Selkirk SLK ERA Power Elongated Review: Balanced Gen 3 Performance

Introduction

The SLK ERA Power Elongated is Selkirk’s newest Gen 3 entry—a thermoformed, foam-perimeter frame that the brand’s touring pros adopted almost instantly. That alone makes it worth a closer look. I’ve logged two weeks of drilling, rec play, and match testing (about 15 hours) with a stock retail sample, alongside 4.0+ hitters who rotate between current Gen 3 and raw-carbon builds.

Selkirk shipped the paddle for testing, but—standard policy—no money changed hands, and they saw no advance copy of this review. If you do pick one up, using code INF-MPB kicks a small commission back to the site and helps fund more independent testing.

In the sections that follow I’ll cover real-court impressions, spin and pop data, construction details, pricing, and how the ERA Power stacks up against other foam-perimeter Gen 3 paddles such as the Franklin C45 and Holbrook ARMA.

In-Depth Playing Experience

On court, the SLK ERA Power Elongated plays like a power-leaning all-court frame rather than a true power paddle. Its firepower score landed at 43—low for the category—but that doesn’t mean it lacks punch. You still get enough pop to finish points, just not the kind of free acceleration that defines the top third of the power spectrum.

Where the paddle excels is in control, balance, and shot consistency. It plays predictably on resets and drops, without the jittery rebound you sometimes get from thinner or higher-powered builds. In transitional hands battles, the 119.2 swing weight gives it added stability through contact, though that comes at the cost of top-end quickness. It’s not ideal for reactive flicks or chaotic net play unless your mechanics are already compact. Still, for players who stay efficient, it stays composed.

Spin came in at 2155 RPM—slightly above average, but not elite. That’s enough to shape topspin rolls and force errors, though not quite enough for heavy dip or exaggerated kick. Punch volleys clocked in at 36.1 MPH, which places this paddle around the 40th percentile—further evidence that it’s tuned for control more than raw pop. Serve speed landed at 55.2 MPH, a solid mid-tier number.

One of the most notable playability factors was how dialed the paddle felt out of the box. The static weight (8.17 oz), swing weight (119.2), and balance point (24.1 cm) came together without requiring tungsten or tape. That’s rare in a Gen 3 build. The paddle held its own during testing across resets, drives, counters, and defensive scrambles. It felt consistent across the face—although the 6.4 twist weight means forgiveness isn’t a standout strength. Clean contact is rewarded; off-center hits are playable, but not buffered like higher-twist paddles.

In all, it’s a composed, all-court frame that doesn’t spike in any one area but doesn’t dip either. A paddle you can trust point after point.

Paddle Design and Technology

The SLK ERA Power Elongated is built on a Gen 3-style platform with a clear focus on structural reinforcement and balanced performance. At its core is a 16mm polypropylene honeycomb matrix, fully wrapped in EVA foam. This full-perimeter foam helps reduce vibration and enhance stability on off-center contact—an increasingly common design trait among modern thermoformed paddles.

The paddle is thermoformed, meaning the face, edge guard, and core are fused together under heat and pressure to create a sealed, unibody structure. This method typically increases power and responsiveness but can sometimes lead to durability issues. To counter that, Selkirk has reinforced the perimeter with internal composite edge inserts—an uncommon addition at this price point. These reinforcements are designed to prevent core crushing and improve frame longevity.

The face uses a carbon–fiberglass–carbon (CFC) layup. That layered structure offers a blend of stiffness and flex—giving the paddle crisp feedback without becoming harsh. The carbon layers provide structure and rebound, while the fiberglass helps maintain dwell and control.

Selkirk also claims this model is produced in a facility with a dedicated quality control manager on site. Whether or not that translates to long-term durability remains to be seen, but in the short term, this paddle arrived structurally sound with no warping, delamination, or edge separation during the initial test window.

Conclusion & Recommendation

The SLK ERA Power Elongated is a paddle that gets more right than its name suggests. Despite being labeled “Power,” this frame leans toward a balanced, all-court playstyle with enough drive to finish points but not so much that it sacrifices control or consistency. It’s not going to overpower defenders on its own, but it holds up under pressure and stays stable in transition—a combination that’s hard to find in the Gen 3 tier.

This paddle makes the most sense for intermediate to advanced players who want thermoformed stability without the usual trade-offs: it doesn’t demand lead tape to feel right, it isn’t overly head-heavy, and it doesn’t force you to constantly adjust to find the sweet spot. If you rely on clean resets, punch volleys, and roll third shots, this paddle keeps up without needing to be babied.

On the other hand, if your game revolves around heavy topspin or raw power off the bounce, you may find more upside in paddles with rougher carbon faces or thinner cores. It also won’t give you the trampoline-style pop some Gen 3 players look for in a fast-attacking build.

But for players looking for stability, control, and true out-of-the-box performance in a Gen 3 frame, the SLK ERA Power Elongated is an easy recommendation—and if you found this review helpful, I’d appreciate it if you used code INF-MPB at checkout. It doesn’t save you money, but it kicks back a little support my way, and that helps me keep testing and publishing these breakdowns.