Selkirk Luxx Control Air Epic Review
If you’re new to pickleball or a seasoned player looking to sharpen your control game, the Selkirk LUXX Control Air Epic paddle might be the perfect fit. Endorsed by tennis star Jack Sock, this paddle is designed for balanced play, offering a sweet spot that’s easier to hit compared to other paddles. This means more consistent shots and better control over where the ball goes, which is crucial for beginners and finesse-oriented players.
Despite its focus on control, the LUXX Control Air Epic doesn’t sacrifice power. You can still hit hard shots when needed, and the paddle’s construction allows for extra spin, adding another dimension to your game.
This paddle is USAPA-approved for competitive play and is proudly made in the USA. With its blend of best control, spin, power, and a forgiving sweet spot, the Selkirk LUXX Control Air Epic could be your weapon of choice on the pickleball court.
Table of Contents
Paddle Specification
Midweight Range: 7.9 – 8.3 oz
Grip Circumference: 4 1/4″
Grip Selkirk Geo Grip
Handle Length: 5.25″
Paddle Length: 16
Paddle Width: 7.9”
Face: Florek Carbon Fiber
Core material: Thikset Honeycomb
Core Thickness: 20mm
Edge Guard: Aero-DuraEdge Edgeless
Manufacturer: Selkirk Sport
Assembled in the USA
Pros
- Incredible spin potential: Add variety and trickery to your shots, making it harder for your opponent to predict your next move.
- Great maneuverability: The paddle feels light and responsive, letting you react quickly and swing with ease.
- One of the best grips in the game: Enjoy a comfortable and secure hold, minimizing fumbles and maximizing control.
Cons
Off-center hits: While the sweet spot is generous, mis-hits can feel a bit unforgiving.
Selkirk Luxx Control Air Epic A Quick Overview
The Selkirk LUXX Control Air boasts a sleek design with three attractive color options: red, blue, and gold. It promises a powerful game while retaining control, making it an interesting evolution from previous Selkirk offerings.
The intriguing aspect lies in the Floric carbon fiber face. While the name might sound like marketing speak, it refers to a proprietary layering technique designed to enhance both feel and spin on the ball.
First impressions are very promising. Picking it up, the LUXX Control Air feels familiar to its predecessor, but with a key difference. It has a more robust, solid feel, eliminating the slightly “hollow” sensation some players noticed with the previous model.
This increased swing weight translates to a noticeable improvement in stability. While the Selkirk AMPED Epic Paddle offers a different playing style with its emphasis on raw power, the LUXX Control Air provides a more balanced feel for players seeking precision and control.
Taking a few test swings confirms the initial hunch. The LUXX Control Air feels like an upgraded version in all the right ways. The weight distribution and balance are similar to the previous paddle but with subtle yet significant improvements. These refinements translate to a more solid feel and better control during gameplay.
Design And Feel
Selkirk understands that many pickleball players prioritize control above all else. They’ve poured countless hours into research, development, and testing to deliver the ultimate control paddle – the Luxx Control Air. This isn’t just another paddle; it’s a response to the neglected needs of finesse-oriented players, the tacticians who orchestrate wins with precision.
The Luxx Control Air speaks your language – the language of control. It’s crafted with industry-changing innovations and brand-new materials, all focused on a single goal: unmatched control for balanced pickleball players.
Building on the success of Project 003, Selkirk introduces transformative Florek Carbon Fiber technology in the Luxx Control Air. This innovative material expands the sweet spot, amplifies power potential, and optimizes your overall performance.
The lightweight Florek Carbon Fiber, combined with Selkirk’s trusted technologies like the 20mm X7 Thickset Honeycomb core and 360° Proto Molding, creates a perfect blend. You’ll experience unequaled control, exceptional spin, and ample power, solidifying the Luxx Control Air’s position as the ultimate control paddle.
Features
The Selkirk Luxx Control Air isn’t just another paddle; it’s a control powerhouse loaded with innovative features designed to elevate your game. Here’s a breakdown of the key technologies at play:
Florek Carbon Fiber
This proprietary blend is the heart of the paddle. It delivers unmatched control and surprising power, all while expanding the sweet spot for consistent performance on every shot.
X7 Thikset Honeycomb Core
Building on the success of previous models, the Luxx Control Air utilizes the trusted 20mm X7 Thikset Honeycomb core. This core enhances both power and control, with the honeycomb construction further maximizing the sweet spot for a consistently connected feel.
Precision and Control Enhancements
- Air Dynamic Throat: This refined design optimizes airflow for smooth, controlled gameplay.
- ThroatFlex: The open throat design flexes on impact, extending ball dwell time for more powerful and consistent shots.
