Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta vs Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16
Both paddles are scored using the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model. Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16 takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
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Quick answer
Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16 wins this matchup for most players: it takes spin, hand speed and value on Paddle DNA against the Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta, which costs $180.
Power
Too close to call
84 vs 82
Spin
89 vs 82
Control
Too close to call
90 vs 90
Forgiveness
Too close to call
87 vs 84
Hand speed
107 vs 120 kg·cm² swing weight
Value
$99 at IQ 85.8 vs $180 at IQ 84.7
Overall pick: Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16 · $99 · IQ 85.8
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 82Power84
- 90Control90
- 82Spin89
- 84Forgiveness87
- 84Sweet spot87
- 88Stability84
- 70Maneuverability80
- 76Pop80
- 90Touch88
- 90Consistency88
- 78Swing weight68
- 84Twist weight82
- 48Launch angle55
- 86Plow through76
- 84Softness84
Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta vs Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16 specs
Every spec side by side. Highlighted values are the better of the two where one is objectively better.
| Spec | Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta | Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $180 | $99 — better |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 84.7 | 85.8 — better |
| Weight(oz) | 8.4 | 7.9 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 19.8 | 16 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 120 | 107 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| Shape | elongated | hybrid |
| Face length(in) | 16.5 | 16.3 |
| Face width(in) | 7.375 | 7.6 |
| Handle length(in) | 5.25 | 5.3 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4.25 | 4.25 |
| Surface | FiberFlex fiberglass | Raw T700 carbon |
| Core material | X5 polypropylene honeycomb | Thermoformed polymer |
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.
Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16 verdict
The $99 paddle that keeps embarrassing $200 ones. The V-Sol Pro will not out-drive the foam flagships, but on control, spin and consistency it is genuinely competitive.
The verdict
Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is maneuverability: Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16 scores 80 against 70 for Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta — a 10-point gap. They are effectively level on forgiveness, sweet spot, power, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16 is $81 cheaper at $99.
Maneuverability
Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16 leads by 10 points (80 vs 70).
Swing weight
Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta leads by 10 points (78 vs 68).
Plow through
Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta leads by 10 points (86 vs 76).
Spin
Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16 leads by 7 points (89 vs 82).
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 86.2 on the weighted index). Take Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16 and keep the $81.
- Forgiveness
- Sweet spot
Intermediate
3.0–3.9 — playing organised rec and early tournaments
Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16
Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16 is a narrow pick at this level — maneuverability 80 vs 70, spin 89 vs 82, forgiveness 87 vs 84. At 107 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 84.6 on the weighted index). Take Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16 and keep the $81.
- Spin
- Maneuverability
- Power
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (84 vs 84.5 on the weighted index). Take Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16 and keep the $81.
- Forgiveness
Which one should you buy?
Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta
Take Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta if you want swing weight (+10), plow through (+10), stability (+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 →Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16
Take Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16 if you want maneuverability (+10), spin (+7), launch angle (+7). Its swing weight of 107 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16 review →Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta vs Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16 FAQ
- Which is better, the Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta or the Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16?
- Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16 carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (85.8 vs 84.7), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — maneuverability — Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16 leads by 10 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16, at 107 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 Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16?
- Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16 scores 84 for power against 82 for Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta. That comes from a 16 mm Thermoformed polymer core swinging at 107 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 90 for control.
- Which paddle spins the ball more?
- Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16 scores 89 for spin off its Raw T700 carbon face, against 82 for the FiberFlex fiberglass face on Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta. In practice a 7-point gap is noticeable on third-shot drives.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16, with the higher forgiveness score (87 vs 84). Twist weight is identical at 6.5, so the gap comes from sweet-spot size and face stability rather than resistance to twisting.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16 costs $99, $81 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?
- Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta: 19.8 mm X5 polypropylene honeycomb core with a FiberFlex fiberglass face. Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16: 16 mm Thermoformed polymer core with a Raw T700 carbon face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16, at 5.3 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?
- Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16 is the safer first paddle here: forgiveness 87 and sweet spot 87 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?
- Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16 at 7.9 oz against 8.4 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (107 vs 120) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta to the Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16 leads on maneuverability by 10 points; everything else is within 10 points. At $180 vs $99, 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.
- Vanguard 2.0 Invikta vs Luxx Control Air
- V-Sol Pro 16 vs Prism Flash
- V-Sol Pro 16 vs Double Black Diamond Control
- Vanguard 2.0 Invikta vs Bantam ALW-C 14
- Vanguard 2.0 Invikta vs Pursuit Pro EX 16
- Vanguard 2.0 Invikta vs Model E Max V3
- Vanguard 2.0 Invikta vs Quartz Hybrid 16
- Vanguard 2.0 Invikta vs Evoke Pro Carbon 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.
- Vanguard 2.0 Invikta vs LUXX Control Air Invikta
- Vanguard 2.0 Invikta vs Pursuit Pro EX 16
- Vanguard 2.0 Invikta vs Model E Max V3
- Vanguard 2.0 Invikta vs 2X TruFoam Genesis
- V-Sol Pro 16 vs Ruby Hybrid 16
- V-Sol Pro 16 vs Bantam ALW-C 14
- V-Sol Pro 16 vs Scorpeus Pro IV 16
- V-Sol Pro 16 vs Series Two Project Flash
Top alternatives to both
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Guides featuring these paddles
Still deciding? These buying guides put Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta and Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16 in context against the rest of the database.
Read the full reviews: Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta and Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.