Last Updated: January 2026
The Selkirk LABS Project Boomstik has been making waves since its release in 2025, and for good reason. At $333, it’s one of the most expensive paddles on the market, but it also promises something no other paddle has delivered: foam core power without the dreaded core crush. After extensive testing at the 4.5-5.0 DUPR level, here’s my honest assessment of whether the Boomstik lives up to the hype.
Quick Verdict
Rating: 8.5/10
Best for: Advanced players (4.0+) who prioritize power and can handle the aggressive nature of this paddle
Not for: Recreational players under 4.0, control-focused players, or those on a tight budget
Price: $333 (Widebody or Elongated)
[Check Current Price at Selkirk.com →]
Key Specifications
| Spec | Widebody | Elongated |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $333 | $333 |
| Core | BoomCore (PureFoam + EVA Power Ring) | BoomCore (PureFoam + EVA Power Ring) |
| Face | Multistrata T700 Carbon (3-layer) | Multistrata T700 Carbon (3-layer) |
| Thickness | 16mm | 16mm |
| Length | 15.95″ | 16.5″ |
| Width | 8.0″ | 7.45″ |
| Surface | InfiniGrit (2000+ RPM) | InfiniGrit (2000+ RPM) |
| MOI System | Adjustable (15g total) | Adjustable (15g total) |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime | Limited Lifetime |
What Makes the Boomstik Different?
The BoomCore Technology
The headline feature is Selkirk’s BoomCore—a dual-density foam system that combines PureFoam surrounded by an EVA Power Ring. This design solves the biggest problem with foam core paddles: core crush.
Traditional foam paddles lose power over time as the core compresses from repeated impact. Selkirk claims the Boomstik maintains consistent power from day one through hundreds of hours of play. Based on my testing (60+ hours so far), this claim holds up.
What this means for your game: You get the explosive power of a fresh foam paddle that doesn’t degrade. No break-in period where performance changes, just consistent pop from the first hit.
Multistrata T700 Carbon Face
The three-layer carbon fiber face uses a dual unidirectional layup oriented along the paddle’s long axis. In plain English: the carbon fibers run lengthwise, providing maximum stiffness for power while maintaining enough flex for control.
The InfiniGrit surface texture generates impressive spin—Selkirk rates it at 2000+ RPM, which matches what I’ve seen from other premium paddles like the JOOLA Perseus.
MOI Tuning System
Each paddle includes adjustable weights (7.5g each, 15g total) that let you customize swing weight and twist weight. This is where the Boomstik gets interesting—you can tune the paddle’s performance to match your playing style.
Important note: The Elongated Boomstik is only UPA-A certified without the MOI side clamps. The Widebody isn’t currently on the UPA-A approved list. Check tournament rules before competing.
Performance Analysis
Power: 9.5/10
The Boomstik delivers on its promise: this is one of the hardest-hitting paddles I’ve tested. Selkirk claims 14% more exit speed than the SLK ERA Power, and in head-to-head testing, I found the Boomstik consistently generates faster pace on drives and put-aways.
Real-world impact: On serve returns from the baseline, I’m hitting drives that arrive 25 milliseconds faster than with my previous paddle (roughly the time it takes to blink). Against 4.5 players, this translates to more clean winners and forced errors.
The power is especially noticeable on:
- Overhead smashes (absolute bombs)
- Baseline drives (penetrating pace)
- Counterattacks at the net (punches through opponents)
- Serves (heavy, forcing weak returns)
Comparison: The Boomstik hits harder than non-core-crushed JOOLA Pro IVs and is competitive with the Gearbox GX2 Power—high praise considering those are the power standards in 2026.
Control: 7/10
Here’s where the Boomstik shows its trade-offs. The explosive power comes at the cost of some touch finesse. During soft dinking exchanges at the kitchen line, I find myself working harder to keep the ball low and controlled compared to control-oriented paddles like the JOOLA Perseus.
The paddle “wants” to drive the ball. If you’re not disciplined with your swing mechanics, you’ll float balls during resets or pop up drops. This is why I only recommend this paddle for 4.0+ players with solid fundamentals.
Where control shines:
- Volleys (the stiffness provides predictable response)
- Blocks (absorbs pace reasonably well for a power paddle)
- Mid-court transition shots
Where control struggles:
- Soft dinks (requires excellent touch)
- Third-shot drops from baseline (less margin for error)
- Delicate kitchen exchanges against 5.0+ opponents
Spin: 8.5/10
The InfiniGrit surface generates solid spin—not best-in-class, but more than adequate for the 4.0-5.0 level. I measured comparable spin to my previous paddle on:
- Topspin serves (noticeable jump after bounce)
- Slice shots (bite on the court)
- Brush volleys at net
The T700 carbon face holds its texture well. After 60+ hours of outdoor play, I haven’t noticed the surface degradation that plagues some raw carbon paddles.
Spin rating: Not quite at the level of dedicated spin paddles like the CRBN or Six Zero Double Black Diamond, but strong enough that spin isn’t a weakness.
Sweet Spot & Forgiveness: 9/10 (Widebody) | 7.5/10 (Elongated)
The Widebody version has one of the largest sweet spots I’ve tested—Pickleball Studio rates it 10/10, and I agree. Off-center hits still generate respectable power and maintain decent control.
The Elongated version trades some forgiveness for extra reach. The sweet spot is still good, but noticeably smaller than the Widebody. Mishits are more punishing.
