AMPED Pro Air pickleball paddle offers blend of power and control

Selkirk Sport adds a pop of color to its paddle lineup with the AMPED Pro Air series. 

COEUR D’ALENE, IDAHO – May 21, 2024 –In a market that is largely dominated by paddles designed for either power or control, Selkirk Sport — the No. 1 manufacturer of pickleball paddles and equipment — is proud to today unveil the AMPED Pro Air, a paddle that delivers equal parts power and control. 

Created for players who refuse to compromise on their game, the AMPED Pro Air gives players the control they need at the kitchen line while allowing ample power on groundstrokes, serves, and put-away volleys. 

"We're thrilled to introduce our latest pickleball paddle, engineered for players who crave both power and precision. This paddle is a game-changer, providing the ideal balance for dominating the court with confidence,” Selkirk Co-Founder and Co-CEO Rob Barnes said. “With five vibrant colors to choose from, this paddle ensures players perform at their peak while making a bold statement on the court."

Improvements made throughout time

In 2017, Selkirk introduced the AMPED pickleball paddle, which was the first paddle on the market to enable both power and control. It was the industry’s first thick-core innovation, measuring 5/8 inches when all other paddles measured 1/2 inch or less. 

In 2023, Selkirk Labs — a program that allows consumers to be a part of Selkirk’s research and design process by offering their feedback on paddle prototypes — unveiled Project 005, an improved iteration of a paddle designed with power and control in mind. 

After receiving much player feedback, Selkirk Sport overhauled Project 005 to create the AMPED Pro Air, which builds on the successes of the original AMPED paddle in a new edgeless, open-throat package. 

Fast forward to today: the AMPED Pro Air delivers a paddle that strikes a happy medium between power and control, giving players the familiar feel of an all-court paddle, while incorporating next-level technology to enhance power on groundstrokes, serves, and put-away volleys.

What’s new? 

Although the AMPED Pro Air is an iteration of previous Selkirk paddles, the paddle features several new pieces of technology, including: 

• A new paddle face: Developed in Selkirk Labs, the AMPED Pro Air’s FiberFlex+ Fiberglass Face provides an ideal balance of power and consistency.
• An improved core: Taking a progressive leap from the original X5 Core, the AMPED Pro Air’s Honeycomb 16mm polypropylene core offers improved control, power and sweet spot reliability.
• An upgraded design: The Air Dynamic Throat, a new addition to the AMPED paddle, offers optimal airflow and elevated ball control.

Trusted by the professionals

The AMPED Pro Air will be used by several professional pickleball players competing on the Professional Pickleball Association Tour, including James Ignatowich and Jack Sock. 

"The paddle has a large sweet spot and offers the control and pop I need during intense rallies,” Ignatowich said. 

The AMPED Pro Air retails for $180 and is offered in red, green, gray, purple and blue. 

About Selkirk Sport

Selkirk Sport, manufacturer of pickleball paddles and accessories, is a family-owned and operated company. Selkirk Sport is based in Hayden, Idaho, in the shadows of its namesake, the Selkirk mountain range. Founded in 2014, Selkirk Sport was born from a passion for sport and the Western outdoor leisure lifestyle that was afforded to the company’s founders, Rob and Mike Barnes, along with their father Jim, who is Selkirk’s production manager. Backed by the philosophy of always pushing the limits, Selkirk Sport is committed to manufacturing products that deliver the highest performance with unmatched quality and service. Selkirk Sport has become one of the industry’s fastest-growing companies, with paddles used by many of the game’s premier players, such as Jack Sock, Catherine Parenteau, Parris Todd, Dylan Frazier, Mary Brascia, Maggie Brascia, James Ignatowich and a host of others premier players and national/regional champions.

Media contacts: 

Kyle Whatnall: Kyle@Selkirk.com

Brynn Grissom: Brynn@Selkirk.com