Selkirk Luxx Series Exploring the Control Air Paddles
Introduction to Selkirk’s Latest Offering the Selkirk Luxx Series
Selkirk has a reputation for producing high-quality power paddles used by some of the top professional pickleball players worldwide. These paddles are known for their large sweet spots, powerful pop, and durable construction. In a recent development, Selkirk has expanded its product line with the release of two new pickleball paddles. However, these new additions are control paddles, a change from their usual power paddles. The new Selkirk Luxx series looks promising.
The Selkirk LUXX Epic and LUXX Invikta
The LUXX Epic and LUXX Invikta are the two newest paddle offerings from Selkirk. Both are designed for control, but they cater to different player needs. The Epic is an all-around paddle with a slightly larger sweet spot and more power, suitable for a range of playing styles. The Invikta, on the other hand, is tailored for players seeking maximum control, with a smaller sweet spot and less power, but greater maneuverability.
Luxx Control Air Epic
The Luxx Control Air Epic is a midweight paddle with a range of 7.9 – 8.3 oz. It features a grip circumference of 4 1/4″ with Selkirk’s Geo Grip, and a handle length of 5.25″. The paddle has a length of 16″ and a width of 7.9″. It is made with a Florek Carbon Fiber face and a Thikset Honeycomb core, with a thickness of 20mm. The edge guard is Aero-DuraEdge Edgeless, and the paddle is manufactured by Selkirk Sport and assembled in the USA.
The retail price of the Luxx Control Air Epic is $250.00, but it is currently available at a discounted price of $225.00 with free shipping from Royal Pickleball.
Luxx Control Air Invikta
The Luxx Control Air Invikta is a midweight paddle with a range of 7.8 – 8.1 oz. It features a grip circumference of 4 1/4″ with Selkirk’s Geo Grip, and a handle length of 5.35″. The new V2 Invikta shape has a slightly longer handle. The paddle has a length of 16.45″ and a width of 7.5″. It is made with a Florek Carbon Fiber face and a Thikset Honeycomb core, with a thickness of 20mm. The edge guard is Aero-DuraEdge Edgeless, and the paddle is manufactured by Selkirk Sport and assembled in the USA.
The retail price of the Luxx Control Air Invikta is $250.00, but it is currently available at a discounted price of $225.00 with free shipping at Royal Pickleball.
Selkirk Luxx Paddle Availability
The Selkirk Luxx Series Control Air paddles are available in three colors: Red, Blue, and Gold, with two model options – the Invikta and Epic.
The Technology Behind the Selkirk Luxx Paddles
The Luxx Series Control Air paddles incorporate several innovative technologies to enhance the playing experience for pickleball enthusiasts.
Florek Carbon Fiber
Florek Carbon Fiber is a proprietary blend of carbon fiber that offers unmatched control and added power, along with a larger sweet spot for optimal performance. Other paddle manufacturers use a variety of different carbon fiber blends, but Selkirk claims that Florek Carbon Fiber is superior in several ways:
- It is stronger and more durable, which reduces the risk of breakage.
- Florek Carbon Fiber is more flexible, which allows for better ball control.
- It is more responsive, which gives players more power.
- It has a larger sweet spot, which makes it easier to hit consistent shots.
X7 Thikset Honeycomb Core
The 20mm X7 Thikset honeycomb core provides players with more power and control, while the honeycomb construction ensures a consistent feel on every shot. The 20mm X7 Thikset Honeycomb Core is a proprietary honeycomb core material that is used in the Selkirk Luxx Series Control Air paddles. It is designed to offer players more power and control, while the honeycomb construction ensures a consistent feel on every shot. Other paddle manufacturers use a variety of different core materials, but Selkirk claims that the X7 Thikset Honeycomb Core is superior in several ways:
- It is lighter and stronger than traditional honeycomb cores, which makes it more durable and responsive.
- X7 Thikset honeycomb has a higher density, which gives players more power and control.
- It has a more consistent feel, which makes it easier to hit accurate shots.
Air Dynamic Throat
The refined Air Dynamic Throat in Luxx Control provides optimal airflow and enhanced ball control, ensuring a smooth, controlled gameplay experience. The Air Dynamic Throat is a proprietary design feature that is used in the Selkirk Luxx Series Control Air paddles. It is designed to improve airflow and enhance ball control, resulting in a smoother and more controlled gameplay experience. Other paddle manufacturers use a variety of different throat designs, but Selkirk claims that the Air Dynamic Throat is superior in several ways:
- It is larger and more aerodynamic, which reduces drag and improves airflow.
- The Air Dynamic Throat is located closer to the handle, which gives players more control over the paddle face.
- It has a unique shape that helps to create flex in the face, which further enhances ball control.
ThroatFlex
The ThroatFlex open throat design maximizes flex upon ball contact, extends dwell time on the paddle, and enhances power play, providing unwavering consistency in every game. ThroatFlex is a proprietary open throat design that is used in the Selkirk Luxx Series Control Air paddles. It is designed to maximize flex upon ball contact, extend dwell time on the paddle, and enhance power play, providing unwavering consistency in every game. Other paddle manufacturers use a variety of different throat designs, but Selkirk claims that ThroatFlex is superior in several ways:
- It allows the paddle face to flex more upon ball contact, which increases dwell time and generates more power.
