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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!
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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!