Paddle Comparison
APL Starion vs Selkirk Tesla
The Selkirk Tesla carries a clear SW advantage — 121.52 versus 116.4 on the APL Starion — a 5.12-point gap that means noticeably heavier drives and more power from the Tesla. On price, the APL Starion is $270 less expensive after the PLAYBOOK discount.
Who wins on what
Power
Selkirk Tesla
Higher Swing Weight (power) (116.4 vs 121.52, +5.12)
Hand Speed
APL Starion
Lower Swing Weight (hand speed) (116.4 vs 121.52)
Sweet Spot / Forgiveness
Selkirk Tesla
Higher Twist Weight (forgiveness) (5.93 vs 6.06, +0.13)
Value
APL Starion
Lower effective price ($179.99 vs $450.00, with PLAYBOOK)
Side-by-side specs
Brand
Model
Shape
Thickness
Weight
Swing Weight
Twist Weight
Play Style
Retail Price
Discount
Effective Price
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Which paddle should you buy?
Pick the APL Starion if…
- You want faster hands — lower SW (116.4 vs 121.52) means quicker maneuvering at the kitchen.
- You're price-conscious — about $270 cheaper after PLAYBOOK discount.
Pick the Selkirk Tesla if…
- You want more power — SW 121.52 is 5.12 points higher.
- You want a bigger sweet spot — TW 6.06 is more forgiving on off-center hits.
Frequently asked questions
Is the APL Starion or the Selkirk Tesla better for power?
The Selkirk Tesla generates more power — SW 121.52 vs 116.4 on the APL Starion, a 5.12-point gap that adds mass and momentum at contact. If you prioritize hand speed and maneuverability over raw power, the Starion's lower swing weight is the advantage.
Which paddle is more forgiving — the APL Starion or the Selkirk Tesla?
The Selkirk Tesla is more forgiving with a twist weight of 6.06 vs 5.93 on the APL Starion. Higher twist weight reduces energy loss on off-center hits, which matters most for kitchen-heavy players who take a lot of dinks and resets.
What is the price difference between the APL Starion and the Selkirk Tesla?
With the PLAYBOOK discount code, the APL Starion is $179.99 and the Selkirk Tesla is $450.00. The APL Starion is $270.01 cheaper. Apply PLAYBOOK at checkout on either brand's site to get the discount.
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