I come from a tennis background and have recently started playing pickleball. My heavy topspin and loopy swing pattern made it hard for me to find a paddle that suited my need for topspin. Selkirk Luxx is so far the BEST I’ve played with that suits my need for depth,control and dipping passing shots. I assumed lead tape would not be such a new concept for Pickleball players that mostly play tennis. 🤷🏾 I love this paddle and might be sticking to pickleball even I’m cleared to play tennis again. I see why older tennis players are quitting the tour to play pickleball.
They made this paddle (S2)for people who played a lot of table tennis (short handle and easier wrist flicks) and for players that love the game but will never be pros like you.That’s me and a lot of others I’ll bet.I am a 74 year old male at about a 3.5 level and that’s my two cents.All the best,Jay.Thanks for the lead tape tip!
A review is only useful if the reviewer is honest about the shortcomings of a paddle as well as glowing about it's new features. Thanks for being candid. Other reviewers just glow about the new fangled stuff and gloss over the weaknesses.
Great review. I just played with my first ever Selkirk paddle today and it was the Luxx Epic. I have been playing with a Ronbus R1 Pulsar and my trusty Electrum Model E. I've never played with a paddle that felt like the Epic. Your description of closing your eyes and hitting the ball anywhere in the kitchen was pretty accurate. The sweet spot was huge. I normally hit my serves within 1ft of the baseline and that is one thing I couldn't do as well with the Epic. But, I think some lead will help with that. I've got tape on both the Pulsar and the Model E. The Epic also had a little bit of an unstable or rattly feeling but I think that is from the edgeless design. Again, tape fixes that. I'm ordering a blue one today.
Your review is spot on. I played 003 and felt the same sentiments and added lead to 10+ oz. Swung the paddle so hard I tore something in my shoulder. Great control and touch paddle, but zero power.
I tried to use your code to help the channel but Total Pickleball would not accept the code so I went directly through Selkirk. Thank you for your opinion on the paddle
The high sticker price accounts for USA made and Life Time Warranty. Plus there's a ton of R&D put into their paddles.Down side for me would be the "paint grit" that won't last. Since I only play a "ping pong" grip, the short handle is a non-issue for me. The control/plush feeling is what I'm looking for to improve my short/control part of my game. Guessing your'e not sponsored by Selkirk, thanks for the honesty.
DBD way poppier, as it’s a power/all court paddle. The Luxx is pure control and touch, so the power is not comparable. The sweet spot on the Luxx is amazing and for resets, it’s the best paddle out there.
Video refers to another older video where Ben is using 2 gram per inch lead tape, according to his product link, effectively adding 2oz. Are you adding 2oz to the Luxx?@@BrionesPickleball
This is one of the softest paddles on the market, so the control air is top tier and the spin is going to be pretty close compared to the two you mentioned in my opinion. Power is going to be less, as this is a total control paddle.
Hey, great vid. I was wondering why you prefer the Epic? I tried the Invicta today and found the swingweight a bit high for my flick. It's odd because I found out the swingweight was 115 but it feels heavier. I have other paddles that have a 115 swingweight and they don't feel like this. Maybe its the bulkier 20mm. Do you think the Epic would be better?
@BrionesPickleball Ok...I'm exchanging it for the Epic. This paddle has the best control I've ever played with. And I've played with a lot of different paddles. Hopefully the Epic will fix this.
Thank you for the review. I have been using a Vatic Pro Carbon Fiber 16mm. I like it but it just sometimes has too much power. I feel like the ball just rises a bit too much. I’ve been looking for a control paddle and wondering if this would be an option
About 8.3-5. If you’re used to something really light, then you may not like it. It is totally good for hands battles for me. The big power is the only thing it lacks, so if you want to be able to have a huge counter, then it may not be for you.
They are both control paddles, but the Luxx is going to be the “softest” paddle in the market . Luxx is also edgeless, and the Scorpeus will have more pop and power
We’ll make a video On this soon. But here’s a reference of how we did it. Why the Six Zero Double Black Diamond is Absolutely Worth It czcams.com/video/48Or6aQQ-pA/video.html
This has much less power. It is a total control paddle. If you want a paddle that has amazing touch, and you have more than enough power in your game, this is a great paddle to have.
