The Selkirk Vanguard Control went from a paddle whose release I was confused about to a paddle I have probably spent more time consistently playing with than any other paddle thus far in 2024.
Released shortly after the Selkirk Luxx Control Air, I wondered why the brand opted to go with two control paddles in a row at the $200+ price point. Furthermore, Selkirk seemed a little late to the party in terms of tech specs with the Vanguard Control, being a non-thermoformed paddle and the first raw carbon fiber paddle of its mainline.
Have no fear, though. Sometimes taking the time to refine things can be worth the wait – as we’ll soon find out as we take a closer look at the Selkirk Vanguard Control…
Selkirk Vanguard Control Specifications (Middleweight Invikta Shape)
- Paddle Length: 16.45 in
- Paddle Width: 7.44 in
- Core Thickness: X5+ Polypropylene Honeycomb
- Grip Length: 5.5 in
- Grip Circumference: 4 in
- Average Static Weight: 7.7 – 8.1 oz
- Hitting Surface: T700 Raw QuadCarbon Fiber Face
- FlexFoam Perimeter foam injection
- Made in the USA
- Retail Price: $200
Selkirk Vanguard Control Pros
Spin
The Selkirk Vanguard Control met the eye test (and success rate in practice) as a player that heavily relies on shaping the ball and generating as much top spin as reasonably possible. I found success in several testing scenarios by taking an aggressive approach to drop shots masked as drives from the baseline. And I even landed aggressive mid-court shots in the kitchen with heavy spin.
The spin generation from the Vanguard Control offered a unique ball trajectory on many occasions. Opponents prepared to block but were caught off-guard when the ball suddenly dipped below the waistline and torso area where they expected the ball to come up to meet them.
I have also seen a higher-than-normal success rate of backhand slice returns because of the spin I’ve created with the paddle. Over time, I got comfortable shaping the ball on returns from the left side down the middle when opponents expect a cross-court return. This is especially helpful in the event you are playing against a left-hander cross-court and a right-hander straight ahead who are not as strong with their backhand — at certain skill levels it creates confusion on who should return a shot from down the middle, usually resulting in either a swing and a miss or a pop-up from delayed reaction.
Control
Of course the Selkirk Vanguard Control is a great control paddle! [Editor’s Note: Selkirk must be happy with the naming department.] I’d even go as far to say that I enjoy the 16mm Vanguard Control over Selkirk’s 20mm Luxx Control Air, which has an unbelievable amount of control.
Compared to the Luxx Control Air, the Vanguard Control has a feel that I prefer more, which I believe comes from the raw carbon fiber face. Even though the Luxx has a thicker core for more absorption, it feels like a stiffer pop; so I simply have more trust in the Vanguard when playing among various skill levels.
To touch on shaping the ball again, I feel as though I had a better dwell time with the Vanguard Control compared the the Luxx Control Air, which wasn’t too shabby in that department. The Vanguard Control just felt as though I had a split second longer to determine where I wanted the ball to go and how I could get the ball where it needed to be combined with spin. It was a genuine surprise given my initial trepidation about Selkirk releasing control-oriented paddles back-to-back.
Plow-Through Power
As someone who began his pickleball journey when poppy, thermoformed paddles grew exponentially in the market, it’s been a challenge to find appreciation in paddles with good plow-through (AKA big swing power). While many thermoformed paddles possess plow-through, it doesn’t stand out to me compared to the pop offered by what we call “Gen 2” paddles. The Vanguard Control is not a thermoformed paddle, but I nevertheless love driving the ball and catching overhead shots with it.
Selkirk Vanguard Control Cons
Pop
In heated hands battles, the Selkirk Vanguard Control is somewhat lacking, especially when forced to counter attacks. It is not impossible to win hands battles with the Vanguard Control, but as hotter paddles continue to take up real estate on court, it is easy to find yourself on your heels a bit.
There is a clear tradeoff with the Vanguard Control being a softer, control-oriented paddle. I love to take away as much time from opponents as I can with any paddle I use, so initiating a speed-up is usually an opportunity I look for as I progress. Unfortunately, without masking a speed-up, it is a little more challenging to actually find success – or even stay in a hands battle long enough – when using the Vanguard Control. It may not be the worst in pop compared to others, but it is certainly one of the paddle’s weaker points.
Additional Notes
- The Selkirk Vanguard Control possesses a large sweet spot, which contributes to its control factor. Compared to the Air series, swing weight is exchanged for a larger hitting surface that creates more real estate for precise hits.
Selkirk Vanguard Control Summary
Ironically, the first Selkirk paddle I ever tried was made for pop and power; and, for a while, it was my favorite paddle, as I felt it was the easiest to play with. But that was 18 months ago or so, and I have learned a lot more about pickleball since then.
As I focus on moving up in skill levels and spend time drilling and competing with more highly skilled players, the need for a paddle with more touch has become prevalent. So the Vanguard Control has become one of Selkirk’s top paddles for me by a long shot [Editor’s Note: *ba dum tss]. And to be honest, despite putting it through more consistent testing than any other paddle, this is something I knew would be the case from day one.
Sure, Selkirk being late to the party with a first-generation raw carbon fiber paddle – and at a price point greater than or equal to more evolved and/or innovative paddles from smaller brands, no less – is not a great look. But, performance-wise, the Selkirk Vanguard Control feels on par with high-quality paddles in a cohesive, reliable package. Though it lacks pop, the plow-through power and soft game abilities make it a very reliable option for the majority of shots I use throughout most pickleball games.
While Selkirk did send the Selkirk Vanguard Control to facilitate this review, the company had no involvement in this review, didn’t receive an advance look at it, and has not attempted to influence it.
