REVIEWS
IN THE KNOW : EQUIPMENT
SELKIRK MACH 6 VANGUARD POWER PADDLE REVIEW
Look / Cosmetics : 4 / 5 Sharp , vibrant light blue / black graphics for the new Vanguard line make them stand out from the rest . Familiar Selkirk “ S ” logo across the front . This is a new “ Riley Newman ” signature model from Selkirk and it features a longer handle length ( 5.875 ”) than anything else in the line . Same width and height as the Invicta ( 7.375 ” and 16.5 ”) but you sacrifice a little hitting area with the longer handle . Same thinner shape like the Invicta Power . It ’ s basically an Invicta with a longer handle for players who implement a two-handed backhand .
Serves / Returns / Groundstrokes : 4.5 / 5 Like the Invicta , the “ Quad Carbon ” graphite surface has a very unique feel . With the longer handle and the powerful surface , this paddle has an abundance of power to really drive the ball deep with very little effort . Especially great on returns and it just feels great playing a power game with this paddle . The longer handle adds some extra inertia on full swings , so a little adjustment was needed to keep the ball inside the lines .
Touch / Feel : 3.5 / 5 The carbon face and thin core give you a great connected feel to the ball , but remember this is primarily a power paddle a lot of singles players will love . The extra length is great in the kitchen for reaching those wide angles , and cross-court dinks are a lot of fun . The ball comes off the paddle very easily and once you dial in that pop , your control will be just fine .
Sound / Sweet Spot : 3.5 / 5 Due to the thinner core , the paddle has a slightly louder sound than the thicker Selkirk models . Sweet spot definitely extends a little farther down toward the tip of the paddle , as with most elongated handle models . This was not an issue once I adjusted to that . The actual sweet spot size overall felt about average , but the paddle can feel a bit narrow at times if you are hitting out toward the edges a lot . Some advanced skill is needed for this narrow-face paddle .
Summary : 3.875 / 5 Great , unique offering from Selkirk offering more power in a thinner shape that singles and power players will just love . Also those players who use a two-handed backhand should definitely check this one out as well . Those who like the Invicta but want a longer paddle will want to grab this one . This paddle is meant for intermediate to advanced players due to the narrower shape . Remember , Selkirk offers a full refund if your game doesn ’ t improve in 30 days , so try it out . You ’ ve got nothing to lose , except maybe time spent on the podium !
By Jack Bandel
SELKIRK INVICTA VANGUARD POWER PADDLE REVIEW
Look / Cosmetics : 4 / 5 Sharp , vibrant red / black graphics make the new Vanguard line of paddle a real “ looker .” Familiar Selkirk “ S ” logo across the front . Same Invicta shape as seen in previous models . This paddle sports a longer length ( 16.5 ”) and is slightly narrower across ( 7.375 ”). Weight range is 7.8-8.3 oz . and my demo came in at 8.1 oz . I had to deduct a half of a point due to the face developing some tiny white marks after hitting for a while . It doesn ’ t detract from playability , but might annoy some folks . Of note is that this paddle is noticeably thinner than the Hybrid model .
Serves / Returns / Groundstrokes : 4.5 / 5 The new “ Quad Carbon ” graphite surface has a unique feel , different than any other Selkirk paddle I have hit with before . This paddle packs a punch and has plenty of power to drive the ball through the court . It really begs you to take a long swing and hit through the ball . Some nice spin keeps slices low and biting . Really great from the baseline .
Touch / Feel : 4 / 5 Don ’ t let the word “ power ” in the name scare off you “ touchy-feely ” types . Due to the carbon face and thin core , you still have a great connection to the ball — and once you dial in the pop , you can control the ball in the kitchen nicely . The ball doesn ’ t come off hot like it does on some powerful paddles and you are able to keep your dinks under control . Very surprising in this area .
Sound / Sweet Spot : 3.5 / 5 A little louder than the thicker Selkirk models due to the thinner core , but not too bad . Sweet spot seems like it extends a little farther down the face of the paddle than typical , which was fine once I adjusted to that . Sweet spot size overall felt about average , but the paddle can feel a bit narrow at times if your game is off a little that day .
Summary : 4 / 5 Another top-of-the-line paddle from Selkirk offering more power in a thinner shape . Those who liked the Invicta Hybrid but wanted more power , this is your paddle . Very nice offering to those who prefer this paddle shape and want more power in their game , but don ’ t want to give up too much control or feel . I would say this paddle is aimed at the more advanced player who doesn ’ t miss the sweet spot too often . If that sounds like you , give this one a try ! Also remember Selkirk offers a full refund if your game doesn ’ t improve in 30 days .
For more information , visit on Facebook @ Pickleball Paddle Reviews