New Selkirk Paddles: The Future of Pickleball Technology (2024)

Selkirk Labs 003: The ultimate paddle for power, control, and spin.

Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air:The optimal paddle for power and spin.

SLK Omega: The power and spin paddle of choice for everyday play.

The Selkirk Labs 003 is the thickest core paddle ever made and provides the ultimate Pickleball playing experience for everyday players and pros alike; the VANGUARD Power Air advances the Labs 002 paddle innovations, delivering maximum spin for aggressive & controlled drives; and the SLK Omega brings Selkirk’s cutting-edge power and spin technology to the everyday player.

Both the Labs 003 and the Power Air feature innovative new technology including Aero-DuraEdge Edgeless Technology, 360° Proto Molding, Air Dynamic Throat, ThroatFlex, and ProSpin+ NextGen Texture. The VANGUARD Power Air improves upon Labs 002 innovations. All new models feature durable and aero dynamic edgeless technology, new FlexFoam Perimeter technology for an enlarged sweet spot, 360° Proto Molding single piece construction, and enhanced polypropylene honeycomb cores.

003 Epic Release Date: August 2nd, 2022

003 S2 Release Date: August 2nd, 2022

003 Invikta Release Date: October, 2022

The Story

Labs Project 003 takes what players love most about the AMPED and VANGUARD paddles and elevates it to an entirely new level, with a larger sweet spot, more power, and more spin.

Selkirk AMPED transformed the Pickleball industry back in 2017 as the first ever thick core paddle and Labs 003 builds upon this innovation, becoming the new thickest core paddle on the market, at an impressive 20mm thick. This advancement is only made possible by our latest innovations—360° Proto Molding single piece construction and a new lightweight polypropylene core—developed in Selkirk Labs.

Labs 003 also features the revolutionary Pro Spin+ technology, Air Dynamic Throat, and FlexFoam Perimeter developed in Selkirk Labs Project 002.

Additionally, the 003 introduces Aero-DuraEdge Edgeless technology for increased aerodynamics and durability.

• Overview
• The leading paddle for balanced Pickleball players
• The thickest core paddle on the market, with an impressive 20mm core
• Gives you the feel of a control-and-soft paddle, with incredible power
• Generates more combined power and control than any previous Selkirk paddles
• Provides maximum spin, ideal for aggressive and controlled drives
• The thick core reduces paddle torquing while blocking drives
• Features the largest sweet spot of all Selkirk technologies
• Feels lighter than it is

• Technology
• X7 Thikset Honeycomb Core: At an impressive 20mm, the Labs 003 is the thickest core paddle available in the Pickleball industry. This innovation amps up power and control and gives the 003 the largest sweet spot of any paddle we have ever launched.
• Air Dynamic Throat: 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: 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: 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 the court.
• CarbonFlex Fiber Twill: Paired with the X7 Thikset Honeycomb Core, CarbonFlex gives you an incredibly soft and control feel, while still enhancing power.
• 360° Proto Molding: 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: 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: 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.
• CM Anti-Torque Technology: Thickness of core and mass placement gives you added stability creating an even smoother playing experience.

Labs 003 Purchase Price: $333

Purchase price includes a collector’s case and a complete paddle presentation.

Plus, receive a $77 Labs Gift Card by submitting R&D feedback.

Exclusively available via Selkirk Labs application.

Labs 003 Shapes

Catering to all player preferences, the 003 paddle will be available in 3 iconic shapes:

• 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.
• Invikta | Long Handle & Longest Paddle Shape (Available in October): 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.

Comparisons

• Labs 003 versus the Power Air: The 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.
• Labs 003 versus AMPED & VANGUARD: If you are a fan of our AMPED or VANGUARD paddles, we are confident you will love the 003. The 003 will be a natural switch. The 003’s control and increased sweet spot offer an immediate performance improvement with minimal adjustment time. Simply put, the 003 has no weaknesses. You will experience similar control to the AMPED and VANGUARD, with significantly enhanced power and spin. Whereas AMPED and VANGUARD paddles have 15.88mm thick cores, the 003 is the thickest core paddle now available in Pickleball—at 20mm thick. In addition, the 003’s edgeless technology and FlexFoam Perimeter are durable, increases the paddle’s sweet spot size and, combined with the innovative Air Dynamic Throat, optimizes the paddle’s aerodynamics and swing speed.

