Selkirk LUXX 2 Review: Worth Its Price?
Selkirk LUXX 2 Review: Is This Control Paddle Worth It?
Selkirk LUXX 2: The Selkirk LUXX Control Air 2, has been making waves among players looking for spin, feel, and finesse. But with a $280 price tag and a history of grit durability issues, we wanted to take a closer look at what this new paddle version really offers.
This article is not a personal review or performance test. It is a curated and analyzed compilation of expert opinions, published data, and early user impressions. We’ve cross-checked multiple sources to help you understand the LUXX 2’s potential, and whether it might be the right fit for your game.
Who This Helps:
Players researching whether the Selkirk LUXX 2 offers enough innovation in spin and feel to justify its premium price tag.
What You Should Know About the LUXX 2:
- Improved spin and feel vs original LUXX, thanks to InfiniGrit and foam enhancements
- Still firmly a control paddle, with modest power increase
- Priced high, great if you value Selkirk’s brand and build, but there are cheaper alternatives with similar control
Table of Contents
- What’s New in the Selkirk LUXX 2?
- InfiniGrit: A Fix for Selkirk’s Grit Reputation?
- Performance Highlights: What Early Testers Report
- Weighting Tips from the Community
- Is It Worth $280? Alternatives to Consider
- FAQ
- Final Thoughts
What’s New in the Selkirk LUXX 2?
Selkirk’s LUXX 2 Control Air is the next-generation version of its best-selling LUXX Control paddle. Here are the standout upgrades, based on manufacturer claims and third-party testing:
- InfiniGrit surface: Selkirk’s new spray-on grit reportedly lasts 3x longer than raw carbon fiber and increases spin performance.
- Foam-enhanced throat: EVA foam surrounds the central “Batman” throat hole, improving feel and vibration dampening.
- Thinner core: Slimmed from 20mm to 19mm for better maneuverability while preserving control.
- Visual tweaks: Updated shape and graphics give the paddle a more mature, balanced appearance.
PickleTip Quick Take: If you’ve ever joked about Selkirk’s grit wearing off mid-match (we have), the LUXX 2’s InfiniGrit might finally end that punchline.
InfiniGrit: A Fix for Selkirk’s Grit Reputation?
Spin has been a longstanding weak point in previous Selkirk paddles, often due to grit wearing off quickly. InfiniGrit may mark a turning point.
Selkirk states that the surface is structured with angular, pyramid-like peaks rather than the rounded “bubble” style of the original LUXX. Independent testers using Taber abrasion tests have noted almost no drop-off in spin after 20 hours of play, with spin remaining in the 2100+ RPM range.
However, some players have reported irritation from the textured edges during two-handed backhands. Covering those areas with edge tape or lightly sanding them has been suggested by early adopters as a workaround.
- Microscopic grit structure = more bite
- Surface durability appears significantly improved
- Minor hand irritation possible without adjustment
Performance Highlights: What Early Testers Report
Early testers and reviewers generally agree that the LUXX 2 is still a control paddle at its core, but with a modernized twist. Power output is slightly improved, particularly on full swings, and the overall feel is quieter, softer, and more grounded.
How does the Selkirk LUXX 2 perform on soft game shots like dinks and resets?
Early testers say it excels at dinks, resets, and blocking thanks to the softer feel from its foam-enhanced throat and quieter contact. However, the sweet spot is relatively narrow in stock form, something we’ll explore in the next section.
Key Testing Observations:
- Spin: Consistent and durable (low 2000s RPMs)
- Power: Slightly improved, especially on full swings
- Feel: Softer, more refined than original LUXX
- Control: Remains its strongest trait
- Twistweight: Low in stock form (5.8), can be improved
Weighting Tips from the Community
Due to its low twistweight and edgeless design, several testers and the community have suggested adding tungsten tape to improve sweet spot stability and balance.
Common Tape Placement Strategy:
- How do you add weight to the LUXX 2? Add 6–7 inches of ½ g/inch tungsten tape along the lateral edges from just under the neck to above the flare.
- Optional: Add a strip near the top edge to help with plow-through.
- Avoid placing tape too close to the grip unless trying to reduce swingweight.
PickleTip Pro Insight: If you’re new to weighting your paddle, don’t overdo it. A little tape goes a long way, and uneven application is worse than none.
Is It Worth $280? Alternatives to Consider
Several respected paddle reviewers have questioned whether the LUXX 2 justifies its price, especially with the strong control options available under $150.
Legend: ✅ = mild | ✅✅✅ = strong (relative to control-focused paddles)
| Paddle | Spin (RPMs) | Control | Power | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selkirk LUXX 2 | 2100+ | ✅✅✅✅✅ | ✅✅ | $280 |
| 11SIX24 Jellybean | ~2000 | ✅✅✅✅ | ✅✅ | $100 |
| Vatic Prism Flash | 2100+ | ✅✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅ | $139 |
Is the Selkirk LUXX 2 worth its premium price?
If you’re committed to Selkirk’s aesthetic, warranty, or community, the LUXX 2 could be a fit. Otherwise, you might want to compare it with these:
- 11SIX24 Jellybean ($100): Offers similar feel and control with solid spin and value.
- Vatic Prism Flash: Slightly more pop, great control and modern spin potential. For another in-depth look, check out our Vatic Prism Flash Review.
- Six Zero Sapphire: Another spin-forward option that competes well in feel and performance.
If you’re evaluating multiple control paddles, you might also like our Top Control Paddle Reviews for a broader perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. This article summarizes information from multiple public expert reviews and third-party tests. The author has not personally tested the LUXX 2.
Based on available testing, yes. Spin performance appears consistent and durable, even after extended playtime.
Players who prioritize control, spin reliability, and Selkirk’s lifetime warranty might find the LUXX 2 a solid match.
Final Thoughts
While this is not a firsthand playtest, everything we’ve compiled suggests the Selkirk LUXX 2 is a meaningful upgrade over its predecessor. It brings more power, longer-lasting spin, and better feel, without straying too far from its control-focused identity.
Whether it’s worth $280 depends on your priorities. If fee and brand loyalty matter most, it’s a solid bet. If budget, long-term grit durability, or sweet spot consistency are higher on your list, you might want to explore other options.
We plan to revisit this guide with firsthand testing once we’ve had enough court time. Stay tuned for that update.
Got thoughts on the LUXX 2, or a control paddle you swear by? Drop us a comment or email, we’d love to feature your take in a future roundup.
Explore more paddle guides and real-player reviews at PickleTip.com.
