There is an eternal struggle in the world of pickleball gear: the trade-off between power and control. For years, players have had to choose. Do you want a paddle that pops the ball like a rocket, or do you want one that catches it like a pillow? If you are tired of popping balls up at the kitchen line or struggling to reset aggressive drives, the market has finally offered a dedicated solution.
Enter the Selkirk Luxx Control Air. This isn’t just another iteration of a power paddle; it is a declaration of war against unforced errors. Marketed as the ultimate control paddle, it promises to be the antidote to the “power era” of pickleball.
But does it actually deliver on that promise, or is it just too soft for competitive play? If you are struggling with how to pick a pickleball paddle that prioritizes precision over raw power, this deep-dive review is for you. We are going to strip away the marketing hype and look at the engineering, the feel, and the critical maintenance tips that no one else is talking about.
Phase 1: The “20mm” Factor & Core Identity
To understand the Luxx, you have to understand the number that defines it: 20mm. While the industry standard for control paddles has hovered around 16mm for years, Selkirk took a massive leap with their “Thikset” Honeycomb Core.
Is It Too Soft? The “Marshmallow” Effect
The most common question potential buyers ask is: “Is the Selkirk Luxx Control Air too soft?” The answer depends entirely on your playstyle.
The 20mm core creates a sensation often described as “plush” or, more colloquially, like hitting a marshmallow. When the ball impacts the face, the thick core absorbs a tremendous amount of energy. This is a game-changer for resets. When an opponent drives a hard ball at your chest, the paddle eats the pace, allowing you to drop the ball softly into the kitchen rather than popping it up.
However, this comes at a cost. You will not get “free power” with this paddle. Unlike the Power Air line, the Luxx requires you to generate your own swing speed for put-aways. It is designed for the tactical player who wins by waiting for the opponent to make a mistake, not the player who tries to blast through every defense.
The Savior for Tennis Elbow
One of the most significant, yet understated benefits of this 20mm core is vibration dampening. If you suffer from pickleball injuries like lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), the Luxx is arguably the best paddle on the market for you. The shock absorption is significantly higher than standard 14mm or 16mm paddles, meaning less impact travels up your arm on every hit.
Phase 2: Florek Carbon Fiber vs. The World
Selkirk introduced a proprietary material for the face of this paddle called “Florek Carbon Fiber.” But what does that actually mean compared to the raw carbon fiber we see on every other paddle?
Most carbon fiber pickleball paddle faces use a T700 Raw Carbon weave that feels gritty and crisp. Florek Carbon Fiber is different. It is a unidirectional carbon fiber blend that feels smoother and more muted. It creates a massive sweet spot—arguably one of the largest in the game—ensuring consistency even on off-center hits.
The “Version” Confusion: Original vs. Infinigrit
If you are buying a Selkirk Luxx Control Air today, you need to be aware of a critical update. Selkirk quietly rolled out a “Gen 2” version often referred to as the “Infinigrit” update. It is vital to know the difference:
- The Original Luxx: Faced complaints about the spin texture smoothing out too quickly.
- The Infinigrit Update: This version features a much more durable grit application. More importantly, it includes EVA foam injected into the handle.
This EVA foam injection is a massive upgrade for stability and solid feel. When shopping, try to verify you are getting the latest batch to ensure you get that extra durability and vibration dampening.
Phase 3: Choosing Your Selkirk Luxx Paddle Shape
Selkirk offers the Luxx in three distinct shapes. Choosing the wrong one can ruin your experience, specifically regarding handle length.
1. The Invikta (Elongated)
The Invikta is the choice for 90% of pro players. It offers extra reach and creates more leverage, which helps generate power—something this control paddle desperately needs. If you are transitioning from other elongated Selkirk pickleball paddles, this will feel the most natural.
2. The Epic (Standard)
The Epic pairs a standard face shape with a long handle. It is the safest bet for players coming from tennis who want a balance of hand speed and surface area.
3. The S2 (The Sweet Spot King… with a Catch)
The S2 shape offers the largest sweet spot of the three. However, it has a critical flaw for some: the handle is short (typically around 4.5 inches). If you use a two-handed backhand, your hands likely won’t fit comfortably on the S2. We strongly recommend testing the handle length before committing to this shape.
