Paddle Comparison
APL Starion vs Selkirk Vanguard Control
The APL Starion (SW 116.4) and Selkirk Vanguard Control (SW 115.29) sit 1.11 swing-weight points apart — close enough that shape, feel, and price become the real differentiators. The APL Starion also has the wider sweet spot — TW 5.93 versus 5.51 — meaning more forgiveness on off-center hits. On price, the Selkirk Vanguard Control is $30 less expensive after the PLAYBOOK discount.
Who wins on what
Power
APL Starion
Higher Swing Weight (power) (116.4 vs 115.29, +1.11)
Hand Speed
Selkirk Vanguard Control
Lower Swing Weight (hand speed) (116.4 vs 115.29)
Sweet Spot / Forgiveness
APL Starion
Higher Twist Weight (forgiveness) (5.93 vs 5.51, +0.42)
Value
Selkirk Vanguard Control
Lower effective price ($179.99 vs $150.00, with PLAYBOOK)
Side-by-side specs
Brand
Model
Shape
Thickness
Weight
Swing Weight
Twist Weight
Play Style
Retail Price
Discount
Effective Price
See more comparisons like this — straight to your inbox
Weekly paddle picks, fresh comparisons, and exclusive discount codes.
Unsubscribe anytime · No spam · Free forever
Which paddle should you buy?
Pick the APL Starion if…
- You want more power — SW 116.4 is 1.11 points higher.
- You want a bigger sweet spot — TW 5.93 is more forgiving on off-center hits.
- Your game leans power — this is tuned for that style.
Pick the Selkirk Vanguard Control if…
- You want faster hands — lower SW (115.29 vs 116.4) means quicker maneuvering at the kitchen.
- You're price-conscious — about $30 cheaper after PLAYBOOK discount.
- Your game leans control — this is tuned for that style.
Frequently asked questions
Is the APL Starion or the Selkirk Vanguard Control better for power?
The APL Starion generates more power — SW 116.4 vs 115.29 on the Selkirk Vanguard Control, a 1.11-point gap that adds mass and momentum at contact. If you prioritize hand speed and maneuverability over raw power, the Vanguard Control's lower swing weight is the advantage.
Which paddle is more forgiving — the APL Starion or the Selkirk Vanguard Control?
The APL Starion is more forgiving with a twist weight of 5.93 vs 5.51 on the Selkirk Vanguard Control. 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 Vanguard Control?
With the PLAYBOOK discount code, the APL Starion is $179.99 and the Selkirk Vanguard Control is $150.00. The Selkirk Vanguard Control is $29.99 cheaper. Apply PLAYBOOK at checkout on either brand's site to get the discount.
Related comparisons
Compare other paddles in our database