Which Selkirk Pickleball Paddle is Right for Me?

Selkirk may be relatively new to the pickleball scene, but they have quickly risen to the top of the ranks in terms of paddle reputation – and for good reason. Famed for their high-quality craftsmanship, Selkirk paddles feature the latest technologies and eye-catching, in-house printed graphics.

Based in Idaho near the Selkirk Mountains, the company proudly manufactures its high-quality paddles here in the USA. All paddles include a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty, which clearly illustrates the company’s commitment to quality craftsmanship.

Selkirk currently produces four different lines of paddles that are beloved by players of all ages and abilities – from recreational players to paid professionals. The question is, how do you know which paddle is right for you?

Beginner Paddles

Beginners and casual recreational players will want to check out Selkirk’s Latitude and NEO paddle lines. These versatile yet affordable paddles feature the same honeycomb polymer core used in the more expensive PRIME paddles, but at half the price! The main difference (and reason these paddles are less expensive) is that the face uses a PolyFlex material that provides less vibration dampening and spin production than the FiberFlex material used on the higher-end paddles.

In terms of differences between the Latitude and NEO paddles, it mainly comes down to size: the Latitude is slightly longer and wider than the NEO. This is particularly advantageous to new pickleball players who have previously played other paddle/racquet sports.

Intermediate-Advanced Paddles

Intermediate and advanced pickleball players should focus on the Selkirk AMPED and PRIME series of paddles. These premium paddles feature a larger sweet spot, more power and better accuracy in comparison to the lower-priced models discussed previously.

The AMPED paddles come in five different models:

Epic, S2, Omni, Maxima and Invikta.

• With arguably the most versatile shape, the Epic features a long handle and square edges that create a large sweet spot.

• The S2 has an even bigger sweet spot thanks to its largest total surface area (and shorter handle).

• The Omni also has a shorter handle but a longer, rectangular-shape for better reach.

• Tennis players are often drawn to the Maxima as it’s the most tennis racquet-like: it’s the longest paddle, has a longer handle and a curved head shape.

• The Invikta also features a long reach and handle but is more rectangular than the Maxima.

The Selkirk Prime paddles come in Epic and S2 models that are slightly lower priced than their AMPED counterparts, mainly due to their different core materials. While the AMPED paddles feature an X5 core, the PRIME paddles have an X4 core that is slightly thinner than the X5. This translates to slightly less power and control than the X5 core models.

As you can see, there’s a Selkirk paddle to fit nearly every player. If you want additional advice and a tailored recommendation based on your ability and style of play, we invite you to call or visit any of our four Game-Set-Match, Inc. stores in Denver, Centennial, Boulder and Las Vegas. Our friendly and knowledgeable sales associates will be more than happy to help you find the best Selkirk paddle for you.