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Head-to-Head Comparison

Selkirk AMPED Pro Air Invikta vs Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air S2

Both paddles earn a 8.6 research score on our scale, so the choice comes down to how they differ. Calculated from each maker’s published specs; we don’t play-test paddles.

Ratings Head to Head

Selkirk AMPED Pro Air InviktaSelkirk VANGUARD Power Air S2
Power99
Control87.5
Spin9.59
Sweet spot89
Research score8.68.6

Which Suits Your Game?

Player typeSelkirk AMPED Pro Air InviktaSelkirk VANGUARD Power Air S2
Beginners8.38.5
Touch players8.48.3
Power hitters8.88.8
Spin players9.08.8

Weighted from the four ratings. How these are weighted

Key Differences

  • The biggest gap is sweet spot: the Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air S2 rates 9 to the Selkirk AMPED Pro Air Invikta’s 8.
  • On control, the Selkirk AMPED Pro Air Invikta is ahead: 8 vs 7.5.
  • On spin, the Selkirk AMPED Pro Air Invikta is ahead: 9.5 vs 9.
  • They tie on power (9).
  • Different shapes: the Selkirk AMPED Pro Air Invikta is elongated and the Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air S2 is standard.
  • Core thickness: 16 mm for the Selkirk AMPED Pro Air Invikta 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.

The Verdict

Pick the Selkirk AMPED Pro Air Invikta if you want more control and more spin, especially if you’re a spin player.

Pick the Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air S2 if you want a bigger sweet spot, especially if you’re a beginner.

Buy at SelkirkBuy at Selkirk

Specs Side by Side

SpecSelkirk AMPED Pro Air InviktaSelkirk VANGUARD Power Air S2
Weight7.8–8.2 oz7.7–8.1 oz
ShapeElongatedStandard
Length16.5 in15.75 in
Width7.45 in8 in
Core thickness16 mm13 mm
CoreX5+ polypropylene honeycombPolymer honeycomb
FaceFiberFlex+ fiberglass with ProSpin+ micro textureQuadFlex hybrid (fiberglass + carbon fiber) with ProSpin+ texture
Handle length5.25 in4.375 in
Grip size4.25 in4.25 in
Price$100 (list $180)$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 Selkirk AMPED Pro Air Invikta or the Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air S2?

On our spec-based scale they tie at 8.6. By player type, the Selkirk AMPED Pro Air Invikta suits spin players better, while the Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air S2 suits beginners better.

Which has more power, the Selkirk AMPED Pro Air Invikta or the Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air S2?

They rate the same for power on our scale (9).

Which is better for beginners, the Selkirk AMPED Pro Air Invikta or the Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air S2?

The Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air S2 scores higher for beginners (8.5 vs 8.3), mainly from its sweet spot and control ratings.

Are the Selkirk AMPED Pro Air Invikta and Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air S2 approved for tournament play?

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

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