Engage Encore Pro EX vs Selkirk SLK Halo Control
Both paddles are scored using the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model. Selkirk SLK Halo Control takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
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Quick answer
Selkirk SLK Halo Control wins this matchup for most players: it takes spin, control and value on Paddle DNA against the Engage Encore Pro EX, which costs $130.
Power
Too close to call
70 vs 69
Spin
81 vs 74
Control
93 vs 88
Forgiveness
Too close to call
89 vs 88
Hand speed
105 vs 111 kg·cm² swing weight
Value
$119 at IQ 83 vs $130 at IQ 80.9
Overall pick: Selkirk SLK Halo Control · $119 · IQ 83
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 70Power69
- 88Control93
- 74Spin81
- 89Forgiveness88
- 90Sweet spot89
- 80Stability84
- 84Maneuverability76
- 66Pop64
- 86Touch90
- 85Consistency88
- 50Swing weight58
- 74Twist weight79
- 68Launch angle57
- 60Plow through66
- 90Softness91
Engage Encore Pro EX vs Selkirk SLK Halo Control specs
Every spec side by side. Highlighted values are the better of the two where one is objectively better.
| Spec | Engage Encore Pro EX | Selkirk SLK Halo Control |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $130 | $119 — better |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 80.9 | 83 — better |
| Weight(oz) | 7.8 | 8.1 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 16 | 16 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 105 | 111 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 5.9 | 6.2 — better |
| Shape | standard | hybrid |
| Face length(in) | 15.9 | 16.1 |
| Face width(in) | 8 | 7.8 |
| Handle length(in) | 5 | 5.25 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4.25 | 4.25 |
| Surface | Fiberglass composite | Toray T700 carbon |
| Core material | Control core | Rev-Core polymer |
Engage Encore Pro EX verdict
A soft, light, extremely forgiving paddle that has quietly become the default recommendation for players over 60.
Selkirk SLK Halo Control verdict
The softest, most muted feel we rate under $150. If your first goal is keeping third-shot drops in the kitchen instead of hitting winners, this is the paddle that teaches touch fastest.
The verdict
Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is launch angle: Engage Encore Pro EX scores 68 against 57 for Selkirk SLK Halo Control — an 11-point gap. They are effectively level on consistency, pop, power, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Price is close enough ($130 vs $119) that it should not break the tie.
Launch angle
Engage Encore Pro EX leads by 11 points (68 vs 57).
Maneuverability
Engage Encore Pro EX leads by 8 points (84 vs 76).
Swing weight
Selkirk SLK Halo Control leads by 8 points (58 vs 50).
Spin
Selkirk SLK Halo Control leads by 7 points (81 vs 74).
Which one is right for your level?
Each call below re-weights the Paddle DNA traits that matter at that level, so the winner can differ from the overall pick.
Beginner
New to 3.0 — still building a consistent contact point
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (84.8 vs 86.6 on the weighted index). Pick on shape — standard on the Encore Pro EX, hybrid on the SLK Halo Control.
- Twist weight
- Stability
- Consistency
Intermediate
3.0–3.9 — playing organised rec and early tournaments
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (82.1 vs 83.3 on the weighted index). Pick on shape — standard on the Encore Pro EX, hybrid on the SLK Halo Control.
- Spin
- Control
- Touch
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
Selkirk SLK Halo Control
Selkirk SLK Halo Control is a narrow pick at this level — spin 81 vs 74, plow through 66 vs 60, touch 90 vs 86. Swing weight 111 kg·cm² is what carries that through contact.
- Spin
- Plow through
- Touch
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (86.8 vs 88 on the weighted index). Pick on shape — standard on the Encore Pro EX, hybrid on the SLK Halo Control.
- Twist weight
- Softness
Which one should you buy?
Engage Encore Pro EX
Take Engage Encore Pro EX if you want launch angle (+11), maneuverability (+8). Its swing weight of 105 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Engage Encore Pro EX review →Selkirk SLK Halo Control
Take Selkirk SLK Halo Control if you want swing weight (+8), spin (+7), plow through (+6). Its swing weight of 111 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Selkirk SLK Halo Control review →Engage Encore Pro EX vs Selkirk SLK Halo Control FAQ
- Which is better, the Engage Encore Pro EX or the Selkirk SLK Halo Control?
- Selkirk SLK Halo Control carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (83 vs 80.9), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — launch angle — Engage Encore Pro EX leads by 11 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Engage Encore Pro EX, at 105 kg·cm² swing weight against 111 for Selkirk SLK Halo Control. Lower swing weight is the single best predictor of hand speed in fast exchanges.
- Which paddle has more power, the Engage Encore Pro EX or the Selkirk SLK Halo Control?
- Engage Encore Pro EX scores 70 for power against 69 for Selkirk SLK Halo Control. That comes from a 16 mm Control core swinging at 105 kg·cm² — mass behind the ball, not face material.
- Which one gives more control and touch?
- Selkirk SLK Halo Control at 93 versus 88. Its 16 mm core holds the ball on the face slightly longer, which is what makes resets and dinks land shorter.
- Which paddle spins the ball more?
- Selkirk SLK Halo Control scores 81 for spin off its Toray T700 carbon face, against 74 for the Fiberglass composite face on Engage Encore Pro EX. In practice a 7-point gap is noticeable on third-shot drives.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- Engage Encore Pro EX, with the higher forgiveness score (89 vs 88). Selkirk SLK Halo Control actually carries the higher twist weight (6.2 vs 5.9), but Engage Encore Pro EX makes it back on sweet spot (90) and overall face stability.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- They are within $11 of each other, so price should not decide this matchup.
- Do they use the same core and face?
- Engage Encore Pro EX: 16 mm Control core with a Fiberglass composite face. Selkirk SLK Halo Control: 16 mm Rev-Core polymer core with a Toray T700 carbon face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- Selkirk SLK Halo Control, at 5.25 in of handle against 5 in. Anything under 5.25 in forces you to choke the bottom hand onto the face bevel.
- Which one is better for beginners?
- Engage Encore Pro EX is the safer first paddle here: forgiveness 89 and sweet spot 90 mean fewer mishits while your contact point is still inconsistent. Selkirk SLK Halo Control rewards a repeatable swing and can feel less stable before that.
- Which is lighter in the hand?
- Engage Encore Pro EX at 7.8 oz against 8.1 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (105 vs 111) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Engage Encore Pro EX to the Selkirk SLK Halo Control?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Engage Encore Pro EX leads on launch angle by 11 points; everything else is within 8 points. At $130 vs $119, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
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Guides featuring these paddles
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Read the full reviews: Engage Encore Pro EX and Selkirk SLK Halo Control. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.