Selkirk Sport adds the first raw carbon paddle to its main line with Vanguard Control
February 23, 2024
COEUR D’ALENE, IDAHO – Feb. 23, 2024 – Selkirk Sport, the leading manufacturer of pickleball paddles, today introduced the Vanguard Control paddle, the latest in raw carbon paddle technology.
Designed to deliver optimal spin and control, the Vanguard Control builds on the successes of the Vanguard 2.0 paddle and is the first raw carbon paddle to be sold on Selkirk Sport’s main line.
“This paddle retains the exquisite control characteristics the Vanguard series is known for, but amplifies the ability to deliver unparalleled consistency and spin,” Selkirk Co-Founder and Co-CEO Rob Barnes said. “After much research and development, we’re proud to offer this paddle, crafted for players who crave the ability to make the execution of precise shots appear effortless.”
Improvements through evolution
The Vanguard Control is the latest iteration of the Vanguard 2.0, which was released in November 2021 and replaced the original Vanguard Hybrid.
After two years of extensive research and development, Selkirk engineers are introducing proprietary Raw QuadCarbon Fiber technology with the Vanguard Control. The QuadCarbon technology allows for two layers of carbon fiber to be layered around the core on either side.
Traditional construction allows for one layer on each side of the core, but the QuadCarbon technology gives the Vanguard Control more consistency than traditionally constructed paddles.
Additionally, the Vanguard Control features a 16-millimeter polypropylene honeycomb core. Originally developed for the Selkirk Labs Project 006 paddle, this core technology helps absorb the vibration of the ball, providing a larger sweet spot and enhanced control.
Finally, the Vanguard Control introduces a new octagonal grip design, offering players greater maneuverability and improved shot accuracy.
The Vanguard Control will be used by several professional pickleball players competing on the Professional Pickleball Association Tour, including Rachel Rohrabacher and Lauren Stratman.
“I love the Vanguard Control because it’s a great blend of control and spin,” Stratman said. “It feels really solid when pace is coming at me, such as off volleys and counters.”
The Vanguard Control retails for $200.
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
