Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Selkirk SLK Halo XL Control
Both paddles are scored using the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model. Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
Add a third paddle to this comparison →
Quick answer
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) wins this matchup for most players: it takes power and spin on Paddle DNA against the Selkirk SLK Halo XL Control, which costs $100.
Power
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)
85 vs 80
Spin
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)
95 vs 89
Control
Too close to call
88 vs 88
Forgiveness
Too close to call
84 vs 82
Hand speed
Too close to call
110 vs 112 kg·cm² swing weight
Value
$100 at IQ 83.8 vs $175 at IQ 85.6
Overall pick: Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) · $175 · IQ 85.6
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 85Power80
- 88Control88
- 95Spin89
- 82Forgiveness84
- 84Sweet spot85
- 83Stability82
- 84Maneuverability78
- 82Pop78
- 86Touch86
- 88Consistency86
- 68Swing weight70
- 82Twist weight80
- 57Launch angle55
- 78Plow through76
- 80Softness80
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Selkirk SLK Halo XL Control specs
Every spec side by side. Highlighted values are the better of the two where one is objectively better.
| Spec | Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) | Selkirk SLK Halo XL Control |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $175 | $100 — better |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 85.6 — better | 83.8 |
| Weight(oz) | 7.9 | 8 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 15 | 16 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 110 | 112 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 6.3 — better | 6.2 |
| Shape | elongated | elongated |
| Face length(in) | 16.5 | 16.4 |
| Face width(in) | 7.375 | 7.4 |
| Handle length(in) | 5.375 | 5.75 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4.25 | 4.25 |
| Surface | Aerospace bi-directional carbon with exposed aramid weave | Raw T700 carbon fiber |
| Core material | Nomex and polypropylene hybrid honeycomb | Rev-Core polymer honeycomb |
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) verdict
The exposed Kevlar weave is the story: it grips the ball like a fresh grit face but, unlike sprayed textures, it is the material itself, so the spin number does not decay over a season.
Selkirk SLK Halo XL Control verdict
A $100 raw-carbon elongated with a 5.75 in handle — the cheapest credible paddle in the database for a two-handed backhand player who wants real spin.
The verdict
Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is spin: Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) scores 95 against 89 for Selkirk SLK Halo XL Control — a 6-point gap. They are effectively level on forgiveness, consistency, swing weight, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Selkirk SLK Halo XL Control is $75 cheaper at $100.
Spin
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads by 6 points (95 vs 89).
Maneuverability
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads by 6 points (84 vs 78).
Power
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads by 5 points (85 vs 80).
Pop
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads by 4 points (82 vs 78).
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 vs 83.9 on the weighted index). Take Selkirk SLK Halo XL Control and keep the $75.
- Twist weight
- Consistency
- Stability
Intermediate
3.0–3.9 — playing organised rec and early tournaments
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) is a narrow pick at this level — spin 95 vs 89, maneuverability 84 vs 78, power 85 vs 80. At 110 kg·cm² swing weight it stays quick enough for hands battles.
- Spin
- Maneuverability
- Power
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) is a narrow pick at this level — spin 95 vs 89, power 85 vs 80, maneuverability 84 vs 78. Swing weight 110 kg·cm² is what carries that through contact.
- Spin
- Power
- Maneuverability
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (80.9 vs 81.1 on the weighted index). Take Selkirk SLK Halo XL Control and keep the $75.
- Forgiveness
Which one should you buy?
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)
Take Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) if you want spin (+6), maneuverability (+6), power (+5). Its swing weight of 110 kg·cm² and 15 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) review →Selkirk SLK Halo XL Control
Take Selkirk SLK Halo XL Control if you prefer a 5.75 in handle and a 16 mm Rev-Core polymer honeycomb core — it gives up nothing measurable to Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner).
Read the Selkirk SLK Halo XL Control review →Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Selkirk SLK Halo XL Control FAQ
- Which is better, the Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) or the Selkirk SLK Halo XL Control?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (85.6 vs 83.8), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — spin — Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads by 6 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner), at 110 kg·cm² swing weight against 112 for Selkirk SLK Halo XL Control. Lower swing weight is the single best predictor of hand speed in fast exchanges.
- Which paddle has more power, the Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) or the Selkirk SLK Halo XL Control?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) scores 85 for power against 80 for Selkirk SLK Halo XL Control. That comes from a 15 mm Nomex and polypropylene hybrid honeycomb core swinging at 110 kg·cm² — mass behind the ball, not face material.
- Which one gives more control and touch?
- Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Both score 88 for control.
- Which paddle spins the ball more?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) scores 95 for spin off its Aerospace bi-directional carbon with exposed aramid weave face, against 89 for the Raw T700 carbon fiber face on Selkirk SLK Halo XL Control. In practice a 6-point gap is noticeable on third-shot drives.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- Selkirk SLK Halo XL Control, with the higher forgiveness score (84 vs 82). Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) actually carries the higher twist weight (6.3 vs 6.2), but Selkirk SLK Halo XL Control makes it back on sweet spot (85) and overall face stability.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- Selkirk SLK Halo XL Control costs $100, $75 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?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner): 15 mm Nomex and polypropylene hybrid honeycomb core with an Aerospace bi-directional carbon with exposed aramid weave face. Selkirk SLK Halo XL Control: 16 mm Rev-Core polymer honeycomb core with a Raw T700 carbon fiber face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- Selkirk SLK Halo XL Control, at 5.75 in of handle against 5.375 in. Anything under 5.25 in forces you to choke the bottom hand onto the face bevel, which Selkirk SLK Halo XL Control avoids.
- Which one is better for beginners?
- Selkirk SLK Halo XL Control is the safer first paddle here: forgiveness 84 and sweet spot 85 mean fewer mishits while your contact point is still inconsistent. Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) rewards a repeatable swing and can feel less stable before that.
- Which is lighter in the hand?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) at 7.9 oz against 8 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (110 vs 112) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Selkirk SLK Halo XL Control to the Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads on spin by 6 points; everything else is within 6 points. At $175 vs $100, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
Related comparisons
The other matchups shoppers open in the same session as this one.
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Series One Project Black
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Double Black Diamond Control
- SLK Halo XL Control vs SLK Halo Control
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs CRBN-3X Power Series
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Series Two Project Flash
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Vice V2 16
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Infinity Ruby 16
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Ruby Hybrid 16
Also worth comparing
Head-to-heads that share DNA with this matchup — useful if you're still deciding between shapes, cores or price tiers.
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Series Two Project Flash
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Ruby Hybrid 16
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Vice V2 16
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Scorpeus Pro IV 16
- SLK Halo XL Control vs Crush Control 16
- SLK Halo XL Control vs Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0
- SLK Halo XL Control vs Series Two Project Flash
- SLK Halo XL Control vs V7 Hybrid
Top alternatives to both
Paddles that beat one of these two on a specific trait or on price.
Guides featuring these paddles
Still deciding? These buying guides put Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) and Selkirk SLK Halo XL Control in context against the rest of the database.
Read the full reviews: Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) and Selkirk SLK Halo XL Control. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.