Release Date:August 16th, 2022

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.

While edgeless technology has been around for several years, Selkirk is committed to introducing many new performance innovations to edgeless paddles. The Power Air focuses on durability, offers an elevated feel, complete with a polymer honeycomb core, and is the power paddle the Pickleball community has been asking for.

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 Purchase Price: $250

Power Air Technology

• Air Dynamic Throat: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 Super Core 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 paddlewith 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 teh VANGUARD or AMPED to the Power Air. Unlike traditional power paddles, the Power Air still offers large sweetspot and consistency.

Release Date: August 16, 2022

Power Air Purchase Price: $250

The Story

In-keeping with the SLK by Selkirk brand mission of bringing the latest Pickleball performance advancements to the larger community, the SLK Omega enables the everyday player to experience the next generation of Pickleball paddle technology.

Utilizing cutting-edge technologies, innovations, and insights from Selkirk Labs, the SLK Omega offers Selkirk’s proprietary power and spin technology at an unbeatable price.

SLK Omega Overview

• The preferred starter paddle for power players
• Delivers relentless power, with a surprising amount of control
• Enhances your spin and improves your drives and singles play
• Features a larger sweet spot than traditional power paddles
• The ideal paddle for tennis players new to Pickleball

SLK Omega Technology

• DuraEdge Edgeless Technology: Designed for optimal durability, the sleek, low-profile design and advanced DuraEdge technology enhances maneuverability, and extends the life of your paddle.
• GC9-Flex Dual Carbon and Fiberglass Face: Pairing the best of SLK paddle technology with a large sweet spot, the SLK Omega delivers ultimate power without sacrificing control. The original version of this technology was developed in Selkirk Labs for the 002, and a similar technology is utilized on the VANGUARD Power Air.
• FlexFoam Perimeter: 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.
• Rev-Core+ Polymer Honeycomb Core: Combining a powerful paddle interior with a large sweet spot, the Rev-Core+ Polymer Core is engineered for the win.
• NextGen Pro Texture: Utilizing a new era of spin technology developed in Selkirk Labs, the NextGen Pro texture takes power and control to another level, as a result of supreme spin.
• 360° Proto Molding: 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.
• SLK Ultra-Comfort Grip: created for confident hold, the cushioned SLK grip is stable, ultra-comfortable, and non-slip.

SLK Omega Shape

• MAX | Hybrid Traditional-Elongated Paddle Shape: The SLK Omega will be exclusively available in the MAX shape—a hybrid paddle shape that combines the ever popular elongated and traditional shapes.

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.

For AMPED & VANGUARD users

• Want more power and spin (or want to improve your drives and singles play)? If you feel like you are lacking power and spin, both the SLK Omega and VANGUARD Power Air will transform your game. We highly recommend the Power Air for tennis players as well. If you want more power and spin without sacrificing control, take a look at the Project 003.
• Like playing with the AMPED and/or VANGUARD paddles already? If you are a fan of our AMPED or VANGUARD paddles, we are confident you will love the 003! The 003’s control and increased sweet spot offer an immediate performance improvement with minimal adjustment time. You will experience similar control to the AMPED and VANGUARD, with significantly enhanced power and spin as well as improved aerodynamics and sweetspot. If you like the AMPED and VANGUARD but want to improve your drives and power game, consider the VANGUARD Power Air.
• Want more spin? All three of our new paddles optimize spin. Spin allows you to play more aggressively, prevents you from hitting balls too long, and creates more difficult shots for your opponent(s) to return. If you would like more spin in your game, we invite you to demo our new models, especially the 003 and VANGUARD Power Air.
• Want more control, consistency and a larger sweet spot (or improve your drop shots and dinking)? Our AMPED and VANGUARD paddles already provide superior control and consistency, particularly the VANGUARD. To keep your control, but increase your power and spin, we recommend you try the 003.
• Want a durable and aerodynamic edgeless design? All three models utilize edgeless technology for increased durability and aerodynamics. Additionally, Labs 003 and the VANGUARD Power Air utilize Air Dynamic Throat technology for maximum swing speed.

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