Used the 003 for 8 months, with an ounce of lead tape on it. It trained me how to do resets, drops and defense. No pop for hands battles, though, so I finally adjusted to a Six Zero DBD. I feel like the 003 is a crutch, that was keeping me from maximizing my game, because I could learn to do resets with the DBD, but I could not get putaway power or pop with the 003. Sounds like the Luxx is similar. My advice, work on the skills to use a forgiving all-court paddle.
So would you say this is your Go To daily paddle? Singles and Doubles? I have an Invicta Air and control is challenging at the kitchen line. I, and I guess many others, am looking for slightly less power, (but not much less) and also gain a ton more control. Thoughts? Thanks!
You cant have it both ways dude. Either you want a control paddle or a power paddle. Its 20mm thick. You cant drive nails with a pillow and you cant rest your head at night on a hammer. You have to choose. For every advantage we gain in paddles, we have to give up something.
It is different, has more control and better feel, less pop. If you really like that paddle, I’d get the SLK halo 16mm as it’s closer to what you like.
I play with Invicta Vanguard 2.0 around 8oz. Good control paddle I think, but power not great. I love the control, but probably could use a little more pop. Which..006 or Luxx.... I like spinning the ball, too.??
I get that , but with seemingly 3 paddles from every manufacturer Power, Control, or middle ground just weight the edges appropriately form the factory in the design to extract the best performance and design that into the established swing weight so we aren't constantly upping the swing weight by adding lead to get the performance up.@@BrionesPickleball
Good points. I’d rather have the option to add lead weight IN the positions that best suit my game. I also like to experiment with amount and positions. You can’t (legality) remove weight from the paddles you buy. And lead weights are inexpensive. If the factory spec weight is 7.8, that allows players to use it as-is, or up the weight to 8-10 ounces as they desire.
It's not the same for everyone. If the paddles were preweighted, then what would people who want less weight do? You can always add weight, but you can't take weight away. It will always make more sense to make the stock paddle lighter, and the stock handle thinner, so that there's room to add weight and thickness. That means the paddle can work for the greatest number of people. Also, even out of the people who want to add weight, not everyone wants weight in the same place.
@@86309 If they add more weight to those areas from the factory, that will raise the "established" swing weight. Adding weight adds swingweight. Less so near the handle, moreso near the top, but adding weight always adds some swingweight. What you see as the established swingweight is just the swingweight of the paddle as they make it. Whether they add more weight, or whether we do it at home, the swingweight is going up, regardless.
How does the MÜVN 13s compare to this? Seems those are the two that should be compared. Oh, and where do you put your lead tape? Brahahaha. 😉 (that is a joke based on the plethora of lead tape question)
@@BrionesPickleball I don't have the opportunity to sample many of the paddles but I do have a friend that's a rep for Selkirk and have access to everything he gets his hands on not impressed enough to spend the $$$$ they want and to be honest most players I know the use them still complain about losing texture fairly quickly! Our family started with Gear Box and still prefer Gear Box over Selkirk. soooo I rely on one of the other YT podcasts reviews to pick and choose. I play the Diamond 6.0 and have a Legacy Pro for back up, I'm very happy with the quality and performance of the current paddles! my wife plays the DBL Diamond 6.0 and loves it.
If you thought you liked the 003, OR if you’re a “control” player, THIS paddle is for you 😊
Kuya how about the power and pop
Gee. I wonder what "control" paddle means.@@novubrown2780
@@novubrown2780with lead tape, it’s fairly good
Where did you put the tape?
4 inches, from the top of the handle up
I come from a tennis background and have recently started playing pickleball. My heavy topspin and loopy swing pattern made it hard for me to find a paddle that suited my need for topspin. Selkirk Luxx is so far the BEST I’ve played with that suits my need for depth,control and dipping passing shots. I assumed lead tape would not be such a new concept for Pickleball players that mostly play tennis. 🤷🏾 I love this paddle and might be sticking to pickleball even I’m cleared to play tennis again. I see why older tennis players are quitting the tour to play pickleball.
