Selkirk Sport
Selkirk Vanguard Power Air S2 Pickleball Paddle
Selkirk Vanguard Power Air S2 Pickleball Paddle
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THE ULTIMATE POWER & SPIN PICKLEBALL PADDLE
THE STORY:
A culmination of over two years of Research & Development, in partnership with top Pickleball pros such as Tyson McGuffin, the VANGUARD Power Air addresses the need for both power and spin.
As professional Pickleball became increasingly focused on power and spin over the past 2 years, the larger community discovered the benefits of power and spin, especially when it comes to dominating opponents. VANGUARD Power Air technology was developed to champion these players and provide a paddle that enables full control of the court, with performance power and maximum spin.
The first iteration of this technology was developed in Selkirk Labs and launched as Project 002. Utilizing Labs member feedback, Power Air optimizes the 002, providing additional control from the SuperCore, enhanced consistency with 360° Proto Molding, and next-level aerodynamics and edge durability with Aero-DuraEdge Edgeless technology.
Power Air S2 Specs:
- Midweight Range: 7.7 – 8.1 oz.
- Custom weights are not available
- Grip Circumference: 4 1/4"
- Grip: Selkirk Geo Grip
- Handle Length: 4 3/8"
- Paddle Length: 15 3/4"
- Paddle Width: 8"
- Face: Hybrid Blend of Fiberglass and Carbon Fiber
- Core material: Polymer Honeycomb
- Core Thickness: 0.5''
- Edge Guard: Edgeless DuraEdge
- Manufacturer: Selkirk Sports
- Assembled in the USA
POWER AIR OVERVIEW
- The preferred paddle for power players
- Generates maximum spin for controlled, aggressive drives
- Features a larger sweet spot than traditional power paddles
- Creates difficult-to-return shots as a result of superior ball spin
- Delivers relentless power, with a surprising amount of control
- Unquestionably the most aerodynamic of all Selkirk paddles
- The ideal paddle for singles and tennis players
POWER AIR TECHNOLOGY
- Air Dynamic Throat for quicker swing speed: Developed in Selkirk Labs with Project 002 and fine-tuned to provide maximum flex, the Air Dynamic Throat is now larger and even closer to the handle, offering optimal air flow and improved ball control.
- ThroatFlex for more power and dwell time: Created to provide maximum flex when you connect with the ball, our new ThoatFlex open throat design extends dwell time on the paddle and enhances power play, for unbeatable consistency.
- ProSpin+ NextGen Texture for long-lasting maximum spin surface: Formulated in Selkirk Labs to generate more spin than any technology on the market, our ProSpin+ NextGen Micro Texture technology features a longer-lasting spin surface and provides unparalleled consistency, ensuring you can shape and control the ball with ease, to dominate on the court.
- QuadFlex 4 Layer Hybrid Face for power & control: Initiated in Selkirk Labs with Project 002, the QuadFlex 4 Layer Hybrid Face features a first-of-its-kind blend of two layers of Fiberflex and two layers of Quantum+ carbon, for effortless power and control.
- 360° Proto Molding for power and consistent sweetspot: Engineered to provide 360 degree composite coverage, using a proprietary high pressure manufacturing process, 360° Proto Molding technology generates ultimate power, while delivering a consistent feel on every play.
- Aero-DuraEdge Edgeless Technology for increased durability and aerodynamics: Introduced to increase edge reliability alongside the FlexFoam edge perimeter, Aero-DuraEdge Edgeless technology is composed of our specialty, impact resistant blend of composites and polymer.
- FlexFoam Perimeter for power, durability and a larger sweetspot: Achieved by injecting specially formulated foam into the entire perimeter of the paddle, our FlexFoam Perimeter technology increases durability, adds weight, enlarges the sweet spot, and absorbs the vibrations from every hit, for a stable, reliable feel. This technology was originally developed in Selkirk Labs for Project 002.
- SuperCore Polymer Honeycomb Core for a consistent, familiar feel: Created for the QuadFlex Face, the groundbreaking polypropylene honeycomb SuperCore delivers supreme power while enhancing your control of the ball.
