Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta Review

Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta Review

The Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta is a high-performance pickleball paddle crafted for aggressive players seeking maximum power and spin. Its generous sweet spot and extended length offer exceptional reach, enabling players to dominate the court with forceful shots. 

Designed to optimize power and spin, the paddle’s Vanguard Power Air technology delivers outstanding performance. While ideal for attacking play, players may find it less suited for delicate touch shots up close. The comfortable grip and professional aesthetic complement the paddle’s performance, making it a strong choice for skilled players who can harness its power and spin.

Specification 

Feature	Specification
Size	Invikta
Brand	Selkirk
Sport	Pickleball
Grip Size	4 1/8 inches
Material	Carbon Fiber
Skill Level	All
Frame Material	Carbon Fiber
Item Weight	299 Grams
Product Dimensions	16.5″L x 7.38″W

Pros

• Massive power & spin
• Exceptional reach
• Large sweet spot
• Sleek design
• Comfortable grip
• Durable build
• Ideal for attackers

Cons

• Tough to control up close
• Requires skill to manage power
• Not for beginners or control players
• It may be overly powerful for some

Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta: A Quick Overview

The Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta is a standout pickleball paddle that delivers exceptional power and spin. Its unique shape and balanced feel make it a joy to handle. The paddle’s ability to generate force and spin consistently impresses.   

Designed for aggressive play, the Invikta excels in offensive maneuvers. Its large sweet spot and extended reach provide excellent court coverage. The paddle’s construction is robust, ensuring durability for frequent use. The ergonomic handle offers comfort and control, enhancing overall playability.

The Vanguard Power Air Invikta is a high-performance paddle that combines power, spin, and comfort. Its sleek design and effective performance make it a strong contender for experienced players seeking a dominant edge on the court.

While it delivers impressive power, those seeking a slightly softer feel and enhanced control might consider options like the Selkirk AMPED Epic Paddle with its 16mm core, similar to the Gearbox GBX 16mm. For players prioritizing control without sacrificing power, the Selkirk Luxx Control Air Epic could also be a compelling choice.

Vanguard Power Air Paddle Features

The Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta Invikta is a high-performance pickleball paddle designed to elevate your game. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:

QuadFlex 4 Layer Hybrid Face

At the core of Vanguard Power Air’s Invikta exceptional performance is its QuadFlex 4 Layer Hybrid Face. This innovative technology combines two layers of Fiberflex and two layers of Quantum+ carbon to deliver an unmatched blend of control, power, and feel. The result is a paddle that responds precisely to your every stroke.

FlexFoam Perimeter & 360° Proto Molding

Selkirk’s advanced FlexFoam Perimeter technology and 360° Proto Molding process work in synergy to enhance the paddle’s performance. FlexFoam is strategically injected into the perimeter, increasing durability, and expanding the sweet spot, and absorbing vibrations for a smoother playing experience. The 360° Proto Molding ensures consistent quality and precision throughout the paddle’s construction.

Edgeless DuraEdge: Maximizing Sweet Spot

The Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta adopts the modern trend of eliminating edge guards to maximize the playing surface and sweet spot. While this design choice can raise concerns about durability, the paddle offers a surprisingly generous sweet spot considering its elongated shape.

Although not as expansive as some other models, the Invikta’s sweet spot is consistent and forgiving, minimizing mishits. Players seeking an even larger sweet spot might prefer the wider face of the Vanguard Power Air Epic.

Ultimately, the Invikta’s edgeless design contributes to a larger hitting area without sacrificing playability.

ThroatFlex

The Vanguard Power Air’s Invikta ThroatFlex design is engineered to maximize flex upon ball impact. This extended dwell time translates to increased power and consistency, allowing you to unleash powerful shots with greater control.

Drag-Resistant Aerodynamics

The Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta incorporates aerodynamic design elements that significantly enhance its performance. The paddle’s “Air-Dynamic” throat is particularly impressive, noticeably reducing air resistance and boosting swing speed. 

Despite its midweight classification, the paddle exhibits exceptional maneuverability, cutting through the air with ease. This increased swing speed translates to greater power on drives and overall shot velocity. 

The aerodynamic throat is a standout feature, not only visually appealing but also instrumental in delivering the paddle’s impressive power output.

Invikta Shape

The paddle’s Invikta shape is a standout feature. With a larger sweet spot compared to traditional elongated paddles, the Invikta offers exceptional power and court coverage. The extended surface area and long handle provide optimal reach and control for dominating the court.

Handcrafted in the USA

Selkirk’s commitment to excellence is evident in every paddle they produce. Each Vanguard Power Air is meticulously handcrafted in the USA using premium materials and cutting-edge technology. 

This dedication to quality ensures that you receive a top-tier pickleball paddle built to last.

