The first joint release under Selkirk ownership now has independent reviews, and they are strong. Paddle Review Hub lists the Loco 2 Hybrid at $220, $198 with code, swing weight about 112, spin about 2,370 RPM, with Space Dust grit replacing the original Loco raw carbon, and dual USAP and UPA-A approval. Pickleball Effect lists the Loco 2 Elongated at $220, Tier 1 grit durability, spin 2,154 on its pass, swing weight 119. Spin figures vary by tester and unit, so neither RPM number should be printed as gospel.
A Matt's Pickleball video plays Loco 1 versus Loco 2 side by side and concludes the surface bites harder. That resolves last week's no independent reviews status for the Loco 2: reviews now exist.
JOOLA Power FX is also now reviewable. It is JOOLA's first full foam paddle, stiff crisp hollow feel, 7.9 oz test unit, swing weight 114.5 in The Kitchen's Oct 12 review. JohnKew's review gives launch Sept 30 at $179.95, spin 2,147 RPM, Tier 3 spin durability, a 15% loss after wear, better than JOOLA's prior Tier 4 raw carbon.
One flag remains. The Holbrook Fuze VantaGrit launch date is still unresolved: The Kitchen's upcoming releases list gives Oct 14, while the Oct 6 trainer preview said Oct 29. Do not state either date as fact without a second source. The durable grit wave itself is now reviewable, not just announced.
The wider October roundup prices the value split. The Luzz Cannon XPP M1 is on sale at $179, $152.15 with code, heavy power elongated, swing weight about 123, USAP approved. The Spartus Spitfire Widebody sits at $98.99 with code as the value pick against the Loco 2 Hybrid at $198.
Why it matters: The buy it model just got its first real product test, and the value split is now priced in reviews, not just announcements. A rec player can see the $99 versus $198 choice with numbers attached, and that is the information that actually helps someone buy a paddle.