REVIEWS
IN THE KNOW: EQUIPMENT
SELKIRK
VANGUARD INVICTA
PADDLE REVIEW
By Jack Bandel
Look/Cosmetics: 4.5/5
Sharp colorful red/black graphics make the
new Vanguard line of paddle very visible and
recognizable on the court. Same familiar
Selkirk “S” logo across the front. Same
Invicta shape with the longer length (16.5”)
and slightly narrower across (7.375”). My
demo model came in at slightly over 8 oz. in
weight.
Serves/Returns/Groundstrokes: 4.5/5
This new graphite surface with the “Quad
Carbon” technology is the real deal. It feels
different than any other Selkirk paddle I have
hit with before. Consistency is a theme with
this line and you will notice how in-control
you feel over you shots. Power is at a medium
level in this hybrid model, but there’s plenty
to be had when you take a nice swing. Easy
to measure your depth on serves and returns,
which will lead to fewer errors on those
critical first two shots of every point.
Touch/Feel: 5/5
This paddle is all about the soft feel. In
the past, if you wanted a soft paddle and
you got yourself a carbon fiber/graphite
paddle, you sacrificed some power and got
a smaller sweet spot as well. No more with
this Vanguard. You get a buttery soft feel,
but without any compromises in other areas.
That’s what I was most impressed with. A
paddle that plays like a composite, but feels
like a graphite. Amazing!
Sound/Sweet Spot: 4.5/5
Very QUIET paddle, due to the thicker core
and double carbon surface. Sound is very
pleasant compared to most paddles. Sweet
spot seems larger than average and you don’t
notice any major dropoff when you slightly
miss the center. Again, super consistent.
Summary: 4.63/5
Selkirk has given us a top-of-the-line paddle
that will satisfy those who want to play with
the best equipment out there. Is it worth the
extra cost? Depends on what you get out of
it. If you’re a serious player who plays almost
every day, you’ll easily get your money’s
worth here. The feel and consistency is for
real. You can’t blame the paddle anymore!
Also, Selkirk is offering a refund if your game
doesn’t improve in 30 days. They stand
behind their products.
For more info, visit www.pickleballpaddlereviews.net
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