Paddle Comparison
Head Radical vs Selkirk Vanguard Control
The Head Radical (SW 113.83) and Selkirk Vanguard Control (SW 115.29) sit 1.46 swing-weight points apart — close enough that shape, feel, and price become the real differentiators. The Head Radical also has the wider sweet spot — TW 6.83 versus 5.51 — meaning more forgiveness on off-center hits. Shape adds another dimension: the Radical is widebody, the Vanguard Control is elongated, which changes reach, kitchen feel, and sweet-spot position. On price, the Selkirk Vanguard Control is $19 less expensive after the PLAYBOOK discount.
.png)
Who wins on what
Power
Selkirk Vanguard Control
Higher Swing Weight (power) (113.83 vs 115.29, +1.46)
Hand Speed
Head Radical
Lower Swing Weight (hand speed) (113.83 vs 115.29)
Sweet Spot / Forgiveness
Head Radical
Higher Twist Weight (forgiveness) (6.83 vs 5.51, +1.32)
Value
Selkirk Vanguard Control
Lower effective price ($169.15 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 Head Radical if…
- You want faster hands — lower SW (113.83 vs 115.29) means quicker maneuvering at the kitchen.
- You want a bigger sweet spot — TW 6.83 is more forgiving on off-center hits.
- You prefer the widebody shape — different feel/reach/sweet-spot profile from the elongated.
Pick the Selkirk Vanguard Control if…
- You want more power — SW 115.29 is 1.46 points higher.
- You're price-conscious — about $19 cheaper after PLAYBOOK discount.
- You prefer the elongated shape — different feel/reach/sweet-spot profile from the widebody.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Head Radical or the Selkirk Vanguard Control better for power?
The Selkirk Vanguard Control generates more power — SW 115.29 vs 113.83 on the Head Radical, a 1.46-point gap that adds mass and momentum at contact. If you prioritize hand speed and maneuverability over raw power, the Radical's lower swing weight is the advantage.
Which paddle is more forgiving — the Head Radical or the Selkirk Vanguard Control?
The Head Radical is more forgiving with a twist weight of 6.83 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 Head Radical and the Selkirk Vanguard Control?
With the PLAYBOOK discount code, the Head Radical is $169.15 and the Selkirk Vanguard Control is $150.00. The Selkirk Vanguard Control is $19.15 cheaper. Apply PLAYBOOK at checkout on either brand's site to get the discount.
How does the shape difference affect how the Head Radical and Selkirk Vanguard Control play?
The Head Radical's widebody shape delivers a wider face and maximum forgiveness — tuned for kitchen play and the soft game. The Selkirk Vanguard Control's elongated gives extra reach and a higher sweet spot — better for drives, resets, and transition-zone play. For players who live at the kitchen line, that shape distinction often matters more than a 1–2 point SW difference.
Related comparisons
Compare other paddles in our database