The brand-new Selkirk LABS Project Boomstik is here, launching today to the general public with a $333 price tag.
While the cost will make some players blink, this is the first Selkirk paddle in years (along with the recent SLK ERA Power paddle) that I’d seriously consider switching to long term.
The Boomstik is unapologetically powerful, packed with pop, and even does sound like a boomstick when you hit the ball.
It’s also worth noting that Selkirk is finally sticking to classic elongated and widebody shapes instead of their more experimental past designs. With both versions sporting long, comfortable handles and their new InfiniGrit surface tech, the Boomstik is gunning for the top-tier power paddle crowd.
I first tested the Selkirk Boomstik on a tour of the Selkirk facilities and was blown away by it. Keep reading for my full first impressions of this new paddle.
A true “boomstick” in every sense
If you’re after power, pop, and spin in one package, this is about as top-shelf as it gets. The Boomstik sends the ball rocketing off the face whether you’re ripping a drive or just blocking a counter. The sound is as distinctive as the performance – it delivers a sharp, loud crack that makes the name “Boomstik” more than marketing hype.
Selkirk is offering this in both elongated and widebody formats, each with excellent handle lengths and a traditional feel. Paired with the new InfiniGrit surface – which really does hold its texture longer than standard carbon fiber – this paddle can grab the ball and produce elite-level spin.
The trade-off? The same pop and stiffness that makes it devastating for attacking can make it a challenge for softer touch shots, especially for players who aren’t already confident in their control game.
✅ What stands out
Power that’s truly top of market
This is easily one of the most powerful pickleball paddles I’ve tested – right up there with the new Gearbox GX2 Power. It’s more explosive than the Body Helix Flik F1 and even the JOOLA Pro IV paddles.
Selkirk finally nailed the shapes
Offering standard elongated and widebody designs makes these paddles instantly familiar for players coming from other brands. Both also feature excellent long handles for two-handed backhands.
InfiniGrit surface tech
Selkirk’s new grit feels grippy right away. I’ve had this paddle for a few weeks and it’s holding up really well. It should outlast most sprayed-on or woven carbon textures.
Huge sweet spot
The widebody version in particular boasts one of the largest sweet spots and highest twist weights I’ve ever measured on a power paddle, making off-center hits far more consistent.
❌ What to consider
Control isn’t beginner-friendly
The power comes at the expense of easy touch. Dinking and dropping take skill, and for players below a 4.5 level, that could mean more errors than winners.
Premium price
At $333, this is pricier than almost every competitor. Comparable paddles from other top brands can be $50–$100 less.
Can be pop-up prone
That explosive rebound can send the ball sailing if you don’t actively manage your swing speed and contact point.
How the Selkirk LABS Project Boomstik plays
| Category | Rating | Notes |
| Power | 10/10 | Both the pop and the raw power are absolutely top of the market. This is one of the hardest-hitting paddles I’ve ever used. Whether you’re driving, attacking from midcourt, or just blocking, the ball explodes off the face. |
| Control | 8/10 | While this is a 16 mm paddle and has some give on softer shots, the sheer pop means the ball will jump off the paddle face quickly. I was able to dink, drop, and slow the game down when I needed to, but even as a 5.0 player, I sometimes struggled to keep the ball down. Players without refined touch will find this especially challenging for drops and resets. |
| Spin | 10/10 | The InfiniGrit surface grabs the ball extremely well. Serves kick, drives dip, and you can produce heavy topspin and slice with ease. The spin performance is right up there with the very best on the market. |
| Forgiveness | 8.5/10 | The sweet spot is excellent, and the bounce off the paddle is consistent, especially on the widebody version with its extremely high twist weight. It’s forgiving in terms of consistency on contact, but the sheer rebound speed can make it unforgiving if you’re not controlling your swing and pace – pop-ups are a risk. |
| Weighting | 8/10 | Most paddles I saw were between 8.2 and 8.5 oz, including my 8.3 oz test model. The extra perimeter weighting increases stability and sweet spot size without making it feel like a brick, though it’s not lightning quick in hand. I didn’t experience any arm or wrist discomfort despite the heavier spec. |
| Grip | 9/10 | The handle lengths (5.8-inch for the Elongated, 5.6-inch for the Widebody) are excellent for two-handed play. The grip is soft and cushiony, giving great feedback. My only knock is the slightly bulky butt cap area, which can feel thick in the hand. |
| Durability | 10/10 | Built with a 100% foam core that shouldn’t crush or delaminate like honeycomb paddles. Combined with the InfiniGrit surface, it should outlast most competitors. Longevity will be confirmed over months of play, but early signs are excellent. |
| Aerodynamics | 8/10 | Respectably quick, but not standout speedy. The elongated model feels faster than average for its class, but the widebody is slower than some competitors like the JOOLA Scorpeus Pro IV. |
Features that matter
- InfiniGrit surface: maintains grit longer than traditional woven carbon fiber.
- 100% foam core build: prevents core crush and delamination common in honeycomb paddles.
- Two shape options: standard elongated and widebody, both with excellent long handles.
Who the Selkirk LABS Project Boomstik is for
This is a paddle for advanced to elite players who want maximum power and spin without sacrificing too much forgiveness. If you’re comfortable generating soft shots under pressure, you can harness the Boomstik’s pop to dominate on drives, counters, and speed-ups.
Beginners, or those working on control, might find it unforgiving (and expensive) for their needs. But for the power-minded player who wants a paddle that feels and sounds like a weapon, this is about as good as it gets.
An elite power paddle with standout spin and forgiveness for its class. Price and pop make it tricky for some, but if money’s no object and you crave top-tier offense, the Boomstik delivers.Today's best deals
