AvaLee VANGUARD 2.0 Epic Paddle – Selkirk’s Woman Specific Paddle
Key Takeaways:
- Feminine touch: Selkirk’s for women, by women Pickleball Paddle
- Key Takeaways
- All-Around Performance: The Vanguard 2.0 Epic AvaLee paddle excels in multiple aspects of the game, including power, control, spin, and maneuverability.
- Quality and Durability: Built with high-end materials like carbon fiber and a specialized core, this paddle is designed to last and offers consistent ball response.
- Customizable Options: The paddle provides a range of weight and color options, allowing players to personalize their gear according to their preferences and playing style.
- Advanced Features: The Pro-Spin texture and extended handle length are standout features that enhance both spin capabilities and reach, respectively.
- Investment Worth Considering: While the paddle comes at a premium price point, its range of features and durability make it a worthwhile investment for serious players.
- Grip Size Limitation: Players who prefer a larger grip size should note that the paddle currently offers only a 4.0-inch grip circumference.
- Adaptability Required: The paddle’s versatile features may require a learning curve, especially for novice players looking to maximize its capabilities.
Quick Stats: Weight and Color Options
One of the standout features of the Vanguard 2.0 Epic AvaLee paddle, other than its feminine design aesthetic and women-specific design is its versatility, and that extends to its weight and color options. Let’s take a closer look.
Weight Options
The paddle comes in two distinct weight ranges to suit your playing style:
- Lightweight: Ranging from 7.3 to 7.8 ounces, this option is perfect for players who prioritize quick hand speed and maneuverability.
- Midweight: Weighing between 7.7 to 8.2 ounces, this range offers a bit more heft, ideal for those who want to add some extra power to their shots.
Color Options
When it comes to aesthetics, the Vanguard 2.0 Epic AvaLee doesn’t disappoint. The paddle is available in a variety of colors including Dragonfly Blue, Rose Purple, and Desert Sun, allowing you to express your personality on the court. Whether you prefer a classic look or something more vibrant, there’s an option to match your style.
Grip Size and Handle Length
AvaLee VANGUARD 2.0 Epic Paddle Varity of weight and color options
Grip Size and Handle Length: Tailored for Comfort and Control
When it comes to finding the perfect paddle, the grip size and handle length are often overlooked but crucial factors. The Vanguard 2.0 Epic AvaLee paddle offers options that ensure both comfort and control during gameplay.
Grip Size
The paddle features a 4.0-inch grip circumference, falling into the “small” category. This size is ideal for players with smaller hands or those who prefer a more secure grip for better wrist action. It allows for quick hand changes and better control, especially during fast-paced volleys.
Handle Length
The handle length of this paddle is 5.25 inches, which is slightly longer than average. This extended handle provides extra reach, making it easier to get to those hard-to-reach balls. It also offers more leverage for powerful serves and overhead smashes.
AvaLee VANGUARD 2.0 Epic Paddle Play Tester Overview
How the Selkirk AvaLee Performed on The Court
Spin and Serves: Mastering the Art of Deception
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Vanguard 2.0 Epic AvaLee paddle is its ability to enhance your spin game and serves. Let’s delve into how this paddle can be a game-changer in these specific areas.
Spin
The paddle’s Pro-Spin texture is a standout feature for those who love to add a twist to their shots. This textured surface provides the necessary grit to grip the ball effectively, allowing you to generate a variety of spins. Whether you’re executing a topspin lob, a backspin drop shot, or a sidespin serve, the Vanguard 2.0 Epic AvaLee paddle gives you the control and consistency you need to keep your opponents on their toes. See our post on spin basics for more details on the tactic.
Serves
When it comes to serving, the paddle’s balanced weight and extended handle length offer a unique advantage. The longer handle provides additional leverage, enabling you to generate more power and speed on your serves. Combine this with the paddle’s Pro-Spin texture, and you have the recipe for serves that are not only fast but also loaded with spin. This makes it challenging for your opponents to predict the ball’s trajectory, giving you the upper hand right from the start of the rally. Tune up your spin serve with our basic instructions here.
Handle length is the quickest and easiest way up your serve game. This paddle boosts your touch and feel. The longer handle allows for more snap and wrist for a more forceful serve, while the carbon fiber face adds the necessary spin. Peggy, a 3.5 rated player and former tennis player, mentioned,
I loved serving with this paddle. Its touch felt like a GPS guided missile system for my serve.
Peggy Palermo
Dinks and Drives: Precision and Power Unleashed
The Vanguard 2.0 Epic AvaLee paddle is not just about flashy spins and powerful serves; it’s also a formidable weapon when it comes to the nuanced aspects of pickleball—dinks and drives. Let’s explore how this paddle performs in these critical areas of the game.
