We’ve often mentioned the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air. It really set a standard for paddles tested, and now, thanks to the good people at Selkirk, we’re able to review its control-oriented counterpart, the Selkirk Luxx Control Air.
Selkirk Luxx Control Air Specs (Invikta Shape)
- Paddle Length: 16.45 in
- Paddle Width: 7.5 in
- Core Thickness: 20mm X7 Thikset Honeycomb
- Grip Length: 5.35 in
- Grip Circumference: 4.25 in
- Static Weight: 7.8-8.1 oz
- Hitting Surface: Florek Carbon Fiber with ProSpin+ NextGen Texture
- Thermoformed: Yes
- Foam Injection: Yes
- Retail Price: $250
Pros
Sweet Spot
With heat-molding, foam injection, and carbon fiber becoming so prevalent in pickleball paddles, it’s becoming rare to purchase a paddle with a less than decent sweet spot. The Selkirk Luxx Control Air, even in its elongated Invikta shape, carries a respectable sweet spot and is enhanced further by a thicker 20mm core which allows for more absorption and consistency across the paddle face.
If elongated paddles aren’t your thing, you can find an even bigger sweet spot opting for the Luxx Control Air in its more standard (Epic) shape or its shorter handle (S2) offering.
Control
Without a doubt, the Selkirk Luxx Control Air has been one of the best control paddles that I’ve played with to date. Previously, with other paddles, I typically had a good idea of how good control was by consistency of dinks and drop shots. With the Luxx Control Air and a gradual improvement in the soft game, I notice how good of a control paddle I’m using when resetting and performing block volleys.
In an age of paddles with more pop, block volleys at my skill level sometimes are not the best option, as I have less control over the depth of blocking a really good drive. With the Luxx Control Air, I’ve noticed I sent the ball back over the net at a much more shallow distance. That’s beneficial because it buys my partner and I more time to prepare for the opponent’s next shot.
Again, the 20mm thick core is a huge part of the control factor on the Selkirk Luxx Control Air. More core allows for more energy absorption and a less errant return of energy. Even on strong overhead put aways, I get noticeably more decisive inbound shots as opposed to other paddles where I may occasionally let the ball get too far away and sail out of bounds.
Cons
Overall Power
While the Selkirk Luxx Control Air has respectable pop on compact strokes, the plow-through doesn’t seem to compare well with most elongated paddles currently on the market. This also means that you can expect even less on big swings with the non-Invikta shape, though in return you’ll likely have an easier time with control and the sweet spot.
For doubles play, I didn’t necessarily find dissatisfaction with the amount of power I could generate, but I certainly could tell there was a difference and that I needed to make small adjustments. I ended up adding weight more towards the head of the paddle for more plow-through and this seemed to work well for me (final static weight around 8.4 oz). Even so, I’m not sure I’d be comfortable with this configuration for any serious singles play. If I were to do so, I definitely think I’d need to add even more weight, which currently just isn’t ideal for me.
Additional Notes
- The ProSpin+ NextGen Texture is another attempt at painted/sprayed on grit as opposed to a raw carbon fiber and peel-ply combination. This isn’t ideal, however the frosty texture feels consistent with out-of-the-box texture still present after about a month of usage.
- I’d consider the Selkirk Luxx Control Air a very high spin paddle, possibly even top tier. There are a few paddle reviewers that offer databases with RPM results from testing if you’re big on numbers.
- The Aerodynamic throat hole of the paddle is effective at reducing swing weight slightly, however I would have preferred a bit more hitting surface and a longer handle as an alternative.
- This paddle is too beautiful for its own good. If you want to preserve the Luxx Control Air’s looks then I highly suggest Selkirk’s dedicated edge guard tape. Expect some scuffs (at the very least) if you decide not to cover the edges.
Selkirk Luxx Control Air Overall
The Selkirk Luxx Control Air is a great paddle for those that do not have problems generating their own power. It has an identity of it’s own as an excellent control paddle, especially among similarly priced paddles.
Is it the absolute best paddle for control? For my preferences it quite possibly is, but it may vary from person to person. For nearly a third of the price, there are paddles that are comparable in the control category. If you’re interested in playing with a paddle beyond the usual 16mm thickness, this definitely is one to try as long as you don’t mind paying a premium.
Personally, I’m looking forward to the next opportunity to play more with this paddle in between testing others. Thank you for taking the time to read, and keep coming back for the next review!
