REVIEWS
IN THE KNOW : EQUIPMENT
SELKIRK VANGUARD HYBRID INVIKTA ELECTRIFY PADDLE REVIEW
Look / Cosmetics : 5 / 5 With the new “ Electrify ” graphics , this paddle is a stunner ! A mixture of bright neon-like pink , purple and green will definitely make a statement out there that you mean business ! I wouldn ’ t be surprised if this paddle glows in the dark . Familiar Selkirk “ S ” logo across the front . Same great Invikta shape as seen in previous models . Selkirk ’ s “ Hybrid ” models are thicker than their “ power ” counterparts and are designed for the average recreational player , as opposed to the professional or serious tournament advanced player .
Serves / Returns / Groundstrokes : 4 / 5 The much-discussed “ Quad Carbon ” graphite surface Selkirk has developed must be felt to be appreciated . It may take a little while to get used to it , but once you do , you will never look back . It has a very unique feel and it feels like the ball is sitting on the paddle for a fraction longer than other paddles . Groundstrokes and serves are very predictable , and with the Hybrid model , you won ’ t be hitting long by accident . Feels very controlled and makes targeting spots on the court much easier .
Touch / Feel : 4.5 / 5 The carbon face and proprietary core will give you a great connection to the ball and allow you to dictate the pace in the kitchen . Dinks are easily controlled , and the ball comes off the paddle in a very predictable manner . If you leave your opponent a put-away , it ’ s on you ! The extra-long shape really helps when you get angled out wide and are reaching for the ball .
Sound / Sweet Spot : 3.5 / 5 Sound is a little louder than the thicker Selkirk models due to the thinner core , but nothing to really worry about . Sweet spot seems like it extends a little farther down the face of the paddle than typical , which I find with most longer / thinstyle paddles . Sweet spot size overall felt about average , but the narrow shape demands more focus in centering your impact point and lower-level players may struggle in this area .
Summary : 4.3 / 5 It ’ s no secret the Invikta has been my favorite paddle since its inception and the improvements Selkirk has made over the years have only made it better . This new cosmetic makes it even visually better , while retaining all the great characteristics this brilliant paddle has to offer . Personally , I prefer the Power model , but this Hybrid has a lot going for it and would be a fantastic choice for just about anyone who likes this shape . Also , remember Selkirk offers a full refund if your game doesn ’ t improve in 30 days .
SELKIRK HYBRID OMNI VANGUARD PADDLE REVIEW
Look / Cosmetics : 3.5 / 5 Like the rest of the Vanguard line , sharp vibrant red / black graphics make this line of paddles from Selkirk very attractive to the eye . Familiar Selkirk “ S ” logo across the front . Same Omni shape as seen in previous models . This paddle sports a longer length ( 16.5 ”) and slightly narrower across ( 7.375 ”). Weight range is 7.8-8.3 oz . and my demo came in at 8.0 oz . I had to deduct some points due to the face developing some tiny white marks after hitting for a while . Selkirk claims this is normal wear and doesn ’ t detract from playability . Handle is very short ( 4.25 ”) but players who like to put their index finger behind the paddle will find it fits that style perfectly .
By Jack Bandel
Serves / Returns / Groundstrokes : 4 / 5 I have come to enjoy this new “ Quad Carbon ” graphite surface in the other Vanguard models and it does have a very unique feel . This “ hybrid ” paddle toes the line between power and control perfectly . You have enough power on tap when needed , but you always feel in control of your depth . Slices were especially nasty and stayed low and biting . You can feel the extra dwell time that the ball stays on the paddle , which I believe contributes to the greater spin potential .
Touch / Feel : 4 / 5 I felt that this hybrid model leaned a little more toward the control side , possibly due to the shorter handle , but this gave me greater confidence in the kitchen . The carbon face and graphite surface give you a nice , connected feel to control height and direction on dinks and touch shots . The ball stays very much under control . The long face comes in very handy on blocking hard shots right at you while at the kitchen line .
Sound / Sweet Spot : 4 / 5 Not too loud due to the thicker core . Loud sound is rarely an issue with any of Selkirk ’ s recent line of paddles . Sweet spot felt like average size to me and not quite as large as the Epic or S2 models . The sweet spot felt like it was a little closer to the handle than usual , which was fine once I got used to that . This paddle is a bit on the narrow side , so misses to the side are more common if you are a little off your game .
Summary : 3.9 / 5 The Omni finally returns with a new Vanguard makeover ! If you love this shape , then this is your paddle . Ex-table tennis players or anyone who likes to hold their index finger behind the paddle will love this new offering from Selkirk . It ’ s miles better than the previous Omni model . This isn ’ t a beginner ’ s paddle and does require a certain skill level to be effective . 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 . That ’ s a win-win !
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