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PickleballCentral Expert's Corner:
A special opportunity to learn about the Selkirk Omni AMPED Pickleball Paddle
Exclusive Interview with Glen Peterson: Selkirk Pro & US Open/USAPA Nationals Gold Medalist
PBC: "Glen, thank you for agreeing to spend some time talking about your new paddle. Your prior paddle, the Omni 31P was a poly core paddle with a graphite face. This new one is also poly core, but it has a much thicker core (5/8" thick vs. .1/2" thick) and uses the new FiberFlex face. Can you compare how this new paddle feels compared to your old paddle? Can you describe the change in the way a shot feels using your new paddle?
Glen: "The new Amped Omni is heavier and feels more solid and stable than the Omni 31P. When I hit a ball outside the sweet spot of the Amped Omni, I feel that I get a more consistent response than with the Omni 31P. In other words, the ball seems to come off the paddle more like I was hitting it in the sweet spot. I get noticeably more control with the Amped Omni and slightly less power. The Amped Omni is particularly well matched with the Dura ball. This is partly because it is heavier and partly because of the fiberglass surface. The Amped Omni Fiberglass suface seems rougher and seems to grab the ball better."
PBC: "We’ve traditionally thought about Graphite paddles as playing softer than Fiberglass faced paddles. Do you think is paddle defies these traditional expectations about the combinations of core and face materials? If so, how?"
Glen: "I agree that traditionally graphite paddles play softer and provide more control than fiberglass paddles. This may be partly due to the fact that graphite surfaces are generally lighter than fiberglass surfaces. I do believe the thicker Amped core absorbs more of the ball's energy resulting in more control and softer play. I am convinced that the enhanced control is generated by the unique core, not by the fiberglass surface."
PBC: "Can you describe what it’s like to hit with a paddle that has a thicker core like the new Amped Paddles?"
Glen: "First, the thicker core looks right to me. Secondly, the sound it emits when a ball is hit has a lower, more solid tone. Third, the thicker paddle seems to have more inertia, so when I hit a paddle off center the paddle rotates less in my hand and the ball comes off more consistently."
PBC: "Can you describe what kinds of shots that benefit from using AMPED technology? Are there shots that players might have more confidence in playing with this new paddle?"
Glen: "Ground strokes feel more solid and consistent with the thicker core. I have slightly less power but noticeably more control. Third shots are noticeably more accurate with the Amped technology. I can stroke a third shot with more confidence of hitting my target. Finally, I feel that blocking shots or volleys is easier with the thicker Amped core. I just hold the paddle steadily and the blocked ball drops over the net, even when the ball does not hit the center of the paddle."
PBC: "Which color is your favorite, and why?"
Glen: "Green/Blue because it is my signature paddle and these colors suit my love of the Pacific Northwest. Plus, I love the translucence of the Amped Omni. I can see the sun shining through!"
PBC Editor's Note: For those of you who do not know Glen, he's one of the true gentlemen of Pickleball, and one of the most amazing players in the sport. He is a 10 time Gold Medalist at the US Open, USAPA Nationals, and Tournament of Champions. At the 2017 US Open, Glen won Gold in the Men's Doubles 55 - 60, Silver in the Men's Doubles 50+ Open, and Bronze in the 50+ Open Singles. At the 2016 USAPA Nationals, he won Gold in the Men's Doubles 50+ Open, and Silver in the Men's Singles 50+ Open.
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