Selkirk Boomstik Pickleball Paddle Review

Intro

The Selkirk Boomstik enters the premium paddle market at $333 with bold claims about combining power and stability through external side weighting and advanced foam construction. This Labs release represents Selkirk's attempt to solve the traditional trade-off between raw power and shot consistency through their MOI Tuning System—fixed weights mounted on the edge guard that resist face twisting on mishits.

The paddle features BoomCore foam construction with an EVA Power Ring, eliminating traditional honeycomb polypropylene entirely. Selkirk's Infinigrit surface coating promises three times longer spin retention compared to raw carbon fiber. Available in elongated and widebody shapes, both share identical core technology with shape differences affecting balance and sweet spot geometry.

Selkirk provided both test units at no cost with no payment or editorial control over this review. The company positions this as an evolving Labs product backed by a lifetime warranty, acknowledging that early adopters may encounter refinements as real-world feedback shapes future iterations.

Testing included several weeks of court sessions, measurement analysis with and without MOI weights, and direct surface texture comparison using an unplayed reference paddle. Use code INF-MPB for $33 off retail pricing.

Tech Overview

The Boomstik abandons traditional honeycomb polypropylene construction entirely, implementing Selkirk's BoomCore system built around full foam density. The core uses PureFoam as the primary material with an EVA Power Ring wrapping the perimeter—essentially creating a foam donut structure where the center and edges use different foam densities optimized for specific performance characteristics.

This construction targets energy return consistency without the break-in period typical of honeycomb cores. Traditional polypropylene can develop dead spots or compression failures over time, while the foam system maintains predictable rebound characteristics from first use. The design eliminates core crush vulnerability while extending the ball's contact time with the paddle face.

The Infinigrit surface represents Selkirk's answer to spin retention degradation. Rather than raw carbon fiber that loses texture within weeks, this spray-applied coating maintains grip characteristics significantly longer. Laboratory testing suggests three times longer usable texture retention compared to untreated carbon surfaces.

The MOI Tuning System differentiates the Boomstik from internal weighting approaches. External placement at the edge guard maximizes the stability effect by moving mass as far from center as possible. Selkirk's development team deliberately chose this approach over internal frame weighting to achieve maximum moment of inertia increase. The trade-off involves potential stress concentration at attachment points and visual distinctiveness.

X-ray analysis reveals the continuous EVA Power Ring integration and reinforced handle junction. Both shapes share identical internal construction with shape selection affecting mass distribution rather than core technology.

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Specs

The elongated measures 16.5 inches by 7.375 inches while the widebody spans 16 inches by 7.875 inches. Both utilize 5.75-inch handle length with 4.125-inch grip circumference, favoring two-handed backhand players or those with larger hands.

Testing revealed the elongated at 8.22 ounces static weight with 117.15 swing weight, 6.65 twist weight, and 24.1 cm balance point. The widebody registered 8.36 ounces static weight with 113.2 swing weight, 7.8 twist weight, and 23.9 cm balance point.

These measurements place both paddles in the heavy category for their respective shapes. The elongated provides more leverage potential with higher swing weight, while the widebody delivers superior stability through elevated twist weight despite lower swing weight numbers. The widebody actually feels heavier in hand due to mass distribution despite paper specifications suggesting quicker handling.

Removing the 15.5-gram MOI weights drops the elongated to 7.67 ounces with 107.35 swing weight and 5.25 twist weight—demonstrating the system's substantial stability contribution. The weights are non-removable in normal use, engineered as integral design elements rather than user-adjustable tuning components.

Both paddles suit players comfortable with substantial static weight and power-first design philosophy. Weight-sensitive players or those preferring extensive customization should consider alternatives, as any tungsten additions will further slow paddle maneuverability.

Playtest

Extended court testing revealed several distinctive characteristics beginning with dwell time. Despite power-oriented design, ball contact duration exceeds expectations for this paddle category, providing enhanced shot direction control across drives, rolls, and drops. Contact feels dense and solid without crossing into mushy or overly bouncy territory.

The audible signature lives up to the "Boom" branding—deep, low-frequency impact sound distinctly louder than most paddles. Power delivery follows linear progression where increased swing speed produces proportional pace increases without sudden trampoline effects at moderate speeds. Drives and serves carry well while compact net counters maintain control and targeting precision.

Spin generation combines the foam core's extended dwell time with Infinigrit surface friction. Direct comparison using an unplayed reference paddle revealed noticeable surface smoothing after two weeks of regular play—the initial aggressive texture definitely diminishes. However, spin production remained strong well beyond the break-in period due to the sustained dwell time compensating for reduced surface bite.

Stability represents the Boomstik's primary differentiator from other power paddles. The MOI weights effectively resist face rotation on mishits, keeping blocks, counters, and jammed volleys more playable than typical power paddle performance. Off-center contacts that would normally sail wide maintain reasonable trajectory control.

Shape differences prove significant in practical application. The widebody provides a noticeably larger effective sweet spot with superior lateral forgiveness, but feels slower and heavier despite lower measured swing weight. The elongated moves more quickly through fast exchanges while offering additional leverage on drives, demanding sharper timing but rewarding precision with enhanced pace and spin numbers.

