Build, Specs & Construction

The SLK line is usually Selkirk’s budget-tier, but don’t let that fool you — the ERA is a completely new beast. It comes in two shapes:

• -Elongated – 16.5” x 7.5”, 5.8” handle

• -Widebody – 16.0” x 8.0”, 5.75” handle

• -Both shapes – 16mm core thickness

This is a Gen 3, foam-injected build that’s nearly identical to the 11Six24 Power Series — and that’s not an exaggeration. Once you look inside, you’ll find some very intentional engineering choices that put this squarely in the high-performance category.

What’s Under the Hood

Here’s a closer look at the internal build that makes the ERA stand out:

Soft EVA Foam Wrap

The polypropylene honeycomb core is completely surrounded by a soft black EVA foam band — not just on the edges but also between the core and handle.

→ This helps dampen vibrations, enhances comfort, and makes the paddle feel softer on contact.

Reinforced Handle Construction

Inside the handle is a stiffer yellow edge foam that gives it structure, along with a continuation of the polypropylene core that runs down into the grip.

→ That setup adds strength while maintaining responsiveness during fast swings.

Carbon Fiber Edge Strip

Along the outer edge of the face is a slim carbon fiber reinforcement.

→ This adds twist weight and increases forgiveness on off-center hits.

Tri-Layer Face

The face is constructed with three distinct layers:

• -Top: Unidirectional carbon fiber

• -Middle: Bidirectional woven fiberglass

• -Bottom: Unidirectional carbon fiber

  → This configuration boosts energy return while smoothing out feel.

  → Placing fiberglass in the middle (instead of on the surface) reduces harsh feedback and gives you a more plush, “buttery” feel at contact.

The result is a paddle that delivers on both comfort and power. It feels plush on softer shots, but when you start accelerating your swing, the internal build activates and returns that energy with pop and consistency.

Radar Chart Breakdown

Let’s talk performance numbers. I tested both paddles against 300+ others in my database and plotted them on radar charts. Here’s how they stack up:

Elongated Model (More Power + Reach)

Strong power and pop (upper 70th percentile)

• -Surprisingly maneuverable for a longer paddle

• -Handle felt great for two-handed backhands

• -Balanced sweet spot with better-than-expected forgiveness

Widebody Model (Less Reach, More Pop, Control & Handspeed)

• -Extremely well-balanced chart symmetry

• -High pop with strong twist weight = forgiveness + control

• -Low swing weight = fast hands at the net

These results firmly place the SLK ERA in the power paddle category, but still close to that all-court boundary — offering pop without pushing into uncontrollable territory.

In terms of KewCor performance, they’re most comparable to:

• -11Six24 Power Series

• -Gearbox Pro Power

• -Carbon True Foam Genesis

Which means you're getting elite-level output, with a more approachable feel and a lower price tag than many of its competitors.

On-Court Impressions

I was able to put in some solid time with the widebody ERA, and even got a few initial reps in with the elongated while rolling around on a knee scooter.

Here’s what stood out:

• -Massive sweet spot — especially for a Gen 3 paddle

• -Poppy feel — had to nick name these paddles Orville and Redenbacher haha

• -Takes a little adjustment if you’re coming from a softer paddle

• -Elongated has a bit more torque and reach for putaways

• -Widebody offers better control and quicker hands

My buddy Eddie (who tested both) agreed — these are easily the best-playing paddles in Selkirk’s entire lineup, especially if you like pop.

The feel on contact is dense, not hollow. Loud, too — think a satisfying crack, more like the Bantam series than other Gen 3s. And while the elongated shape usually comes with a tradeoff in forgiveness, this one felt very playable and maneuverable.

But if you're switching from a softer or quieter paddle, give yourself a few sessions to adjust

Handle-wise, they’re a bit skinny. Personally, I liked the 4 1/8” circumference — but you might want to throw on an overgrip depending on your style.

Paddle Modding Tips

Both versions come internally weighted, but I went a step further and added tungsten tape to dial them in.

Elongated: ½ g per inch from 1” above the handle to midface

Widebody: Tape started 3” above the handle to just past midface

These mods:

• -Increased swing weight slightly

• -Boosted twist weight for better stability

• -Expanded the sweet spot even more

• -Didn’t kill maneuverability

Weighted vs. Stock Stats

Here’s what happened after adding tungsten:

Elongated:

• +0.2 oz in total weight

• Swing weight: +4 points

• Twist weight: 6.35 → 6.85

Widebody:

• +0.17 oz

• Swing weight: +1 point

• Twist weight: 7.05 → 7.55

These subtle changes go a long way in giving you more forgiveness and control without sacrificing speed.

Final Verdict

Who This Paddle Is For

Selkirk has finally released a Gen 3 paddle that lives up to the hype — and doesn’t cost $250+.

Is this a control paddle? No. But if you're a player looking for:

• -Big power

• -Great pop

• -Forgiving sweet spots

• -Balanced feel with room to mod

The SLK ERA brings it all together. Construction-wise, it’s nearly a twin of the 11Six24 Power Series, just a bit louder and denser with a longer warranty (1 year vs. 6 months).

And if durability is your concern — I visited Selkirk HQ this year, and they’re using actual CT scans to test core crush. They’re not just talking durability — they’re proving it with tech no other paddle brand is using.

Final Take

✅ Big power, big sweet spot

✅ Durable and mod-friendly

✅ Lower price than most Gen 3s

✅ 1 year warranty, twice the industry standard

❌ Loud, and may take some adjusting

If you’ve been waiting for a Gen 3 paddle that actually feels worth the hype — without breaking the bank — the SLK ERA hits the mark.

A ton of more paddles are coming this summer, so stay tuned.

Thank you for reading.

I’ll catch you in the next one.

—John

Code: INF-JOHNKEW for $20 Selkirk gift card

Paddle Price: $200

Warranty: 1 year