- ProSpin+ NextGen Texture: This advanced micro-texture provides a durable surface for exceptional spin, allowing you to shape and control the ball with unparalleled precision.
Power and Stability
- 360° Proto Molding: This high-pressure manufacturing process delivers exceptional power and a consistent feel on every swing.
- Upgraded Aero-DuraEdge Edgeless Technology: The improved design utilizes a special impact-resistant composite blend to ensure edge durability during intense matches.
- FlexFoam Perimeter: This technology injects a special foam around the entire paddle, increasing durability, adding weight for powerful shots, and enlarging the sweet spot for more forgiving hits. It also absorbs vibrations, making every shot feel smooth.
CM Anti-Torque Technology:
This feature combines ideal core thickness with perfect mass placement, creating unmatched stability for even smoother and more controlled gameplay.
With this impressive combination of features, the Selkirk Luxx Control Air empowers you to dominate the court with pinpoint control and powerful play.
Performance
Sweet Spot
The LUXX Control Air boasts Selkirk’s biggest sweet spot ever, making it incredibly forgiving. This is thanks to ThermoFoam injected around the paddle’s inner rim, expanding the area that delivers powerful and precise shots.
For me, the sweet spot was a game-changer. Even off-center hits felt controlled and accurate, thanks to the comfortable feel of the ball embedding into the face. This was especially true for delicate touches like blocks, resets, drops, and dinks, where even the slightest imperfection can make a big difference.
With the LUXX Control Air, you can make those finesse shots with confidence, even if your contact isn’t perfect.
Control
Living up to its name, the Selkirk Luxx Control Air prioritizes control with an incredibly soft feel. The thick honeycomb core and unique Floric carbon face create a plush, forgiving response on every shot.
This makes it one of the softest paddles I’ve tested, comparable to paddles known for their control-oriented touch, like the Vatic Prisms or Selkirk’s own Vanguard 2.0. While it doesn’t offer the raw power of a paddle like the Vatic Pro V7 16mm Paddle, it excels in providing exceptional feel and touch.
This ultra-soft feel translates beautifully into exceptional control for finesse shots. Blocks, drops, lifts, and dinks become effortless, allowing you to manipulate the ball with pinpoint accuracy rarely seen in other paddles.
The responsiveness and forgiveness inspire confidence, empowering you to execute delicate shots with unmatched precision.
However, it’s important to consider that this extreme softness might require an adjustment period for players accustomed to a firmer paddle feel.
Power
Pickleball players looking for a control paddle with a little more bite will be happy with the Selkirk Luxx Control Air. This paddle addresses a key complaint about its predecessor, Project 003, which many felt lacked power.
Selkirk achieved this by strategically redistributing weight in the paddle and increasing its swing weight. The result? The Luxx Control Air delivers more pace on your shots while retaining the signature soft feel Selkirk paddles are known for.
While the power increase is noticeable, it’s important to remember that control remains the Luxx Control Air’s primary focus. Powerful strokes still require a full-body commitment for maximum effectiveness. Compared to some high-performance paddles, the overall power might feel slightly
Spin
The Selkirk Luxx Control Air shines in the spin department. The paddle’s Floric carbon face seems specifically designed to grip and impart heavy topspin on serves and groundstrokes.
While the paddle generates decent spin out of the box, maximizing its potential requires a slight adjustment in swing technique. By brushing the back of the ball and fine-tuning your swing path, you can unlock the Luxx Control Air’s true potential.
This refined technique allows you to generate incredible topspin, producing serves with a remarkable dip and arc. While some extra effort might be needed to achieve peak spin, the Luxx Control Air rewards players who put in the work.
Weight
Weight is a crucial factor in both power and control. The Selkirk Luxx Control Air falls within the midweight range, typically tipping the scales between 7.9 and 8.3 ounces. This weight selection stays true to the paddle’s control-oriented design while offering a subtle improvement over its predecessor, Project 003.
Through strategic weight redistribution, Selkirk has increased the Luxx Control Air’s swing weight without sacrificing its maneuverability. This translates to a more stable feel on the court, allowing for greater control during gameplay.
While the weight increase unlocks some additional power potential, it’s important to remember that control remains Luxx Control Air’s primary strength. Powerful strokes will still require a full body commitment and swing for maximum impact.
This balance between a midweight range, enhanced stability, and a touch of added power makes the Luxx Control Air a great fit for players who prioritize precision while still wanting the option to unleash powerful shots when needed.
Grip
The Selkirk Luxx Control Air caters to players who prioritize comfort and control right down to the grip. Featuring the brand’s signature Selkirk Geo Grip with a circumference of 4 1/4 inches, it offers a secure and comfortable hold for most players.
