I know the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Review comes only a few days after my Selkirk Labs 003 review, but Selkirk has been very busy lately, and I am just trying to catch up. It’s a great excuse to spend a lot of time on the court. Here are some of my thoughts on the Vanguard Power Air:
First Impression
The first thing you will notice about the Vanguard Air is the clean and attractive design. In my opinion, it’s the best-looking paddle on the market. I am not sure how Selkirk manufactures the edge-less design, but it really looks amazing – especially in white.
How Does It Play?
Power: This paddle has a ton of power. Drives, overheads, and punch volleys really pop off the paddle. To give you an idea, I prefer to play with paddles on the heavy end to get the most power possible. I added weight to my 002 and it is somewhere around 9.5 ounces (Thanks John Sperling ). Currently, I have been playing with the Power Air at 8.1 ounces (without any added weight) and have not seen a large reduction in power. With less weight, my net reflexes have been quicker with the Power Air. I might not add much weight to this paddle at all.
Spin: The Power Air is very gritty (almost sandpaper-like), allowing you to put a ton of spin on the ball. The grit feels similar to the 002. I get slightly less spin from the Power Air than I do from the 003, but definitely more than other paddles I have tried. With other paddles, I have noticed that the grit can sometimes wear off quickly. I have heard from others who have played with this paddle for months that the gritty surface is still in great shape.
Durability: After playing for a few hours, I walked away with a few scuff marks on the paddle’s edge. The edge feels very solid, but I would recommend applying some edge guard tape on it to keep it protected. In order to keep the paddle looking great, I would really love for Selkirk to release some branded white edge tape.
Consistency: For me, a paddle’s consistency is one of the most important factors. I have to admit that the Selkirk 002, 003, and Power Air all give me extremely consistent bounces off the paddle. The only times I’ve noticed unexpected shot results is when I hit the throat – which means that I made the mistake. Lack of consistency is a complaint I have had with other paddles in the past. I need a paddle that hits the same every time and remarkably, the Power Air definitely delivers on that need.
Also read, Vatic Pro Prism Flash and V7 Paddle Review
Key Pros and Cons of the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Beautiful paddle | Edge can mark up easily |
| Extremely consistent | Not as much spin as Project 003 |
| Effortless power | |
| Allows quick reflexes | |
| Good spin | |
| Invikta Shape |
Summary
The Vanguard Power Air Invikta paddle from Selkirk was designed in partnership with top pickleball pros to produce ultimate power and spin. The unique Air Dynamic Throat provides maximum flex and optimal airflow.
“Exceeded my expectations. The spin was excellent, but I was surprised at how my soft game improved given how lively the face is.
So, out of the 002, 003, and Power Air, which paddle would I recommend to an experienced Pickleball Player? All three of these paddles have great power and touch. The paddle you choose should reflect your style of play.
Selkirk Labs 002 – This paddle is perfect for someone who wants the most power and tends mostly to be an attacking player.
Selkirk Labs 003 – This paddle is perfect for those who enjoy the short/dinking game along with some power shots.
Vanguard Air Power – This paddle is the perfect mix between the 002 and 003. It’s great for players who hit the ball hard but also like to dink/drop often. It gives a lot of power while still providing an excellent touch.
Thanks for reading! If you have any questions or would like any additional information, please feel free to reach out. Read more
