Pro Kennex Black Ace 16mm vs Selkirk Vanguard S2 Control
On published specifications these two are very close. Every derived index sits within 8 points, which is inside the margin of an estimate built from spec sheets. Choose on price, handle length, or whichever brand you can demo.
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| Spec | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
| Price (MSRP)Manufacturer Spec | $280.00 | $199.99▲ |
| PowerDerived | 34 | 35▲ |
| ControlDerived | 68 | 68 |
| SpinDerived | 79 | 79 |
| ForgivenessDerived | 65 | 68▲ |
| Swing weight indexDerived | 28 | 24 |
| Core thicknessManufacturer Spec | 16 mm | 16 mm |
| Face materialManufacturer Spec | Toray carbon | Toray carbon |
| Core materialManufacturer Spec | Polypropylene honeycomb | Polypropylene honeycomb |
| ShapeManufacturer Spec | Widebody | Widebody |
| LengthManufacturer Spec | 15.9" | 15.9" |
| WidthManufacturer Spec | 8" | 8" |
| Handle lengthManufacturer Spec | 5.3"▲ | 4.7" |
| Static weightManufacturer Spec | 7.81 oz | 8 oz |
| Balance pointDerived | 20.7 cm | 19.9 cm |
| ThermoformedManufacturer Spec | No | No |
| USAP approvedManufacturer Spec | Yes | Yes |
| ReleasedManufacturer Spec | 2025 | 2024 |
These two are hard to separate
Every derived index is within a few points. Our scores come from spec sheets, and spec sheets can't capture feel — at this margin the honest answer is that you should demo both rather than trust a number.
Analysis
Where they actually differ
Only differences big enough to matter are listed. Anything inside the margin of an estimate is left out.
- Handle
- Pro Kennex Black Ace 16mm has the longer handle at 5.3" — the deciding factor if you hit a two-handed backhand.
- Price
- Selkirk Vanguard S2 Control is $80 cheaper at MSRP.

Choose the
Pro Kennex Black Ace 16mm
- You prefer the brand or the feel
No retailer links for this paddle yet.

Choose the
Selkirk Vanguard S2 Control
- Budget matters — it's $80 less
No retailer links for this paddle yet.
Also consider

