REVIEWS
IN THE KNOW : EQUIPMENT
SELKIRK OMEGA MAX PADDLE REVIEW
Look / Cosmetics : 4.5 / 5 This is the top-of-the-line paddle from Selkirk ’ s “ SLK ” line of paddles . The Omega Max immediately looks different , with a large SLK logo in white lettering across the paddle face . Also has a two-tone paint job with some abstract graphic swirly lines and bold colors . Really nice eye-grabbing design . This paddle is edgeless (“ DuraEdge technology ”) and comes in blue or yellow . The Omega Max has a traditional shape ( 16 ” x 7.8 ”) with a nice cushy “ Ultra Comfort ” grip . It also has quite a thin 13mm core . Surface feels smooth to the touch , but that doesn ’ t mean you can ’ t get good spin . Weight range is 7.8-8.2 oz .
Serves / Returns / Groundstrokes : 4 / 5 The sleek , low-profile design really makes this paddle effortless to swing . It just cuts through the air so easily . Lots of pop with an easy swing made it easy to get serves and returns deep into the backcourt . The layered carbon / fiberglass face plays very hot and makes this paddle very userfriendly for all levels . This paddle definitely leans more to the power side of things , but there ’ s still enough control there to satisfy most players . The paddle feels very balanced through the air , not head-heavy like some paddles can feel . Since it feels so light through the air , it ’ s easy to swing fast and get lots of topspin on drives .
Touch / Feel / Spin : 3.75 / 5 Here is where I was really surprised . This paddle feels very similar to the more expensive Power Air model , but would it deliver the same spin ? I have to say I didn ’ t really notice any drop-off in spin as compared to the Power Air . Slices and chop forehands had tons of spin , which was impressive given the price differential between these two paddles . It doesn ’ t quite have the high-power level of the Power Air , but it ’ s close . The maneuverability of this paddle really shines on fast exchanges at the net .
Sound / Sweet Spot / Playability : 3.75 / 5 The sound at impact is a bit on the loud side with this paddle . Not a bad sound , just louder than normal . The sweet spot is about average in size . If you hit near the outer perimeter , it won ’ t give you a good result and due to its light weight , the paddle feels a little unstable at times . This can be easily remedied though , with some lead tape . The playability overall is excellent , and this is a paddle that almost anyone can pick up and play well with immediately . For the price point , this is a great value and will serve a lot of folks well .
Summary : 4 / 5 Selkirk received some criticism when some of its upper-level paddles were priced a little higher than the competition , but conversely , it also deserves a lot of praise for putting out such a high-quality product at a much lower price . I was expecting a lower quality , cheap-feeling paddle when I saw the price , but what I got was exactly the opposite . This is a really nice , light-feeling paddle that does everything really well . This paddle should appeal to a wide segment of the market , and with inflation causing many other things to soar in price , it ’ s nice to see something so affordable deliver on all counts . Give this one a try and I think you ’ ll be pleasantly surprised !
VELOZ ELLIPSE PADDLE REVIEW
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 .
By Jack Bandel
Look / Cosmetics : 4 / 5 You may not have heard of Veloz as a paddle brand , but don ’ t let that deter you from checking out this innovative new paddle . The look is sharp and simple . A large colorful V-like symbol across the face , against a dark gray background . Comes in three color combos : green / black , blue / white , or grey / black . Dimensions are 16.25 ” x 7.4 ” with a 16mm thickness . Handle is long enough for two-handers ( 5.5 ”) and mine came in at a touch over 8 oz .
These are super high-quality paddles that are individually handcrafted and it takes more than seven hours to make each one . Veloz uses a four-layered , multi-directional carbon fiber with what it calls “ 360-degree wrapping .” It ’ s supposed to provide a dynamic surface that absorbs and redirects energy . We shall see …
Serves / Returns / Groundstrokes : 4 / 5 I was eager to find out if this innovative paddle surface felt or played any different than other similar carbon fiber paddles , and the answer is yes ! The ball feels springy off the paddle face . Very soft-feeling and makes for a very enjoyable hitting experience . Almost like a tiny trampoline effect would be a good way to describe it . Nice blend of power and control on full swings . The paddle felt slightly head-heavy balance wise , which is common for long , narrow paddles . The long handle added to the power on drives , and you could really crank out hard strokes without too much effort .
Touch / Feel / Spin : 4.5 / 5 I have to say , I love the feel of this paddle . It ’ s quite unique and makes other paddles feel hard and board-like . Perfect for the soft game around the net and for absorbing hard drives right at you . The extra length comes in handy on wide angles , and overheads were a breeze . Touch and feel players will really love this paddle once they try it . It makes you want to play a finesse game all day . So , top marks for touch and feel , but what about spin ? Veloz claims its paddles have the maximum friction allowed and this translated into very nice spin potential . If you play with a lot of spin , you won ’ t be disappointed here . But again , the star for me is the feel .
Sound / Sweet Spot / Playability : 4.5 / 5 The sound at impact is very pleasant . Not a loud pop , but a soothing “ clok ” sound . The sweet spot felt a little above average in size , and this could possibly be due to the 360-degree carbon wrapping technique that Veloz uses . I also noticed the sweet spot was extended a little more toward the tip of the paddle . The right and left outer sides of the paddle were not as forgiving , but no paddle helps you there . The playability overall is there , but I would say this isn ’ t a beginners paddle due to the longer , narrow shape . I would recommend this to intermediate and advanced players .
Summary 4.25 / 5 I usually shy away from paddle brands that I haven ’ t heard of , but this was really a nice surprise . Veloz makes a very high-quality paddle , and uses many innovative techniques that set it apart from the larger companies . I would call it a “ boutique ” brand . This paddle should make all the finesse players out there very happy . For what you get , I feel like the pricing is very reasonable . I think once some folks can get their hands on these paddles , you will start seeing more and more of them on the courts . Definitely check this one out !