If you’re a pickleball player who’s heard terms like “Invikta,” “Epic,” or “S2” thrown around and felt a little lost, you’re not alone. Selkirk, a powerhouse in the pickleball world, offers a dizzying array of paddle shapes, and figuring out what they mean can feel like cracking a code. Are you giving up power with one shape? Does another make your shots more forgiving? As a family-owned brand from northern Idaho that’s grown from a 2014 startup to a leader with over 100 employees, Selkirk has earned its reputation by catering to players like you—everyday enthusiasts and pros alike. Their paddle shapes are a big part of that legacy, designed to match different styles and preferences. Let’s unravel the mystery of Selkirk’s shapes—Epic, S2, Invikta, Tour, Max, and XL—so you can pick the one that feels like an extension of your game.
Why Shapes Matter—and What’s a “Shape” Anyway?
Before we dive in, let’s clarify: a paddle’s “shape” isn’t just about how it looks. It’s the combo of its length, width, and handle length, all fitting within pickleball’s rules (total length plus width can’t exceed 24 inches). These measurements tweak how the paddle swings, where its sweet spot lands, and how it balances in your hand. Selkirk splits their shapes into two families: standard (shorter, wider) and elongated (longer, narrower). Each family has its own vibe, and within them, Selkirk’s options—like the Epic or Invikta—fine-tune the feel. Their main lines (AMPED, Vanguard 2.0, Power Air, LUXX Control Air) come in shapes like Epic, S2, and Invikta, while their SLK sub-brand adds Max and XL. Confused yet? Don’t worry—we’ll walk through each one.
The Standard Family: Speed and Forgiveness
Standard shapes are the go-to for players who want a paddle that’s quick to swing and easy to control. They’re shorter than 16 inches long, usually around 8 inches wide, giving them a squared-off look. This setup creates a bigger sweet spot (that perfect hitting zone) and makes them nimble—great for fast volleys at the net. Selkirk’s standard lineup includes the Epic, S2, and Max (from SLK). Here’s what they’re all about:
Epic: Think of the Epic as the friendly all-rounder. At 16 inches long and 7.8 to 8 inches wide, with a 5.25- to 5.3-inch handle, it’s got a semi-long grip that’s comfy for one or two hands. It’s less head-heavy than longer shapes, so it’s easier to whip around, and its sweet spot feels generous. Newbies love it for its forgiving nature, and tennis converts appreciate how it helps with soft shots like dinks. If you’re unsure where to start, the Epic’s a safe bet—versatile enough for any court situation.
S2: The S2 is the widebody champ, measuring 15.75 to 15.8 inches long and a hefty 8.2 inches wide, paired with a shorter 4.5- to 4.7-inch handle. That extra width maxes out the sweet spot, making it super consistent—ideal if you’re still finding your rhythm or just want every hit to feel solid. It’s a favorite among dedicated players and table tennis fans for its stability, but the short handle means two-handed shots can feel cramped. If you’re a one-handed player who loves control over power, the S2 shines.
Max: Exclusive to the SLK line, the Max is a standard shape at 16 inches long and 7.85 inches wide, with a 4.85-inch handle. It’s a bit wider than the Epic but shorter than elongated options, striking a balance between forgiveness and reach. Like the Epic, it’s agile and forgiving, but the stubby handle might pinch if you’re a two-handed backhand fan. It’s a versatile pick for players who want a less tip-heavy feel without diving into widebody territory.
The Elongated Family: Reach and Power
Elongated shapes stretch things out—literally. They clock in at 16.4 to 16.5 inches long and slim down to 7.375 to 7.44 inches wide, trading some sweet spot size for extra reach and oomph. These paddles feel more head-heavy, which boosts power but can slow your swing a bit. They’re perfect if you’re chasing shots at the baseline or love smashing drives. Selkirk’s elongated crew includes the Invikta, Tour, and XL (from SLK). Let’s meet them:
Invikta: The Invikta’s the star of the elongated pack, at 16.45 inches long and 7.44 inches wide, with a handle ranging from 5.25 inches (Power Air) to 5.5 inches (Vanguard Control). It’s built for reach—think stretching for that wide dink—and packs spin and power for aggressive play. Selkirk keeps it lighter than most elongated paddles, so it’s not a wrist-killer, making it a hit with intermediate to advanced players, especially tennis transplants. The sweet spot’s smaller, but if you’re confident in your aim, it’s a powerhouse.
