the thin profile of the paddle. The side profile aerodynamics must be part of the performance and "feel" . But what do I know, I"m just a lowly 3.25 :D
As always, nice honest opinion from Chris. Based on these stats and performance, there is better paddles for better price. I have a feeling that Selkirk was late to the party again...
*there are better paddles. (Not is)
8:25 which paddles would you recommend over the power air? I currently have a power air and am curious
Thanks for saving me $333! Great review as always.
I wonder if the result of the new test made by USAP like .41 or .44 for the allowed power will be writtend in the USAP list.
Sticking to my vatic prism flash! Cheap and sooooo good (still)
And they come with a new power line in nov 15 🙌🏽💪🏽
@ saw that! Very much interested in that paddle!
I have the epic 14mm coming tomorrow. Love trying new ones but given your description, I might be using the 30 return if my experience is the same as yours.
When will you get the Ronbus Ripple R1.14 & R2.14 to review?!
Best paddles out right now!
I will ALWAYS check your review before buying a paddle and use your code. You saved me money on my Vatic Pro 16mm. I have used it into the ground. Do paddles normally only last 10-12 months? Is there any paddles that would last longer? I am trying to save money but I also play pickleball 3-4 times a week. I love your content and I watched your review on the Filth from Bread & Butter. I am thinking that will be my next paddle. Any chance you have an extra one laying around you could send me? haha any recommendations on what I should go with that will hold up over time?
The old power air is awesome. Lots of pros use it. You’re just used to hitting these easy to hit paddles
Not spending $333 on a prototype, but very excited to see this tech trickle down into the rest of the industry later on.
In five years we're all going to laugh that we used to use textured epoxy as a surface material. This might not be the permanent solution either, but it has a chance.
That hole does look like more aerodynamic and a lot cooler.
Than the normal Selkirk hole? They're all stupid gimmicks.
What if you slice the tungsten tape lengthwise so it's half as wide? Would that work?
My buddy demoed this paddle and let me play with it. Both he and myself put it down in favor of our usual paddles after a handful of rallies. It's trash. unless you enjoy playing pickle with a wood plank. But if that's the case, you can find some dirt cheap cutting boards at Target offering the same play profile.
People who pay $300 for Selkirk labs stuff are the type of people who are going to rave about any paddle they just dropped 3 hundo on regardless of it's performance. Whether they're lying to themselves or everyone else, it's not for me to say.
Thank you for this review, you’re the best!
I was planning to get this paddle, but never mind..
Off topic, are we getting another MELIN code soon? Cheers.
I personally have been using the power air. I heard you say that you would suggest 20 other paddles over this one. What ones would you recommend?
Where do I even start? Haha.
11six24 Hurachex Control+
Spartus Olympus
PaddleTek 14.3mm or 12.7mm
Neonic Flow Prime X
Engage Pursuit Pros
Honolulu J2K
Six Zero Black Diamond
Six Zero Double Black Diamond
Vatic Prism Flash
Reload RLD 1
Bread and Butter Shogun
Chorus Shapeshifter
11six24 Monarch line
CRBN X series
List could go on and on.
Super interested in this one, but $333 is pretty wild!
Ty for review. Been curious since seeing Quang Duong ripping with this thing on IG 😮
Baseline BAZOOKA!!
I was curious enough to buy it until I saw CP trying to snap her 007 😂. Thank you for your review.
I prefer the First Impressions imo!!!
So i could get 3 neonic forces for this amount or for the ripple 🤔 yeah uh….thanks for the 411 on what not to get 👍
$333 is hella expensive, but keep in mind the buyer is paying that premium to get first access to a somewhat unrefined “project”. The dialed version of the paddle will come out in like a year and will be far less expensive. And side note…it comes with the Selkirk tungsten tape which is narrow enough to fit nicely even on the 10mm versions of this paddle. 👍
Either Selkirk is paying you to say that, or you’re just the kind of person who is extremely gullible with BS marketing ploys
Far less expensive? LMFAO
Is the sweet spot like the amped pro air for the 14 mm
What would you consider as a fair price for this paddle? Obviously at $333 there are better options out there, but what if it were $200 or $250? Just curious.
What even is the face made of that makes it 3x longer lasting
Is the vibration a problem on the 10mm ? For elbows
Yeah no ... Still weighing if I should get an Olympus, apes v, esq-c or a neonic prime x... Was leaning towards Selkirk 007 but yeah nahhh.
Wonder what happens to sweet spot if put lead tape inside the cutout?