Dinks
Dinking is an art form in pickleball, requiring finesse, control, and timing. The Vanguard 2.0 Epic AvaLee paddle excels in this department, thanks to its wide 8-inch face and Pro-Spin texture. These features provide a consistent ball response, allowing you to execute soft, controlled dinks that barely clear the net and land in the opponent’s kitchen. The paddle’s balanced weight also aids in wrist control, making it easier to direct your dinks precisely where you want them.
Drives
When it’s time to switch gears and go on the offensive, this paddle has got you covered. Its carbon fiber face and specialized core give your drives the power and speed needed to penetrate the opponent’s defense. The paddle’s longer handle length also provides extra leverage, allowing you to generate more force behind your drives. Whether you’re aiming down the line or cross-court, the Vanguard 2.0 Epic AvaLee paddle ensures that your drives are both powerful and accurate.
Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Epic AvaLee Specs
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | Selkirk |
| Model | Vanguard 2.0 Epic AvaLee |
| Price | $199.99 |
| Face Material | Carbon Fiber |
| Core Material | Specialized Core |
| Weight Options | Lightweight (7.3 to 7.8 oz.), Midweight (7.7 to 8.2 oz.) |
| Grip Size | 4.0-inch circumference (Small) |
| Handle Length | 5.25 inches |
| Paddle Width | 8 inches |
| Overall Length | 15.75 inches |
| Texture | Pro-Spin |
| Color Options | Multiple |
Likes and Dislikes
Likes
Sophia – “I love the woman-specific features of the paddle. It’s now the go-to paddle in my quiver.”
Peggy – “I can never have enough control. This paddle checks that box for me.”
Dislikes
Cassie – “I’m lucky to work for a pickleball blog which subsidizes the cost of paddles for me. It might be hard for some to cover the paddle’s cost.”
Sophia – “I wouldn’t mind a variety of grip widths, but the chosen size is a good all-around width for my objectives.”
Summary
The Vanguard 2.0 Epic AvaLee paddle by Selkirk is a versatile and high-performing piece of equipment that excels in all aspects of the game—be it power, control, spin, or maneuverability. Crafted with a carbon fiber face and a specialized core, this paddle offers consistent ball response and reduced vibrations, making it a reliable choice for both aggressive and soft plays.
With customizable weight and color options, as well as a comfortable grip size and extended handle length, the paddle can be tailored to suit individual playing styles. While its high-end features come at a premium price, the investment is justified by its durability and all-around capabilities. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a passionate enthusiast, the Vanguard 2.0 Epic AvaLee paddle is designed to elevate your game to the next level.
This is the top-notch control paddle, especially in the women-specific category. See more in our edgeless paddle category. And explore the entire Selkirk line in our review here.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Versatile Performance: Excels in power, control, spin, and maneuverability, making it suitable for players of all skill levels.
- High-Quality Construction: Built with a carbon fiber face and specialized core for durability and consistent ball response.
- Customizability: Offers multiple weight and color options, allowing players to tailor the paddle to their individual preferences.
- Extended Handle Length: The 5.25-inch handle provides extra reach and leverage for a variety of shots.
- Pro-Spin Texture: Adds grit to the paddle’s face for enhanced spin capabilities.
Weaknesses
- Price: The high-quality features come at a premium price point of $199.99, which may not be accessible for all players.
- Limited Grip Size: Currently offers only a 4.0-inch grip circumference, which may not suit players who prefer a larger grip.
- Learning Curve: The paddle’s versatile features may require some time for players to fully adapt and maximize its capabilities.
Best Suited For
- Women looking for a balanced game with a nod to control and spin.
By day, I work as an event coordinator, planning everything from corporate retreats to local festivals. It's a job that keeps me on my toes and allows me to flex my creative muscles. But once the workday is over, you'll most likely find me on the pickleball court.
I've been playing in local and regional tournaments for a few years now, and while I'm not going pro anytime soon, I've held my own in some pretty competitive matches. I also love traveling to watch professional pickleball games; there's something electrifying about seeing the best in the world go head-to-head.
What I cherish most about pickleball, though, is the social aspect. I've met some of my closest friends through this sport, and our post-game hangouts are just as important to me as the games themselves.
I like to think I bring a down-to-earth vibe to everything I do. I love a good laugh, intelligent conversation, and, of course, a spirited game of pickleball. So if you're up for a match or just want to chat about the latest pro tournament, hit me up. I'm always game!
