Paddletek and Selkirk are two of the best and most respected paddle makers in the pickleball scene. They both create high-quality paddles for serious players. Selkirk’s paddles are pricier and appeal more to advanced and pro players. Paddletek’s more affordable paddles are better suited for intermediate players, or beginners wanting to invest in their first high-quality paddle.
Paddletek vs Selkirk: A Comparison
Paddletek and Selkirk are two of the leading pickleball-specific manufacturers on the market and have very similar business models.
Both companies are, first and foremost, paddle manufacturers. They make some of the best pickleball paddles and aim more at advanced players (or, at least, those who are serious enough to invest a bit of cash in their gear!).
Both companies offer a selection of different paddles marketed towards different types of players. They offer a range of paddle options:
- Graphite and carbon fiber paddle faces
- Paddles with large sweet spots and those made for maneuverability
- Heavier and lighter paddles
- Different paddle shapes
- Short and longer handles and different grip sizes
- Paddles aimed specifically at former tennis players
As well as their variety of different paddles, Selkirk and Paddletek offer a range of other pickleball gear, including hats, shirts, shorts, bags, paddle cases, and other accessories.
Paddletek and Selkirk both sponsor pro pickleball players:
- Selkirk sponsors Todd McGuffin, Parris Todd, and Maggie and Mary Brascia.
- Paddletek sponsors Anna Leigh Waters, Catherine Parenteau, and Kyle Yates.
Paddletek Overview
Paddletek makes high-end pickleball paddles aimed at serious pickleball players with a range of play styles. They offer three main series: the Paddletek Bantam, offering the best power; the Paddletek Tempest, providing control and touch; and the Paddletek Phoenix, for all-around playability.
Tempest Wave Pro
One of Paddletek’s best-known and highest-quality paddles is the Tempest Wave Pro. This is a composite paddle with a carbon fiber face and a carbon fiber/polymer honeycomb core. Though it is not the most powerful paddle Paddletek produce, they rank it as one of their best offerings for control and forgiveness due to the large sweet spot.
Equipped with a 1/8” shock edge guard and coming in thick and thin grip sizes, the Tempest Wave Pro is a light-to-midweight paddle – great for players who like to dink and want more control, or those who struggle with tennis elbow and need a lighter option. The handle is not that long, so it suits players with a one-handed backhand.
Bantam EX-L Pro
For players who like a little more bang for their buck, the Bantam EX-L Pro is the most powerful paddle that Paddletek produces. Featuring smart response technology for explosive power, a textured polycarbonate face for increased spin, and a polymer core with a honeycomb design for great feel and responsiveness, the Bantam EX-L Pro is perfect for power players after a new paddle.
Paddletek sponsors a number of the world’s best pros and has some especially incredible pickleball players from the women’s circuit, including Anna Leigh Waters, the youngest-ever professional pickleball player.
Selkirk Overview
Selkirk makes pickleball paddles for players who want the best quality equipment for their matches. Their two main collections are the Selkirk Amped series and the Selkirk Vanguard.
The Vanguard Power Air Invikta
One of Selkirk’s best pro paddles is the Vanguard Power Air Invikta. This is Selkirk’s preferred paddle for power players, featuring a large sweet spot, creating superior ball spin, and offering a surprising amount of control for the amount of power output.
The Vanguard Power Air Invikta features a paddle face made of fiberglass and carbon fiber and the traditional honeycomb polypropylene core. It is a great paddle for singles players and tennis players who have made the transition to pickleball.
The Selkirk Amped Epic
Another great offering from Selkirk (at a slightly more palatable price point!) is the Selkirk Amped Epic. With a standard shape and long handle, the Amped Epic is a great option for first-time buyers looking for a quality paddle but not wanting to break the bank.
Selkirk reps a number of high-quality pickleball professionals, including Tyson McGuffin, who has won four grand slam gold medals.
Paddletek vs Selkirk: Which is Right For You?
You should now have a decent overview of the types of products these two paddle manufacturers provide.
So the question remains: Paddletek or Selkirk? The big difference between the companies is price.
Selkirk’s most expensive paddles clock in at $250. Even their cheapest and least premium offerings will set you back at least $140.
Paddletek, on the other hand, has multiple paddles coming in at under one hundred dollars, and even their most premium offerings are only $179.99.
Due to this difference in price, Selkirk paddles appeal more to serious players who want a premium offering. If you play pickleball a lot or play competitively, Selkirk should be a strong contender for you.
However, if you’re an intermediate player looking to upgrade, or a beginner wanting to invest in their first proper paddle but not yet ready to make a huge financial commitment, you would be better off going with Paddletek. Their paddles are great quality, look brilliant, and perform well – but they won’t break the bank.
