Selkirk Halo Power XL Playtester Review| Affordable Raw Carbon
Sophia Martinez
Slk Halo XL: The Long-Handled Control Specialist:
✔ Perfect for two-handed backhand lovers
✔ Covered polymer handle is a game-changer
✔ High swing weight may slow down your hands
✔ Spin is meh compared to top dogs
✔ Soft game is dreamy, but bring your own power
✔ Unbeatable price and warranty combo
SLK Halo XL
Selkirk Halo Max: The Compact Control Companion
✔ Ideal for traditionalists who prefer standard shapes
✔ Covered polymer handle is still a winner
✔ Spin won’t blow your mind, but gets the job done
✔ Chunky 16mm grip might be a no-go for small hands
✔ Lower swing weight than XL = quicker hands at the net
✔ Budget-friendly stepping stone with a solid warranty
SLK Halo Max
After extensively testing the Selkirk Halo Power XL pickleball paddle, I’ve come away impressed with its performance, feel, and overall value. While there’s room for improvement in the spin department, this paddle is a game-changer for players looking for a perfect balance of power and control.
Gritty, Spinny, but Not Quite Perfect
I was particularly impressed with the Halo XL Control 16mm. Its plush, forgiving feel reminded me of the Electrum Model E, one of my favorite control paddles. Dinks, drops, and resets were a breeze thanks to the thick core and ample sweet spot. While it lacked some firepower compared to dedicated power paddles, the extended 5.75″ handle and light 7.7oz weight made it easy to whip through groundstrokes and get great depth on my shots.
Let’s talk about that raw carbon fiber face. The gritty texture is a dream come true for spin-lovers like me. I consistently hit between 1400-1450 RPM on my topspin groundstrokes and serves, which is pretty darn good. But here’s the thing: I’ve tried other T700 carbon fiber paddles that generate upwards of 1600 RPM. So, while the Halo Power XL is no slouch in the spin department, there’s room for improvement.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Paddle Face | T700 Raw Carbon Fiber |
| Core | 13mm REV Core Power Polymer |
| Average Weight | 7.9 oz (with overgrip) |
| Paddle Length | 16.4 inches |
| Paddle Width | 7.4 inches |
| Grip Circumference | 4.25 inches |
| Handle Length | 5.7 inches |
| Spin Rate (My Testing) | 1400-1450 RPM |
| Power | Excellent, noticeable pop without sacrificing control |
| Control | Large and forgiving, with minimal dead spots |
| Soft Game | Outstanding, minimal difference compared to 16mm Halo Control |
| Sweet Spot | Exceptional, easy-to-generate paddle head speed for quick hands and flicks |
| Maneuverability | Excellent, provides the necessary power for aggressive play |
| Grip Feel | Comfortable with Selkirk overgrips, no issues with head-heavy feel despite longer handle |
| Performance in Singles | Excellent, it provides the necessary power for aggressive play |
| Performance in Doubles | Excellent, it gives the required power to aggressive play |
Premium Materials, Unbeatable Value
I don’t know how Selkirk did it, but it packed premium materials and design into a paddle that costs way less than its competitors. The elongated shape and 5.7″ handle make it feel like a luxury paddle, and the sweet spot is massive. I’m talking “can’t miss” massive. The only dead spots I found were in the top two corners, and let’s be real, if you’re hitting there, you’ve got bigger problems.
- Selkirk spared no expense in designing and manufacturing the Halo Power XL, which makes its reasonable price point all the more impressive.
- The elongated shape and generous 5.7″ handle feel like luxury touches typically found on much pricier paddles.
- The sweet spot is expansive and forgiving, with only minor “dead” spots in the top two corners of the hitting surface.
Perfect Feel, Effortless Maneuverability
- From the moment I wrapped my hands around the Halo Power XL (with a couple of Selkirk overgrips), it felt like the perfect paddle for me.
- The paddle is exceptionally easy to maneuver at 7.9 oz (with overgrip), allowing for lightning-quick hands and effortless flicks at the net.
- Despite its longer handle, the Halo Power XL doesn’t feel head-heavy, enabling precise control and improved performance in hand battles.
Court Testing: Power, Control, and Soft Game Surprises
I put the Halo Power XL through its paces in every scenario imaginable—singles, doubles, you name it—and let me tell you, this paddle delivered.