Awesome!
@Williams4Life Which LUXX version did you get? I also come from a tennis background and leaning towards the LUXX Invikta because of the extra length.
They made this paddle (S2)for people who played a lot of table tennis (short handle and easier wrist flicks) and for players that love the game but will never be pros like you.That’s me and a lot of others I’ll bet.I am a 74 year old male at about a 3.5 level and that’s my two cents.All the best,Jay.Thanks for the lead tape tip!
Awesome !
Thanks for the review. This paddle is an extension of my arm perfect for my power/speed type of game. Thank you
Sweet!
A review is only useful if the reviewer is honest about the shortcomings of a paddle as well as glowing about it's new features. Thanks for being candid. Other reviewers just glow about the new fangled stuff and gloss over the weaknesses.
Thanks!
I was hoping you were going to tell me where to put the tape! I have the paddle and the tape… where should it go?
I start it at the end of the grip and go 5 inches up on each side
Great review. I just played with my first ever Selkirk paddle today and it was the Luxx Epic. I have been playing with a Ronbus R1 Pulsar and my trusty Electrum Model E. I've never played with a paddle that felt like the Epic. Your description of closing your eyes and hitting the ball anywhere in the kitchen was pretty accurate. The sweet spot was huge.
I normally hit my serves within 1ft of the baseline and that is one thing I couldn't do as well with the Epic. But, I think some lead will help with that. I've got tape on both the Pulsar and the Model E. The Epic also had a little bit of an unstable or rattly feeling but I think that is from the edgeless design. Again, tape fixes that. I'm ordering a blue one today.
Awesome!!
Your review is spot on. I played 003 and felt the same sentiments and added lead to 10+ oz. Swung the paddle so hard I tore something in my shoulder. Great control and touch paddle, but zero power.
Not zero power, lol. Also, if you tore something in your shoulder, I would guess it’s due to lack of a warm up, or poor technique. That’s unfortunate!
it's CONTROL paddle. get Power Air or headgear Pro Power
Regarding the S2: Because those with one handed backhands and table tennis converts love that handle length.
💪🏼
Where did you put the lead and how heavy did the paddle end up total?
I put about 5 inches up from the top of the paddle grip. Mine is about 8.5-8.7
@@BrionesPickleball So your lead is the 1gm per inch?
@kimleith1378 .5
I tried to use your code to help the channel but Total Pickleball would not accept the code so I went directly through Selkirk.
Thank you for your opinion on the paddle
👍🏻 the code ADV-BRIONES was for Selkirk only
So which model is your go to, the epic or invikta and how much where did you end up putting the tape. Thanks for the great review.
I put tape on the bottom, close to the handle. I love the epic!
Jordans backhand is absolutely insane
lol
Great review. I’m fairly new to the sport, 7 months. Looking for a new paddle, I played with a lux today and it seemed very soft to me. Undecided
It’s one of the softest paddles on the market. Here’s another good choice :
czcams.com/video/-hUA24NorUg/video.htmlsi=c5Zat0DMLSVcWdoO
Took your advice, ordered the double black Diamond. I’ll keep you posted. Great discount. 👍@@BrionesPickleball
Great video, I was really curious about this paddle drop. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Do you have a video that shows how YOU apply the lead tape? Location on the paddle and how much extra weight..?
We will make one very soon!
@@BrionesPickleball did you ever end up making this video? I'd love to see where you added since my epic paddle is coming in the mail
Sorry. Have to get to this soon!
So in a price to performance and well roundness battle, do you prefer the double black diamond or Luxx Control?
Two different paddles, all around, the DBD takes it due to the power. For control, the LUXX hands down
Great review. BTW, how much and where did you apply the lead tape? Thx
At the 4 and 8 o’clock positions
where did you put the lead tape? thanks for the video
Just like this
czcams.com/video/48Or6aQQ-pA/video.htmlsi=ouecWbAQlxdcG5cM
The high sticker price accounts for USA made and Life Time Warranty. Plus there's a ton of R&D put into their paddles.Down side for me would be the "paint grit" that won't last.
