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Head-to-Head Comparison

Onix Hype X Pro Raw Carbon vs Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air S2

The Onix Hype X Pro Raw Carbon scores 9.0 and the Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air S2 scores 8.6 on our spec-based rating scale. Calculated from each maker’s published specs; we don’t play-test paddles.

Ratings Head to Head

Onix Hype X Pro Raw CarbonSelkirk VANGUARD Power Air S2
Power9.59
Control87.5
Spin9.59
Sweet spot99
Research score9.08.6

Which Suits Your Game?

Player typeOnix Hype X Pro Raw CarbonSelkirk VANGUARD Power Air S2
Beginners8.88.5
Touch players8.78.3
Power hitters9.28.8
Spin players9.28.8

Weighted from the four ratings. How these are weighted

Key Differences

  • The biggest gap is power: the Onix Hype X Pro Raw Carbon rates 9.5 to the Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air S2’s 9.
  • Control goes to the Onix Hype X Pro Raw Carbon (8 vs 7.5).
  • The Onix Hype X Pro Raw Carbon also leads on spin, 9.5 to 9.
  • They tie on sweet spot (9).
  • Different shapes: the Onix Hype X Pro Raw Carbon is elongated and the Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air S2 is standard.
  • Core thickness: 14 mm for the Onix Hype X Pro Raw Carbon against 13 mm for the Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air S2. The thinner Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air S2 should give more pop; thicker cores lean toward control.
  • Price: the Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air S2 costs less right now (see the prices above).

The Verdict

Choose the Onix Hype X Pro Raw Carbon if you want more power, more control and more spin, especially if you’re a beginner or a touch player.

Buy at Onix PickleballBuy at Selkirk

Specs Side by Side

SpecOnix Hype X Pro Raw CarbonSelkirk VANGUARD Power Air S2
Weight7.75–8.25 oz7.7–8.1 oz
ShapeElongatedStandard
Length16.5 in15.75 in
Width7.5 in8 in
Core thickness14 mm13 mm
CorePolypropylene honeycomb (Reactive Honeycomb Core)Polymer honeycomb
FaceRaw carbon fiberQuadFlex hybrid (fiberglass + carbon fiber) with ProSpin+ texture
Handle length5.5 in4.375 in
Grip size4.125 in4.25 in
Price$119.99$100.99 (list $250)
USA Pickleball approvedYesYes

Specs as published by each manufacturer. Prices are checked daily on each brand’s own store; the checkout price is final.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, the Onix Hype X Pro Raw Carbon or the Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air S2?

On our spec-based scale the Onix Hype X Pro Raw Carbon scores higher (9.0 vs 8.6). By player type, the Onix Hype X Pro Raw Carbon suits beginners, touch players, power hitters and spin players better.

Which has more power, the Onix Hype X Pro Raw Carbon or the Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air S2?

The Onix Hype X Pro Raw Carbon rates higher for power on our scale (9.5 vs 9).

Which is better for beginners, the Onix Hype X Pro Raw Carbon or the Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air S2?

The Onix Hype X Pro Raw Carbon scores higher for beginners (8.8 vs 8.5), mainly from its sweet spot and control ratings.

Are the Onix Hype X Pro Raw Carbon and Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air S2 approved for tournament play?

Yes. Both are on the USA Pickleball approved paddle list.

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