Last Updated: January 2026
Selkirk has released two of the most talked-about paddles in recent memory: the game-changing LABS Project Boomstik ($333) and the tour-validated SLK ERA Power ($200). Both are excellent power paddles, but they serve very different players. After extensive testing with both paddles at the 4.5-5.0 DUPR level, here’s everything you need to know to choose the right one for your game.
Quick Recommendation
Choose the ERA Power if:
- You want the best balance of power and control
- Your budget is around $200
- You’re 3.5-5.0 DUPR and want a versatile paddle
- You value forgiveness and consistency
Choose the Boomstik if:
- You want absolute maximum power
- Money isn’t a concern ($333)
- You’re 4.5+ and can handle aggressive paddles
- You hate the idea of core crush degradation
TL;DR: For 90% of players, the ERA Power is the smarter choice. The Boomstik is only worth the extra $133 if you’re an advanced player obsessed with maximum power and anti-core-crush technology.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Selkirk Boomstik | SLK ERA Power |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $333 | $200 |
| Core Type | BoomCore (Full Foam) | Dynamic Fusion (Honeycomb + Foam) |
| Power Rating | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Control Rating | 7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Spin Rating | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Sweet Spot | 9/10 (Widebody) 7.5/10 (Elongated) |
8.5/10 (Widebody) 8/10 (Elongated) |
| Feel | Explosive, aggressive | Dynamic, responsive |
| Core Crush | No (guaranteed) | No (honeycomb core) |
| Best For | 4.5+ power players | 3.5-5.0 balanced players |
| Durability | Excellent core, edge guard issues | Excellent overall |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime | 1 Year (industry-leading) |
| Pro Endorsements | Limited (new release) | Multiple top pros |
| Value | Poor ($333) | Excellent ($200) |
Detailed Performance Comparison
Power: Boomstik Wins
Boomstik: 9.5/10
The Boomstik is one of the hardest-hitting paddles on the market. Selkirk claims 14% more exit speed than the ERA Power, and in head-to-head testing, the difference is noticeable. On baseline drives, overhead smashes, and aggressive put-aways, the Boomstik generates more pace.
The BoomCore (full foam with EVA power ring) creates explosive power that arrives 25 milliseconds faster than the ERA Power—roughly the time it takes to blink.
ERA Power: 8.5/10
Still delivers legitimate power—more than enough for most competitive players. The Dynamic Fusion Core (honeycomb + foam) provides excellent pop without being uncontrollable.
Real-world difference: Against 4.5 players, the ERA Power gives you plenty of firepower. Against 5.0+ opponents where every millisecond matters, the Boomstik’s extra pace creates more clean winners.
Winner: Boomstik (but is the extra power worth $133? Read on…)
Control & Touch: ERA Power Wins Decisively
ERA Power: 8.5/10
The ERA Power nails the control/power balance better than any power paddle I’ve tested. During soft dinking exchanges, I can place balls within 6-8 inches of my target consistently. Third-shot drops land with good margin for error. The paddle doesn’t fight you when you need touch.
Boomstik: 7/10
The Boomstik “wants” to drive the ball. During kitchen exchanges, I find myself working harder to keep shots low and controlled. The paddle’s explosive nature means less margin for error on soft shots.
Real-world difference: In competitive doubles against 4.5-5.0 opponents, I can hang during long dinking rallies with the ERA Power. With the Boomstik, I’m more likely to pop balls up when defending or resetting.
Winner: ERA Power (by a significant margin)
Spin: Tie
Both paddles feature textured surfaces rated at 2000+ RPM. In testing, I generated comparable spin on:
- Topspin serves
- Slice shots
- Brush volleys
- Roll volleys
Boomstik: InfiniGrit surface
ERA Power: Raw Spin Technology surface
Both textures have held up well through extensive testing (60+ hours each). Neither shows concerning degradation.
Winner: Tie (both are excellent for spin)
Sweet Spot & Forgiveness: Boomstik Wins (Widebody)
Boomstik Widebody: 9/10
One of the largest sweet spots I’ve tested. Off-center hits still generate respectable power and maintain decent control. Pickleball Studio rates it 10/10 for sweet spot size.