Both shapes handle differently than their specifications suggest, requiring adjustment periods even for experienced power paddle users. The substantial static weight and unique mass distribution create fatigue factors during extended play sessions.

Shape Comparisons

The elongated and widebody versions target different playing preferences within the power paddle category. The elongated measures longer and narrower, producing 59.1 mph serves, 37.9 mph punch volleys, and 2294 rpm topspin for a Firepower index of 89. The widebody's shorter, wider profile generates 58.3 mph serves, 38.1 mph punch volleys, and 2188 rpm topspin for a Firepower index of 91.

Despite similar raw numbers, on-court behavior differs substantially. The widebody delivers more immediate ball pop off the face with a larger sweet spot that maintains performance across off-center hits. The higher twist weight creates enhanced lateral stability but reduces maneuverability in fast exchanges. Players prioritizing forgiveness and maximum effective hitting area will prefer this shape.

The elongated trades some pop for increased leverage and precision. The additional length provides enhanced reach and slightly higher spin generation while demanding more precise timing during rapid-fire exchanges. Players focusing on drive power, court coverage, and linear shot-making will gravitate toward this configuration.

Both shapes use identical core technology with shape selection primarily affecting balance point and mass distribution rather than fundamental performance characteristics. The widebody's concentrated mass creates a heavier feel despite favorable swing weight numbers, while the elongated's length distribution provides quicker acceleration despite higher measured swing weight.

For most power paddle converts, the widebody offers easier adaptation with its enhanced forgiveness. Advanced players seeking maximum leverage and precise shot control may prefer the elongated despite its increased timing demands.

Recommendations

The Boomstik suits aggressive baseline players who construct points through drives and early speed-ups, particularly those frustrated by face twisting on mishits with other power paddles. The MOI system delivers measurable stability improvements that translate to more playable off-center contacts during fast exchanges.

Players requiring maximum hand speed, ultra-light builds, or extensive customization options should consider alternatives. The fixed MOI weights eliminate user adjustment possibilities, while any tungsten additions will further slow an already substantial paddle. The 5.75-inch handle may feel long for players preferring quick grip changes or smaller hands.

Compared to the JOOLA Pro IV, 11SIX24 Alpha Pro Power, and SLK ERA Power, the Boomstik offers superior long-term spin retention and enhanced stability but at a significant price premium. The FLiK F1 TerraCore matches raw power output while the Ronbus Ripple V2 delivers comparable pop, but neither provides the Infinigrit durability advantage.

Against the Gearbox GX2 Power, both qualify as aggressive designs with completely different feel profiles—the Boomstik's solid foam core versus the GX2's hollow thermoformed construction appeals to different preferences. The SLK ERA Power operates in a lower performance tier, making the Boomstik a clear upgrade for Selkirk loyalists willing to pay the premium.

The paddle excels at maintaining spin characteristics beyond typical raw carbon degradation timelines while providing class-leading mishit stability. However, early quality control issues and premium pricing create value proposition challenges in a competitive market segment.

Price and Value

The Boomstik launches at $333 MSRP with lifetime warranty coverage and U.S. manufacturing. Code INF-MPB provides $33 savings, reducing cost to $300. The pricing positions this paddle against premium competitors while exceeding most power paddle price points by $80-100.

Direct performance comparisons reveal the challenge facing this pricing strategy. The JOOLA Pro IV, 11SIX24 Alpha Pro Power, and SLK ERA Power deliver comparable power output, stability, and feel characteristics at significantly lower cost. The Boomstik's advantages—Infinigrit longevity and enhanced MOI stability—represent incremental improvements rather than transformational performance gains.

The Labs designation provides both opportunity and risk for early adopters. The lifetime warranty covers manufacturing defects while Selkirk continues refinement based on real-world feedback. However, quality control issues during testing suggest the paddle hasn't achieved retail-level consistency, creating potential frustration despite warranty protection.

U.S. manufacturing and in-house R&D justify partial premium pricing, but the market has evolved to provide excellent alternatives at lower price points. Unless specifically drawn to the unique combination of external MOI weighting and Infinigrit durability, most players will find superior value elsewhere.

The paddle shows promise as technology demonstration, but current pricing exceeds value delivery for most power paddle seekers. Future iterations or significant price reduction could alter this calculation.

Conclusion

The Selkirk Boomstik represents innovative engineering applied to power paddle design challenges, successfully delivering enhanced stability and extended spin retention through external MOI weighting and Infinigrit surface technology. The BoomCore foam construction provides consistent energy return without break-in requirements while maintaining extended dwell time for improved shot control.

However, early quality control issues and premium pricing create significant barriers to recommendation. At $333, the paddle competes against proven alternatives offering similar performance at substantially lower cost. The unique technology advantages—while measurable and beneficial—don't justify the price premium for most players.

Aggressive power players specifically seeking enhanced mishit forgiveness and long-term spin retention may find value in the Boomstik's innovations, particularly if comfortable with Labs product evolution. Most players will achieve better value through established alternatives until pricing becomes more competitive or technology refinements address current limitations.

Questions about specific performance characteristics or comparisons to other paddles? Leave comments below for detailed responses. Purchase through authorized retailers and here at Selkirk's website, and remember code INF-MPB for $33 gift cardif you decide the Boomstik fits your specific requirements.