SLK NEO 2.0 Paddle (Review 2024): Is This Paddle Worth The Hype?

This is my in-depth review of Selkirk’s Neo 2.0 Pickleball Paddle.

After testing Selkirk’s Neo Paddle for months, I finally came up with my verdict about this paddle. 

I also asked other players to give their opinions about the paddle. (Later on this post)

If you want to know…

• How the Paddle Actually Perform 
• What people don’t like about this paddle
• The Pros & Cons
• How it compares to similar paddles
• Where to find the best deal for the paddle

Then you are in the right place.

Let’s get started…

Selkirk’s Neo 2.0 – specification:

Paddle Weight	7.5 oz
Paddle Length	15.67”
Paddle Width	7.8”
Handle Length	5.25”
Grip Circumference	4.25”
Face Material	Mix of Graphite & Fiberglass
Core Material	Polymer Honeycomb
Color	(Blue & Red) or (Green & Purple)
Sweet Spot	Large

Pros and Cons:

Performance of SLK Neo 2.0:

Power: 7/10 

If you’re hoping for raw power, the SLK NEO 2.0 isn’t going to blow you away. I had to put some serious swing behind my overhead smashes to get the ball moving with any real force.
The paddle feels light, which is great for control, but when I needed to crank up the power for drives or volleys, I found myself working harder than usual. That being said, I did manage a few surprisingly solid passing shots during fast rallies, which was a pleasant surprise.

What I Love:

• Consistency: No matter how hard I swung, I wasn’t worried about losing control. Even on aggressive drives, the ball stayed in bounds, which gave me confidence to play without holding back.
• Smooth Dinks and Control: Where this paddle shines is at the net. I could keep my dinks low and controlled, making it easy to outlast opponents in close exchanges.

What’s Not Ideal:

• Underwhelming Smashes: I just couldn’t get the pop I needed on overheads. It’s like the paddle lacked that extra oomph to put the ball away on powerful shots.
• Effort Required: Because it’s not naturally powerful, I had to work harder to generate force, which got tiring after long rallies.

Overall, the SLK NEO 2.0 excels in control, but if power is your game, you might find yourself wishing for more.

Control: 7.5/10

When it comes to the control, SLK Neo is undoubtedly a good choice for beginners. Although this paddle is not as accurate as some high end paddle like Joola Precious or Vatic pro Prism, but considering the price it is the best one on the market .
Because of its lightweight nature I could move fast and it helped me play dinks and drops on point.So if you are a beginner you will find it fun playing with the paddle.

Forgiveness: 9/10

Because of its Large sweet spot,  it is a popular choice for beginners. So it surely deserves a 9/10 in my opinion. When I was playing I was able to hit drives, touch shots and dinks quite comfortably. Also helps play in the kitchen.
In one word, you don’t need to worry a bit about the forgiveness of SLK Neo 2.0 

Spin: 7/10

For a paddle in this price range, the SLK NEO 2.0 surprised me with its spin capability. While it’s not going to outperform top-tier paddles like the CRBN-2X Power Series or the Legacy Pro, it certainly holds its own for beginners and intermediate players looking to develop their spin game. I found that the surface of the paddle has just the right amount of texture to help you put some solid topspin or backspin on the ball, especially when you’re taking your time with more controlled shots. 

That said, when I really tried to go for those heavy topspin drives, it didn’t quite grip the ball the way I wanted. If you’re an advanced player who leans heavily on spin to dominate your game, it might leave you wanting more. But for someone just starting to explore spin techniques, it gets the job done pretty well. 

I was able to hit consistent spin serves and cross-court shots with a decent dip, but it doesn’t have that razor-sharp spin control you’d expect from carbon fiber paddles.

Grip: 8/10

The SLK NEO 2.0 has a grip that truly impressed me. It feels comfortable and secure, even in the heat of intense matches. I appreciated how it held up well and didn’t get slippery, no matter how sweaty my hands were. 
The grip design also resists dirt better, so it stays looking good. While it’s not the flashiest grip out there, it does the job excellently for most players. For those who want a little extra, adding an overgrip could be a nice touch. Overall, it’s a solid choice that offers great value.

Durability: 7:5/10

The SLK Neo 2.0 is built to last, thanks to its solid composite construction and protective edge guard. It’s a notable step up from many budget paddles, making it a great pick for those who play frequently or are learning the ropes. 
The paddle handles everyday play pretty well. The edge guard does its job, keeping most damage at bay. It’s durable for its price, though it doesn’t quite match the toughness of top-end carbon fiber paddles. 
With regular use, you might notice some wear on the surface, but overall, it offers great durability and value. It’s an excellent choice if you’re after a reliable paddle without spending a fortune.

Weight: 8.5/10

Using the SLK NEO 2.0 has been a game-changer for me. At 8.2 ounces, it’s incredibly light, making those rapid volleys and quick dinks feel effortless. I recently played a match where the speed of this paddle made all the difference, especially during fast-paced kitchen exchanges.
I felt like I could react faster and stay one step ahead of my opponent. If you love being nimble on the court, this paddle’s lightweight design will definitely give you an advantage.

What I Love:

• Speed and Agility: Perfect for quick reflexes and staying sharp at the net. You’ll love how it helps with those rapid-fire dinks and precise volleys.
• Comfort: The lightweight feel reduces arm fatigue, so you can keep up the pace without wearing out.

What’s Not Ideal:

• Power Shots: If you love putting your full weight behind powerful smashes, this might not have the oomph you’re used to. It’s fantastic for control, but it could leave you wanting more for those booming shots.

Overall, the SLK NEO 2.0 excels in control and agility, but if you’re a power player, consider a heavier option.

Warranty of SLK NEO 2.0 

SLK NEO 2.0 paddle has 1-year Limited warranty by the manufacturer.
They say,

Limited 1-Year Warranty

“SLK pickleball paddles are guaranteed against workmanship and manufacturing defects for a period of one year from the original date of purchase.  This warranty applies only to the original purchaser and is not transferable to anyone beyond the original purchaser.”

Bottom Line ( SLK NEO 2.0 paddle )

This SLK NEO 2.0 is my top pick for beginners in 2024. It’s incredibly forgiving right from the start, and you’ll quickly get a feel for it. I was pleasantly surprised by how much spin it generates—something you’d typically expect from more expensive paddles.

Yes, you might be paying a bit more than some other entry-level options, but the value you get is worth it. With the NEO 2.0, you’ll gain confidence and skill faster, and it should serve you well as you progress into intermediate play.
If you’re just starting out or looking for a dependable paddle to grow with, I’d definitely recommend giving the SLK NEO 2.0 a shot.

Highly Recommended…

Sample Buyer Review:

I had hit a couple of balls around and decided that I wanted to get a paddle for myself. Spent time in sporting goods stores looking at paddles and reading online reviews. As a beginner, I didn’t want to get gear that was too expensive or something that a beginner would outgrow. Nothing in the brick and mortar stores seemed to fit my requirement.
Had read about Selkirk in the online reviews, and when I saw the Selkirk set on Amazon of two paddles, balls, and carry bag for the price of one of the paddles at the sporting goods store, I made the buy. Very happy with the set, the paddles have a bit longer handles than many and the finish on the paddle face has some “bite”…Read more.

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