Boomstik Elongated: 7.5/10
Good but noticeably smaller than Widebody. Mishits are more punishing.
ERA Power: 8-8.5/10
Good sweet spot, but not class-leading. The new LUXX has a larger sweet spot. When you hit outside the ERA’s sweet spot, you notice the drop-off in power and consistency.
Winner: Boomstik Widebody (though ERA Power is still very good)
Feel & Playability: ERA Power Wins
ERA Power: 9/10
Multiple reviewers describe the ERA Power as having a “dynamic” feel—responsive, lively, connected. The paddle provides excellent feedback without harsh vibration. It just feels good to play with, creating confidence in your shots.
Boomstik: 7.5/10
The Boomstik feels powerful but aggressive. Some players love this; others find it intimidating. The explosive nature means you need to commit to shots—tentative swings produce unpredictable results.
Winner: ERA Power (more players will enjoy its feel)
Versatility: ERA Power Wins
ERA Power:
Excels at everything—drives from baseline, finishing at net, soft game exchanges, defensive resets. It’s the do-everything paddle.
Boomstik:
Specialized for offense. Excels at attacking (drives, smashes, put-aways) but requires more discipline for soft game work.
Winner: ERA Power (versatility is valuable in pickleball)
Value: ERA Power Wins Decisively
ERA Power: $200
Pro-level performance at a reasonable price. Competes with $250-280 paddles while costing less. Excellent value.
Boomstik: $333
Premium price for premium performance, but quality control issues and specialized nature make it poor value for most players.
Winner: ERA Power (by a landslide)
When to Choose the Boomstik
Despite the ERA Power winning most categories, the Boomstik is the right choice for specific players:
✅ Choose Boomstik if you’re:
- Obsessed with maximum power – You prioritize offense above all else
- Advanced level (4.5+) – You have the fundamentals to control aggressive paddles
- Power-focused playing style – You attack from baseline, love shake-and-bakes, finish aggressively at net
- Worried about core crush – The BoomCore technology guarantees no degradation
- Money is no object – $333 doesn’t impact your budget
- Competitive tournament player – Every millisecond of ball speed matters (check approval status first)
❌ Don’t choose Boomstik if you’re:
- Under 4.5 DUPR (power will hurt your control development)
- Budget-conscious ($133 premium is steep)
- Value versatility over specialization
- Primarily play soft game/dinking-focused doubles
- Need a paddle for recreational play
When to Choose the ERA Power
The ERA Power is the smarter choice for most players:
✅ Choose ERA Power if you’re:
- 3.5-5.0 DUPR range – It serves a wider skill range
- Want balanced performance – Power AND control in one paddle
- All-court player – You transition between soft and hard game
- Value-conscious – Want pro-level performance without overspending
- Competitive but not elite – Playing 4.0-4.5 tournaments
- Need versatility – One paddle for all situations
❌ Don’t choose ERA Power if you’re:
- Obsessed with absolute maximum power
- Already play with max-power paddles and love them
- Can easily afford $333 and want the newest tech
- 5.0+ player for whom power directly translates to wins
The $133 Question: Is the Boomstik Worth the Premium?
The Boomstik costs $133 more than the ERA Power. What do you get for that extra money?
Performance gains:
- +1 point more power (9.5 vs 8.5)
- Slightly larger sweet spot (Widebody only)
- Guaranteed no core crush
- MOI tuning system
- Lifetime warranty
Performance losses:
- -1.5 points less control (7 vs 8.5)
- Less versatile
- More specialized/aggressive
The math: You’re paying $133 for marginally more power and anti-core-crush tech, but losing significant control and versatility.
My take: For elite 4.5-5.0 players who earn income from pickleball (teaching, tournaments), the Boomstik might be worth it. For everyone else, the ERA Power delivers 85-90% of the Boomstik’s benefits at 60% of the cost.
