Welcome to the Paddle Test Roundup: Exploring New Picks for Players
Welcome to the May 2025 Paddle Showdown, where I share my insights on a variety of paddles I’ve been testing recently. This month, I zoomed in on three distinct paddles: the Selkirk LUXX, JOOLA Scorpeus, and Friday Fever. Each paddle caters to diverse play styles, budget paddles, and technological features—from fresh releases to economy options and top performers.
I appreciate the brands for sending these paddles for review; however, I want to clarify that this article is not sponsored in any way. The views presented here are mine alone, aimed at helping you find the perfect paddle for your game.
Discovering the Selkirk LUXX Control Air InfiniGrit
The newest Selkirk LUXX Control Air InfiniGrit series builds upon the success of its predecessor. While it stays true to its control origins, it boosts performance with enhanced spin and power. I had the pleasure of testing the elongated Invikta model.
Key Improvements Over the Original LUXX:
– Enhanced Power: This paddle has been fine-tuned for better offensive play, allowing for more effective counterattacks and easier power generation while remaining in the control category.
– InfiniGrit Surface: Selkirk has developed a unique gritty texture that truly enhances spin. This works as well as, if not better than, standard carbon fiber for spin. It also offers improved durability compared to the original LUXX.
– Revised Throat Design: A larger hole along with additional foam around it increases comfort and response in the sweet spot. However, this may lead to slightly less consistency at the paddle edges.
– Enhanced Feel: With a denser response upon impact, this paddle feels more substantial than the previous hollow design.
While these updates make for a compelling upgrade, a few drawbacks remain. It tends to feel a bit heavier than its forerunner, and consistency across the face may not quite match the original’s feel. Although the sweet spot is plush, there’s a noticeable drop in feedback and stability near the edges.
A quick mention about InfiniGrit: My testing is ongoing, but it looks promising so far. It seems to perform comparably to raw carbon fiber in terms of spin and durability. I’ll continue to evaluate its performance against these standards.
While the LUXX Control Air InfiniGrit shows solid improvements in spin and feel, it’s hard for me to recommend it for most players, especially with the 11SIX24 Jellybean available for just $100. The Jellybean strikes a fine balance of modern control and power, making it an attractive option. Unless you’re particularly loyal to the Selkirk brand or drawn to its stylish designs and lifetime warranty, the LUXX Control Air might not be worth the high price tag.
Customization Tip: For a better feel and balance, try adding six inches of half-gram-per-inch tungsten to the throat area.
Exploring Power with JOOLA Scorpeus Pro 4
Next up is the JOOLA Scorpeus Pro 4, which is known for its true power and widebody shape. This paddle is rare in that it combines elite baseline power with great responsiveness.
What’s New Compared to the Original Scorpeus 3S:
– Softer Feel: JOOLA added foam to the throat for a smoother touch with TFP technology.
– Lower Balance Point: This change enhances maneuverability during play.
– Maintained Offensive Power: It retains the power level seen in the Scorpeus line.
– USAP & UPA Approved: You can compete confidently knowing it meets official standards.
14mm vs. 16mm Options:
– 14mm: Offers a firmer feel with slightly less pop. The sweet spot, while still competitive, is smaller than that of the 16mm version.
– 16mm: Delivers higher power and pop, featuring an oversized sweet spot for more consistent hits.
For additional paddle specs, feel free to check out my comprehensive paddle database.
Friday Fever: Affordable Power for All Players
Finally, we have the Friday Fever, an appealing budget paddle option priced at just $100. This is the first Generation 3 power paddle accessible at such an affordable cost. Out of the box, it might feel light and potentially flimsy; however, with a few tweaks, it can transform into a formidable power paddle—making it an excellent choice for anyone eager to explore power paddles or wanting their first Gen 3 model.
The budget paddle market mainly includes control-focused designs, with few power options around the $100 mark. The Friday Fever stands out as the first budget-friendly option in this realm.
It boasts a gameplay experience similar to many Gen 3 paddles, showcasing a stiffer feel that falls on the lower end of the power scale. This makes it a good choice for players seeking some offensive help without going all out on a robust power paddle. Additionally, it maintains excellent maneuverability for a paddle of its size, differentiating it from most typical elongated power paddles.
My Setup: While the paddle lacks significant plow-through in stock form and features a smaller sweet spot, its lightweight nature allows easy adjustments. I added perimeter weight using tungsten tape to enhance stability. Specifically, I applied three inches of half-gram-per-inch tungsten close to the bottom corner and one-and-a-half inches at the top corner. This customization increased my total weight to 8oz, with swingweight rising to 116 and twistweight to 6.12.
The Friday Fever may not be the heaviest or most powerful paddle, but for its price, it does provide a unique blend of lightness, efficiency, and the potential for power with adjustments.
Making the Right Choice for Your Game
Selecting the right paddle can significantly enhance your experience on the court. The Selkirk LUXX Control Air InfiniGrit boasts impressive upgrades but may not provide enough value for everyone. The JOOLA Scorpeus Pro 4 offers powerful performance with an enhanced feel, making it a worthy contender. Meanwhile, the Friday Fever captures attention with affordability while giving potential for customization and improvement.
By considering your playing style and preferences closely, you can find the perfect paddle tailored to your game. Remember, it’s not just about the technology; it’s about how it feels in your hand and on the court.
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