Are you thinking about buying one of the Selkirk pickleball paddles? Here’s everything you need to know before you do!
Whether you are new to pickleball or an experienced player, getting the right equipment is always essential.
From choosing your indoor or outdoor pickleball to selecting the best pickleball paddle, it takes time to find the right combination.
When choosing paddles, one of the top brands to consider is Selkirk. They may even be the first pickleball paddle brand you played with!
But what makes Selkirk pickleball paddles so popular? And how do you choose the right one for you?
Are Selkirk Pickleball Paddles good?
Selkirk is one of the most popular pickleball brands – and for a good reason!
Not only does the Selkirk brand produce some of the best pickleball paddles, but they create a range of quality gear, including pickleball bags, pickleball clothes, and more.
Unlike most pickleball manufacturers, for whom pickleball is one of several sports, Selkirk focuses exclusively on our favorite paddle sport.
And, with over $138 million of sales to their name, it’s safe to say that they genuinely understand what pickleball players want.
Are Selkirk paddles made in the USA?
Idaho, home to the Selkirk Mountains, is also home to the Selkirk Sport pickleball brand. Owned by a father and two sons, the brand continues to be a family-run business despite its rapid growth.
Their idea was to become a market leader in innovative pickleball paddles, and their product ranges show the work they have put in.
The company has an uncompromising quality ethic which means its high-quality products are great for new and advanced players alike. But they are also a big part of the pickleball scene and work to inspire the next generation of players at every opportunity.
US-owned doesn’t always mean products are made in the United States, but all Selkirk pickleball paddles are made in the USA. Each one is handcrafted from the finest materials, too.
You get the best of both worlds when you buy Selkirk pickleball paddles: leading brand quality with family-first love and care.
Where to buy Selkik pickleball paddles
As one of the leading brands on the market, you shouldn’t have to look too far to find Selkirk pickleball paddles.
If you live in the USA, you can purchase Selkirk paddles both the Amazon Selkirk store and Pickleball Central. In addition, Costco has also partnered with Selkirk to offer this special bundle.
If you live in Canada, you can also purchase the full range of Selkirk products from Amazon and a more limited range from Sport Chek.
Outside of North America, the best place to buy Selkirk pickleball paddles is on Amazon.
The best Selkirk pickleball paddles: at a glance
Are you just looking for the best Selkirk pickleball paddles? Here are the ones we love most!
If you’d like to find out more about any of the paddles mentioned below, keep reading to find out what makes each of them so great and who we recommend them for.
The best Selkirk pickleball paddles: in-depth
‘Best’ is a subjective word, and when searching for the best Selkirk pickleball paddles, you’re likely to come across some very different opinions!
The top pick for one player won’t necessarily be a great option for the next. Similarly, premium paddles are only worth the investment if you choose one that’s right for you.
When choosing between the many Selkirk pickleball paddles available and the best options for different needs, here are some things to consider.
The most popular Selkirk paddle: Selkirk AMPED S2
When choosing a pickleball paddle, your first port of call will likely be the most popular. After all, it’s a best-seller for a reason!
In the case of Selkirk pickleball paddles, the AMPED range is the most popular. Among the different Selkirk pickleball paddles available, the S2 ranks the highest in terms of sales.
Key features:
- FiberFlex™ creates an excellent surface that produces spin while enhancing control
- X5™ Core provides increased power
- Comfort Grip™ ensures a comfortable, confident hold.
- Approved by the USAPA for tournament play
With the AMPED S2, Selkirk has developed an entirely new paddle technology that has never been used in the pickleball business before.
The AMPED paddle is made up of a state-of-the-art FiberFlex fiberglass front. The fiberglass surface generates unbelievable ball spin while also deflecting spin from your opponent with improved accuracy.
The new X5 Core is thicker than previous models and uses polypropylene honeycomb technology to reduce vibrational waves from impact. This means there’s a smoother feel when you strike the ball.
