Selkirk’s popular Vanguard series just got an upgrade. The Vanguard 2.0. The original Vanguards are top-tier control paddles with unmatched feel. The main drawback I had when I reviewed the original Vanguard series was the lack of spin. Selkirk addressed that with the 2.0. They added a textured surface along with a more wear resistant face.
Other than those two upgrades, everything else stayed the same. Because those were the only changes I had two questions going into this review. Did the upgrades change the Vanguard feel and does the texture actually add spin? Read on to find my answers to these questions alongside my description of how they play in general.
For this review, I played with the lightweight Invikta Vanguard 2.0 model. After drilling and playing over 20 games with the paddle over the course of three weeks, here’s my review of its performance.
Performance Summary
The Vanguard 2.0 was given two updates from the original Vanguard series. A textured surface and a more wear resistant face. Nothing else was changed. They still have the same shapes, 16mm core, and two-layered carbon fiber weave facing.
Because I have already reviewed the Invikta and Maxima from the original Vanguard series, I was interested in two things with the 2.0. Does it still feel like a Vanguard with the upgrades, and does the textured surface actually help add spin?
Here’s my report. Yes, it still feels exactly like the original Vanguard. And yes, it does add more spin. I played with the 2.0 version alongside the original version so I could compare them and they felt the exact same to me when it came to touch and control. I also felt I was getting more spin with the 2.0, but to be certain I ran a test. You can see the spin test I ran in the video above.
Ultimately, I thought the spin level of the first series was on the low end, and the 2.0 made its way to a medium spin level. You get more spin, but it’s not a top spin paddle.
Bottom line: The Vanguard 2.0 paddles play just like the original series but with small increase in spin potential. They maintained their top-tier control abilities but the spin enables you to be more aggressive offensively.
Quick Stats
Price: $200
Vanguard 2.0 Paddle Design and Core
The Vanguard 2.0s share the same construction as the original series but with two main differences. They have a textured and more durable face.
As far as what’s the same, they have a high quality polymer core that is 16mm thick. The thicker core is combined with Selkirk’s unique two-layered carbon fiber weave facing material. Both the thicker core and carbon fiber facing will absorb and disperse energy from the ball, which gives it great touch and feel.
The edge guard around the paddle is very slim and looks nice, though it feels thicker than 16mm when it’s in your hands for some reason.
The 2.0 series offers the same six shapes as well, which I describe below along with how to pick the right shape for you.
Attacking
The Vanguard 2.0 and the original Vanguards are control-oriented paddles so they have a lower power rating of 81. Varying shapes in the series will offer a little more or less power, which I describe below, but in general they have a medium power rating.
The extra spin potential of the 2.0 series was helpful with drives and attacking at the net. I was able to keep my drives tighter and hit more targets compared to the original series. When at the net I felt more comfortable being aggressive with roll volleys and attacks off the bounce. This was the piece the original Vanguards was missing in my opinion. I would say the spin potential is in the medium range, which is more than what you got with the original series, but it’s not maxed out.
Although they don’t have a high power rating, it was often enough to keep pressure on the other team until I earned a clear put away. It would have been nice to have a little more jump off the face for counter attacks, but it wasn’t the worst.
Some of my friends that play with a Selkirk Vanguard can still crank the ball, so if you can generate your own power then these paddles will respond. They don’t generate power for you, though. I say this because there are other control focused paddles out there that don’t generate hardly any ball speed, even if you are a big hitter.
Soft Game
This is where Selkirk’s Vanguard technology really shines. These paddles have a very soft, crisp feel to them. You feel connected to the ball in a unique way. You can feel the ball come off the face better than the majority of paddles. Plus, they are very forgiving. This is another major highlight of the Vanguard technology.
Their excellent feel and forgiveness make them easy paddles to play with and will enhance your soft game. Drops, dinks, and resets are all easier to execute with these in your hands.
The extra forgiveness and predictable bounce across the face enables you to play more consistently overall. Being consistent with drops from the baseline and midcourt is so crucial, and these paddles help you hit better shots more often from those areas. A huge plus for anyone’s game.
