Selkirk Power Air Invikta Review (UK 2026)

The Invikta shape - 16.5" length × 7.375" width - sits at the elongated end of the USAPA legal envelope. Compared to a more square hybrid shape (the JOOLA Perseus is ~16.5" × 7.5", the CRBN 1X around 16.0" × 7.5"), the Invikta adds half an inch of length while shaving width. The practical effect: more reach for the back-court running shot, more leverage on the topspin drive, but a smaller sweet spot for off-centre shots at the kitchen line.

Players who play a 1-up-1-back doubles style (one player at the kitchen, partner at the baseline) often prefer the Invikta shape for the back-court role. Players who prefer 2-up doubles (both at the kitchen) get less benefit from the reach and more downside from the smaller sweet spot.

The 'Aero' in Power Air refers to Selkirk's Aero Throat edge guard - a channelled construction that allows air to flow through the throat of the paddle (between the handle and the face) rather than catching it. The drag reduction is modest in absolute terms but measurable in swing speed, particularly on the third-shot drop and the fast volley exchange.

The thermoformed unibody construction is otherwise standard premium-tier: face, edge guard, and structural shell formed as one piece under heat and pressure rather than glued assembly. Same construction story as the JOOLA Perseus and CRBN 1X - fewer failure modes than traditional honeycomb, eventual core dampening as the wear point after 12-18 months of tournament play.

For 4.0+ tournament players - the Invikta is a defensible tour-grade choice. UK national tournament play accepts it; the elongated shape suits players who consistently win points from the back court rather than from the kitchen.

For 3.5-4.0 club players - the Invikta is a meaningful upgrade over entry-tier paddles, especially if your style favours power + reach over kitchen finesse. The Selkirk UK warranty network gives this paddle a real differentiator if you've previously had support issues with imported paddles.

For 3.0-3.5 rec players - probably overkill at £250. The Invikta's strengths (reach, Aero Throat efficiency) are wasted at sub-3.5 rec level where positioning errors dominate equipment differences. A £130-£180 alternative covers your needs.

For sub-3.0 beginners - the Invikta is the wrong shape. Beginners benefit from larger, more forgiving sweet spots - the Invikta's elongated shape concentrates the sweet spot at the head, requiring more consistent contact than a beginner can reliably produce. Choose a wider/shorter beginner paddle from Selkirk's Latitude line or the Vatic Pro V7.