I love sharing my findings with you when I discover something that has improved my game, the ERA pickleball paddle (power version) has done just that! I started off with something cheap the first few months, transitioned to Selkirk’s Amped control, then after 1 year of playing I bought the HALO which improved my game for the next 6 months and literally the first week I demoed the ERA (elongated, with long handle) even the instructor at our gym was amazed at how much I improved just by putting this paddle in my hands!! (affiliate link)
We went over what is a good pickleball paddle initially when speaking about the basics of when you are starting to play, but now it is time to explore the one that instantly upped my game!! I will say that the reason it was so easy for me to transition from what I had played with for almost a year to this one is that both are the same basic shape.
Selkirk ERA Power Pickleball Paddle
There are two shapes to the SLK Era Power, and handle lengths. Since my previous one had a longer face and handle I went with the same elongated shape and there was literally no getting used to. The biggest difference between my previous paddle and this one is the power (thus it’s name). What I once had to really swing for to get that ball to the back of the court, mainly in the return serve was now much easier!!
There is a great sweet spot for a one or two handed backhand with decent forgiveness and control all in one which I love. Both the widebody model and elongated model offer this so that decision won’t make a difference. It truly has been a game changer.
When it was first put into my hand I was 6 months out from recovering from frozen shoulder from pickleball so I had lost so me strength from that injury, so the added power made up the difference and has great control too. With the ability to roll off the face with some desired spin it has quickly transitioned me from a 3.5 to a baby 4.0 (my term).
Best Pickleball Paddle for 3.5 Players
I would highly recommend ERA for those at this level. If you have been using the LUXX and interested in better control and power I might choose the widebody shape (I call it squatty) version with a short handle so it is more similar to what you are used to, that will help you transition easier. This one has the largest sweet spot too.
What type of core does it have?
This has a low density eva foam closed cell perimeter with a Dynamic Fusion core composed of a polypropylene honeycomb in the center in the power control model.
What’s the warranty?
If you buy from SLK directly you can create an account so the date you purchased it will be noted there. If the polypropylene honeycomb center has an issue (or anything else) you can bring it in and they will swap it out for a new one as they offer a 1 year warranty. I actually had to do this with my previous paddle about 8 months in. Our instructor heard it hitting different, knocked on it and said I needed to warranty it, and they did without an issue.
I often time play at the Indoor Pickleball Courts Coeur d’Alene which is pretty near the Selkirk shop in Coeur d’Alene so I was able to walk it right in and talk to them. If you order online you likely will have to ship it back to them to be tested out and if there is in fact an issue they will send you a new power paddle which is sure nice to know.
I do also go over the best pickleball socks here too as it took me a good year to narrow it down to one that is the best of the best for many reasons. I’d never share anything that didn’t work well for me and I am so thrilled about that I want to yell it from the rooftops y’all. I’ll continue to share my findings so make sure to bookmark my site and sign up for my newsletter too.
