Selkirk Pro S1 pickleball review

You might have heard of Selkirk Pro S1 pickleballs. These are the ones that claim to be super crack-resistant. Selkirk is so confident of this that they even offer a one-year no-crack warranty.

I'd heard a lot about these balls, so I couldn't wait to test them on the courts. I put them through the wringer in all types of weather to test the no-cracking claims. I also wanted to see if they truly do play just as good on indoor courts as outdoors, as Selkirk claims.

If your pickleballs keep cracking, you'll like the Selkirk Pro S1s. Selkirk claims they're really resistant to cracking, and after testing them myself, I can confirm it's true.

The S1s are ideal for bangers who like to slam the ball, with lots of spin and speed for advanced play. They're not as fast as Vulcan VPRO FLIGHTs, so intermediates can use them too. If you frequently play in cold conditions or with people who hit the ball really hard, these durable balls are for you.

They feel slightly heavier off the paddle compared to Vulcan or Dura balls. This could be due to a thicker construction, which helps prevent cracking but also contributes to a heavier impact. That said, they still play fast and generate excellent spin.

My main issue is that, while they're crack-resistant, they can lose their shape after a few sessions. Once the bounce loses consistency, these balls become as useful as cracked balls. Also, despite being advertised as good for indoor and outdoor play, they don't have a predictable bounce on indoor floors.

Overall, the Pro S1 is a top choice for competitive outdoor play. The price is affordable, comparable to the popular Franklin X-40 ball.

New players who are still developing their technique may struggle with the pace and spin on these balls. You can always start with a cheaper ball like the GoSports GS 40 or a slightly slower ball like the Franklin X-40, which is almost as durable.

The Selkirk Pro S1 has a sleek and distinct look, especially with its 38-hole pattern that sets it apart from other balls (outdoor balls have 40 holes as standard, indoor balls have 26).

Let's look at the main features.

Like many of the top brands, Selkirk uses a seamless (one-piece) design, rather than molding two pieces together. Franklin X-40s and ONIX Dura Fast 40s are made the same way. However, I think Pro S1s are thicker, which is why they don't crack.

Selkirk does claim that this construction ensures that the Pro S1 "maintains its shape during indoor and outdoor play". I have to say that doesn't check out for me – some of mine lost shape, and they don't play well on indoor courts.

The patented 38-hole pattern allows for a smoother flight through the air, making this ball an excellent choice for outdoor play. The ball travels quickly and doesn't get as affected by wind.

This ball is designed for competitive-level play, with enhanced power and spin capabilities. While this makes it a great option for advanced players, beginners may struggle to control the speed and movement of the ball.

This is one tough ball. I can't get one to crack under heavy use or in cold weather.

I wish I could score it 10/10 on durability, but I've had more than one instance where a ball got out of round pretty quickly. So, while they don't break, they can become unplayable because the bounce becomes inconsistent on a misshapen ball.

The Pro S1 is a fast ball. It's not up there with the Vulcan VPRO FLIGHT or Dura Fast 40, but it's quicker than the Franklin X-40. It excels in fast-paced rallies and hand battles at the net.

The bounce is great at first, but the balls that become lopsided lose their bounce consistency. Some even seem to double-bounce, or not come up off the ground when hit with topspin.

These fly smoothly and quickly through the air. This is down to the 38-hole pattern, which provides excellent aerodynamics and makes it a solid choice for outdoor play.

The neon color is decent, though not as bright as some balls from Vulcan and Franklin. In lower lighting or cloudy conditions, it could be harder to track.

The Selkirk Pro S1 is well priced, in the same range as its competitors from Vulcan, Franklin, and ONIX. If they didn't lose shape, I'd say these balls are some of the best value because they don't crack. So, while you're getting a one-year no-crack warranty, that is kind of mitigated by the balls that lose their consistency.

That said, if you buy a 12- or 100-pack and only a few become misshapen, you've still got plenty to last you a year. That makes them worth it for me.

If the Selkirk Pro S1s are not right for you, here are some other pickleball balls we recommend:

This article contains affiliate links from which we receive a small commission from sales of certain items. As a brand associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you!