SHAPES AVAILABLE
- Invikta | Long Handle & Longest Paddle Shape: Favored for its increased sweet spot size when compared to other elongated Pickleball paddle shapes, the Invikta is popular with intermediate to Pro player, and is the brainchild of National Pickleball Champion, Tyson McGuffin. Its elongated shape, large sweet spot, and long handle provide more power, more reach, and more spin.
- Epic | Long Handle & Standard Paddle Shape: Pairing a traditional Pickleball paddle shape with a large surface area and a long handle, the Epic delivers the perfect blend of power and control. Versatile and well-rounded, the Epic paddle shape is ideal for the beginner and the seasoned pro.
- S2 | Standard Paddle Shape with Short Handle: Featuring the largest sweet spot of all Selkirk paddle shapes, the S2 provides amplified power and reliable consistency. Its traditional shape and extra large surface area pairs with a shorter handle to offer players ultimate control on the court.
POWER AIR COMPARISONS
- The Power Air versus Project 002: The VANGUARD Power Air is the next-level version of the 002. Both paddles utilize the same ProSpin+ technology for supreme spin and feature the QuadFlex Hybrid Face. The Power Air introduces enhanced versions of the Air Dynamic Throat, ThroatFlex, and FlexFoam Perimeter technologies. The VANGUARD Power Air also introduces all-new 360° Proto Molding, Aero-DuraEdge Edgeless Technology, and SuperCore technologies. Essentially, the Power Air generates similar spin and power to the 002, but enhances your overall control. If you found the 002 a bit much to handle due to its incredible amount of power, but you loved the spin technology, the VANGUARD Power Air might just be the perfect paddle for you.
- The Power Air versus the SLK Omega: the VANGUARD Power Air and SLK Omega are both power and spin paddles, however, you will notice a considerable increase in spin with the Power Air’s performance technology, when compared to the SLK Omega. The Power Air also offers more power and enhanced aerodynamics with Air Dynamic Throat and ThroatFlex technologies. The VANGUARD Power Air is also available in three shape options (Epic, S2, & Invikta), while the SLK Omega is currently only available in one shape (MAX). Lastly, the SLK Omega has a 1-year warranty and is produced internationally, whereas the VANGUARD Power Air has a limited lifetime warranty and is assembled right here in the USA.
- The Power Air versus the Labs 003: Both paddles feature innovative new technology including Aero-DuraEdge Edgeless Technology, 360° Proto Molding, Air Dynamic Throat, ThroatFlex, and ProSpin+ NextGen Texture. Power Air is a power paddle with control; the 003 is a power and control paddle. If you want to become a power player and drives are an important part of your game, we recommend the Power Air. If you are a balanced player or a control player looking for more power, the 003 is the paddle to consider. With its extremely consistent sweetspot and all-around playability, the 003 is easy to transition to from any other paddle, while we advise 1-2 weeks to comfortably transition to the Power Air if you normally play with a control-oriented paddle.
- Power Air versus the AMPED & VANGUARD: The Power Air emphasizes important dimensions of competitive pickleball play with new levels power and spin. If you are a steady player that favors dinking, dropshots, and traditional strategic Pickleball, VANGUARD and AMPED paddles are tremendous control paddles to improve your play. However, if you want to add power, spin, and control to your game, the Power Air is the paddle for you. You will notice significant improvements in power and spin moving from the VANGUARD or AMPED to the Power Air. Unlike traditional power paddles, the Power Air still offers large sweetspot and consistency.
Pickleball Paddle Buyer's Guide
Core Material
Polymer is the most common core material used by brands. More than 96% of paddles use a polymer core. You’ll see brands reference it as polymer, poly, polypropylene, or similar.
Polymer is durable, quiet, and offers a good balance of power and touch which is why it is the most popular core material. Not all poly cores are created equal.
