Selkirk AMPED S2 Pickleball Paddle Review & Buyer’s Guide [2023]

The Selkirk AMPED S2 Pickleball Paddle is the latest and best version of the classic S2 pickleball paddle from Selkirk Sports. The S2 is the brainchild of US Open Silver Medalist, Tony Tollenaar who wanted to create a paddle that had a larger surface area and shorter paddle handle than the Selkirk AMPED EPIC. The result is a brilliantly proportioned pickleball paddle that has one of the largest sweet-spots in the game. Featuring an 8″ wide-bodied paddle face and shortened 4.5″ paddle handle, the S2 is built for shot-consistency, power, and control. In addition to the S2’s impressive paddle dimension, the AMPED S2 also features all of the same tech built into the other top AMPED paddle – like the AMPED INVIKTA. This includes the Selkirk X5 core, EdgeSentry edge-guard, and FiberFlex paddle face. We will dive into the details later in our Selkirk AMPED S2 Pickleball Paddle review but to start with, the main thing you need to know about the Selkirk S2 is that it is the paddle built with the largest sweet-spot and paddle face dimensions in the AMPED range.

Check out our detailed Selkirk AMPED S2 Pickleball Paddle review to find out everything you need to know about the AMPED S2 – whether you are upgrading your paddle or buying for the first time. While the AMPED S2 is suitable for pro-level players, it is also a great all-round paddle and perfect for tennis converts or players who are new to the game.

Paddle Face & Edge Guard

The Selkirk AMPED EPIC S2 Pickleball Paddle features the FiberFlex paddle face as seen across the Selkirk AMPED range. The FiberFlex paddle face is made from specially designed fiberglass that features a spin-enhancing surface. The S2 paddle face is one of the stand-out features of the paddle. Top-Pro, Tyson McGuffin says that the AMPED range paddles provide him with the power, control, and softness that he needed to take his game to the next level, and a lot of that comes through the construction of the paddle face and core. The Selkirk AMPED S2 also features Selkirk’s Low-profile EdgeSentry edge guard that protects the paddle against miss-hits on hard court surfaces. EdgeSentry is built to increase paddle life-span but improving durability and performance. On top of this, the EdgeSentry tech contributes to the vibration dampening qualities built into the core of the paddle.

If you are upgrading from the Selkirk EPIC S2 then you will notice a shift in the stability and performance of the paddle. Whether you are hitting pickleball hard or soft, you will find the AMPED S2 to be controlled, smooth and consistent in how it contacts the pickleball.

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Paddle Core

The Selkirk AMPED S2 Pickleball Paddle features the X5 Core found in the other AMPED paddles. The X5 core is made from a polypropylene honeycomb technology that has been specifically designed to increase power. While the S2 performs like other AMPED paddles, the wider paddle face and enhanced surface featured in the S2 gives you a huge sweet-spot that provides balance and control. Selkirk have also brought additional features into the X5 core, such as Vibration Dampening Technology and Torque Suppression. If you are someone who suffers from joint pain or tennis elbow then you will benefit from the vibration control at the heart of the S2. The S2 actively dampens the amplitude and frequency of vibrational waves in the paddle when you strike the pickleball, while torque suppression helps to keep the paddle stable if you make a hit that lands off-center. 

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Dimensions & Weight

The Selkirk AMPED S2 Pickleball Paddle features an extra-large surface area, thanks to the epic paddle dimensions built into the S2. The AMPED S2 measures 15.75″ long so it provides you with plenty of reach and leverage when smashing the pickleball. However, unlike the AMPED INVIKTA, the S2 features an 8″ wide paddle face, with a shorter paddle handle to give you maximum space on the paddle face and more control when playing around the net. The AMPED S2 is also perfect for those who prefer a shorter paddle handle, providing the option to place your finger or thumb on the paddle face.

The AMPED S2 is available in two different weight options – lightweight and medium-weight. The medium-weight paddle weighs between 7.9 – 8.4 ounces, while the lighter paddle weighs between 7.4 – 7.8 ounces. Like the other paddles in the AMPED range, it’s important to pick the weight that suits your game. If you rely more on power, opt for the heavier paddle, whereas quick-reaction, fast players might prefer the lighter S2. Thanks to the X5 Core featured in both the medium and lightweight paddle, you won’t sacrifice too much in the power stakes if you do opt for the lighter option.

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Handle & Grip

The Selkirk AMPED S2 Pickleball Paddle features a 4.5″ paddle handle which is the shortest handle in the AMPED range. This allows players who favor a wide hitting surface with a shorter paddle handle the opportunity to play with a perfectly balanced pickleball paddle. In fact, if you are someone who prefers playing with your finger or thumb on the paddle face then you will love AMPED S2. Like the other AMPED paddle, the S2 features Selkirk’s Comfort Grip which is specially designed to provide a comfortable and confident hold on the paddle.

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Selkirk AMPED S2 Pickleball Paddle Review Summary

The Selkirk AMPED S2 Pickleball Paddle is a brilliant pickleball paddle for anyone who is looking for the largest sweet-spot in the AMPED range. Including all of the same technology built into the AMPED EPIC and INVIKTA paddles, the S2 stands out thanks to its shorter paddle handle, wide-bodied paddle face and oversized sweet-spot. Not only this but the AMPED S2 includes Vibration Control Technology, Torque Suppression, an EdgeSentry edge guard and Selkirk’s Comfort Grip. This tech combines with Selkirk’s FiberFlex paddle face and X5 core to deliver epic performance on-court – both in terms of power, control and ability to create spin.

We love the Selkirk AMPED S2 Pickleball Paddle and feature it frequently on our best pickleball paddles list – we would 100% recommend the AMPED S2 to anyone looking for a pickleball paddle with a shorter paddle handle and wide-bodied paddle face design.

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