The handle length of 5.25 inches provides a good balance for two-handed backhands and overall maneuverability. This combination ensures you can maintain a confident grip throughout the game, allowing you to focus on precise shot placement and control.
Durability
One potential concern with the Selkirk Luxx Control Air is the long-term durability of its textured surface. Previous Selkirk paddles, like the Power Air, faced criticism for the quick wear of their grip coating. While the Luxx Control Air utilizes an improved version of this paint-grit texture, it still shares some similarities.
These textured coatings tend to show wear over time, especially in the sweet spot where the ball makes frequent contact. The softer resin used in the Luxx Control Air might offer slightly better longevity for the coating, but durability remains a consideration.
Considering Selkirk Luxx Control Air Epic? Here is What you Need To Know
The Selkirk Luxx Control Air Epic caters to players who prioritize control but crave a touch more power. Here’s a quick rundown of its key features:
- Luxuriously Soft Feel: The thick honeycomb core and unique Floric carbon face create an incredibly soft and forgiving experience, ideal for finesse shots like drops, dinks, and blocks.
- Enhanced Control: This paddle lives up to its name, offering exceptional control for precise shot placement.
- Moderate Power Boost: Strategic weight distribution improves swing weight for more power on drives and serves compared to its predecessor, Project 003. However, powerful shots still require a full-body swing.
- Spin Potential: The Floric carbon face excels at generating heavy topspin, allowing you to manipulate the ball with impressive dip and arc on serves.
- Midweight Balance (7.9-8.3 oz): This weight range offers a stable feel without sacrificing maneuverability.
- Comfortable Grip: The Selkirk Geo Grip with a 4 1/4″ circumference provides a secure and comfortable hold for most players.
- Durability Question Mark: The paint-grit textured surface, while improved, might show wear over time, especially compared to paddles with Electrode Dots or Diamond Crystal Polymer texturing.
The Selkirk Luxx Control Air Epic is a great choice for:
- Players who prioritize control but want the option for more power with a full swing.
- Players who value a soft feel and precise shot placement.
- Players who appreciate a comfortable grip and good maneuverability.
However, if durability is a major concern, you might want to consider paddles with alternative texturing methods that offer better wear resistance.
Is Selkirk Luxx Control Air Worth To Buy It?
The Selkirk Luxx Control Air prioritizes control with a luxuriously soft feel. It offers more power than its predecessor but still shines in finesse shots. While weight is optimized for stability, powerful strokes require full commitment. The textured surface might show wear over time.
Consider the Luxx Control Air if:
- You prioritize control with a soft feel.
- You want some added power with strong swings.
- Comfort and maneuverability are important.
Look elsewhere if:
- Durability is a major concern.
- You need maximum power without a full swing.
Should You Buy Selkrik Luxx Control Air Epic?
The Selkirk Luxx Control Air Epic prioritizes exceptional control with a luxuriously soft feel. While its power capabilities have been enhanced compared to previous models, powerful shots still require a full-body swing.
Here’s a quick analysis for discerning players:
- Strengths: Unmatched control for finesse shots, comfortable grip, improved weight distribution for stability.
- Potential Drawbacks: Textured surface may show wear over time compared to some competitors, power increase favors players with strong swings.
The Selkirk Luxx Control Air Epic is a compelling choice for players who prioritize precision and a soft feel. Its improved power delivery caters to those who can generate their own momentum.
Final Thought
The Selkirk Luxx Control Air Epic lives up to the hype as the “Goldilocks” of the Air Series, offering a balanced blend of power and control. While it shares the spin potential and build quality of its siblings, the textured surface might show wear over time compared to raw carbon fiber paddles.
This paddle is ideal for intermediate-advanced players who prioritize control with a touch of forgiveness, allowing them to pressure opponents with powerful drives, serves, and counterattacks.
Frequently Ask Question
Is the Luxx paddle worth it?
For aggressive players seeking a nuanced touch, the Selkirk Luxx Control Air prioritizes precise shot placement while maintaining exceptional feel, solidifying its position as a top contender in its price category.
Are Selkirk paddles worth the money?
Selkirk paddles can be worth the money, especially for their larger sweet spots and good control. However, consider your skill level – advanced players may benefit more, while beginners might find similar options at a lower price. Check reviews for specific models to see if they align with your playing style and budget.
Is Joola or Selkirk better?
Built to Last vs. Built for Speed: Selkirk paddles emphasize strength with advanced materials, while JOOLA prioritizes comfort and swing speed with ergonomic design. Both excel, but choose Selkirk for power and control, or JOOLA for speed and spin.