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Buy the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air while it's the cheaper of the two, otherwise the JOOLA Scorpeus CFS 16 for controlled feel.
A comparison the price list has turned on its head. The JOOLA Scorpeus CFS 16 at £140 is JOOLA's competitive offering with a 16mm core, popular on the US tour and increasingly seen on UK courts. The Selkirk Vanguard Power Air at £120 was once one of the most expensive paddles you could buy; it now undercuts the Scorpeus by £20, with the headline Air Dynamic Throat reducing drag through swings.
What actually matters at the kitchen line:
The Vanguard's niche feel divides players. Some swear by the throat cutout, others find it odd in the hand — try one before committing if you can. If you're at 4.0 plus level chasing spin and power, the Power Air at £120 is close to a bargain. If controlled feel matters more to you than reach and pop, the Scorpeus is worth its modest premium.
Hand-written editorial — not auto-generated. By Gary, RacketRise.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Pickleball Paddles | Pickleball Paddles |
| Sport | Pickleball | Pickleball |
| Skill Level | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Weight | — | 220-235g |
| Shape | Standard | Elongated |
| Core | Polymer honeycomb | Polymer X5 honeycomb |
| Surface | Carbon Friction Surface | QuadFlex Hybrid carbon fibre |
| Grip Size | — | 4 1/4" |
| Core Thickness | 16mm | 16mm |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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The main differences are: Shape: JOOLA Scorpeus has Standard vs Elongated. Core: JOOLA Scorpeus has Polymer honeycomb vs Polymer X5 honeycomb. Surface: JOOLA Scorpeus has Carbon Friction Surface vs QuadFlex Hybrid carbon fibre. Overall, the JOOLA Scorpeus CFS 16 Pickleball Paddle is best for intermediate players while the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Pickleball Paddle suits advanced players.
Neither is specifically designed for beginners — the JOOLA Scorpeus CFS 16 Pickleball Paddle suits intermediate players and the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Pickleball Paddle suits advanced players. Beginners may find both challenging.
The JOOLA Scorpeus CFS 16 Pickleball Paddle (£140) costs more than the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Pickleball Paddle (£120). Whether the premium is worth it depends on your skill level — if you are intermediate players, the extra investment in the JOOLA Scorpeus CFS 16 Pickleball Paddle can pay off.