Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta vs Wilson Blaze Pro 16
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 wins this matchup for most players: it takes power, spin and control on Paddle DNA against the Wilson Blaze Pro 16, which costs $170.
Power
82 vs 78
Spin
82 vs 78
Control
90 vs 82
Forgiveness
Too close to call
84 vs 84
Hand speed
110 vs 120 kg·cm² swing weight
Value
Too close to call
$170 at IQ 80.2 vs $180 at IQ 84.7
Overall pick: Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta · $180 · IQ 84.7
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 82Power78
- 90Control82
- 82Spin78
- 84Forgiveness84
- 84Sweet spot84
- 88Stability80
- 70Maneuverability78
- 76Pop76
- 90Touch78
- 90Consistency84
- 78Swing weight70
- 84Twist weight76
- 48Launch angle52
- 86Plow through76
- 84Softness74
Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta vs Wilson Blaze 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 | Wilson Blaze Pro 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $180 | $170 — better |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 84.7 — better | 80.2 |
| Weight(oz) | 8.4 | 8 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 19.8 | 16 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 120 | 110 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| Shape | elongated | elongated |
| Face length(in) | 16.5 | 16.3 |
| Face width(in) | 7.375 | 7.5 |
| Handle length(in) | 5.25 | 5.375 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4.25 | 4.25 |
| Surface | FiberFlex fiberglass | Raw carbon fiber |
| Core material | X5 polypropylene honeycomb | 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.
Wilson Blaze Pro 16 verdict
Wilson's most competitive pickleball paddle to date. Nothing in the DNA profile is exceptional, but nothing is a weakness either — it is the definition of a balanced all-court build.
The verdict
Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is touch: Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta scores 90 against 78 for Wilson Blaze Pro 16 — a 12-point gap. They are effectively level on forgiveness, sweet spot, pop, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Price is close enough ($180 vs $170) that it should not break the tie.
Touch
Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta leads by 12 points (90 vs 78).
Plow through
Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta leads by 10 points (86 vs 76).
Softness
Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta leads by 10 points (84 vs 74).
Control
Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta leads by 8 points (90 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
Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta
Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta is a narrow pick at this level — stability 88 vs 80, twist weight 84 vs 76, consistency 90 vs 84. Twist weight 6.5 keeps the face steadier on off-centre contact.
- Stability
- Twist weight
- Consistency
Intermediate
3.0–3.9 — playing organised rec and early tournaments
Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta
Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta is a narrow pick at this level — touch 90 vs 78, control 90 vs 82, spin 82 vs 78. At 120 kg·cm² swing weight it stays quick enough for hands battles.
- Touch
- Control
- Spin
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta
Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta is the clearer pick at this level — touch 90 vs 78, plow through 86 vs 76, control 90 vs 82. Swing weight 120 kg·cm² is what carries that through contact.
- Touch
- Plow through
- Control
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta
Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta is the clearer pick at this level — softness 84 vs 74, twist weight 84 vs 76. Its 19.8 mm X5 polypropylene honeycomb core at 8.4 oz is the softer, lower-shock build of the two.
- Softness
- Twist weight
Which one should you buy?
Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta
Take Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta if you want touch (+12), plow through (+10), softness (+10). 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 →Wilson Blaze Pro 16
Take Wilson Blaze Pro 16 if you want maneuverability (+8), launch angle (+4). Its swing weight of 110 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Wilson Blaze Pro 16 review →Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta vs Wilson Blaze Pro 16 FAQ
- Which is better, the Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta or the Wilson Blaze Pro 16?
- Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (84.7 vs 80.2), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — touch — Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta leads by 12 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Wilson Blaze Pro 16, at 110 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 Wilson Blaze Pro 16?
- Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta scores 82 for power against 78 for Wilson Blaze Pro 16. 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 82. 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?
- Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta scores 82 for spin off its FiberFlex fiberglass face, against 78 for the Raw carbon fiber face on Wilson Blaze Pro 16. In practice a 4-point gap is small enough that technique matters more.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Both score 84 on forgiveness, off the same 6.5 twist weight.
- 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. Wilson Blaze Pro 16: 16 mm Polypropylene honeycomb core with a Raw carbon fiber face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- Wilson Blaze Pro 16, at 5.375 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?
- Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Forgiveness (84) and sweet spot (84) are identical, so a developing player can start on either — decide on price and handle feel.
- Which is lighter in the hand?
- Wilson Blaze Pro 16 at 8 oz against 8.4 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (110 vs 120) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Wilson Blaze Pro 16 to the Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta leads on touch by 12 points; everything else is within 10 points. At $180 vs $170, 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
- Blaze Pro 16 vs Double Black Diamond Control V2
- Blaze Pro 16 vs Radical Tour Ultra 16
- 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
- Blaze Pro 16 vs Evoke Premier
- Blaze Pro 16 vs SLK Halo XL Control
- Blaze Pro 16 vs V7 Pro 16
- Blaze Pro 16 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 Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta and Wilson Blaze Pro 16 in context against the rest of the database.
Read the full reviews: Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Invikta and Wilson Blaze Pro 16. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.