Since I only play a "ping pong" grip, the short handle is a non-issue for me. The control/plush feeling is what I'm looking for to improve my short/control part of my game.
Guessing your'e not sponsored by Selkirk, thanks for the honesty.
I’ve been playing with mine a lot, so far so good
Sad though that they only honor the warranty in the US
Any idea why Sock sometimes changes during the game from the Luxx to the Power Air?
Not sure, but it prob has a lot to do with feel vs. power! I.e what he feels he needs
@@BrionesPickleball Does he still use the Luxx?
Great review here! May I ask, what was the weight of your paddle before adding lead tape and what did it weigh after? Thanks
8.0-8.6
Let me ask, if you had to choose one of the new Luxx paddles for everyday use, would it be the invikta or the epic?
For sure EPIC!!
Do you still have enough room for 2 handed backhands with the EPIc?@@BrionesPickleball
@@BrionesPickleball Thanks.
What was the lead set up? How did effect swing weight before/after
Swing weight is marginally affected, lead tape is this set up
czcams.com/video/48Or6aQQ-pA/video.htmlsi=ouecWbAQlxdcG5cM
Can you compare the pop at kitchen line, sweet spot and reset between Luxx Invikta and DBD? Thanks!
DBD way poppier, as it’s a power/all court paddle.
The Luxx is pure control and touch, so the power is not comparable. The sweet spot on the Luxx is amazing and for resets, it’s the best paddle out there.
THank I have one on the way and ready with the lead tape. Question where in the paddle did you use the lead. I'm thinking on the 9 /3 and the 8/4 .
For me, only 5 inches up from where the edge guard meets the handle
Ok that helps to have an idea ist the Selkirk lead tae?@@BrionesPickleball
@romanhernz3839 no I just use lead tape on Amazon
You mentioned tape but where on the paddle did you apply it? what was the weight of the paddle after adding the weight?
At the 4 and 8 o’clock positions
Where was the lead tape applied specifically which opened up this paddle to the power that you were seeking?
Just like this
czcams.com/video/48Or6aQQ-pA/video.htmlsi=ouecWbAQlxdcG5cM
Video refers to another older video where Ben is using 2 gram per inch lead tape, according to his product link, effectively adding 2oz. Are you adding 2oz to the Luxx?@@BrionesPickleball
I add about 1 once, I would do from 1-2 ounces
Where do you place your lead tape?
We’ll have to make a video on this soon !
What was your preferred lead tape setup for the LUXX Epic?
Like this:
czcams.com/video/48Or6aQQ-pA/video.htmlsi=ouecWbAQlxdcG5cM
When it comes to control, pop, and spin, How does this compare to the Ronbus R1.16 and the Joola Radius 16mm?
This is one of the softest paddles on the market, so the control air is top tier and the spin is going to be pretty close compared to the two you mentioned in my opinion. Power is going to be less, as this is a total control paddle.
Hey, great vid. I was wondering why you prefer the Epic? I tried the Invicta today and found the swingweight a bit high for my flick. It's odd because I found out the swingweight was 115 but it feels heavier. I have other paddles that have a 115 swingweight and they don't feel like this. Maybe its the bulkier 20mm.
Do you think the Epic would be better?
This is why I like the epic
@BrionesPickleball Ok...I'm exchanging it for the Epic. This paddle has the best control I've ever played with. And I've played with a lot of different paddles. Hopefully the Epic will fix this.
What do you suggest in terms of lead tape placement for a bit more power on the LUXX?
I start from the top of the grip at go 6 inches up
Thank you for the review. I have been using a Vatic Pro Carbon Fiber 16mm. I like it but it just sometimes has too much power. I feel like the ball just rises a bit too much. I’ve been looking for a control paddle and wondering if this would be an option
This is a good option, or if you like vatic, the vatic flash is also a good option.
Hey Jordan. You look different on this video. 😂 Will test drive this paddle. Thanks!
