Paddle Review: The Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air Invikta
Imagine a pickleball paddle resulting from two years of relentless innovation and collaboration with one of the sport’s top professionals, Tyson McGuffin. Well, folks, the wait is over, and the VANGUARD Power Air Invikta has landed. Our playtesters have been dying to get their hands on this stick, and we’re thrilled to give you our comprehensive Selkirk Invikta Vanguard review.
It’s not just any paddle; it’s a game-changer meticulously designed to meet the demands of professional players who crave spin and power like never before. This is one of the finest edgeless carbon fiber paddles we’ve reviewed.
This isn’t just another paddle; it’s a masterpiece, an embodiment of cutting-edge technology and out-of-this-world aerodynamics. Selkirk, a name synonymous with innovation, has outdone itself with the Vanguard hybrid Invikta paddle, pushing the boundaries of what a pickleball paddle can do.
Playtester Scores
The Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air Invikta Pickleball Paddle represents a pinnacle of paddle construction, tailor-made for aggressive players. At its core, the Air Dynamic Throat stands out as a game-changing innovation. This unique design element not only maximizes flex, allowing for unmatched control but also optimizes air flow, enhancing the paddle’s quickness. The result? Powerful and consistent shots that leave opponents struggling to keep up.
12 Month Update
It’s hard to believe we’ve been playing with the Invikta for almost a year. Everything in our initial review holds true. We’ve dinged it up a bit (this paddle is shared between 6 of our playtesters, so it’s seen more than its fair share of court time), which one would expect with an edgeless frame.
The QuadFlex 4 Layer Hybrid Face takes paddle technology to a new level. With a combination of two layers of Fiberglass and two layers of Quantum+ carbon, this face offers the perfect fusion of power and control. The ProSpin+ NextGen Texture on the face ensures long-lasting, maximum spin capabilities, allowing players to shape the ball quickly.
Underneath it all, the SuperCore Polymer Honeycomb Core brings the perfect blend of power and feel to the paddle. But that’s not all; the FlexFoam Perimeter adds durability and weight, creating an enormous sweet spot that practically eliminates mis-hits. Plus, it provides ultimate vibration reduction for added comfort during play.
Selkirk’s Aero-DuraEdge Edgeless Technology takes durability to new heights with its impact-resistant blend of composite and polymer. The 360-degree composite coverage further contributes to power production and consistent response on the court. The Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air Invikta isn’t just a paddle; it’s a technological marvel designed to elevate your pickleball game to new heights.
Spin: Unleash Your Spin Potential (Rating: 8/10)
Spin is the bread and butter of pickleball, and the Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air Invikta takes it to the next level. With its FiberFlex Fiberglass hitting surface and innovative design, you’ll find yourself effortlessly generating spin that will leave your opponents bewildered. It’s as if the paddle has a secret weapon hidden within its core, allowing you to add that extra twist to your shots. But don’t just take my word for it; playtesters have raved about the paddle’s spin capabilities.
One playtester exclaimed, “The spin I could generate with this paddle was mind-blowing. It completely transformed my game, giving me the edge to outmaneuver my opponents.”
Serves: Ace Your Service Game (Rating: 9/10)
Your serves are your opening statement on the pickleball court, and the Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air Invikta ensures that statement is bold and powerful. Its elongated design, coupled with the Polypropylene X5 Core Technology, delivers an exceptional boost to your services. You’ll feel the ball explode off the paddle with precision and speed that’s hard to match. Playtesters have marveled at the control and authority they now have over their serves.
One playtester shared, “I’ve never felt more confident with my serves. The paddle’s responsiveness and power gave me the confidence to go for those ambitious serves, and it paid off.”
Dinks: Master the Art of Precision (Rating: 8/10)
Dinking is all about finesse and control, and the Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air Invikta strikes the perfect balance. While it excels in power, it doesn’t neglect the delicate side of the game. You’ll find that it’s surprisingly agile at the net, allowing you to execute those drop shots and dinks with ease. Playtesters noted that the paddle’s responsiveness at the net made them feel like maestros of control.
A playtester shared, “I was pleasantly surprised by how well I could execute dinks with this paddle. It’s not just about power; it offers the finesse needed for precise placement.”
Volleys: Dominate the Net (Rating: 7/10)
At the net, it’s all about reflexes and rapid-fire exchanges. The Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air Invikta is your trusty companion in this intense battleground. Its maneuverability and sweet spot will have you volleying like a pro. You’ll be able to react swiftly to those rapid volleys and keep the pressure on your opponents. Playtesters unanimously praised its volleying capabilities.
A playtester exclaimed, “The paddle’s agility at the net is a game-changer. It allowed me to dominate the front of the court, giving my opponents no room to breathe.”
Drives: Power Your Way to Victory (Rating: 11/10)
When it’s time to unleash your power shots, the Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air Invikta doesn’t disappoint. It’s like wielding a force of nature in your hands. The combination of its elongated face and cutting-edge technology ensures that your drives have both the speed and precision to secure those crucial points. Playtesters were thrilled with the raw power it brought to their drives.
One playtester stated, “This paddle turned my drives into unstoppable missiles. It gave me the edge I needed to take control of the game.”
Similar Paddles to Consider
In Conclusion: A Paddle of Unmatched Excellence
In closing, the Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air Invikta Middleweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle is a game-changer, a true masterpiece in the world of pickleball equipment. It embodies the spirit of innovation and excellence, delivering top-notch performance in every aspect of the game.
While no paddle is without its quirks, the Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air Invikta’s strengths far outweigh any minor shortcomings. It’s a paddle that demands your attention if you’re serious about taking your pickleball game to new heights. Intermediate to advanced players who seek the perfect balance of power, control, and spin will find their dream paddle in the Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air Invikta. So, gear up, hit the courts, and prepare to elevate your game to unprecedented levels with this remarkable piece of pickleball engineering.
I hail from the picturesque landscapes of Denver, Colorado, where the pickleball scene is as vibrant as our city's sunsets. The game has changed my life in ways I never thought a sport could. You see, before I got hooked, my closest encounter with a racket was a fly swatter.
As far as my coaching credentials go, well, it's a classic underdog story. I was once the guy who couldn't tell a pickleball paddle from a pizza peel, and now I'm proudly sporting the title of Master Teaching Professional from the IPTPA. If that doesn't give hope to all my fellow klutzes, I don't know what will!
My love for pickleball goes far beyond the court. I run the In2Pickle YouTube channel, which is a blend of pickleball tactics, bloopers (mostly mine), and heartfelt stories from players whose lives have been touched by the sport. If you're more into listening than watching, you can catch me chatting about everything pickleball-related on my Pickleball Therapy podcast. And if that isn't enough, I've also penned a book titled "Play Pickleball", where I share everything from basic rules to advanced strategies, and of course, anecdotes of my own hilarious mishaps.
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