At WearTesters, we’ve tested some Selkirk product, mostly pickleball paddles, but also a few of the brand’s pickleball bags.
This time around, we’re covering some of the best and recent Selkirk pickleball paddles for each of Selkirk’s product divisions; Selkirk, Selkirk Labs, and SLK.
Top Selkirk Pickleball Paddles
Selkirk Labs Project 007
Selkirk Labs, the brand’s R&D division, introduces new technologies into products and sells them primarily on a membership basis. In the Selkirk Labs program, members provide feedback that can be applied to Selkirk’s retail lineups. In return for feedback, Selkirk Labs usually offers gift cards or credits towards future Selkirk purchases.
The Selkirk Labs Project 007, the latest paddle from the division, is a unique release. It’s the first Selkirk Labs paddle to be offered at other retailers besides Selkirk, deviating from the brand’s typical membership-exclusive releases.
The paddle comes in both Epic and Invikta shapes. We tested the Invikta. Each shape offers two thickness options: 10mm and 14mm (we received the latter). The 14mm Project 007 Invikta leans towards power, but it has a good sweet spot and feel that makes control reasonable.
Standout features include Selkirk’s new InfiniGrit surface and Titanium Mesh Layer System embedded within the paddle. These features work great for developing spin and stabilizing the paddle, respectively.
While it’s slightly heavier on the swing compared to the still popular and comparable Selkirk Vanguard Power Air, the Project 007 from Selkirk Labs is showing promise in testing so far.
The Project 007 is an early adopter’s dream, implementing technologies never used before to give consumers a louder voice in fine-tuning future equipment releases. Although I haven’t had ample time to explore its full capabilities, I believe its 14mm makeup will resonate well with intermediate players aiming to advance their skills. I can only assume the faster and more powerful 10mm option would be ideal for advanced and professional pickleball players accustomed to paddles with narrower sweet spots. Price: $333
Selkirk Vanguard Pro
From Selkirk’s mainline, the Selkirk Vanguard Pro builds upon the Selkirk Vanguard Control by incorporating several notable features. It boasts a fully thermoformed one-piece construction and four layers of 12K raw carbon fiber on the hitting surface, enhancing its power and spin capabilities.
The Selkirk Vanguard Pro paddle comes in two shapes: the Epic and the Invikta. The Epic has a standard length paddle face, a long handle, and a larger sweet spot. The Invikta has a longer paddle face and a long handle for added power and spin. Both versions are 16mm thick, which is the industry standard for paddles that offer good control.
I tested the Invikta shape of the Vanguard Pro and was impressed with the spin it generated and the ability to play both aggressively with power and softly with control. However, I was not a big fan of the weight distribution. I felt a lot of vibration through the handle, even when I added weight to the handle and throat of the paddle.
The Vanguard Pro is an all-court paddle that offers a soft feel and ample customization options through added weight. Although the feel initially threw me off, I can appreciate its popularity. I’ve noticed it gaining more traction as the year progresses. Based on feedback from a few players who’ve used my Vanguard Pro, I believe it’s a great choice for those seeking a versatile paddle. Price: $230
SLK Halo Pro
The Halo Pro paddle is from Selkirk’s more budget-friendly branch, SLK. While SLK produces more affordable products, it isn’t always last in innovation or introducing Selkirk’s company technology and construction. The original SLK Halo series was the first to introduce Selkirk’s unique raw carbon fiber paddle construction, which was a significant leap in technology at the time. The SLK Halo Pro now follows suit, using a blend of Kevlar and raw carbon fiber weave on the paddle face, the first paddle from any Selkirk entity to do so.
When it comes to personal experience with these three paddles, I saved the best one for last. The SLK Halo Pro XL stands out as the most stable paddle in the lineup. It comes with a solid feeling handle and no throat hole, which contributes to its stability. Additionally, it still has spin generation after months of use, and I’ve found a manageable sweet spot and control despite its 14mm size (versus a 16mm paddle). The pop and power are there, and it’s also easy to customize to your preferences, as it’s already well-balanced and comes with adjustable weight.
If I were to sign up for a tournament within the next two weeks, the SLK Halo Pro XL would be my top choice of Selkirk-branded paddles. It edges out the Selkirk Labs Project 007 14mm in terms of performance. While the Project 007 is more enjoyable to play and experiment with in casual settings, I prefer the Halo Pro for its reliability and effectiveness. It meets my expectations for power, pop, control, stability, and spin without the need for extensive custom weighting. Price: $150
Selkirk Pickleball Paddles Summary
Above is our curated list of Selkirk pickleball paddles, featuring the latest and greatest models from each of Selkirk’s current lines. We’ll keep an eye out for high performing new releases and update this list as they become available. As always, we appreciate your time and attention. Please comment below with your favorite Selkirk paddle or your review of the paddles mentioned here.
You can find the rest of our pickleball reviews here.