😎
Previous version cost 333 so at 250 this is an improvement right 😅😅
It’s great at $250, lifetime warranty.
What was your lead tape set up?
Same as always for me. Adding lead tape at the 4 and 8 o’clock positions
Can you explain where you placed your lead tape?
We’re going to make a video on this very soon!
Why epic over invikta? I’m trying to decide between the 2. More power with invikta i see. Is there enough room for a 2 handed backhand on the epic?
Yes there definitely is. The power difference is very minimal.
Coming from a pingpang background, s2 is the best for me, way better than my joola, dbd, mach2, s2 is my favorite!!!
Great
What’s the final weight of paddle after lead? Does is still feel fast for hand battles?
About 8.3-5.
If you’re used to something really light, then you may not like it. It is totally good for hands battles for me. The big power is the only thing it lacks, so if you want to be able to have a huge counter, then it may not be for you.
Does anyone with experience with both the Luxx and Scorpeus 16mm have any comparisons?
They are both control paddles, but the Luxx is going to be the “softest” paddle in the market . Luxx is also edgeless, and the Scorpeus will have more pop and power
Can you explain where you put the lead tape on the Luxx paddle
I like to put it from the top of the paddle handle 5-7 inches up
Where did you put the lead tape on the Luxx EPic?
We’ll make a video
On this soon.
But here’s a reference of how we did it.
Why the Six Zero Double Black Diamond is Absolutely Worth It
czcams.com/video/48Or6aQQ-pA/video.html
Where did you put the lead tape?
At the 4 and 8 o’clock positions
How would you compare these paddles to the double black diamond?
This has much less power. It is a total control paddle. If you want a paddle that has amazing touch, and you have more than enough power in your game, this is a great paddle to have.
Used the 003 for 8 months, with an ounce of lead tape on it. It trained me how to do resets, drops and defense. No pop for hands battles, though, so I finally adjusted to a Six Zero DBD. I feel like the 003 is a crutch, that was keeping me from maximizing my game, because I could learn to do resets with the DBD, but I could not get putaway power or pop with the 003. Sounds like the Luxx is similar. My advice, work on the skills to use a forgiving all-court paddle.
Every player is different, thanks for the comment
How much tape weight did u add and where?
Just like this video
czcams.com/video/48Or6aQQ-pA/video.html
Do you know what is the swing weight of the Luxx S2?
It’s definitely slightly lower than the EPIC and Invikta. I haven’t measured it but it’s definitely higher than 115
So would you say this is your Go To daily paddle? Singles and Doubles? I have an Invicta Air and control is challenging at the kitchen line. I, and I guess many others, am looking for slightly less power, (but not much less) and also gain a ton more control. Thoughts? Thanks!
This is much less power than your paddle. I would look into the 005 or 006 instead
@@BrionesPickleball Thank you!
What weight of lead tape do you use? Is it 1 gram per inch of .5 grams per inch?
I’ve tried both, I like the .5 so I can adjust it more
How does this compare to the Selkirk Halo XL control paddle?
Less power, overall better control
Where did you place lead tape? 3 and 9?
4 and 8
Where on the paddle did you put lead tape?
Around 4 and 8 o’clock
You cant have it both ways dude. Either you want a control paddle or a power paddle. Its 20mm thick. You cant drive nails with a pillow and you cant rest your head at night on a hammer. You have to choose. For every advantage we gain in paddles, we have to give up something.
I agree. Not sure who this comment was for lol
😂 😂😂
Daaa
I have been using the Vanguard 2.0 Epic. Is the Luxx Epic going to feel much different?
It is different, has more control and better feel, less pop.
If you really like that paddle, I’d get the SLK halo 16mm as it’s closer to what you like.
@@BrionesPickleball Thinking I should just stay with the 2.0. Thank you.
Np
How much lead weight did you add total?
About .75 ounces
Where do you put the lead tape on your paddle?
Usually around 4 and 8 o’clock
@@BrionesPickleball Thank you!!!
Where would you add the lead tape to these?
I like to put it from the top of the paddle handle 5-7 inches up
@@BrionesPickleball thanks!
