Tyson McGuffin: Paddle, Playing Style, and Career
Tyson McGuffin plays with the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta - an elongated carbon fiber paddle built for power and reach. Available to recreational players at approximately $200-$230.
Who Is Tyson McGuffin?
Tyson McGuffin is one of professional pickleball's most recognizable players - not just for his on-court results, but for the energy he brings to every match. Born on July 4, 1988, in Chelan, Washington, he came to pickleball from a background in baseball and tennis and turned professional in 2016 as the sport began its rapid growth period.
He has won multiple medals at the US Open Pickleball Championships and Tournament of Champions, held a top-3 ranking, and has been one of the sport's most prominent ambassadors during its mainstream expansion. His matches regularly generate the loudest crowd reactions on tour - he is a player fans come specifically to watch.
His game is the most power-oriented at the elite level. Where Ben Johns wins through patience and IQ, McGuffin wins through athleticism, aggression, and the ability to create and convert offensive opportunities at a pace most opponents cannot handle.
What Paddle Does Tyson McGuffin Use?
McGuffin plays with the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta under his Selkirk sponsorship. The paddle matches his game: built for power, reach, and fast exchanges.
The Invikta shape is Selkirk's elongated paddle format - longer and narrower than a standard widebody, which adds reach on kitchen exchanges and leverage on groundstrokes. For a power player like McGuffin, this translates to more swing speed and a larger effective hitting zone on drives.
The polymer air core reduces overall weight while maintaining stiffness on contact - allowing McGuffin to generate fast hands at the kitchen without the arm fatigue that heavier paddles create over a long match. The carbon fiber face maximizes spin and pop on hard-hit balls.
Should You Use the Same Paddle?
Advanced players only. This is a demanding, power-oriented paddle that requires clean mechanics to use effectively.
The elongated shape has a narrower sweet spot than a widebody paddle. The carbon face amplifies errors. If your mechanics are still developing, this paddle will give you less margin for error than you need. A mid-range polymer core paddle in the 7.8-8.2 oz range will serve you better.
At 4.0+, the Invikta shape becomes a genuine asset. The added reach on kitchen duel exchanges matters at this level, and the carbon face generates spin and pop on drives that opponents cannot handle. If your game is power-oriented, this paddle suits the style.
The elongated shape and longer handle will feel familiar coming from a tennis racket. Tennis players with solid groundstroke mechanics can adapt to this paddle sooner than pure pickleball beginners, and the reach advantage helps during the adjustment period.
Tyson McGuffin Playing Style
McGuffin plays the most aggressive baseline game among the top professionals. His defining characteristics:
- -Power-first approach - drives the ball harder than almost any other pro
- -Fast hands at the kitchen - reacts quickly to speed-ups and converts them into attacks
- -Above-average athleticism and court coverage for his size
- -High emotional energy - uses crowd involvement as fuel during matches
- -Fearless in high-pressure moments - willing to go for big shots in close games
- -Effective against players who prefer slow, patient dinking exchanges
His game is the counterpoint to Ben Johns. Where Johns wins by slowing everything down and waiting for the right ball, McGuffin wins by speeding everything up and forcing errors. Matches between them are among the most entertaining in professional pickleball for exactly this reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
What paddle does Tyson McGuffin use?
The Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta. Carbon fiber face, polymer air core, elongated shape, 5.25 inch handle. Available at approximately $200-$230.
Who is Tyson McGuffin?
Top-5 professional pickleball player and one of the sport's most recognized figures. Known for his aggressive power game, high court energy, and fan-friendly personality. Multiple US Open and Tournament of Champions medalist.
Where is Tyson McGuffin from?
Chelan, Washington. Background in baseball and tennis before turning professional in pickleball.
What is his playing style?
Aggressive and power-oriented. Drives hard, attacks mid-court opportunities, fast hands at the kitchen, and high athletic intensity. The most power-focused game among elite professionals.
Should recreational players use his paddle?
Only at 4.0 and above. The elongated shape and carbon face demand clean mechanics. Below 4.0, a more forgiving widebody paddle will produce better results.
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