Head Radical Elite vs Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta

    Head Radical Elite 8.1oz 13mm pickleball paddle — Fiberglass face

    Head

    Radical Elite

    $79.95

    Shop on Amazon →
    Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta 7.9oz 20mm pickleball paddle — CFS+ (carbon fiber spray) face

    Selkirk

    LUXX Control Air Invikta

    $199.99

    Shop Selkirk →

    Pickle's 5-axis score

    Spec-grounded, quartile-ranked across the 322-paddle catalog. Diff highlighted when one paddle leads by 0.5+ points.

    Head Radical EliteSelkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta
    Power — Selkirk +3.6
    6.0 vs 9.6
    Hand speed — Head +1.2
    4.2 vs 3.0
    Forgiveness — Head +5.1
    10.0 vs 4.9
    Touch — Selkirk +8.0
    2.0 vs 10.0
    Spin — Selkirk +4.7
    1.7 vs 6.4

    The value vs. premium matchup

    The Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta's 20mm core delivers a more forgiving sweet spot, while the Head Radical Elite's 13mm core trades a little plush feel for quicker ball speed. Head Radical Elite is the value pick at $79.95. Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta is the premium option at $199.99 — you're paying for the

    Side-by-side specs

    Weight

    8.1–8.1 oz7.9–8.3 oz

    Shape

    WidebodyElongated

    Core thickness

    13mm20mm

    Core material

    Polypropylene honeycombPolymer honeycomb (x5+)

    Face material

    FiberglassCFS+ (carbon fiber spray)

    Handle length

    5.25"5.5"

    Price

    $79.95$199.99

    What the spec differences mean

    • Weight. Head Radical Elite is listed at 8.1 oz; Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta at 7.9–8.3 oz. At the low end of each listed range, the Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta is 0.2 oz lighter. How paddle weights compare across our catalog
    • Core thickness. Head Radical Elite has a 13mm core; Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta has a 20mm core, so the Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta core is 7mm thicker. What core thickness changes
    • Length and width. Head Radical Elite measures 16" × 7.88"; Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta measures 16.5" × 7.38" (widebody vs elongated). The Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta is 0.5" longer. Paddle shapes and the size rule
    • Handle length. Head Radical Elite has a 5.25" handle; Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta has a 5.5" handle, so the Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta handle is 0.25" longer. What grip length changes
    • Face material. Head Radical Elite lists its face as Fiberglass; Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta lists CFS+. Paddle face materials explained
    • Core material. Head Radical Elite lists its core as Polypropylene honeycomb; Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta lists Polymer honeycomb. Paddle core materials explained

    Who each paddle is for

    Head Radical Elite

    Best for advanced power players (4.0+) who can manage a hot face who play with a balanced two-handed/one-handed mix. The widebody profile gives you a generous sweet spot, the 13mm core delivers high pop with a tighter touch window, and the fiberglass face emphasizes pop over spin.

    Playing style: balanced

    Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta

    Best for 3.5+ players who prioritize control and reach who play with a balanced two-handed/one-handed mix. The elongated shape extends your reach at the kitchen line, the 20mm core gives you a soft touch window, and the face surface keeps spin honest without overdoing it.

    Playing style: control, spin

    Pickle's verdict

    Both are great. Pick by playstyle, not specs.

    Pick the Head Radical Elite if…

    • ✓you want a hot face for put-aways
    • ✓you want a generous sweet spot

    Pick the Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta if…

    • ✓you prize control on resets and dinks
    • ✓you like reach at the kitchen line
    Shop on Amazon Radical Elite →Shop Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta →

    More matchups with the Head Radical Elite

    More matchups with the Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta

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