Selkirk AMPED Epic Review

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Looking for a new pickleball paddle? Here’s our breakdown and review of the Selkirk Amped Epic paddle after a week on the court.

So far, this Selkirk pickleball paddle is on top of the list for the pickleball paddle review leaderboard. Let’s dive in and see why!

Selkirk AMPED epic Pickleball paddle on a  court

Selkirk AMPED Epic Midweight X5 FiberFlex

Specs.

Skill Level: All Levels

Average Lightweight: 7.2oz – 7.7oz

Average Midweight: 7.8oz – 8.4oz

Height: 15.75″

Width: 8.0″

Grip Length: 5.25″

Grip Circumference: 4.25″

Sweetspot size: 9

Price: $150

Handle Length: Long Handle (5.25″)

Review: Selkirk Amped Epic

The Amped Epic pickleball paddle we tested was a true midweight paddle, weighing 7.9 oz. The overall paddle length is 15¾”, with an elongated 5¼” handle.

In addition to providing extra reach (or room for a 2-handed backhand), this pickleball paddle also provides plenty of surface area to give you added coverage without compromising playability. 

Of all the top Selkirk paddles we used, the Amped Epic pickleball paddle is the most balanced and has the largest sweet spot, leaving ample room for error. 

This translated into precise drops and drives, which regularly traveled exactly where we wanted them to. 

The thick core made resets and dinks as easy as any pickleball paddle we have used. Our dinks were effective and controlled, and we were able to easily take off the pace and control the speed of the point when resetting. 

Though the power is noticeably not on the high end of the spectrum, this was only evident from the baseline, as the ball played off the paddle with reasonable pop when attacking or countering.

In hands battles, we felt completely confident, knowing we could easily either counter with power or reset the point.

While the surface is not maximally textured, as some newer paddles have gone to, it did provide sufficient grit that my topspin drives tended to dive with surprising effect, and my slice backhand crosscourt dink bit the ball hard. 

Again, the playability with the Amped Epic is perfect.

Who Should Use the Selkirk AMPED Epic Midweight X5 FiberFlex?

We consider this pickleball paddle a hybrid, not overly weighted to power or control. As such, this can be an excellent choice for intermediate level players, who seek that balance of power and control, or for beginners as they transition to a more controlled game. 

Advanced players may find this paddle useful for its precision but may need to add weight to gain extra power from the baseline.

Given the midweight of the paddle and longer handle, this paddle could be considered for singles play, depending on the player’s style. 

Players who stay at the baseline in singles, however, may prefer a paddle with more power than the Amped Epic. If that’s the case, you should check out the Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 S2 or the Selkirk Vanguard Invikta 2.0

Final Thoughts On the Selkirk AMPED Epic

We have seen some complaints about the face of Selkirk paddles wearing off over time, but we find it disingenuous to comment on this after only six weeks of play with this paddle. Overall, the Amped Epic tested extremely well during both drills and match play. 

We highly recommend this paddle for players at all levels, beginner, recreational, advanced, and highly competitive.

PROS

  • Extremely versatile paddle
  • The length, thickness, and weight make for excellent balance – can easily add weight for desired power, control, or larger sweet spot
  • Incomparable sweet spot; ball plays true even with a minor mis-hit

PLAYABILITY SCORE

I’d give this paddle a 9 out of 10. The Selkirk AMPED Epic Pickleball paddle is a genuinely admirable paddle

Selkirk Amped Epic Rating

CONS

  • If you need to specifically add power to your game, this isn’t the paddle for you

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