Is this the BEST pickleball paddle for control? Selkirk Paddles: Luxx Control Air vs Vanguard

[@randyratterree3479]

I played with the Luxx for about 7 months now and really like the 20mm control, however there are 2 problems with it that are push me to the Vanguard Control - 1) the painted-on grit wears off and leaves a smooth spot in the middle 2) the hole causes some miss hits (for me about 1 in 30 to 40 hits on the hole and sputters into the net). Therefore I believe the VC is superior due to no hole and a surface (raw carbon fiber) that is much more durable! I would like to see the next VC version go to 20mm!

[@HighFivePickleball]

Thank you for the comment!

[@GD-dv3uk]

Great review, but I think it was deficient on one important category: how long they can generate top-tier spin. You mentioned that both paddles showed some wear to their surfaces but what does that mean to a 5 day a week player who just shelled out $200 to $250 for a paddle they expect to get a lot of life from to justify the high price? If my new paddle loses a significant amount of spin after just a few months there’s no way I would spend this kind of money on it. I’d keep on buying Vatic Prism Flash paddles at a hundred dollars a pop if all paddles are considered disposable after just a few months. Anyway, thanks for the otherwise very informative review!

[@HighFivePickleball]

Thanks for the comment and sharing your opinion. My paddles saw some wear after a few months, but to me the spin loss was insignificant and it doesn’t mean they’re disposable. I play 4-5 days a week and they held up if I cleaned them regularly. Every paddle will see some wear and tear after a few months, regardless of the brand or materials.

[@tshee107]

I just demoed both myself, I agree the Luxx felt magical! I am an intermediate player, 3.5 - 4.0, and could really feel the difference, especially liked the Luxx's grip better. At my playing level, the question is, do I need this high level of equipment? Yes I do and am saving up for it and will purchase one soon! Thanks for the great review...

[@HighFivePickleball]

Thank you for the comment! Use my code and you’ll get some digital gift cards with your purchase: adv-highfive

[@thechosenrose5305]

Did you end up getting it. I am considering it as well

[@jespb66]

You mentioned that the Luxx can absorb the vibration. Does that mean it’s good for people with tennis elbow? Cause I switched to ProKennex Black Ace Pro because tennis elbow and it did help! Wonder if you can compare the Luxx with the black ace? Thanks.

[@HighFivePickleball]

The luxx and black ace are very different in my opinion. ProKennex does provide absorbing technology to help with tennis elbow and it works. The luxx from my knowledge does not.

[@aaronsegal1682]

Didn’t you use to play with a ProKennex paddle? Are you now playing with the Luxx? And how do you compare to the Volair Mach 2 Forza?

[@HighFivePickleball]

I did! I’m playing with the Luxx now. I had severe golfers elbow and the ProKennex helped a ton with it.

[@jespb66]

How long have you been playing with Luxx? Does your golfer elbow not come back?

[@somtum2000]

The LUXX is AWESOME!!

[@seancusson72]

So I'm an intermediate player and am finally ditching the Amazon paddle for a real paddle. I know there are cheaper paddles out there but I'm always a believer in buying quality from the start so that I don't regret (and waste) spending money on something that isn't as good as something I could have spent just a bit more on. 1. I'm torn between both of these paddles. I've seen so many mixed reviews between the two (when comparing them). What turned me off of the Luxx was the spray-on Carbon and hearing how it comes off easier than other styles of surface. That got me worried. What happens when it actually comes off? Is that it for spins? Does the speed at which the surface rubs off determine its' shelf life? Now I understand all paddles wear down but, from what I've heard, the spray-on wears down much quicker and I would hate to pay more money for a paddle that won't last as long. 2. The other thing I wonder about is if an intermediate player would even notice the benefits of the Luxx over the Vanguard? Are these features that only a seasoned player would notice VS someone like me who is only now starting to work on the finer points of his game? Considering this is the first "real" paddle I'm going to own I have no reference for other real paddles so whatever I start out with will be the one I adapt to. 3. I guess the last question (sorry this is so long) is which paddle would be more forgiving to a player still learning? You talked about the Luxx having a larger sweet spot but that doesn't necessarily equate to more forgiving does it? Would appreciate any help because I keep hovering overt the buy button and both are currently sitting in my shopping cart. One of them has to go!

[@Dmc963]

was reading the comments and noticed nobody responded to you so because I played with both styles of paddles before on the court, this video is a a little bias towards the luxx both paddles are great for control If you want something to last a little longer go with the carbon face. The biggest negative of the luxx is wear of the grit…. people say both are good

[@seancusson72]

@@Dmc963 thanks for commenting. I ended up going with a Shogun from Bread and Butter but it's nice to about the paddle still being effective once the grit wears off.

[@HighFivePickleball]

Hey sorry for the delay - I saw you went with a BnB - I’m not super familiar but for anyone’s first “real” paddle I would recommend something at $100 or less, something like the SLK evo or a Hisk Rav Pro. You can get it for $56 and it’s very similar to a gen 1.5 Joola. I explain my reasoning in the link below. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXWVYampfsaFqassi=Hi7HqrOeEtx__-Iz

[@seancusson72]

@@HighFivePickleball thanks for the reply! I love the Shogun. Still getting used to it but zero regrets so far.

[@TimothyFisher-y7w]

Why not review the Vanguard Control S2 since it is the new release?

[@de_kien3203]

S2 is just the shape. Vanguard Control is the new release with 3 different shapes (Invikta, S2 and Epic)

[@HighFivePickleball]

Yep!

[@TimothyFisher-y7w]

@@de_kien3203 I get it now. Thanks for clearing that up!

[@t.rich.pictures]

Love my Luxx

[@HighFivePickleball]

It’s a great paddle imo - thanks for the comment!

[@robedwards6926]

How much weight and where did you place it on the Luxx?

[@HighFivePickleball]

I put a strip of tungsten on each side close to the throat. Each strip was .05 oz

[@donnacamardo4405]

what about paddles for beginners? don't really want to invest $250 to start out

[@RobertBucchianeri--Author]

I'd recommend the Ronbus R1 16. Great control paddle with plenty of spin and power. With discounts it should come in around $100

[@superneni31]

Vatic Pro Prism Flash Carbon Fiber 16 mm absolutely great! $99 on amazon 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@HighFivePickleball]

These suggestions are all good imo

[@hoyvintagecycles2936]

The ONLY paddle I feel is better than the Luxx is the "non certified" Gen 3 Joola.

[@HighFivePickleball]

That’s an interesting take! Thanks for commenting

[@echotango-az]

Hated the Vanguard Control, sold it after 2 days. Paddle is a turd. Luxx is much better.

[@HighFivePickleball]

Haha thanks for the comment