ProKennex Black Ace LG vs Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta
Both paddles are scored using the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model. Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
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Quick answer
Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta edges it on the overall Paddle IQ score (84.7 vs 83.1), but the two split the scored categories — pick on the one trait you care about most.
Power
82 vs 74
Spin
Too close to call
82 vs 82
Control
Too close to call
90 vs 88
Forgiveness
88 vs 84
Hand speed
109 vs 120 kg·cm² swing weight
Value
$180 at IQ 84.7 vs $200 at IQ 83.1
Overall pick: Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta · $180 · IQ 84.7
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 74Power82
- 88Control90
- 82Spin82
- 88Forgiveness84
- 86Sweet spot84
- 82Stability88
- 78Maneuverability70
- 70Pop76
- 90Touch90
- 88Consistency90
- 70Swing weight78
- 78Twist weight84
- 48Launch angle48
- 76Plow through86
- 92Softness84
ProKennex Black Ace LG vs Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta specs
Every spec side by side. Highlighted values are the better of the two where one is objectively better.
| Spec | ProKennex Black Ace LG | Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $200 | $180 — better |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 83.1 | 84.7 — better |
| Weight(oz) | 8 | 8.4 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 16 | 19.8 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 109 | 120 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 6.4 | 6.5 — better |
| Shape | elongated | elongated |
| Face length(in) | 16.3 | 16.5 |
| Face width(in) | 7.5 | 7.375 |
| Handle length(in) | 5.5 | 5.25 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4.25 | 4.25 |
| Surface | Textured carbon | FiberFlex fiberglass |
| Core material | Kinetic core with damping chambers | X5 polypropylene honeycomb |
ProKennex Black Ace LG verdict
The most arm-friendly build in the database. Softness 92 comes from ProKennex's Kinetic damping, and it is the one paddle we recommend without hesitation for players managing tendon pain.
Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta verdict
Selkirk's long-running Invikta shape in the softer Vanguard 2.0 build. Touch 90 and consistency 90 with 86 plow-through make it a drive-and-reset paddle for patient players.
The verdict
Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is plow through: Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta scores 86 against 76 for ProKennex Black Ace LG — a 10-point gap. They are effectively level on control, sweet spot, consistency, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta is $20 cheaper at $180.
Plow through
Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta leads by 10 points (86 vs 76).
Power
Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta leads by 8 points (82 vs 74).
Maneuverability
ProKennex Black Ace LG leads by 8 points (78 vs 70).
Swing weight
Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta leads by 8 points (78 vs 70).
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 (85.1 vs 86 on the weighted index). Take Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta and keep the $20.
- Stability
- Twist weight
- Consistency
Intermediate
3.0–3.9 — playing organised rec and early tournaments
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (83.7 vs 83.3 on the weighted index). Take Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta and keep the $20.
- Maneuverability
- Forgiveness
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta
Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta is a narrow pick at this level — power 82 vs 74, plow through 86 vs 76, control 90 vs 88. Swing weight 120 kg·cm² is what carries that through contact.
- Power
- Plow through
- Control
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
ProKennex Black Ace LG
ProKennex Black Ace LG is a narrow pick at this level — softness 92 vs 84, forgiveness 88 vs 84. Its 16 mm Kinetic core with damping chambers core at 8 oz is the softer, lower-shock build of the two.
- Softness
- Forgiveness
Which one should you buy?
ProKennex Black Ace LG
Take ProKennex Black Ace LG if you want maneuverability (+8), softness (+8), forgiveness (+4). Its swing weight of 109 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the ProKennex Black Ace LG review →Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta
Take Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta if you want plow through (+10), power (+8), swing weight (+8). Its swing weight of 120 kg·cm² and 19.8 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta review →ProKennex Black Ace LG vs Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta FAQ
- Which is better, the ProKennex Black Ace LG or the Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta?
- Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (84.7 vs 83.1), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — plow through — Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta leads by 10 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- ProKennex Black Ace LG, at 109 kg·cm² swing weight against 120 for Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta. Lower swing weight is the single best predictor of hand speed in fast exchanges.
- Which paddle has more power, the ProKennex Black Ace LG or the Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta?
- Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta scores 82 for power against 74 for ProKennex Black Ace LG. That comes from a 19.8 mm X5 polypropylene honeycomb core swinging at 120 kg·cm² — mass behind the ball, not face material.
- Which one gives more control and touch?
- Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta at 90 versus 88. Its 19.8 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?
- Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Both score 82 for spin.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- ProKennex Black Ace LG, with the higher forgiveness score (88 vs 84). Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta actually carries the higher twist weight (6.5 vs 6.4), but ProKennex Black Ace LG makes it back on sweet spot (86) and overall face stability.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta costs $180, $20 less. Whether that gap is worth closing depends on whether you actually use the traits it trades away — check the head-to-head DNA bars above before paying up.
- Do they use the same core and face?
- ProKennex Black Ace LG: 16 mm Kinetic core with damping chambers core with a Textured carbon face. Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta: 19.8 mm X5 polypropylene honeycomb core with a FiberFlex fiberglass face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- ProKennex Black Ace LG, at 5.5 in of handle against 5.25 in. Anything under 5.25 in forces you to choke the bottom hand onto the face bevel, which ProKennex Black Ace LG avoids.
- Which one is better for beginners?
- ProKennex Black Ace LG is the safer first paddle here: forgiveness 88 and sweet spot 86 mean fewer mishits while your contact point is still inconsistent. Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta rewards a repeatable swing and can feel less stable before that.
- Which is lighter in the hand?
- ProKennex Black Ace LG at 8 oz against 8.4 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (109 vs 120) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the ProKennex Black Ace LG to the Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta leads on plow through by 10 points; everything else is within 8 points. At $200 vs $180, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
This matchup is a forgiveness vs power decision
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Read the full reviews: ProKennex Black Ace LG and Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.