We Tried It: The SLK ERA Power

Available now, the SLK ERA Power features new Gen 3 core technology, an updated handle design and two new shapes – plus a modern, minimalist aesthetic.

In a sea of pickleball brands promising the world, the SLK ERA Power is the rare paddle that seems to do everything well.

Controllable power and top-tier spin, all packaged in two new shapes. It's no wonder top pros like Rachel Rohrabacher, Catherine Parenteau, James Ignatowich and Jack Sock all made the switch.

The SLK ERA Power is available now – and something tells us you're going to be seeing a lot of these soon on a court near you.

The New Face of Selkirk

Selkirk is doing away with its current paddle shape convention under the SLK brand, and instead switching all future shapes to just two: Elongated and Widebody.

The SLK ERA Power marks the debut of this brand-wide shift.

The Elongated is designed for players who want an extended reach and added leverage and power, while the Widebody offers a shorter handle and broader sweet spot for increased forgiveness and control.

The SLK ERA Power in the Elongated shape.

New Tech Helps Set It Apart

In addition to the clean new shapes, the SLK ERA Power features some high-performance tech under the hood.

First is Selkirk’s new Dynamic Fusion Core, which combines a polypropylene honeycomb with low-density EVA foam around the perimeter and handle. This translates to a solid connection to the ball on impact, allowing for enhanced stability and forgiveness.

Next, the face layup is a three-layer blend of fiberglass and T700 raw carbon fiber, a popular combination that prioritizes dwell time and control on softer shots but propels the ball explosively when you need more pop and power.

Finally, the upgraded octagonal handle feels firm and responsive in the hand.

What the Pros are Saying

Historically, SLK has offered Selkirk's more budget-friendly line of paddles, so it's notable that all of Selkirk's sponsored pros have switched to the ERA Power.

“This is my favorite paddle to date,” said Jack Sock, who goes on:

Rachel Rohrabacher and Catherine Parenteau have both been using the ERA Power since the MLP season opener in Orlando in late April.

Just recently, they took silver as a team at the PPA Orange County Cup in San Clemente, CA.

My Initial Impressions

The fact that top pros are trusting the ERA Power speaks for itself, but if you're curious how it feels for us mere mortals, here's my take as a 4.0-ish rec player after a couple weeks of use:

• This is a paddle that inspires confidence – power, control and spin are all there when you need them, but nothing feels out of balance
• It's definitely a power paddle that hits with a deep, satisfying thud when you put some weight into it
• The foam-wrapped polypropylene core gives it excellent touch and dwell time, especially on resets and dinks
• The face doesn't feel super-gritty, but there's plenty of spin potential to shape the ball how you want to
• The handle is a big improvement for Selkirk, thin and firm and long enough for two hands (on the elongated model)
• I personally love the aesthetic – clean and minimalist and classic

I could (and might) happily make this my main paddle.

Get Your Hands on the ERA Power

The SLK ERA Power comes in two shapes, the Elongated and the Widebody, and two colors, white/black and Cyan (blue)/black.

It retails for $200 and comes with an industry-leading one-year warranty.

Full Specs

Elongated:
- Length: 16.5"
- Width: 7.45"
- Core thickness: 16mm
- Swing weight: 116
- Twist weight: 6.16
- Handle: 5.8" L
- Grip: 4.25" circumference

Widebody:
- Length: 15.95"
- Width: 8.0"
- Core thickness: 16mm
- Swing weight: 108
- Twist weight: 6.87
- Handle: 5.6" L
- Grip: 4.25" circumference