Selkirk Prime S2 Pickleball Paddle Review

The Selkirk Prime S2 pickleball paddle is a fan-favorite for players who prioritize control, consistency, and a large sweet spot. It’s a paddle that blends performance with comfort, making it ideal for a wide range of skill levels—from improving intermediates to confident tournament players. In this review, we’ll explore what makes the Prime S2 stand out in Selkirk’s lineup and whether it’s the right fit for your game.

Key Features of the Selkirk Prime S2

The Prime S2 is designed around Selkirk’s core philosophy of control and feel. It emphasizes reliable shot-making and is built with materials that dampen vibration and enhance touch.

• Dimensions: 15.75″ x 8.0″
• Weight: 7.4 – 8.0 oz (available in lightweight and midweight)
• Core Type: X4 Polypropylene Polymer Core
• Surface Material: FiberFlex fiberglass face
• Grip Length: 4.375 inches
• Grip Circumference: 4.25 inches
• Shape: Standard widebody
• Sweet Spot: Very large and forgiving
• Power Rating: Moderate
• Control Rating: Very high
• Spin Rating: Moderate

Its traditional widebody shape and shorter handle give it a familiar and confidence-inspiring feel in the hand.

Pros and Cons

Let’s take a closer look at the Prime S2’s strengths—and a few of its limitations.

Pros:

• Excellent control for dinks, drops, and resets
• One of the largest sweet spots in Selkirk’s lineup
• Consistent feel across the face for reliable contact
• Lightweight and maneuverable for quick reactions
• Very comfortable to hold and play with
• Ideal for players with shorter swings or compact strokes
• Available in both lightweight and midweight options

Cons:

• Not as powerful as newer power-oriented paddles
• Fiberglass surface lacks elite spin potential
• Shorter handle may not suit two-handed backhand players
• Dated compared to Selkirk’s newer technologies (e.g., Vanguard or Power Air lines)
• Less responsive on drives and counterattacks
• Basic aesthetics compared to premium models

Designed for Control-Oriented Players

The Prime S2 is tailored for players who win points through patience and placement rather than brute force. It’s the kind of paddle that helps you confidently drop third shots, reset at the kitchen, and place volleys exactly where you want them.

Its large sweet spot and forgiving surface make it especially good for players who are still developing consistency or want a paddle that offers “forgiveness” on off-center hits.

On-Court Performance and Feel

The S2 excels in the soft game. From the kitchen line, you’ll notice how easy it is to control pace and direction, especially when dinking or blocking. The paddle’s fiberglass face gives it a soft touch, and the X4 core helps absorb impact, reducing pop on contact.

From the baseline, the S2 won’t wow you with power, but it performs reliably for third-shot drops, lobs, and controlled drives. Its strength is consistency—each shot feels the same, giving you a sense of rhythm and confidence.

Net exchanges are another strong point. Thanks to its maneuverable size and light weight, you can quickly adjust to volleys and punches without sacrificing accuracy.

Comfort and Ergonomics

The paddle has a short grip, which some may find limiting if they use two-handed shots, but for one-handed players it offers a secure, compact feel. The grip itself is soft and tacky, and the paddle’s light to midweight balance minimizes arm fatigue—even during long sessions.

Vibration dampening is excellent, making it a solid choice for players with arm sensitivity or those recovering from elbow issues.

Build Quality and Durability

The Selkirk Prime S2 is built to last, even if it’s not packed with the latest tech. The FiberFlex face holds up well over time, and the edge guard offers solid protection from court scuffs.

That said, compared to Selkirk’s newer Vanguard and Power Air paddles, the Prime S2 may feel a bit more basic in both design and materials. But for the price point and intended audience, it offers solid durability and dependable performance.

Who the Prime S2 Is Best For

This paddle is ideal for:

• Beginner to intermediate players seeking a control-oriented paddle
• Players focused on soft game and consistency
• Doubles players who value resets and dinks over drive power
• Those transitioning from beginner paddles to performance gear
• Players with short or compact swings
• Anyone who struggles with mishits and needs a large sweet spot

If you rely on speed, spin, and aggressive countering, you may want to look at Selkirk’s Vanguard or Power Air series. But for dependable play and refined touch, the S2 is hard to beat.

Final Thoughts on the Selkirk Prime S2

The Selkirk Prime S2 is a tried-and-true control paddle that continues to deliver solid value and reliable performance. While it doesn’t feature the bells and whistles of newer models, it excels at what it’s designed to do: offer consistency, touch, and forgiveness.

For players looking to sharpen their soft game or build confidence at the net, the Prime S2 is a smart investment. It’s not the flashiest paddle, but it just might be the most trustworthy one on the court.