Other Player Comments
Picking Between the Invikta, Mach6, Maxima, Omni, S2 and Epic
Each paddle in the Vanguard 2.0 line is made of the same materials, just cut into different shapes and handle lengths. The shape and handle length of a paddle plays a large role in how it performs. Because Selkirk has so many shape options it can be tricky figuring out which one is best for you. This section helps you narrow down what shape you need.
Start with this chart to easily compare the shapes side by side and then check out the short description of each of the shapes’ attributes below.
| Technical Specifications | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Shape |
Length x Width |
Handle Length |
|
Invikta |
16.5″ x 7.4″ (Elongated) |
5.25″ |
|
Mach6 |
16.5″ x 7.4″ (Elongated) |
5.9″ |
|
Maxima |
16.5″ x 7.4″ (Elongated) |
5.6″ |
|
Omni |
16.5″ x 7.4″ (Elongated) |
4.25″ |
|
S2 |
15.75″ x 8″ (Classic) |
4.5″ |
|
Epic |
15.75″ x 8″ (Classic) |
5.25″ |
Weight Options
You have two weight options you can select with each shape variation. The lighter the paddle the quicker it will be in your hands but you’ll lose some power and stability. The heavier you go the more power and stability you get but you have to wield a heavier paddle which can slow you down in hand battles. Most players prefer heavier options if you are unsure what you want.
Invikta
The Invikta is your traditional elongated shape that has a slightly longer handle at 5.25″. The elongated shape gives you extra reach, moves the sweet spot up the face, and gives you a little extra power. At the sacrifice of some forgiveness, especially from side to side.
This is Selkirk’s most popular and player friendly elongated shape.
Mach6
The Mach6 is an elongated shape with an extra long handle at nearly 6″. The extra long handle offers a couple of benefits. It gives you plenty of room for two handed backhands, and increases the amount of leverage you have. The increased leverage adds power and maneuverability.
The downside of the extra long handle is that it eats away precious paddle surface so you have a smaller head. The Mach6 and the Maxima offer the most power out of all their shapes.
Maxima
The Maxima is a progressive shape that was one of the first to introduce more curvature to the head. It’s elongated, has a long handle at 5.6″ and has a curved top for improved aerodynamics.
It gives you that extra leverage like the Mach6 but is a little quicker in your hands because of its shape. If you’re picking between the Maxima and the Mach6, I think the Maxima is better. The Maxima and the Mach6 offer the most power out of all their shapes.
S2
The S2 is a classic shape that is wider than the shapes mentioned above. It is more forgiving than the elongated shapes and offers a bigger sweet spot that is in the middle of the paddle. It has a shorter handle at 4.5″ which is just long enough to be comfortable but doesn’t have enough room to easily fit two hands.
This is a control focused shape that is very player friendly but offers a little less power than the elongated shapes.
Epic
The Epic is a classic shape like the S2 and plays very similar other than the handle is longer at 5.25″. It’s common to see classic and widebody paddles with shorter handles like the S2, but the Epic gives you the benefits of a longer handle on a wider paddle.
This is a control focused paddle like the S2. It might offer a little more power compared to the S2 but it’s more a preference of handle length.
Who would like these paddles?
I would recommend these to anyone looking for a top tier control paddle. Especially if you’re looking for your first performance level paddle and you’re a player that needs some help with your soft game and consistency.
If you’ve dialed in your soft game and need a paddle with more attacking ability, the variety of elongated shapes and the new textured spin cater to this group. However, although the extra spin and elongated shapes are nice, they still have that medium power rating that sometimes doesn’t get the job done. If you are interested in something more powerful, then these may not be the paddles for you. Check out our review of the Engage Pursuit paddles, they may suit your needs better.
Do you already play with a Selkirk Vanguard?
If you already have a Selkirk Vanguard and are wondering if you should fork out the bucks for the new version, here’s my opinion. The extra spin is nice, but I wouldn’t go buy it if your original Vanguard still has life. If your original Vanguard is in need of replacement, then yes, get the 2.0, I think it’s better than the original series.
Braydon competes at the 4.5 level and plays in 5-10 tournaments a year. He plays/drills 3 to 4 times a week and would play more if time allowed it.
