EVO Control Max
Selkirk SLK · Widebody
- Power
- 6 out of 10
- Control
- 8 out of 10
- Spin
- 7 out of 10
- Sweet spot
- 9 out of 10
Selkirk SLK · $80
Selkirk SLK Valkyrie Widebody
Probably the best true beginner launch of 2026.
Check price at Pickleball CentralSimilar paddles
If you buy through our link we may get a small cut. The price is the same and scores never change.
Our take
A vibration-damped 16mm widebody built for exactly one job: making a new player's first six months forgiving, comfortable, and cheap.
- Best forBrand-new players and social doubles regulars.
- The catchThe ceiling is real — this is a starter and social-play paddle, not something to grow into. The short grip also rules out two-handers.
Scores
Out of 10.
How it plays
- PowerSpicy
- 6.5 out of 10
- ControlGreat
- 8 out of 10
- SpinSpicy
- 6.5 out of 10
- Sweet spotPaddle wizardry
- 9.5 out of 10
For you
- Pop-up safetyGreat
- 8 out of 10
- Arm comfortCertified menace
- 9 out of 10
- Beginner-safePaddle wizardry
- 10 out of 10
- ValueCertified menace
- 9 out of 10
Scores synthesized from independent reviews and community consensus as of mid-2026. We keep refining them as real Noobs (including us) log court time.
Specs
- WidebodyBiggest sweet spot, least reach
- 7.9–8.1 ozon the scales
- Swing weight 110easy to swing, quick at the net
- Twist weight 7big sweet spot
- 4.25" handleone-handed
- 16mm corethicker: softer and quieter
- Honeycomb coreThe usual build: crisp, and quieter when thick
- Fiberglass facemore power, a bit less spin
- $80typical price
- USA Pickleball approvedfine for tournaments
Swing and twist weight measured by Selkirk.
Good for
- BeginnerNew, or under 6 months
- LightweightEasy to swing
Similar paddles
Pegasus Jelly Bean
11SIX24 · Widebody
- Power
- 6.5 out of 10
- Control
- 9.5 out of 10
- Spin
- 8 out of 10
- Sweet spot
- 9.5 out of 10
Quartz
Six Zero · Widebody
- Power
- 6 out of 10
- Control
- 8 out of 10
- Spin
- 8 out of 10
- Sweet spot
- 7.5 out of 10
Tempest Wave Pro-C
Paddletek · Hybrid
- Power
- 6 out of 10
- Control
- 9 out of 10
- Spin
- 7 out of 10
- Sweet spot
- 9 out of 10
Signature Pro Series 16mm
Franklin · Hybrid
- Power
- 7 out of 10
- Control
- 7.5 out of 10
- Spin
- 7.5 out of 10
- Sweet spot
- 8 out of 10
Warrior V2
Diadem · Widebody
- Power
- 8 out of 10
- Control
- 8.5 out of 10
- Spin
- 7.5 out of 10
- Sweet spot
- 9 out of 10
Not sure which one?
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll pick for you.