I was lucky to spend a week on the test court with the Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 series. That’s a lot of dollars worth of pickleball paddles to fit in my backpack, which is fair because the line is the pinnacle of pickleball paddle technology. Selkirk will tell you the line is designed for players who demand the best in speed, consistency, and spin. And I agree. This Selkirk Vanguard pickleball paddle line includes advanced features like the Quantum-CarbonFiber face, known for its superlative speed and consistent performance, and the Pro-Spin Texture, which maximizes spin capabilities. With a focus on enhancing the sweet spot and offering a durable Gen2 surface for increased longevity, the Vanguard 2.0 series is a top choice of mine and for players at all levels, combining cutting-edge technology with classic design to deliver an unmatched pickleball experience.
Material and Construction
The Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 pickleball paddles boast a state-of-the-art construction with innovative materials. If astronauts played pickleball on the moon, NASA would send them up there with these paddles. Central to their design is the Quantum-CarbonFiber face. It’s a proprietary bi-directional, cross-weave carbon fiber technology commonly used in advanced spacecraft. That’s a lot of big words in a sentence, but basically, it means superior speed, a larger sweet spot, and consistent performance.
The paddles also feature the Pro-Spin Texture, engineered for enhanced spin, and the Gen2 Durable Surface, which offers remarkable wear resistance. These materials come together to create paddles that are not only high-performing but also durable, catering to the demanding needs of modern pickleball players.
| Feature | S2 Vanguard 2.0 | Invikta Vanguard 2.0 | Epic Vanguard 2.0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design Focus | Largest Sweetspot | Elongated for Extended Reach | All-Around Paddle |
| Control Rating | 9.0 | 8.0 | 9.0 |
| Power Rating | 5.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 |
| Spin Rating | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| Material | Quantum-CarbonFiber Face | Quantum-CarbonFiber Face | Quantum-CarbonFiber Face |
| Texture | Pro-Spin Texture | Pro-Spin Texture | Pro-Spin Texture |
| Surface Durability | Gen2 Durable Surface | Gen2 Durable Surface | Gen2 Durable Surface |
Let’s meet the team, shall we? Here are the Selkirk Vanguard Players: Epic, Invikta and S2
The Vanguard Epic – the all-arounder, do-it-all stick.
Epic Vanguard 2.0 Paddle:
The Epic Vanguard 2.0 paddle from Selkirk stands out as an all-around paddle, designed for versatility and suitable for various playing styles. It features a control rating of 9.0, indicating its exceptional ability to aid players in precise shot-making. The power rating is set at 5.0, showing a preference for control over raw power, making it ideal for strategic players, but don’t let that fool you, it can still hammer if you ask it to. With a spin rating of 6.0, it offers a balanced performance in terms of spin. The Epic integrates the advanced Quantum-CarbonFiber face and Pro-Spin Texture, ensuring a larger sweet spot, consistent performance, and enhanced spin capabilities, making it a top choice for players seeking a well-rounded paddle. See our detailed review of the Selkirk Vanguard Epic for more information.
Selkirk also makes a nice women’s specific version of the Epic in the form of the Selkirk Vanguard Epic 2.0 AvaLee edition.
The Vanguard Invikta – Long Reach for a Big Wingspan
The Vanguard Invikta 2.0
The Invikta Vanguard 2.0 from Selkirk is tailored for players seeking extended reach and balanced play. It boasts an elongated design that enhances its reach capabilities, making it ideal for players who prefer an aggressive playstyle. The Invikta has a control rating of 8.0, offering great precision, coupled with a power rating of 6.0, which provides a good mix of control and strength. Its spin rating is also 6.0, ensuring consistent spin performance. Like other paddles in the Vanguard series, it features the Quantum-CarbonFiber face and Pro-Spin Texture, providing a large sweet spot, durability, and improved spin control. We go into detail on the Invikta here.
The Vanguard S2 – A Large Sweet Spot gives you a Bullseye as big as a Bull’s Thigh – the paddle’s so forgiving, it forgave my bad wordplay rhyme.
Vanguard S2
The Selkirk Vanguard S2 2.0 paddle is distinguished by its largest sweetspot, offering unparalleled control with a rating of 9.0, ideal for players who prioritize precision in their game. I like the forgiveness of the large sweetspot and I feel it rewards hustle and effort with more accurate shots. The power rating is moderate at 5.0, focusing more on control than on forceful play. It also boasts a spin rating of 6.0, providing a balanced approach to spin. Key features like the Quantum-CarbonFiber face and Pro-Spin Texture enhance its performance by ensuring a larger sweet spot, consistent play, and improved spin control. Because of the large sweet spot, I’d recommend this for players just starting out and without a background in paddle sports. Here’s our deep dive on the S2.
