{"product_id":"selkirk-vanguard-pro-epic-pickleball-paddle","title":"Selkirk Vanguard Pro Epic Pickleball Paddle","description":"\u003ch1 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.375rem] font-bold\" data-sourcepos=\"1:1-1:41;0-40\"\u003eSelkirk VANGUARD Pro Pickleball Paddle\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"3:1-3:420;42-461\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick answer:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Selkirk VANGUARD Pro is a raw carbon fibre all-court pickleball paddle built for intermediate to advanced players. It uses 4 layers of 12K raw carbon fibre (double the standard 2-layer construction), a 16mm X5+ polypropylene honeycomb core, and thermoformed foam edge walls — giving strong spin and durability with balanced power and control, without excessive pop. Weight: 7.8–8.2oz. Grip: 4.25\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\" data-sourcepos=\"7:1-7:46;468-513\"\u003eWhat is the Selkirk VANGUARD Pro best for?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"9:1-9:274;515-788\"\u003eThe VANGUARD Pro is best suited to \u003cstrong\u003eintermediate to advanced players\u003c\/strong\u003e who want a genuine all-court paddle — one that performs consistently on both touch shots (drops, resets, dinks) and power shots (drives, put-aways), rather than being specialised for one style of play.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\" data-sourcepos=\"11:1-11:72;790-861\"\u003eWhat makes the VANGUARD Pro different from other raw carbon paddles?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"13:1-13:395;863-1257\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDirect answer:\u003c\/strong\u003e The VANGUARD Pro uses 4 layers of 12K raw carbon fibre on its face, compared to the 2-layer construction used in most raw carbon paddles on the market. The extra layers add multidirectional stiffness and durability while keeping the face responsive enough for power, which is what gives it a crisper, more controlled feel than standard single- or double-layer carbon paddles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\" data-sourcepos=\"15:1-15:61;1259-1319\"\u003eWhat core does the VANGUARD Pro use, and what does it do?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"17:1-17:309;1321-1629\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDirect answer:\u003c\/strong\u003e It uses Selkirk's X5+ 16mm polypropylene honeycomb core, developed in Selkirk Labs and used in Selkirk's Project 006 paddle testing program. The 16mm thickness prioritises control and consistency over raw power, making it well suited to players who want touch and shot accuracy at the net.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\" data-sourcepos=\"19:1-19:59;1631-1689\"\u003eIs the VANGUARD Pro a control paddle or a power paddle?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"21:1-21:349;1691-2039\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDirect answer:\u003c\/strong\u003e It's built as a balanced all-court paddle rather than a pure control or pure power paddle. The 4-layer carbon face adds spin and pop, while the 16mm core and foam-injected edge walls keep the feel controlled and vibration-dampened — so it performs both attacking shots and defensive resets without excelling narrowly at just one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\" data-sourcepos=\"25:1-25:16;2046-2061\"\u003eKey features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto w-full px-2 mb-6\" data-sourcepos=\"27:1-33:97;2063-2765\"\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"min-w-full border-collapse text-sm leading-[1.7] whitespace-normal\"\u003e\n\u003cthead class=\"text-left\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\" class=\"text-text-100 border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.6)] py-2 pr-4 align-top font-bold\"\u003eFeature\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\" class=\"text-text-100 border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.6)] py-2 pr-4 align-top font-bold\"\u003eWhat it does\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e4-Layer 12K Raw Carbon Fibre Face\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eDoubles the standard 2-layer construction for extra stiffness, durability, multidirectional support, and spin, while retaining a crisp, responsive feel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eX5+ 16mm Polypropylene Honeycomb Core\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eSelkirk Labs–developed core (used in Project 006) for consistent control and performance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eThermoformed Foam Edge\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eHigh-density foam-injected edge walls enlarge the sweet spot, absorb vibration, and add power and stability\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eOctagonal Handle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eImproves manoeuvrability, control, and shot accuracy versus a standard round handle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eEdgeSentry DuraEdge\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eLow-profile, lightweight, durable edge guard for balanced overall feel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\" data-sourcepos=\"37:1-37:23;2772-2794\"\u003eFull specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto w-full px-2 mb-6\" data-sourcepos=\"39:1-49:34;2796-3109\"\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"min-w-full border-collapse text-sm leading-[1.7] whitespace-normal\"\u003e\n\u003cthead class=\"text-left\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\" class=\"text-text-100 border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.6)] py-2 pr-4 align-top font-bold\"\u003eSpec\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\" class=\"text-text-100 border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.6)] py-2 pr-4 align-top font-bold\"\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e7.8–8.2 oz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eCore\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eX5+ Polypropylene Honeycomb, 16mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eHitting surface\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e4-layer 12K raw carbon fibre\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eGrip size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e4.25 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eHandle length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e5.3 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003ePaddle length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e16 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003ePaddle width\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e7.8 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003ePaddle thickness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e16 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eFactory grip\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eWhite Geo Grip\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\" data-sourcepos=\"53:1-53:59;3116-3174\"\u003eWhere does the VANGUARD Pro sit in the VANGUARD series?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"55:1-55:408;3176-3583\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDirect answer:\u003c\/strong\u003e The VANGUARD Pro is not an update to an existing model — it's a new all-court extension of Selkirk's VANGUARD series, sitting alongside the VANGUARD Hybrid, VANGUARD 2.0, and VANGUARD Control (released early 2024). It's designed specifically for players who want a best-in-class raw carbon fibre paddle with all-court versatility, rather than a paddle tuned narrowly for control or power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\" data-sourcepos=\"59:1-59:30;3590-3619\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"61:1-62:273;3621-3945\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the Selkirk VANGUARD Pro good for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e It's designed for intermediate to advanced players. Beginners are generally better served by a lighter, more forgiving paddle with a larger sweet spot and a simpler fibreglass or entry carbon face, and can move up to a paddle like the VANGUARD Pro as their skills develop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"64:1-65:288;3947-4311\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat's the difference between the VANGUARD Pro and the VANGUARD Control?\u003c\/strong\u003e The VANGUARD Control (released early 2024) is tuned specifically for control-focused play. The VANGUARD Pro is built as an all-court paddle, balancing control with more power and spin from its 4-layer 12K raw carbon face, making it suited to players who want to attack as well as defend.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"67:1-68:222;4313-4588\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the VANGUARD Pro have a lot of pop or power?\u003c\/strong\u003e It's designed to avoid excessive pop. The combination of a 16mm core and foam-injected edge walls keeps the feel controlled, while the 4-layer carbon face still generates enough power for drives and put-aways when needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"70:1-71:68;4590-4709\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat grip size does the VANGUARD Pro come with?\u003c\/strong\u003e A 4.25-inch grip as standard, fitted with Selkirk's White Geo Grip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"73:1-74:302;4711-5078\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the VANGUARD Pro suitable for competitive\/tournament play?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — it's built for intermediate to advanced players and designed for consistent all-court performance, which is the profile suited to club and competitive play. Confirm current USA Pickleball (UPA-A) approval status on the product listing if you're buying specifically for sanctioned tournament use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" data-sourcepos=\"78:1-78:159;5085-5243\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Selkirk","offers":[{"title":"16mm \/ 4(1\/4)","offer_id":48564768899264,"sku":null,"price":329.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/5610\/6432\/files\/Vanguard.webp?v=1783576296","url":"https:\/\/www.warriorsports.net.au\/products\/selkirk-vanguard-pro-epic-pickleball-paddle","provider":"The Warrior Sports Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}