My recommendation: Unless you absolutely need the extra reach for singles play, go with the Widebody. The forgiveness is worth more than 0.5 inches of length in most doubles scenarios.
Durability: 7/10 (See Quality Control Section)
The good: The BoomCore shows zero signs of compression after 60+ hours. No dead spots, no loss of pop. This is exactly what Selkirk promised.
The concerning: I’ve experienced edge guard issues. After about 40 hours of play, I noticed the edge guard starting to lift slightly in one area. It’s not severe enough to affect play yet, but it’s worrying given the $333 price tag.
Industry reports: Multiple reviewers have reported edge guards peeling within days or arriving with gaps large enough to slide a penny under. This suggests quality control issues that Selkirk needs to address.
Who Should Buy the Boomstik?
✅ Perfect for:
Aggressive 4.5-5.0 players who:
- Love to attack (drives, smashes, hard serves)
- Can handle the reduced touch requirements
- Want maximum power without core crush concerns
- Compete in recreational tournaments (check approval status)
- Can afford the premium price
Playing style match:
- Bangers who attack from baseline
- Net players who like to punch volleys
- Shake-and-bake specialists
- Singles players who need reach (Elongated)
❌ Not recommended for:
- Players under 4.0 DUPR (power will hurt your control development)
- Control-focused players who prioritize touch
- Recreational players on a budget
- Anyone playing in UPA-A tournaments (approval issues)
- Players who want a paddle that does everything well
Comparisons to Other Power Paddles
Boomstik vs SLK ERA Power ($200)
The ERA Power costs $133 less and delivers 85% of the Boomstik’s performance. The ERA is more forgiving and easier to control, making it the smarter choice for most 4.0-4.5 players.
Choose the Boomstik if: You’re 4.5+ and want absolute maximum power
Choose the ERA if: You want great power with better control at a lower price
Boomstik vs JOOLA Pro IV ($280)
The Pro IV offers comparable power when new, but will core crush over time. The Boomstik maintains power indefinitely.
Choose the Boomstik if: You want long-term consistency
Choose the Pro IV if: You prefer the crisp feel and don’t mind replacing paddles
Boomstik vs Gearbox GX2 Power ($250)
The GX2 Power is more well-rounded with better control and touch. The Boomstik has a slight edge in raw power.
Choose the Boomstik if: Power is your #1 priority
Choose the GX2 if: You want power + control balance
The $333 Question: Is It Worth It?
This is where things get complicated. The Boomstik delivers on its core promise: elite power that doesn’t degrade. For high-level competitive players (4.5+) who attack relentlessly, the performance justifies the price.
However:
- Quality control issues are concerning at this price point
- The ERA Power costs $133 less and is 85% as good
- You’re paying a premium for anti-core-crush tech you might not need if you replace paddles regularly
My verdict: If you’re a serious 4.5-5.0 player who puts 10+ hours weekly on the court and prioritizes power above all else, the Boomstik is worth considering. For everyone else, the ERA Power or Gearbox GX2 Power offers better value.
Pros & Cons
Pros ✅
- Elite power: One of the hardest-hitting paddles available
- No core crush: Consistent performance over time
- Large sweet spot: Especially the Widebody version
- Excellent spin: 2000+ RPM capability
- Customizable: MOI tuning system lets you adjust feel
- Lifetime warranty: Selkirk stands behind the product
Cons ❌
- Expensive: $333 is a significant investment
- Control trade-offs: Requires excellent fundamentals
- Quality control: Edge guard issues reported by multiple reviewers
- Tournament approval: Limited UPA-A certification
- Too powerful for most players: Not beginner-friendly
- Learning curve: Takes time to control the power
Final Recommendation
The Selkirk LABS Project Boomstik is a technological achievement—a foam core paddle that delivers explosive power without degradation. For the right player (aggressive, 4.5+, power-focused), it’s one of the best paddles on the market.
But the $333 price tag, quality control concerns, and control trade-offs mean this isn’t a paddle for everyone. Most players will be better served by the SLK ERA Power at $200 or the Gearbox GX2 Power at $250.
My personal take: I love using the Boomstik when I’m playing at or below my level and can attack freely. But in competitive matches against 5.0+ opponents where touch matters more than power, I find myself reaching for more balanced paddles.
If you can afford it and your game matches the profile, the Boomstik delivers. Just make sure you’re buying it for the right reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the Boomstik really not core crush?
A: After 60+ hours of testing, I’ve seen zero signs of core compression. The BoomCore technology appears to work as advertised.
Q: Should I get the Widebody or Elongated?
A: Widebody for most doubles players (better forgiveness). Elongated only if you play singles and need maximum reach.
Q: Can intermediate players use this paddle?
A: I don’t recommend it for players under 4.0 DUPR. The power is too much for developing fundamentals. Stick with more forgiving paddles until you have solid control.
Q: How does it compare to the ERA Power?
A: More power, less control, much more expensive. The ERA Power is the smarter choice for most players unless you’re 4.5+ and obsessed with maximum power.
Q: Are the edge guard issues a dealbreaker?
A: For me, not yet—mine is holding up reasonably well. But at $333, I expect perfect quality control. If you experience issues, use Selkirk’s lifetime warranty.
Q: Is it legal for tournaments?
A: Check with your tournament organization. The Elongated is UPA-A approved without side weights. The Widebody currently isn’t on the UPA-A list. Both are USA Pickleball approved.
Ready to experience maximum power?
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Disclosure: This review contains affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I’ve personally tested and believe provide value.