The best Selkirk paddle is the one that matches how you actually win points. Selkirk’s lineup runs from an $80 first paddle to a $333 foam-core power paddle, and the right pick depends far more on your level and play style than on price. I’ve played every paddle below and reviewed each one in full. This guide sorts them by player type so you can skip straight to yours.
All of these are sold direct at Selkirk.com. The links on this page apply code EP-NSMYTH for up to $40 off. Full details: Selkirk coupon code EP-NSMYTH.
Best Selkirk Paddles: Quick Picks
| Pick | Paddle | Best for | Level | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall |  LABS Project Boomstik | Aggressive players who can control a poppy paddle | 4.5+ | $333 |
| Best value |  SLK ERA Power | One paddle that does it all and does it well | 3.5–5.0 | $200 |
| Best for control & spin |  LUXX Control Air InfiniGrit | Touch, feel, and reset players | 4.0+ | $200 |
| Best step-up paddle |  SLK Dauntless | Players looking to upgrade from their first paddle | 3.5–4.5 | $150 |
| Best for developing players |  SLK Geo | Building a spin game on a budget | 2.5–3.5 | $100 |
| Best first paddle |  SLK Valkyrie | Complete beginners and social players | Beginner | $80 |
Best overall: Selkirk LABS Project Boomstik
The best paddle Selkirk makes. The Boomstik has the most explosive pop in the lineup. The BoomCore (PureFoam surrounded by an EVA Power Ring) releases energy fast. Drives, overheads and put-aways come off noticeably harder than from a thermoformed paddle, and heavy topspin serves push returners deep. The InfiniGrit face generates spin on par with any raw carbon surface I’ve used at this price. The foam core also lives up to the no-core-crush claim: the pop feels the same as it did on day one.
It’s built for attacking, and the short dwell time rewards players who commit to their shots. Soft shots take deliberate, confident swings. The adjustable MOI weights are worth trying. I preferred it with some weight added, which tightens the feel without slowing hand speed.
Fits best: 4.5+ players who win by attacking — baseline drives, heavy serves, shake-and-bakes. If your game is built on long dinking exchanges, the ERA Power or LUXX suits you better. If you’re between the Boomstik and the ERA Power, my Boomstik vs ERA Power comparison breaks it down.
Best value: Selkirk SLK ERA Power
Most of the Boomstik’s pace in a more controllable package, for $133 less. The ERA Power is a power paddle that doesn’t ask you to give up your soft game. The Dynamic Fusion core (polypropylene honeycomb wrapped in EVA foam) gives drives real, penetrating pace. The 16mm thickness keeps dinks, drops and resets manageable. It absorbs pace on resets without kicking the ball back at awkward angles, which most power-oriented paddles can’t say.
The Raw Spin Tech surface bites hard, and in my testing the texture held up through sustained use. It comes in two shapes. The Elongated (swing weight 116) has more plow-through for baseline drivers. The Widebody (swing weight 108, twist weight 6.87) is quicker in hands battles and steadier on off-center hits.
Fits best: 3.5–5.0 doubles players who want to add pace without turning into bangers, especially if you’re moving up from an all-court control paddle. Below 3.5, a more forgiving paddle like the Geo will serve you better while technique develops.
Best for control & spin: Selkirk LUXX Control Air InfiniGrit
The LUXX Control Air InfiniGrit is the best control paddle Selkirk makes. The 19mm X7 Thikset core and Florek carbon face give exceptional touch. Dinks respond predictably to small changes in swing speed, there’s real dwell time on drops, and resets soak up pace without popping up. The edgeless Aero-DuraEdge construction keeps the face responsive out to the edges.
The InfiniGrit surface is the reason to choose it over other high-end control paddles. It grips like raw carbon and keeps that bite much longer, so you won’t lose spin after a few weeks of outdoor play. It averages about 8.1 oz, heavier than most players run. The weight is well balanced and helps on hard net exchanges. If you prefer an ultralight paddle, keep that in mind.
Fits best: 4.0+ players who build points at the kitchen — dink placement, resets, spin variation. Choose the Epic (widebody) for a bigger sweet spot or the Invikta (elongated) for reach and two-handed backhands.
Best step-up paddle: Selkirk SLK Dauntless
The Dauntless sits between the Geo and the ERA Power. Its PureFoam SoloCore gives noticeably more pop than a polymer paddle without the extreme liveliness of a full foam power core. The 16mm thickness keeps enough margin on third-shot drops. The MOI Tuning System keeps the paddle from twisting on mishits during fast kitchen exchanges. The carbon face has legitimate grit for shaping serves and topspin drops.
