PADDLE REVIEWS
SELKIRK SLK HALO POWER XL PADDLE REVIEW
Look / Cosmetics : 3.5 / 5 Simple , classy all-black paddle face with silver writing and a large “ SLK ” across the face . Comes in four color choices , which mostly change the color of the edge guard . T700 raw carbon fiber face and a long , narrow shape ( XL ), measuring 7.4 " x16.4 " with a 13mm thickness . Grip size is 4.25 " with a handle measuring 5.75 " ( great for two-handers ). This paddle is the top of the line from Selkirk ’ s SLK series and comes in a more standard shape as well ( Max model ). My demo weighed 7.9 oz .
Serves / Returns / Groundstrokes : 4 / 5 This paddle has been around for a few years but is still a great choice for beginners or those on a limited budget . The first few swings show why this paddle has “ power ” in the name . Tons of pop off the face and the extended length helped drive through the ball . The ball comes off a little flatter than usual on drives , so I had to focus on adding spin to harness the power . Slice returns stayed low and drove through the court .
Touch / Feel / Spin : 3.5 / 5 The paddle has a nice soft feel , especially in the sweet spot . This is a thin ( 13mm ) elongated paddle , so it ’ s not built for touch and feel , but it does an adequate job . My dinks were sometimes popping up higher than I ’ d like , so there was an adjustment to be made . Spin is about average , but this paddle is more about power than spin / control . The extended length was nice on those angled dinks and was great on overheads .
Sound / Sweet Spot / Playability : 4 / 5 The sweet spot was average on this paddle , extending a bit more toward the tip as most elongated paddles feel . This paddle was very easy to use for a narrow , long shape and would make a great singles paddle for up-and-comers . Sound was “ typical ” for a carbon fiber paddle — a bit muted and not offensive . If this paddle appeals to you , but you want a more traditional shape , the Halo Power Max will be for you . The XL is slightly harder to use due to its narrow shape .
Summary : 3.75 / 5 This and the Halo Power Max offer several paddles for a nice price . This XL model would work well for players who also play a lot of singles or need a long handle for a two-handed backhand . The T700 carbon face feels nice , and you feel like you ’ re playing with a more expensive paddle . For the price , I think this is one of the top choices available .
Current Price : $ 129.99
SIX ZERO QUARTZ 6.0 PADDLE REVIEW
Look / Cosmetics : 3.5 / 5 Mostly all-black paddle face with green edge guard and some silver geometric shapes and lines . Comes in six color choices , which mostly change the edge guard color . Raw carbon fiber face and a traditional shape , measuring 7.9 " x16 " with a 15mm thickness . Grip size is 4.25 " with a handle measuring 5 " so it wouldn ’ t be suitable for those who use two hands a lot . This paddle is from Six Zero ’ s “ Gem Series ,” which features lower-priced paddles with high-quality materials and features . by JACK BANDEL
Serves / Returns / Groundstrokes : 3 / 5 Baseline drives needed a full swing to get them deep . Feels like this paddle offers lots of control . Once I got used to the lower power level , I started dialing in my targets well . Feels very predictable . No surprise flyers , and decent spin , too . Serves and returns had the same issue where you need to put a good swing on the ball . Not necessarily a negative in the right hands . Also worth noting is the paddle feels very light . Swings like a feather .
Touch / Feel / Spin : 4 / 5 Here ’ s where the paddle shines . Very soft and plush feel off the paddle face , which makes dinks and touch shots a pleasure . The light weight and high control aspects of this paddle make you want to stay in the kitchen and dink your heart out . Beginners will be able to keep the ball down and work on their soft game , which is a good thing . Power players , look elsewhere .
Sound / Sweet Spot / Playability : 3.5 / 5 The sweet spot felt a little on the small side , which might make it less playable for total beginners . Shots near the edges did not have a good response . However , it ’ s still a decent-sized sweet spot — just stay away from the outer edges . The very light swing weight makes this paddle easy to play with , but you need to provide some of your own power .
Summary : 3.5 / 5 For the right person , this paddle is a great fit . Who is that person ? A beginner or intermediate who wants a lower-priced paddle from a leading company — a light , easy-to-swing paddle that emphasizes control . A player with decent skills to start with who wants something better than a cheap Amazon paddle . For this price , it ’ s tough to do better .
Current Price : $ 89.99
For more info , go to the Pickleball Paddle Reviews group page on Facebook . Paddle Manufacturers : Contact Jack Bandel at jackbandel @ gmail . com if you ’ d like your products to be reviewed .
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