If you’re in the market for a new pickleball paddle, you’ll likely encounter the top brands Joola and Selkirk. Both companies make high-performing paddles used by pros and amateurs alike.
This guide will break down Joola vs Selkirk – comparing paddle construction, technologies, models, and more.
Brief Comparison Table
Here is a brief comparison table between Joola and Selkirk pickleball paddles:
| Feature | Joola | Selkirk |
| Construction | Lightweight honeycomb or polymer cores, fiberglass faces | FiberFlex or polymer cores, carbon fiber faces |
| Technologies | QuadCore, HexLite Honeycomb, PowerWing | FiberFlex, X5 Polymer, Vibration Dampening |
| Grip Size | Smaller junior to midsize grips | Midsize to oversized grips |
| Models | Ben Johns, Vision | Amped, Omni |
| Texture | More surface textures for spin | Subtler dimples for control |
| Price | Budget to high-end models | Mid-range to premium pricing |
| Best For | Beginners seeking spin and touch | Intermediates wanting control |
Paddle Construction
A paddle’s materials and build quality greatly impact performance. Here’s how Joola and Selkirk paddles stack up:
Materials
- Joola uses various composites like Polypropylene Honeycomb, QuadCore Polymer, Nomex, Fiberglass. Selkirk uses FiberFlex and X5 Polymer composites.
- Joola focuses on lightweight, dampened feel. Selkirk emphasizes stability and power.
Core
- Joola cores include HexLite Honeycomb, QuadCore Polymer. Selkirk uses FiberFlex and X5 Polymer.
- HexLite honeycomb is dampened while QuadCore adds stiffness. FiberFlex balances touch and power.
Face
- Joola often uses fiberglass for face durability and responsiveness. Selkirk uses carbon fiber or composite faces.
- Joola textures faces for spin while Selkirk smooths faces for speed.
Weight
- Joola paddles range 7.4-8.6oz, favoring lighter designs. Selkirk is 6.9-8.4oz, offering heavier models.
- Light paddles boost maneuverability. Heavy creates stability and strength.
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Technologies
Joola and Selkirk innovate paddle tech to boost performance.
Joola
- QuadCore Polymer – Stiff core adds power and control.
- HexLite Honeycomb – Light, dampened feel increases touch.
- PowerWing – Flared shape adds spin and balance.
- EdgeSentry – Guards rim from wear and tear.
Selkirk
- FiberFlex – Core balances touch and stability.
- X5 Polymer – Durable, responsive face material.
- Vibration Dampening – Reduces vibrations and shock.
- ControlPro – Textured surface for better ball control.
Joola focuses on lightweight responsiveness while Selkirk provides an array of innovations that dampen, strengthen, and add precision.
Grip Size And Shape
Proper grip fit ensures optimal paddle control.
Size
- Joola offers smaller junior grips plus 4 standard sizes from 4” to 4 1⁄4”.
- Selkirk provides 4 sizes from 4 1⁄8” to 4 1⁄2″ to fit wider hands.
Shape
- Joola grips have ergonomic shape with comfort contours.
- Selkirk features more rectangular grips with tapered ends.
Joola excels in smaller grip sizes for juniors and women while Selkirk accommodates larger hands. Both feature comfortable shaping.
Popular Models Comparison
Joola and Selkirk produce dozens of paddles, but these remain top sellers:
Joola Ben Johns
- 7.7oz, honeycomb core, fiberglass face
- Designed with pro input for control
- Touch-optimized for spin and quickness
Also watch the video!
Selkirk Amped S2
- 7.8oz, FiberFlex core, X5 Polymer face
- ControlPro for accuracy
- Balanced power and precision
Joola Vision
- 7.5oz, QuadCore core, Poly surface
- QuadCore adds stiffness and balance
- Durable but still maneuverable
Selkirk Omni
- 7.4oz, FiberFlex core, composite surface
- Vibration dampening for solid feel
- Lightweight with great touch
The Ben Johns and Vision represent Joola’s lightweight honeycomb designs, while Selkirk’s Amped and Omni showcase FiberFlex stability.
Paddle Face And Texture
Paddle textures create different levels of spin and control.
Joola
- Surface textures like Dot, Atomic, RPM vary grip.
- Guides ball placement and adds spin.
- Less texture for intermediate/advanced players.
Selkirk
- Primarily use dimple textures like ControlPro.
- More subtle, evenly spread out textures.
- Geared toward intermediate players wanting control.
Joola provides arrays of surface patterns for ample spin, favored by beginners. Selkirk uses fewer textures suitable for controlled shots.
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Price Comparison
Both brands offer paddles at various budget levels:
Joola
- Entry models like around $50.
- Mid-tier $80-130.
- High-end $140-200.
Selkirk
- Entry models around $90.
- Mid-range $140-180.
- High performance $200+.
Selkirk paddles skew slightly pricier but feature premium technologies. Joola provides strong budget and mid-priced options.
FAQs
As a Joola sponsored athlete, Ben Johns currently uses the Joola Ben Johns paddle model designed with his input. It’s lightweight at 7.7oz for quickness and maneuverability.
Joola pickleball paddles are designed and engineered in the USA. Manufacturing takes place in both China and Taiwan where component materials and paddle construction occur.
Pro Anna Leigh Waters is sponsored by Selkirk and uses customized versions of the Selkirk Amped paddle model in tournament play for its balance of power, control, and stability.
As a representative for Pickleball Central, pro Tyler McGuffin uses and plays a part in designing the Pickleball Central Engage Encore Pro paddle, favoring its graphite face and control.
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The Verdict
When choosing between Joola and Selkirk, consider your skill level and needs:
- Beginners benefit from Joola’s spin and lightweight power.
- Intermediates gain control from Selkirk’s technologies.
- Advanced players can excel with either brand.
Both companies produce quality, high-performance paddles loved by pros. Determine your ideal balance of touch, power, control and use this guide to select the right paddle for your game!