Pickleball Magazine 3-6 Ambassadors | Page 92

s w e i v e R e l d d Pa IN THE KNOW BY JACK BANDEL PADDLETEK TS-5 PRO REVIEW Look/Cosmetics Updated sharp graphics with a large Paddletek “P” running the length of the face. Comes in four striking colors and in large (4-3/8”) or small (4-1/8”) grip sizes. Also comes in light (7-7.5 oz.) or standard (7.6-8.1 oz.) weight choices. Textured fiberglass composite face with Paddletek’s updated, thicker “916 Pro” poly core round out this latest offering. Serves/Returns/Groundstrokes The new thicker redesigned poly core gives the new TS-5 a much better overall feel and playability. “Predictable” comes to mind while serving and returning with this paddle. Power level is medium (less than the Bantam EX-L Pro), but still enough to get the ball deep without too much extra effort. Feels nice and balanced in your hand while taking longer swings. Spin potential is medium with the lightly textured face. Touch/Feel The TS-5 is known for outstanding control and this upgraded model continues in that direction. The thicker core seems to enhance control and adds more finesse and variety to your arsenal. This is where the TS-5 beats out its big brother, the Bantam EX-L Pro. Touch and feel is excellent when in a dink battle and its balanced feel gives the paddle great quickness on fast reaction shots. Sound/Sweet Spot Nice mid-frequency sound on center hits and no worries of offending your neighbors. The new thicker core increases the size of the sweet spot compared to the previous model and disperses energy better when deflecting hard shots at the net. Very playable for almost any level of player due to its even balance and lighter weight. Summary Great update from Paddletek to the already popular TS-5 model. Improves the recipe on a proven best seller and lots of choices when ordering makes this paddle highly customizable to fit your personal needs. Extremely well- rounded, easy-playing paddle that can handle whatever type of game you choose to play. TS-5 fans shouldn’t hesitate to upgrade when ready for a new paddle. This paddle should work for a large percentage of players out there. Give it a try! 90 TO SUBSCRIBE CALL 888.308.3720 OR GO TO THEPICKLEBALLMAG.COM SELKIRK AMPED INVIKTA X5 FIBERFLEX REVIEW Look/Cosmetics Familiar design from Selkirk with the “S” logo and two-tone graphics in light pastel colors. Four color choices let you pick your favorite. “Hybrid” paddle shape is somewhere between a “blade-like” shape and a conventional one. Comes with Selkirk’s cushy “comfort grip” in small or medium sizes. Fiberglass paddle face feels lightly textured. Serves/Returns/Groundstrokes The Invikta is wide (7.4”) and long (16.5”) so you get a lot of benefits without sacrificing much. Good power for serves and anyone who has seen Tyson McGuffin serving with this paddle knows what it’s capable of. The shape gives you lots of whip action and topspin when you apply the right technique. Groundstrokes are also a joy to hit and easy to keep deep. Touch/Feel Selkirk really added a nice soft touch to its paddles with the thicker Amped paddles and the Invikta shares that feel with the rest of the line. The word that comes to mind is “predictable.” You can measure your shots without any surprises after they come off the paddle. Touch and feel is very good for a composite paddle. High level of control anywhere on the court. Sound/Sweet Spot The sound of all of the Amped paddles is the same. Nice, satisfying, non-offensive sound. Definitely on the quiet side compared to most paddles. Sweet spot is good sized and this hybrid shape gives you the added length without losing too much width. Plays very much like a conventional shaped paddle. Summary Great addition to the Amped line of paddles and sort of an update to the Selkirk Amped Omni model. This paddle should appeal to folks who feel intimidated using a long, narrow paddle, but still need some added reach. Unique shape gives you the best of all worlds and seems to be working fine for the best singles player in the world— Tyson McGuffin!