I see a lot of questions about lead tape. That was mine too. What setup do you use and are recommending?
Same setup as this:
czcams.com/video/48Or6aQQ-pA/video.htmlsi=DlwHhtO7bM8WcGpK
006 vs Luxx ...are they similiar or more pop 006??
Totally different paddles…. More pop on 006
I play with Invicta Vanguard 2.0 around 8oz. Good control paddle I think, but power not great. I love the control, but probably could use a little more pop. Which..006 or Luxx.... I like spinning the ball, too.??
Does SK warranty the grit surface?
I’m not sure
would be awesome to have you try and see, I think you guys will certainly wear down the grit faster than most.@@BrionesPickleball
Spray-on texture :(
I doubt very much the texture will last. Just like the Power Air paddles.
So far so good…
How is the power and control compared to vatic prism flash
More control, less power
@@BrionesPickleballwow so even less power than the Vatic prism flash. I def have to reconsider then!
Slightly less yes
I have the prism flash it's lite, quick ,has pop and control.I guess if you put lead tape should make it even stronger
We’re have put lead tape on your paddle?
At 4-5 o’clock and 7-8 o’clock
WHY do we have to artificially add weight around the edges to get the performance where it should be. makes no sense to me.
Every pro does it to almost every paddle. It helps with stability and twist weight, which enhances the paddle.
I get that , but with seemingly 3 paddles from every manufacturer Power, Control, or middle ground just weight the edges appropriately form the factory in the design to extract the best performance and design that into the established swing weight so we aren't constantly upping the swing weight by adding lead to get the performance up.@@BrionesPickleball
Good points. I’d rather have the option to add lead weight IN the positions that best suit my game. I also like to experiment with amount and positions. You can’t (legality) remove weight from the paddles you buy. And lead weights are inexpensive. If the factory spec weight is 7.8, that allows players to use it as-is, or up the weight to 8-10 ounces as they desire.
It's not the same for everyone. If the paddles were preweighted, then what would people who want less weight do? You can always add weight, but you can't take weight away. It will always make more sense to make the stock paddle lighter, and the stock handle thinner, so that there's room to add weight and thickness. That means the paddle can work for the greatest number of people. Also, even out of the people who want to add weight, not everyone wants weight in the same place.
@@86309 If they add more weight to those areas from the factory, that will raise the "established" swing weight. Adding weight adds swingweight. Less so near the handle, moreso near the top, but adding weight always adds some swingweight. What you see as the established swingweight is just the swingweight of the paddle as they make it. Whether they add more weight, or whether we do it at home, the swingweight is going up, regardless.
How does the MÜVN 13s compare to this? Seems those are the two that should be compared.
Oh, and where do you put your lead tape? Brahahaha. 😉 (that is a joke based on the plethora of lead tape question)
Will be reviewing MUVN soon
How much weight did you add?
Two 4 inch strips
@@BrionesPickleball Some strips are 1 oz, some are 2 oz. Plus different widths. Total weight is most useful info.
would help if people put down their age and skill set. A 20 year old will have a different perspective than a 40 year old and 60 year old.
👍🏻
"at that price ( $250), i would not recommend it vs previous version ( $333)"
?
@@BrionesPickleballthat was a quote from you. anyway, where do you suggest placing led? only bottom corners?
Bottom corners
Haven't played with a Selkirk yet that I liked. There are no perfect paddles probably but in my opinion Selkirk doesn't even come close!
That you liked or didn’t like? Lol
@@BrionesPickleball I don't have the opportunity to sample many of the paddles but I do have a friend that's a rep for Selkirk and have access to everything he gets his hands on not impressed enough to spend the $$$$ they want and to be honest most players I know the use them still complain about losing texture fairly quickly! Our family started with Gear Box and still prefer Gear Box over Selkirk. soooo I rely on one of the other YT podcasts reviews to pick and choose. I play the Diamond 6.0 and have a Legacy Pro for back up, I'm very happy with the quality and performance of the current paddles! my wife plays the DBL Diamond 6.0 and loves it.
Limited lifetime warranty*
Thanks