By combining these innovative features, the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta provides an unmatched playing experience. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an aspiring player, this paddle is designed to help you realize your full potential on the court.

Performance

Power

The Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta is a powerhouse on the court. Its 13mm core combined with a robust four-layer face of fiberglass and carbon fiber delivers exceptional power with remarkable ease. 

The paddle’s springy feel translates into impressive depth on serves and drives, extra punch on offensive shots, and overall enhanced offensive capabilities. As a dedicated power player, I’ve noticed a significant difference after switching to the Power Air from softer paddles. 

Even compared to other high-power paddles I’ve tested, the Power Air consistently stands out as a top performer.

Control

The Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta delivers impressive control despite its power-oriented design. Its ability to execute delicate drop shots is noteworthy, often surpassing softer paddles in precision. 

The paddle excels in placing put-aways and attacks with accuracy, allowing players to target specific areas of the court. This combination of power and control makes the Vanguard Power Air a versatile choice for players seeking a well-rounded performance.

Spin

The Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta is a spin-generating powerhouse. Independent tests have consistently ranked it among the top spin-producing paddles on the market. 

Power Air Invikta is exceptional at imparting spin on the ball, which has significantly enhanced my gameplay. The increased topspin translates to better control over drop shots and allows for more aggressive driving shots without sacrificing accuracy. 

Mastering spin with this paddle has transformed my overall pickleball strategy.

Grip

The Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta features Selkirk’s Geo Grip, designed to absorb moisture and maintain a secure grip during play. The standard 4¼” grip size felt comfortable and performed well in hot conditions. 

While the Geo Grip technology is touted as advanced, my personal experience didn’t reveal any significant differences compared to other grips. Overall, the grip is functional and suitable for most players.

Swing Weight/Maneuverability

The Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta boasts impressive maneuverability, contributing significantly to its overall performance. The paddle’s relatively light swing weight allows for quick and effortless swings, making it easy to react to fast-paced rallies and execute a variety of shots. 

The paddle’s design, including the Aerodynamic Throat, enhances hand speed and agility, further contributing to its maneuverability. This combination of factors makes the Power Air a highly responsive and versatile paddle that excels in both offensive and defensive play.

Durability

The Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta is built with durability in mind. Featuring Selkirk’s FlexFoam Perimeter technology, the paddle offers increased resistance to damage and extends the life of the sweet spot. 

While the absence of an edge guard might raise concerns for some, the paddle’s overall construction and materials suggest it can withstand regular play. It’s worth noting that protecting the edges with tape can further enhance the paddle’s longevity.

Weight

The Vanguard Power Air Invikta strikes a good balance in terms of weight. Its solid midweight feel contributes to overall stability and control. While the face might initially feel slightly light, most players should adapt quickly. 

If you’re transitioning from a lightweight paddle, the Power Air’s weight should feel familiar and comfortable. Ultimately, paddle weight is a matter of personal preference, but the Power Air offers a solid starting point for many players.

Is a Selkirk Paddle Worth It?

Selkirk Paddles has garnered a strong reputation in the pickleball community for its performance and innovation. The brand’s commitment to crafting high-quality paddles, often incorporating cutting-edge technology, has resonated with players of various skill levels.

Key strengths of Selkirk paddles include:

• Power: Models like the Vanguard Power Air deliver exceptional power without sacrificing control.
• Spin: Selkirk paddles are renowned for their ability to generate substantial spin, a crucial element for modern pickleball.
• Control: While primarily known for power, Selkirk paddles offer impressive control, as exemplified by the Vanguard Control model.
• Durability: Built with quality materials and incorporating features like FlexFoam Perimeter, Selkirk paddles are designed to withstand the rigors of consistent play.
• Innovation: The brand consistently pushes the boundaries of pickleball technology, introducing features like QuadFlex technology and Aerodynamic Throats.

Ultimately, whether a Selkirk paddle is worth it depends on your individual playing style and preferences. If you prioritize power, spin, and control, Selkirk offers compelling options. However, it’s essential to consider factors like budget and personal preference when making a decision.

To make an informed choice:

• Try before you buy: If possible, demo different Selkirk paddles to experience their performance firsthand.
• Read reviews: Explore online reviews and player feedback to gain insights into specific models.
• Consider your playing style: Match the paddle’s characteristics to your strengths and weaknesses.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can determine if a Selkirk paddle is the right fit for your pickleball journey.

Final Thoughts

The Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta is a formidable contender in the world of pickleball paddles. Its exceptional power, combined with surprising control and impressive spin generation, make it a versatile choice for players seeking to elevate their game. The paddle’s comfortable grip and durable construction further enhance its appeal.

While individual preferences will vary, the Vanguard Power Air Invikta is undoubtedly worth considering for players looking for a high-performance paddle that can deliver exceptional results on the court.

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