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The Selkirk SLK ERA paddle makes a statement in Pickleball, bringing Gen 3 foam-injected technology to players looking for top performance without the bloated price tag. Selkirk markets the ERA as a paddle that bridges power, control, forgiveness, and price, landing it squarely in the conversation for players who want an all-court weapon. Whether you play in tournaments or are an ambitious rec player, this review will help you decide if the Selkirk Era deserves a spot in your bag.
Selkirk packed the ERA with advanced materials and construction choices aimed at both comfort and longevity. The core is a thick 16mm polypropylene honeycomb, but the secret sauce is a full EVA foam wrap around the core—this is what Selkirk calls its "Gen 3" build. This foam layer isn’t just along the edges, it’s integrated all the way underneath the handle, enhancing vibration dampening and giving the paddle a plush, confident feel on softer shots.
The face features a tri-layer sandwich: unidirectional carbon fiber on top and bottom, with woven fiberglass in the middle. This construction helps absorb shock while boosting power return on hard swings. A slim carbon fiber band along the outer edge reinforces the frame for better stability and longevity, helping prevent those annoying paddle edge dings.
Selkirk’s proprietary InfiniGrit surface brings extra bite to each shot, helping the ball grip the face for enhanced spin and consistent play in both wet and dry conditions.
What jumps out immediately is the SLK ERA’s blend of quick pop, control, and forgiving sweet spot. While some paddles make you choose between dominating with power or playing with feel, the ERA threads the needle. The paddle’s radar test results and real-world use both show why this model sits atop many new paddle rankings, as seen in this comprehensive review.
The paddle comes in two shapes: elongated and widebody. The elongated is ideal for players who crave extra reach and two-handed backhands, while the widebody offers faster response and a bigger sweet spot for sharp volleys and quick-in-the-kitchen play.
Selkirk tuned the ERA to deliver real power. The foam-injected construction gives a solid, dense response on drives, and it generates a distinct "crack" on hard shots—think closer to the feel of the Bantam series but with updated forgiveness and comfort. Swinging for winners or putting away high balls feels effortless, and compared to other Selkirk models, the ERA sits closer to the Power Air than their softer control paddles.
Even with its pop, the ERA keeps mishits playable. The foam perimeter and carbon fiber edge spread impact forces, growing the usable sweet spot and making defense or resets more consistent. Minor custom mods (adding tape or grip) make the response even silkier and help tailor balance for individual style, as echoed in this balanced Gen 3 performance breakdown.
Spin gets a spotlight on this paddle thanks to Selkirk’s InfiniGrit finish. The textured surface helps brush and snap the ball, averaging about 2100 RPM in independent tests. That’s enough for reliable topspin serves, aggressive rolls, or biting slices that keep your opponents guessing, as highlighted in this in-depth review.
Both shapes in the SLK ERA line come with internal weighting, but Selkirk left plenty of room for tuning. Players who love experimenting can add lead or tungsten tape near the handle or midway up the face. These small tweaks shift weight, change swing speed, and improve comfort in the hand. This versatility is ideal for players who want a touch more stability or want to soften the feel even more for kitchen battles.
Adding just a few grams of tape can make the paddle feel heavier through the shot, raising both swing and twist weight without killing hand speed. Swapping out or layering the grip can also make control paddles more forgiving or fine-tuned to your preferences.
At $200, the Selkirk ERA stands out against pricier Gen 3 competitors. With a one-year warranty—double the typical industry covering—it offers peace of mind for frequent players.
This paddle fits:
It’s built for anyone who wants maximum performance straight out of the box, with the option to further tweak feel and balance.
The Selkirk SLK ERA delivers bold power, a plush feel, and elite-level construction in a single package. Its technology-driven build including the Gen 3 foam core and InfiniGrit face means players no longer have to choose between power and forgiveness. With impressive value, modern materials, and a generous warranty, the SLK ERA earns its spot among the best Pickleball paddles on the market. For dedicated players ready to step up their game, the Selkirk Era makes a strong case for being your next paddle of choice.