Fits best: 3.5–4.5 players entering tournaments or competitive leagues who feel they’re leaving pace on the table with a polymer paddle. Once you’re competing seriously at 4.5, move up to the ERA Power.
Best for developing players: Selkirk SLK Geo
The Geo’s T700 raw carbon face stands out at this price. Most budget paddles use fiberglass or composite faces that barely grip the ball. With the Geo you can hit real topspin drives, shape serves and drop topspin balls into the kitchen. The 16mm polymer core is soft and forgiving. It doesn’t pop back on dinks and makes resets straightforward while you’re still building touch. The carbon face also gives clearer feedback on center versus off-center contact, which helps you build consistency.
Fits best: 2.5–3.5 players past the beginner stage who play a few times a week and want to start building a spin game. Widebody for forgiveness, elongated for reach.
Best first paddle: Selkirk SLK Valkyrie
The Valkyrie is $80, has a fiberglass face and comes in widebody only, and it’s built to remove barriers for new players. The FiberFlex face is soft and muted, so mishits don’t sting, and the long dwell time gives beginners margin on dinks. The large sweet spot keeps more balls in play. More rallies means more reps, and that’s how new players get better.
Fits best: Complete beginners with no racquet-sport background and social players who want a reliable paddle from a reputable brand without spending $100+. If you have tennis or squash experience, or you already plan to take lessons, start with the Geo.
How to Choose a Selkirk Paddle
Two questions settle it: how good are you right now, and how do you win points?
By skill level
- New to the sport: Valkyrie. Don’t overthink it.
- 2.5–3.5: Geo. Real carbon spin with a forgiving core.
- 3.5–4.5, getting competitive: Dauntless, or the ERA Power if you want the paddle you’ll keep at 4.5+.
- 4.0–5.0: ERA Power for an all-court game, LUXX Control Air for a kitchen-first game.
- 4.5+ attackers: Boomstik.
By play style
- You drive, speed up and finish: Boomstik (4.5+) or ERA Power Elongated.
- You do a bit of everything: ERA Power Widebody.
- You out-dink and out-reset people: LUXX Control Air InfiniGrit.
- You’re still building fundamentals: Geo or Valkyrie. More power than you can control just costs you points.
Foam core vs. polymer core
Selkirk’s lineup splits roughly along core construction. Polymer honeycomb cores (Valkyrie, Geo) are soft and forgiving. Foam and hybrid cores (Dauntless, ERA Power, Boomstik) add pop and energy return, and the full-foam BoomCore is the most explosive. The LUXX goes the other direction with a thicker 19mm core built for touch. Match the core to the shots you hit most.
FAQ
What is the best Selkirk paddle overall?
The LABS Project Boomstik. It has the most pop in the lineup, InfiniGrit spin that lasts, and a foam core that hasn’t lost any response over time. It suits attacking 4.5+ players. For the widest range of competitive players (roughly 3.5 to 5.0), the ERA Power is the better value at $200.
What is the best Selkirk paddle for beginners?
The SLK Valkyrie for complete beginners and social players. The SLK Geo if you have racquet-sport experience or plan to improve deliberately. The Geo’s carbon face lets you start building spin.
What is the most powerful Selkirk paddle?
The LABS Project Boomstik. Its full-foam BoomCore produces the most explosive pop in the lineup, and in my testing the core hasn’t lost any response over time.
Which Selkirk paddle has the best spin?
For spin that lasts, choose a paddle with an InfiniGrit surface: the LUXX Control Air InfiniGrit or the Boomstik. The ERA Power’s Raw Spin Tech surface also bites hard and held up well in my testing.
Is there a Selkirk coupon code?
Yes. Code EP-NSMYTH takes up to $40 off Selkirk orders. Details: Selkirk coupon code EP-NSMYTH.
Verdict
The Boomstik is the best paddle Selkirk makes, and if you’re a 4.5+ attacker it’s the one to buy. Most other competitive players will get more from the ERA Power: it fits the most games at a price that doesn’t require you to be certain. If your game lives at the kitchen line, go to the LUXX Control Air. Still developing? Start with the Geo and move up to the Dauntless when you start competing. If you’re brand new, the Valkyrie is all you need. Whichever you choose, buy direct from Selkirk.com and use code EP-NSMYTH for up to $40 off.