The largest-yet surface area also means that you have more paddle to play with and a large sweet spot. While the shorter handle is needed to balance this, many players love the feel of the paddle.
Like other products in the range, the S2 is approved by the USAPA for tournament place and is often seen in the hands of professional players.
The best Selkirk paddle for spin: AMPED Epic
With the largest surface area, the Selkirk AMPED Epic is one of the best pickleball paddles for spin.
OnCourt-OffCourt’s PickleNet is one of the best portable pickleball nets on the market and has been ever since the brand started manufacturing nets back in 2009.
Key features:
- Low-profile, lightweight, and durable edge guard technology for a well-balanced, solid paddle
- Fiberglass technology creates an excellent surface that produces spin, while enhancing control
- Durable polypropylene honeycomb technology provides increased power
- Cushioning material for a comfortable, confident hold.
The EdgeSentry™ technology is low-profile and lightweight, making it a durable and well-balanced pickleball paddle. This allows for a solid paddle stroke that provides spin and control.
The use of fiberglass makes the paddle more durable and able to withstand more wear and tear. In addition, it gives players more power to hit the ball harder. The smooth surface also helps players to have better control over the ball.
This pickleball paddle has a durable polypropylene honeycomb technology that provides increased power. This allows you to hit the ball with more force, resulting in a better shot.
Additionally, the Comfort Grip ensures a comfortable and confident hold. As a result, you’ll be able to play for longer without having to worry about your arm or hand getting tired.
The Selkirk paddle with the longest handle: Vanguard Mach6
If you want the paddle with the longest handle for the best reach, then the Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Mach6 is worth checking out.
Key features:
- One of the first products on the market to combine high performance in terms of spin and feel
- Utilizing aerospace technology to provide unmatched quality
- Revolutionary cross-weave carbon fiber design will enhance your game while providing you strength, power, and consistency
- Long handle grip will give you more control over every shot
The Pro-Spin Texture on the Vanguard 2.0 is designed to deliver optimal spin performance.
By using advanced carbon-fiber technology in the construction of the face, the sweet spot is enlarged and resonance is prolonged, resulting in more consistent shots and extra spin.
In addition, the Gen2 Durable Surface offers superior wear resistance, making it the perfect choice for those who demand the highest level of performance from their equipment.
Finally, the Vanguard Geo Grip™ provides supreme comfort with its enhanced wicking capability, improved traction, and premium style.
What about the Selkirk NEO Composite paddle?
If you’ve been playing pickleball for a while, you’ve probably spotted the Selkirk NEO composite pickleball paddle before. Perhaps you’ve even played with it yourself!
Despite being one of the most popular Selkirk pickleball paddles, though, the Selkirk NEO composite paddle has now been discontinued. Only the Selkirk NEO graphite is still available to buy here.
Instead, the brand has decided to focus on its current two lines: the Vanguard paddles and the AMPED paddles.
As we’ve seen above, both of these lines are loved by players of all levels and offer something for everybody.
What is the right pickleball paddle for me?
Before we dive into the different Selkirk pickleball paddles and what they offer, let’s take a moment to think about how to choose the right paddle.
Much of it is personal preference, but there are a few tips to help guide you in the decision.
When getting started, you’ll probably consider three factors: price, weight, and grip size.
Other important factors are how well the paddles create spin and how long the handle is.
Price may be a significant factor for you, depending on your budget, but a composite or graphite paddle usually costs between $40 and $150.
Weight is also essential for players of all skill levels. If the paddle is too heavy, it will impact your swing and can lead to injuries.
On the other hand, if your pickleball paddle is too light, you might struggle to get distance and spin on the ball.
Most composite or graphite paddles fall within the 6-9oz range.
Grip size and handle length are more about how the paddle feels in your hand and how easy it is to use.
Selkirk pickleball paddles come with a range of grip size options, so you can find one that feels right for you.