Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta vs Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2
Both paddles measured on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA test. Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
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Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 82Power80
- 90Control90
- 82Spin88
- 84Forgiveness88
- 84Sweet spot88
- 88Stability86
- 70Maneuverability78
- 76Pop74
- 90Touch88
- 90Consistency88
- 78Swing weight72
- 84Twist weight82
- 48Launch angle48
- 86Plow through78
- 84Softness80
Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta vs Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 specs
Every measured spec side by side. Highlighted values are the better of the two where one is objectively better.
| Spec | Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta | Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $180 | $170 — better |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 84.7 | 85.4 — better |
| Weight(oz) | 8.4 | 8 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 19.8 | 16 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 120 | 111 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 6.5 | 6.8 — better |
| Shape | elongated | standard |
| Face length(in) | 16.5 | 16 |
| Face width(in) | 7.375 | 7.9 |
| Handle length(in) | 5.25 | 5.25 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4.25 | 4.25 |
| Surface | FiberFlex fiberglass | Raw Toray T700 carbon |
| Core material | X5 polypropylene honeycomb | Thermoformed polypropylene honeycomb |
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.
Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 verdict
The V2 keeps the original DBD's forgiveness and adds face texture. Control 90 with sweet spot 88 in a standard shape is the safest upgrade path in the database.
The verdict
Measured on the same 15-trait test, the clearest separation is maneuverability: Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 scores 78 against 70 for Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta — a 8-point gap. They are effectively level on power, stability, pop, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Price is close enough ($180 vs $170) that it should not break the tie.
Maneuverability
Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 leads by 8 points (78 vs 70).
Plow through
Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta leads by 8 points (86 vs 78).
Spin
Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 leads by 6 points (88 vs 82).
Swing weight
Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta leads by 6 points (78 vs 72).
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 (86 vs 86.9 on the weighted index). Pick on shape — elongated on the Vanguard 2.0 Invikta, standard on the Double Black Diamond Control V2.
- Forgiveness
- Sweet spot
Intermediate
3.0–3.9 — playing organised rec and early tournaments
Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2
Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 is a narrow pick at this level — maneuverability 78 vs 70, spin 88 vs 82, forgiveness 88 vs 84. At 111 kg·cm² swing weight it stays quick enough for hands battles.
- Maneuverability
- Spin
- Forgiveness
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (83.5 vs 83.7 on the weighted index). Pick on shape — elongated on the Vanguard 2.0 Invikta, standard on the Double Black Diamond Control V2.
- Spin
- Maneuverability
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (84 vs 82.5 on the weighted index). Pick on shape — elongated on the Vanguard 2.0 Invikta, standard on the Double Black Diamond Control V2.
- Softness
- Twist weight
Which one should you buy?
Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta
Take Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta if you want plow through (+8), swing weight (+6), softness (+4). 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 →Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2
Take Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 if you want maneuverability (+8), spin (+6), forgiveness (+4). Its swing weight of 111 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 review →Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta vs Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 FAQ
- Which is better, the Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta or the Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2?
- Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (85.4 vs 84.7), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — maneuverability — Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 leads by 8 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2, at 111 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 Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta or the Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2?
- Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta measures 82 on power against 80 for Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2. 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 90. 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?
- Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 scores 88 for spin off its Raw Toray T700 carbon face, against 82 for the FiberFlex fiberglass face on Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta. In practice a 6-point gap is noticeable on third-shot drives.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2, with 6.8 twist weight against 6.5. Higher twist weight means the face rotates less when you miss the middle, and Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 carries the higher forgiveness score (88) as a result.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- They are within $10 of each other, so price should not decide this matchup.
- Do they use the same core and face?
- Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta: 19.8 mm X5 polypropylene honeycomb core with a FiberFlex fiberglass face. Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2: 16 mm Thermoformed polypropylene honeycomb core with a Raw Toray T700 carbon face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta, at 5.25 in of handle against 5.25 in. Anything under 5.25 in forces you to choke the bottom hand onto the face bevel.
- Which one is better for beginners?
- Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 is the safer first paddle here: forgiveness 88 and sweet spot 88 mean fewer mishits while your contact point is still inconsistent. Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta rewards a repeatable swing and can feel unstable before that.
- Which is lighter in the hand?
- Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 at 8 oz against 8.4 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (111 vs 120) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta to the Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2 leads on maneuverability by 8 points; everything else is within 8 points. At $180 vs $170, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
Also worth comparing
Head-to-heads that share DNA with this matchup — useful if you're still deciding between shapes, cores or price tiers.
- Vanguard 2.0 Invikta vs Model E Max V3
- Vanguard 2.0 Invikta vs Nova R1
- Vanguard 2.0 Invikta vs Pursuit MX 6.0
- Vanguard 2.0 Invikta vs Perseus Pro IV 16
- Double Black Diamond Control V2 vs Radius CGS 16
- Double Black Diamond Control V2 vs Crush Control 16
- Double Black Diamond Control V2 vs Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0
- Double Black Diamond Control V2 vs Atlas 16
Top alternatives to both
Paddles that beat one of these two on a specific trait or on price.
Read the full reviews: Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta and Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control V2. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.