The 13mm core provides a surprising amount of pop without sacrificing too much control. I typically prefer 16mm paddles for that extra finesse, but the Halo Power XL has me rethinking everything. Even my beginner students couldn’t tell much difference in control compared to the 16mm Halo Control.
But here’s where the Halo Power XL shines: the soft game. I expected to sacrifice some finesse for that extra power, but nope. Drops, dinks, and resets were a breeze. I felt confident dropping the ball from anywhere on the court, and when I needed to add some heat, the power was there.
- Impressive power without sacrificing control
- Excels in both singles and doubles play
- Surprisingly good soft game for a power paddle
Surprising Pop, Minimal Control Sacrifice
- As someone who typically prefers 16mm control-oriented paddles, I was pleasantly surprised by the extra pop the 13mm Halo Power XL provided without sacrificing too much control.
- The paddle’s responsive face offers a firm, confidence-inspiring feel during blocks and counters, allowing me to focus more on hitting the sweet spot and less on taking big swings.
- Even beginner students noticed minimal differences in control when comparing the Halo Power XL to its 16mm Control counterpart, making it an excellent choice for players of all skill levels.
Impressive Soft Game, Easy Drops from Anywhere
I expected the Halo Power XL to fall short in the soft game department compared to the Halo Control, but I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to execute drops, resets, and dinks.
The paddle’s forgiving nature and ample control allowed me to confidently drop the ball from any spot on the court, adding a new dimension to my game. When I needed to add pace or aggression to my shots, the Halo Power XL’s extra pop was there, making it a versatile option for both singles and doubles play.
The Verdict: A Must-Try Paddle for All Skill Levels
- The Selkirk Halo Power XL is a game-changing paddle that comes tantalizingly close to achieving the perfect balance of power and control.
- While its spin potential could be enhanced with a grittier face texture, the paddle’s overall performance, feel, and value make it a must-try for players of all skill levels.
- As Selkirk’s first foray into the raw carbon fiber market, the Halo series strongly indicates that the company is headed in the right direction, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.
SLK Halo XL
If you’re in the market for a new pickleball paddle that offers a blend of power, control, and premium features at an unbeatable price point, the Selkirk Halo Power XL should be on your list.
What Pros Play With the SLK Halo?
Paris ToddPlays with the Control XL Halo
Paris Todd is a force to be reckoned with on and off the pickleball court. A former pro tennis player, she made a seamless transition to pickleball and quickly climbed the ranks. Known for her fierce competitiveness and dynamic playing style, Paris has become a prominent figure in the sport. Off the court, she’s an entrepreneur, managing her own businesses and engaging with fans through social media. Paris embodies passion, hard work, and a love for the game, making her a standout personality in the pickleball community.
For more about Paris Todd, check out her official bio.
The Halo XL and Max are just about the best paddles one can buy in the $150 range. However, if you’re looking for the best of the best, the Selkirk Vanguard line (around $250) is a great choice. We’ve tested and reviewed multiple Vanguard paddles and are always impressed.
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!
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Took the plunge on the Halo XL and wow—this thing punches way above its price point. I’ve been testing it against the usual suspects like the Vatic Pro Prism and the CRBN 1X, and while it doesn’t quite hit their top-end power or spin numbers, it holds its own impressively well for a budget-friendly paddle.
The control is where it shines. Dinks, resets, and drops just land, even when I’m off balance or late. The spin isn’t elite-tier, but it’s solid—especially once you break in the T700 face a bit. And I love the elongated shape for reach, without feeling clunky.
If you’re a rec player or just getting serious about leveling up, this paddle gives you 80–90% of the performance of the $200+ paddles without torching your wallet. Genuinely surprised by how much I’ve enjoyed it.
I finally got my hands on the Halo Power XL after hearing the buzz—and man, it lives up to the hype. Just like some of the other fellers pointed out, it’s got that classic raw carbon spin we all love, but what really stood out for me was how easy it was to rip drives without feeling out of control.
The paddle’s got a little more pop than your average raw carbon stick, but not so much that resets or drops get tricky. It’s a workhorse. Affordable too, which is a breath of fresh air with how paddle prices keep creeping up. Like others mentioned, it’s not a pure control paddle, but if you like playing aggressive and forcing mistakes, this one’s a blast to swing.