Tour: The Tour is a niche gem, 16.5 inches long and 7.375 inches wide, with a whopping 5.75-inch handle—the longest Selkirk offers. It’s got a slightly smaller hitting surface than the Invikta, focusing on reach and two-handed grip space. It’s a specialty shape for advanced players who love a tennis-style backhand or need max extension. The trade-off? Less forgiveness and a bit more heft to swing. If you’re a pro-level strategist, this could be your edge.
XL: Found in the SLK line, the XL mirrors the Tour’s 16.4-inch length and 7.4-inch width, with the same 5.75-inch handle. It’s got a squarer face and a thinner throat taper, easing the grip for two-handed players. Like the Tour, it’s all about reach and power, with a head-heavy feel that suits intermediate to advanced folks who can handle the smaller sweet spot. It’s a comfy pick if you’re doubling up on hands but still want that elongated punch.
How Shapes Change Your Game
Still scratching your head? Let’s connect the dots. Standard shapes (Epic, S2, Max) are your speed demons—quick, forgiving, and balanced. They’re awesome for scrambling at the net or keeping rallies alive, but you might lose a smidge of power or reach compared to elongated options. Elongated shapes (Invikta, Tour, XL) stretch your range and amplify your shots, perfect for baseline battles or spin-heavy attacks, though they ask for more precision and muscle.
Handle length ties it all together. Short grips (S2’s 4.7 inches, Max’s 4.85 inches) keep things compact but cramp two-handers. Medium grips (Epic’s 5.3 inches, Invikta’s 5.25-5.5 inches) split the difference, while long grips (Tour and XL’s 5.75 inches) cater to two-handed warriors. Selkirk’s smart about it—unlike some brands, they lighten their elongated paddles to keep them manageable, and you can always add weight if you want more heft.
Matching Shapes to You
So, which shape’s your match? If you’re new or just want a no-fuss paddle, the Epic’s your buddy— forgiving and flexible for any style. Love control and hate missing the sweet spot? The S2’s wide face has your back, as long as you’re cool with one hand. Switching from tennis or craving power? The Invikta’s reach and spin will feel familiar. Two-handed players with a taste for precision might vibe with the Tour or XL, while the Max offers a middle ground for all-court ease.
Selkirk’s got 90-95% of players covered with Epic, S2, and Invikta across their AMPED, Vanguard 2.0, Power Air, and LUXX Control Air lines. Max and XL round out the SLK options. Their legacy as the first to drop 16mm paddles shows they know thickness, but shape’s where the magic happens. Still unsure? Think about your game: fast hands or long reach? Big sweet spot or big power? One hand or two?
Why Selkirk Shapes Stand Out
Selkirk’s not just slapping shapes together—they’re crafting tools for real players. From their northern Idaho roots, they’ve grown into a brand that’s synonymous with pickleball, blending top-notch design with a “people’s brand” vibe. They sponsor events, outfit you head-to-toe, and keep customer service tight. Their shapes aren’t random—they’re answers to what players need, whether you’re a rookie or a vet.
Your Next Step
Lost in the shape maze? Start simple: grab an Epic if you’re guessing, or test an S2 for control, an Invikta for power. Borrow a friend’s or hit a demo day—Selkirk’s everywhere, and their paddles are built to feel right in your hands. No matter your vibe, they’ve got a shape to match. So, ditch the confusion, pick your player profile, and let Selkirk’s shapes take your game from “huh?” to “heck yeah!”