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Selkirk Power Air Epic Black Front
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Selkirk

Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Epic

$250.00

The Vanguard Power Air series offers an unmatched combo of power, spin, and speed to enable you offensively. It does have some drawbacks, though. See our review for details.

Epic Ratings:

  • Power 95
  • Control 79
  • Spin 95
  • Forgiveness 79

Ratings are 1-100.

Buy directly from Selkirk. They offer multiple color options.

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Overview

If you’re looking for a paddle to compliment your offensive playstyle, or need help generating some offense, then you should consider the Selkirk Power Air series. They have an unmatched combination of power, speed, and spin, but not everyone will like how they feel. Watch or read our review for more info.

The Epic shape pairs a standard, wider shape with a longer handle. The longer handle adds a little more power and maneuverability to the paddle while the wider shape makes it a bit more forgiving. Our playtesters found the Epic shape to be their favorite shape in the Power Air series because the series is a little more unforgiving by nature so the wider shape helps compensate for that.

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.

Every Selkirk Pickleball paddle is handcrafted in the US with the finest materials and proprietary, leading-edge technology. This commitment to American workers reflects our values. We believe in doing business the right way.

Paddle Specs
Length x Width 15.75″ x 8″
Core Thickness 13 mm
Core Material Polymer
Facing Material Carbon Fiber/Fiberglass
Average Midweight 7.7oz-8.1oz
Handle Length 5.25″
Grip Size 4.25″ Octagonal
Our Review

True to their name, these are power paddles. They have high power and spin ratings that rank them near the top of both of those categories. Though you can generate plenty of power, the ball doesn’t feel bouncy off the face like some power paddles but instead it just responds really well when you put a bigger swing on it. This attribute made the paddle a weapon when attacking but also helped out when you needed to slow the ball down.

The paddles fall into the midweight category with an average weight around 8 oz but they felt a bit head light. The edgeless design, light swing weight and the hole in the throat all combined to make the paddles very maneuverable. This gave the paddles a level of power, spin and speed that I don’t think I’ve experienced with another paddle.

Let’s talk about their feel and control. Whenever I hit a new paddle I always pay attention to how it feels first. Is it soft, crisp, plush, hard or something else? The Vanguard Power Airs feel like something else. They don’t have a familiar feel to them. The first time you pick it up it has a sort of light, wooden feel to it. I didn’t like how it felt the first time I hit them. Though I didn’t like how it felt out of the gate, I do what I always do and play with the paddles for at least two weeks before I form my complete opinion of them and my opinion changed over time. I got used to their feel and really didn’t mind it though I never fell in love with it.

Despite the unique firm feel, I was actually controlling the ball pretty well after only a couple of days of playing. However, these are power paddles and are harder to control in general. Lower level players I shared the paddle with found themselves hitting more pop ups and didn’t adjust to them as well as I did. I think if you’re an intermediate to advanced player that has a developed sense of control then the consistent bounce off the face is manageable and can be controlled after you get used to the extra power.

Both shapes I played had a medium sized sweet spot. The Epic was noticeably more forgiving than the Invikta, though. The size of the sweet was a major drawback for lower level players and was somewhat of an issue for intermediate level players. If you’re an advanced player, like 4.5+, then the size of the sweet spot shouldn’t bother you.

The bottom line: The Vanguard Power Airs have an unmatched level of power, spin, and speed. But they do have an unfriendly feel that takes some getting used to and not everyone will like.

Epic ratings:

  • Power 95
  • Control 79
  • Spin 95
  • Forgiveness 79

Read the full review >>

Reviewer: Braydon (4.76 DUPR)

Manufacturer Warranty

Selkirk Sport Pickleball paddles are guaranteed against workmanship and manufacturer defects for the lifetime of the paddle with activation of warranty through the registering of the paddle with Selkirk Sport. The warranty is not transferable after registration and only applies to the original owner. 

What is not covered by the warranty? 

  • Normal wear and tear, abuse and negligence. This includes the grip, edge or edge guard and face materials.
  • Any modifications made to the paddle.
  • Fading of graphics.
  • Hitting other objects (other than the pickleball) such as the ground or other paddles (this can weaken the paddle or loosen the trim).
  • Not being the original purchaser.

This warranty is available for Selkirk Sport pickleball paddles in the United States. Selkirk Sport holds the sole discretion to determine whether a damaged paddle is covered under their lifetime warranty. Replacement paddles are not covered under their lifetime warranty.

To submit a warranty claim fill out this form here.

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