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Buy the Vanguard Power Air if you want elongated reach for tournament play; otherwise a standard Selkirk Premium paddle is safer.
Same family, same price tier, very different remit. The Selkirk Vanguard Power Air is the headline performance paddle: 16mm thickness, elongated shape, polymer X5 core and QuadFlex carbon face with the gimmicky-but-effective Air Dynamic Throat. Built for players who already know what they want from a paddle.
The broader Selkirk Premium range covers more familiar shapes and constructions for players who want top-tier build without the elongated Vanguard feel. Within the same brand DNA, you're choosing between specialist competition paddle (Vanguard Power Air) and trusted premium all-rounders (Premium range).
Who fits where: - The Vanguard Power Air is for the competitive player who values reach, swing speed and tournament-level spin generation. - A standard Selkirk Premium paddle suits players who want Selkirk build quality in a more conventional shape they're already comfortable with.
Who regrets what: - The Power Air's elongated reach can feel awkward for players who haven't drilled with longer paddles. The premium price stings if the niche feel doesn't suit.
If in doubt, go conventional within the Premium line.
Hand-written editorial — not auto-generated. By Gary, RacketRise.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Pickleball Paddles | Pickleball Paddles |
| Sport | Pickleball | Pickleball |
| Skill Level | Advanced | Advanced |
| Weight | — | 220-235g |
| Shape | — | Elongated |
| Core | Polymer honeycomb | Polymer X5 honeycomb |
| Surface | — | QuadFlex Hybrid carbon fibre |
| Grip Size | — | 4 1/4" |
| Core Thickness | — | 16mm |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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The main differences are: Core: Selkirk Premium has Polymer honeycomb vs Polymer X5 honeycomb. Price: £150-220 vs £170-220. Overall, the Selkirk Premium Pickleball Paddle is best for advanced players while the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Pickleball Paddle suits advanced players.
Neither is specifically designed for beginners — the Selkirk Premium Pickleball Paddle suits advanced players and the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Pickleball Paddle suits advanced players. Beginners may find both challenging.
The Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Pickleball Paddle (£170-220) costs more than the Selkirk Premium Pickleball Paddle (£150-220). Whether the premium is worth it depends on your skill level — if you are advanced players, the extra investment in the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Pickleball Paddle can pay off.