Watch: Is the Luxx Worth It? (Infinigrit Review)
Phase 4: Durability & The “Eraser” Warning
This section is perhaps the most important part of this review. If you treat the Luxx like a raw carbon fiber paddle, you will ruin it.
The “Grit” Controversy
The texture on the Luxx is a sprayed-on application (ProSpin+ NextGen), unlike the peel-ply texture found on other paddles. While it generates incredible spin out of the box, it is more sensitive to abrasion.
WARNING: Do NOT Use a Carbon Eraser
Do not use a rubber “carbon eraser” to clean the face of your Selkirk Luxx Control Air. These erasers are designed for raw carbon fiber. On the Luxx, the eraser can strip the grit texture right off the face and smear the paint, permanently damaging the paddle’s spin capability. Clean this paddle only with a damp microfiber cloth or a specific glass cleaner.
Edgeless Design Vulnerability
The “Air” in the name means it is edgeless. While this looks sleek and improves aerodynamics, it leaves the edge of the paddle exposed to the court surface. One scrape against the ground can chip the material.
Recommendation: Apply electrical tape or a specific edge guard immediately after unboxing. This will protect your investment without significantly altering the weight.
Phase 5: Performance, Sound, and Customization
The Sound of Silence
If you play in a community with strict noise restrictions, the Luxx is a lifesaver. Due to the 20mm thickness, it produces a low-frequency “thud” rather than a high-pitched “pop.” It is widely considered one of the quietest paddles on the market.
Aerodynamics and Speed
The “Air Dynamic Throat” (the hole near the handle) is designed to reduce drag. Despite being a thick paddle, the Luxx swings surprisingly fast. It falls into the category of light pickleball paddles regarding swing weight, making it exceptional for hand battles at the kitchen line.
Why You Might Need Lead Tape
Because the paddle is so light and control-oriented, many advanced players find it lacks “plow through” on blocks. Adding lead tape to the throat or the bottom corners is a very common modification. This adds stability and a bit more pop without sacrificing the fast hands.
Don’t forget your accessories, either. A good grip is essential for maintaining that soft touch. Consider pairing this paddle with the Selkirk Men’s Boost Pickleball Glove to ensure the paddle doesn’t twist in your hand during off-center hits.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Luxx Control Air good for bangers?
Not for generating power, but yes for controlling it. If you are a banger who hits every ball out, this paddle will force you to slow down and keep the ball in the court. However, if you rely on paddle pop to hit winners, you will struggle with the Luxx.
2. Does the spin grit wear off?
Over time, yes. The sprayed-on texture will smooth out faster than raw carbon fiber. The “Infinigrit” version has improved this lifespan significantly, but it is still a wear-and-tear item.
3. Can I use this paddle for singles?
It is possible, but generally, singles players prefer power paddles to hit passing shots. The Luxx is primarily a doubles specialist paddle, designed for dinking, resetting, and blocking.
4. Is it approved for tournament play?
Yes, the Selkirk Luxx Control Air is fully USAPA approved. You can check the official list of USA Pickleball approved paddles to confirm.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Selkirk Luxx Paddle?
The Selkirk Luxx Control Air is a polarizing paddle, and that is a good thing. It knows exactly what it is. It does not try to be a “do-it-all” hybrid. It is unapologetically focused on control, touch, and feel.
You should buy this paddle if:
- You prioritize resets, drops, and dinks over power drives.
- You suffer from tennis elbow and need maximum vibration dampening.
- You have fast hands but need a larger sweet spot to reduce mishits.
You should skip this paddle if:
- You rely on your paddle to generate power for you.
- You play on rough outdoor courts and don’t want to use edge tape.
- You prefer the crisp, stiff feel of raw carbon fiber.
Ultimately, the Luxx offers a unique experience in the market—a 20mm shield that turns defense into offense. If you are ready to sacrifice a little pop for a lot of precision, the Luxx might just be the game-changer you have been waiting for.
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