How does the Vanguard Line stack up to other brands’ top-shelf paddles?
The Selkirk Vanguard Line, known for its high-quality and innovative designs, holds a distinct position in the competitive landscape of pickleball paddles. Here’s a comparison with other brands:
Comparison with Paddletek:
- Target Audience: Selkirk paddles, including the Vanguard series, are often pricier and cater more towards advanced and professional players, while Paddletek offers more affordable options suitable for intermediate or beginner players looking to invest in their first high-quality paddle.
- Material and Construction: Both Selkirk and Paddletek use high-end materials like graphite, carbon fiber, and incorporate large sweet spots in their designs. However, Selkirk’s focus on the Quantum-CarbonFiber face and Pro-Spin Texture in the Vanguard series may offer an edge in terms of speed and spin control compared to Paddletek’s offerings like the Tempest Wave Pro and Bantam EX-L Pro, which emphasize control, forgiveness, and power.
Comparison with JOOLA: (“Joola” is more fun to say, but let’s look at the tech.)
- Brand Heritage and Affordability: JOOLA, initially a table tennis brand, has expanded into pickleball paddles, known for their quality and affordability. In contrast, Selkirk, although newer in the pickleball scene, has quickly gained popularity with its innovative designs.
- Material and Design: JOOLA paddles, like the Solaire CFS 14 Swift, feature a carbon fiber face for power and spin, and a comfortable grip for long matches. Selkirk also uses high-quality materials, including carbon fiber and polymer, but their unique honeycomb core design in paddles like the Amped Invikta may offer better weight reduction while maintaining strength and durability. Selkirk’s paddles are known for a large sweet spot, providing excellent control and power, which might appeal to players looking for a combination of these features.
Selkirk Vanguard Line Advantages and Shortcomings:
- Advantages: The Vanguard series’ use of Quantum-CarbonFiber and Pro-Spin Texture places it in a high-end segment, offering advanced players an exceptional blend of speed, control, and spin. The larger sweet spots and durability due to the Gen2 Durable Surface are also key selling points.
- Possible Shortcomings: While excelling in quality and innovation, the Selkirk Vanguard line’s higher price point might be a barrier for beginners or intermediate players. Also, the focus on advanced materials and technology might overshadow other aspects like paddle shape and handle length customization, which other brands might offer more variety in.
In summary, the Selkirk Vanguard Line stands out for its advanced materials and design, catering to professional players. However, its higher price and specific focus might limit its appeal to a broader range of players, especially beginners or those looking for more customization options in paddle shapes and handles.
Summary
In a pickleball warehouse stocked with every paddle ever made, the Selkirk Vanguard Line would hold a place on the top shelf. It’s got the confidence of a seasoned pro and flaunts its high-tech Quantum-CarbonFiber face and Pro-Spin Texture like a dazzling new outfit at a high-stakes tournament. It would get its picture taken on the red carpet – sophisticated, top-notch, and undeniably appealing to the advanced player who knows their way around a pickleball court. It’s analogous to the difference between a new Lexus and a beat-up old Nissan. Both will get you where you’re going, but the Vanguard line is your Lexus. You can feel and see the difference with every controlled shot and spin-infused return. Sure, it might cost a pretty penny, but it promises to make every game feel like you’re competing in the Pickleball World Championships.
Whether you’re wielding a Selkirk Vanguard, a Paddletek powerhouse, the stylish JOOLA or just an old plastic thing you borrowed from the rec center, you’re in for a treat because pickleball itself is the secret ingredient to unadulterated fun. A low-quality paddle won’t take the inherent fun out of the game, and a nice paddle can add a little more – both things can be true at the same time. So, whether you’re a pickleball maestro or just stepping onto the court for the first time, remember, it’s not just about the paddle in your hand, it’s about the sport, the sportsmanship and the challenge of the game pickleball!
Here are some pretty pictures and spoken words on the line:
I've always been someone who takes care of their health by eating well and staying active. My lean build is a testament to my dedication to tennis, which has kept me in great shape over the years. Although I'm a bit hesitant about pickleball, I'm looking forward to trying something new and keeping up my fitness.
As someone who has been deeply involved in tennis for most of my life, it's hard to imagine playing anything else. However, I understand that pickleball has a growing following, and I'm willing to give it a try. Who knows, maybe I'll even come to enjoy it as much as I love tennis.
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