- The ThroatFlex design helps to reduce vibration, which improves comfort and control.
- It is more durable than some other open throat designs, thanks to the use of high-quality materials and construction.
ProSpin+ NextGen Texture
The refined ProSpin+ NextGen Micro Texture technology developed in Selkirk Labs provides a more durable spin surface, ensuring unparalleled consistency and precision in shaping and controlling the ball. The ProSpin+ NextGen Micro Texture technology is a proprietary surface texture that is used on the Selkirk Luxx Series Control Air paddles. It is designed to provide a more durable spin surface, ensuring unparalleled consistency and precision in shaping and controlling the ball. Other paddle manufacturers use a variety of different surface textures, but Selkirk claims that ProSpin+ NextGen Micro Texture is superior in several ways:
- It is more durable than traditional surface textures, which means that it will last longer and continue to provide the same level of spin.
- ProSpin+ provides more consistent spin, regardless of where the ball hits on the paddle face.
- It gives players more precision in shaping and controlling their shots.
360° Proto Molding
Luxx Control’s 360° Proto Molding technology delivers exceptional power and a consistent feel on every hit thanks to its high-pressure manufacturing process. 60° Proto Molding is a proprietary manufacturing process that is used to create the Selkirk Luxx Series Control Air paddles. It is designed to deliver exceptional power and a consistent feel on every hit. Other paddle manufacturers use a variety of different manufacturing processes, but Selkirk claims that 360° Proto Molding is superior in several ways:
- It uses higher pressure than traditional manufacturing processes, which creates a stronger and more durable paddle.
- 360° Proto Molding allows for greater control over the molding process, which results in a more consistent paddle face and a larger sweet spot.
- It produces a more responsive paddle, which gives players more power.
Upgraded Aero-DuraEdge Edgeless Technology
The Luxx Control features an improved Aero-DuraEdge Edgeless technology, crafted from a specialty blend of impact-resistant composites and polymer, to ensure increased edge reliability during intense gameplay. Upgraded Aero-DuraEdge Edgeless Technology is a proprietary technology that is used on the Selkirk Luxx Series Control Air paddles. It is designed to improve the durability and reliability of the paddle edges, even during intense gameplay. Other paddle manufacturers use a variety of different edge protection technologies, but Selkirk claims that Upgraded Aero-DuraEdge Edgeless Technology is superior in several ways:
- It is made from a specialty blend of impact-resistant composites and polymer, which is stronger and more durable than traditional edge protection materials.
- Aero-DuraEdge is edgeless, which means that there are no seams or edges that can chip or crack.
- It is aerodynamic, which reduces drag and improves performance.
FlexFoam Perimeter
Originally developed in Selkirk Labs in the 002 paddle, FlexFoam Perimeter technology injects a specially formulated foam across the paddle’s entire perimeter to increase durability, add weight, enlarge the sweet spot, and absorb vibrations from every hit. FlexFoam Perimeter is a proprietary technology that is used on the Selkirk Luxx Series Control Air paddles. It is designed to increase durability, add weight, enlarge the sweet spot, and absorb vibrations from every hit. Other paddle manufacturers use a variety of different edge protection technologies, but Selkirk claims that FlexFoam Perimeter is superior in several ways:
- It is a specially formulated foam that is injected across the paddle’s entire perimeter, which provides more protection than traditional edge guards.
- FlexFoam adds weight to the paddle, which helps to increase power and stability.
- It enlarges the sweet spot, which makes it easier to hit consistent shots.
- FlexFoam absorbs vibrations from every hit, which reduces arm fatigue and improves comfort.
CM Anti-Torque Technology
CM Anti-Torque Technology features an ideal core thickness and perfect mass placement, providing unmatched stability for an even smoother and more controlled playing experience. This Technology is a proprietary technology that is used on the Selkirk Luxx Series Control Air paddles. It is designed to provide unmatched stability for a smoother and more controlled playing experience. Other paddle manufacturers use a variety of different technologies to improve paddle stability. Selkirk claims that CM Anti-Torque Technology is superior in several ways:
- It uses an ideal core thickness and perfect mass placement to reduce vibration and torsion, both of which can cause the paddle to twist and torque during impact.
- This results in a more stable paddle that is easier to control, especially on off-center hits.
- CM Anti-Torque Technology also helps to improve power and accuracy, as players can put more force into their shots without worrying about the paddle twisting or torquing.
Personal Thoughts on the Selkirk Luxx Series
While I have not had the opportunity to play with these paddles yet, I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of demo paddles to provide a firsthand review. It’s important to note that the claim of these paddles being “The Ultimate Control Paddle” is a statement made by Selkirk about the Selkirk Luxx Series, and I will reserve my judgment until I have personally tested them.
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