Simply put, the more expensive paddles are using a higher quality polymer that doesn’t breakdown as easily and gives you a more consistent feel across the face. Allowing for more consistent play.
Surface Material
There is three materials for the facing or surface of the paddle. Fiberglass, carbon fiber, and graphite. The facing of the paddle will affect the power, control, and size of the sweet spot.
1. Fiberglass (Composite)
Fiberglass used to be the most common material but carbon fiber has taken over. Of the three common facing materials listed here, fiberglass offers the most power. You’ll see it called composite sometimes, so just know that composite is the same thing as fiberglass.
Fiberglass is not as stiff as carbon fiber and graphite, so it acts as a sort of trampoline that takes the energy from the ball and transfers it right back. Because the material is not as stiff, it will also diminish the size of the sweet spot compared to carbon fiber and graphite.
2. Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber is known for having better feel than fiberglass, but a little less power. It is a very stiff and durable material. Because the material is so stiff, the energy of the ball at impact is spread throughout the entire face and into the handle. This gives you better feel and a larger sweet spot but will take some power away because less energy is transferred back to the ball.
3. Graphite
Graphite is a type of carbon fiber that is a little more cost effective for brands but plays very similarly to a carbon fiber face. It is also known for having better feel than a fiberglass face and produces a similar amount of power as a carbon fiber face. From my testing of paddles, it’s hard to tell the difference between a graphite and carbon fiber face.
4. Hybrids
You’ll see some brands use a combination of the three materials.
Shape & Handle Length
Paddleshape
1. Elongated Shapes
This shape is longer and is usually about 16.5 inches long and 7.5 inches wide. An elongated shape will give you more reach, power, and spin, but has a smaller sweet spot and has less maneuverability compared to other shapes.
2. Widebody Shapes
These are paddles with a wider face around 8.5 inches and a shorter length around 15.5 inches. This design offers the largest sweet spot and high maneuverability but at the sacrifice of reach and power.
3. Classic Shapes
This shape was the original paddle shape and is usually about 16 inches long and 8 inches wide. This shape sits between an elongated and widebody shape and as you can guess, offers a balanced mix of power, spin, forgiveness, and maneuverability.
How Does the Shape Impact What Paddle I Choose?
You’ll find all sorts of shapes there. As long as the shape complements the core and facing, then you’ll be good.
For example, if you want an elongated paddle for the extra reach and power, then try to find one with a carbon fiber facing to help increase the size of the sweet spot. If you have an elongated shape with a fiberglass face, then that’s two elements of the paddle shrinking the sweet spot which may not be the best combination.
Handle Length
The length of the handle can vary between 4.5 to 6 inches. Because the total length plus the width of the paddle cannot exceed 24 inches, every inch you add to the handle length takes away some surface area of the paddle face.
- The longer the handle the more power and spin you can generate
- Longer paddles equal more power and spin
- Lower level players generate more power on average with shorter, wider paddles because they aren’t as consistent at hitting the center of the paddle
Paddle Weight
Paddles will weigh between 7 – 8.5 ounces. Anything in the 7 – 7.6 oz range is considered lightweight, 7.6 – 8.2 oz is considered midweight, and anything greater than 8.2 oz is considered heavyweight. Some brands may vary slightly in the ranges they use for each weight class, but these classifications give you the general idea.How Does the Weight Impact What Paddle I Choose?
The lighter the paddle the easier it is to maneuver, which can be a big advantage while at the net when you get into fast exchanges with your opponents. The downside of a lighter paddle is that you have to swing harder to get more power out of it.
With heavier paddles, you don’t have to swing as hard to produce power because there is more weight behind the ball. This is nice when you’re dinking because shorter swings reduce the room for error and it gives you more time to get back into a ready position.
I’ve found that heavier paddles tend to be a little more stable at impact too, and don’t wobble as much if you hit the ball closer to the edge of the paddle. This increases consistency and reduces errors.
It’s not uncommon for players to add lead tape to the edge guard of their paddles, so if you get a lighter paddle and wish it was heavier, then you can always add some lead tape.
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