The ERA Power is the smarter investment.
Real-World Scenarios
Scenario 1: Aggressive 4.5 Doubles Player
Your game: Attack from baseline, strong serve, love finishing at net, adequate soft game
Recommendation: ERA Power
Why: You’ll get plenty of power for your attacking style, but the better control will help during dinking exchanges and defensive situations. The $133 saved can buy balls, court time, or lessons.
Scenario 2: 5.0 Singles Specialist
Your game: Power-focused, attack relentlessly, less dinking, prioritize pace
Recommendation: Boomstik Elongated
Why: The extra power matters more in singles where you have more court to cover. The elongated reach is valuable. Your skill level means you can control the aggressive nature.
Scenario 3: 4.0 Player Moving to 4.5
Your game: Developing all-court skills, improving soft game, occasionally attacking
Recommendation: ERA Power Widebody
Why: The balanced profile helps you develop all aspects of your game. The Boomstik’s power might create bad habits (over-hitting) as you refine technique.
Scenario 4: Recreational 3.5 Player
Your game: Play 2x/week for fun, mostly doubles, social tournaments
Recommendation: ERA Power (if you can afford $200), otherwise look at $120-150 paddles
Why: The ERA Power will grow with you as you improve. The Boomstik is overkill and will hurt your game development.
Pros & Cons Summary
Boomstik
Pros:
- Elite power (9.5/10)
- Large sweet spot (Widebody)
- No core crush (guaranteed)
- MOI tuning system
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Very expensive ($333)
- Reduced control (7/10)
- Quality control issues (edge guards)
- Too specialized for most players
- Requires advanced fundamentals
ERA Power
Pros:
- Excellent power/control balance
- Great value ($200)
- Versatile for all game styles
- Multiple top pros use it
- Dynamic, enjoyable feel
- 1-year warranty
- Serves wider skill range (3.5-5.0)
Cons:
- Not maximum power
- Sweet spot not class-leading
- Core may not be as durable as full foam (though still very durable)
Final Verdict
For 90% of players: Buy the ERA Power
The SLK ERA Power delivers pro-level performance at a reasonable price. It balances power and control better than any paddle in its class. Unless you’re an elite player for whom maximum power directly translates to wins, the ERA Power is the smarter choice.
For elite power specialists: Consider the Boomstik
If you’re 4.5+, play aggressively, can afford $333, and value maximum power above all else, the Boomstik delivers. Just understand you’re paying a significant premium for marginal performance gains and specialized characteristics.
The bottom line: The ERA Power wins on value, versatility, and overall balance. The Boomstik wins on raw power and anti-core-crush tech. Most players will be happier with the ERA Power’s $200 price tag and complete performance profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I’m a 4.5 player who loves power. Should I get the Boomstik?
A: It depends. If you have excellent control fundamentals and play an attack-heavy style, the Boomstik might suit you. But test it first if possible—many 4.5 players find the ERA Power provides enough power while being easier to manage.
Q: Will the ERA Power’s core crush like foam paddles?
A: No. The ERA Power uses a Dynamic Fusion Core (primarily honeycomb + foam surround), not full foam. Honeycomb cores are very durable and don’t core crush like full foam.
Q: Is the Boomstik really worth $333?
A: For most players, no. For elite players who attack relentlessly and want guaranteed no-degradation performance, maybe. It’s a specialized tool, not a general-purpose paddle.
Q: Which paddle do top pros use?
A: Multiple top pros switch back and forth between the ERA Power and the Boomstik (Rachel Rohrabacher, Catherine Parenteau, Jack Sock).
Q: Can I use the Boomstik in tournaments?
A: Check with your tournament organization. The Elongated is UPA-A approved without side weights. The Widebody isn’t currently on the UPA-A approved list. Both are USA Pickleball approved.
Q: I’m between these two paddles. What should I do?
A: Unless you have a specific reason for needing maximum power (elite level, power-focused style, money no object), get the ERA Power. It’s the safer, smarter choice for most players.
Ready to choose your Selkirk paddle?
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