oola vs. Selkirk: Which Pickleball Paddle Brand Is Better?
If you’ve been paddle shopping lately, chances are two names keep coming up:
Joola and Selkirk.
These are the giants of the game—pro-level tech, sleek designs, and paddles used by some of the sport’s biggest names.
So which one is better?
Let’s break it down by performance, design, price, and who each brand is best for—plus how to upgrade either paddle instantly with a custom paddle band.
Joola: Power Meets Innovation
Known for:
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Cutting-edge technology
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Pro endorsements (Ben Johns, Anna Bright)
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Sleek, carbon-heavy builds
Top Pick:
Joola Ben Johns Perseus 3 16mm – the #1 paddle in 2025
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Thermoformed edge
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Carbon friction surface
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Great balance of power + control
Pros:
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Explosive power
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Excellent spin potential
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Premium feel
Cons:
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Slightly heavier
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Pricier than beginner paddles
Best for:
Players who like to dominate with speed, spin, and authority.
Selkirk: Control, Feel & Consistency
Known for:
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Longevity and control
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Consistent sweet spots
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Excellent customer service
Top Pick:
Selkirk Vanguard Power Air or SLK Halo
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Great for intermediate to advanced players
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SLK Halo: ideal for control and comfort
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Power Air: made for aggressive net play
Pros:
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Softer touch
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Big sweet spots
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Comfortable grip
Cons:
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Less spin than Joola
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Some models are slightly less durable
Best for:
Players who focus on placement, resets, and net finesse.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Joola | Selkirk |
|---|---|---|
| Power | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅ |
| Control | ✅✅ | ✅✅✅ |
| Spin | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅ |
| Sweet Spot Size | ✅✅ | ✅✅✅ |
| Weight Options | Mid-heavy | Light-mid |
| Beginner Friendly | Not really | Yes (SLK Series) |
| Price Range | $$$ | $$–$$$ |
| Pro Use | Ben Johns, Anna Bright | Tyson McGuffin, Catherine Parenteau |
What About Customization?
No matter which paddle you pick, make it yours with:
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Diamond White Paddle Band – sleek and modern
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Dink or Die Paddle Band – bold and edgy
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Edgeguard Pro Paddle Tape – keep your paddle tournament-fresh
These add personality, function, and visibility—plus they're totally tournament-legal.
Explore the full collection:
👉 Shop All Paddle Bands
Which Should You Buy?
Pick Joola if you want:
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Explosive power
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Advanced technology
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Tour-level feedback and spin
Pick Selkirk if you want:
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Smooth control and feel
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Forgiveness and comfort
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A balanced paddle for any skill level
Still can’t decide?
Here’s a pro tip: try both at a demo day or local shop—then add your personal flair with a custom paddle band once you choose your champion.
TL;DR – Quick Q&A
What’s better, Joola or Selkirk?
It depends! Joola = power and spin. Selkirk = control and feel.
Which one is better for beginners?
Selkirk SLK Halo is the most beginner-friendly of both brands.
Which one has better pro endorsements?
Both are used by top players—Ben Johns (Joola) vs. Tyson McGuffin (Selkirk).
Can I customize them?
Yes—use custom paddle bands to add style and ID.