@1:42 is that just glue from the weighted tape? Thanks
Correct
Is it actually a power paddle? Compared to a Joola or Gearbox? I don't think so. Rob Nunnery just got wrecked this last APP tourney using it
I bought the 003 based on your recommendation, I'm not buying the 007 based on this review. Thank you.
Did I miss your Vanguard Pro review?
You do know you can search his videos to find the answer to your question, right?
Is the swing weight much lower on the 14mm epic ?
Just the kind of paddle I’d LOVE to win, but could never buy haha.
Any info on the 11six24 hurache Alpha 1?
If you love your power air , gotta pull the trigger on the 10mm
10mm I guess people aren't dinking anymore lol. That's basically a board.
For sure. I've been forcing the bangers I play into the Kitchen lately.
Sadly dinking has died quite a bit compared to a couple years ago. Thermoformed paddles changed the game, and now gen 3 paddles have really made that strategy worse.
@@zachcarmichael699 I always carry multiple paddles for each discipline.
@@zachcarmichael699 eh good dinking actually helps against more powerful paddles. Bad dinking, yeah. That will get destroyed against Gen 3.
Does the handle effect twist weight?
I really don’t get what Selkirk trying to do with these labs paddles.
Imagine selkirk investing in R&D instead of DJ Selkirk. Then they might actually pull off making something funky, fresh, and actually worth buying.
Bro where did PE take you to eat while you were here?
Probably plays like a Kennex Pro Black Ace
Ima stick with my vatic for $100 ✌️
I rather spend 150 on the new Vatic Saga coming instead. Maybe just get 2 for 300. 😂
Interesting effort by Selkirk. Pass on the tiny sweet spot, but they should roll out that grit technology across the board. They won't, they will trickle it out slowly in new, premium paddle releases... and that is why I don't like them.
Really dude? You don't like them bc they're doing a limited release to help bolster sales? All companies do that...
Do you dislike your cell phone or computer manufacturer too? They sold you a product that they already have already improved upon, yet I'm sure you don't have them.
$333 😂😂😂 Waaaay more expensive than my Wilson Blade (tennis).
At that price better be gold plated
Gold is $2700 an ounce !
That paddle looks very erratic. A couple slowed down shots seemed to show it both shooting off the paddle and barely bouncing at all. Too many better options out there. Hard pass.
Surprisingly it feels more controlled than a power air and more stable
Can we all please stop buying these. Paddles have no reason being that high….
What difference does it make to you how others spend their own money?? Asking people to please stop buying a product which doesn't effect you in the least, is just plain ignorant.
If this paddle ain't for you but other people want to spend their hard earned money on it, who are you to ask them not to?
🥱 Selkirk=Dodo Bird
as long as it does crush like all of my Joola 3s paddles its worth the 300 lol
Well the Joola has a huge sweet spot, where as it sounds like the Selkirk's is tiny. That's a big difference.
For rich ppl only. Selkirk paddle is not good after i try many other brands
$333 …🤦🏻♂️
10mm gotta feel awful lmao
Skip
Oh Selkirk, still selling mid in 2024 while charging more than everybody else is just so on-brand. No wonder they keep dry snitching on Joola behind the scenes.
1750 RPM for $333? Shame on you Selkirk.
Braydon and Johns numbers both came in over 2,000. I think there's a good chance that mine were just duds.
Suppose it does make you wonder the consistency across the board though. Usually I tell people at this point getting hung up on the RPM numbers isn't worth it. The vast majority of paddles get very good spin, they just tend to vary by each one made. Even paddles that are advertised as high RPM, a customer could get one that is lower than what someone else tested.
For $333 I need 2500 RPM. On my cork screw serve I need the ball to hit the ground, make a U-turn and kick back over the net to me like a boomerang. I can buy a Honolulu Ti and the new Volare elongated control for less than the 007. And yes - Johns may get 2000 RPM, but he makes over $1mil a year with endorsements, and gets his paddles for free. So he can blow through 10 paddles in a tournament without a bead of sweat. My paddles need to last me a year, and every Selkirk paddle I’ve had lost its spin after 3 months. Now if they want to send me a 14mm 007 for free to test, I’d be open to that.
Selkirk lemurs will still jump of the cliff and purchase both. 😂
They are turning this into a club sport where only well to do can play. It will keep out a lot of kids from playing the sport. This is not a good trend for the game.
The labs have been 333 for a long while, they are small run prototypes.
This isn't changing the amount of 100 dollar paddles on the market. The game has gotten better for people spending less.