Selkirk Amped Pro: The Perfect Balance of Power and Control
In the ever-evolving world of pickleball, Selkirk has once again made waves with their latest offering: the Amped Pro paddle. As a long-time enthusiast of Selkirk and more recently a reviewer of pickleball paddles I was eager to put this new addition to the test. What I discovered was a paddle that not only meets but exceeded my expectations, a paddle that bridged the gap between the Selkirk Power Air and the Luxx Control Air in a way that few other paddles have failed to manage.
Video
As with most of the paddles we stock, we are currently creating a video series of paddle reviews to help you find your perfect match. You can find the Amped Pro Air Review here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpM5WHsDQi8&t=30s
First Impressions
Right out of the box, the Amped Pro catches the eye with its sleek design and vibrant colour options. Our test model came in a striking purple, a must have for our store. But the Amped Pro is more than just a pretty face – it's a carefully engineered piece of equipment designed to elevate your game in more ways than one.
Specifications at a Glance
- Weight: Approximately 8 oz (ranging from 7.7 to 8.2 oz)
- Length: 16.5 inches
- Width: 7.5 inches
- Grip Length: 5.25 inches
- Grip Circumference: 4.25 inches
- Core Thickness: 16 mm
The Perfect Middle Ground
Positioned between Selkirk's Power Air and Luxx models, the Amped Pro offers a harmonious blend of power and control. Where the Power Air sometimes proved overwhelming, especially with outdoor balls, and the Luxx occasionally lacked the necessary punch, the Amped Pro strikes an ideal balance.
The 16 mm core thickness – right in the sweet spot between the Power Air's 13 mm and the Lux's 20 mm – provides the foundation for this equilibrium. It offers enough depth for control during soft game play while still allowing for powerful drives when needed.
Innovative Features
Several key features contribute to the Amped Pro's performance:
- Fiberflex Plus Fibreglass Face: This new technology ensures consistency and power across the entire paddle surface.
- X5 Plus Honeycomb Core: Enhances control and expands the sweet spot to an impressive 7 out of 10.
- Pro Spin Plus Technology: A micro texture technology that improves the longevity of the paddle's gritty texture.
- Aerodynamic Design: With its edgeless construction and aerodynamic throat, the Amped Pro boasts a lower swing weight than many competitors.
Feel and Performance
One of the standout features of the Amped Pro is its exceptional grip comfort. The cushiony feel is a noticeable improvement over previous Selkirk models, making long play sessions a joy. As a player that suffers from Tennis Elbow (I haven't quite mustered the courage to call it Pickleball Elbow publicly yet) I found that this thicker comfier grip combined with the lightweight/swing weight enabled me to play for longer without fatiguing.
On the court, the Amped Pro shines in various aspects of the game. Its balanced nature allows for precise serving, controlled dinking at the kitchen, and powerful drives when the opportunity arises. The expanded sweet spot provides forgiveness without sacrificing feel, a combination that players of all levels can appreciate.
Value
At £180, the Amped Pro represents excellent value. It offers performance comparable to paddles in the £250 range, making it an attractive option for players looking to upgrade their equipment without breaking the bank for the asking price of a Luxx/Power Air.
Conclusion
The Selkirk Amped Pro is a testament to thoughtful design and engineering in the pickleball world. It successfully plugs the gaps of its predecessors (Power Air and the Luxx) while introducing new technologies that enhance play. Whether you're a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic beginner, the Amped Pro offers you everything you need on the court.
For players seeking the perfect balance of power and control, all wrapped up in a paddle that's a joy to use, the Selkirk Amped Pro should be at the top of your list. It's not just an evolution in Selkirk's lineup – it's a great step in the pickleball world for a performance based Fibreglass paddle.