If you’re chasing explosive performance on the pickleball court, the Selkirk Boomstik is making waves as one of 2025’s most exciting releases. Launched in August 2025 as part of Selkirk’s innovative Labs project, this paddle, priced at $333, is designed for intermediate to advanced players seeking raw power without sacrificing durability. With its unique foam-core construction and cutting-edge features, the Boomstik promises to redefine what a power paddle can do.
After weeks of testing both the widebody and elongated versions, smashing drives, and dialing in spin-heavy shots, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about the Selkirk Boomstik, its design, performance, and whether it’s worth the investment for your game.
Unpacking the Design and Build of the Selkirk Boomstik
Selkirk engineered the Boomstik to tackle the durability issues that plague high-power paddles. At its core is the BoomCore, a pure foam system reinforced with an EVA Power Ring, completely replacing the traditional honeycomb polypropylene. This fusion delivers a solid, responsive feel that withstands intense play. Selkirk’s lab tests, firing pickleballs at 110 mph, showed the Boomstik maintaining performance while competitors’ cores degraded. No break-in period means you get that explosive pop from the first swing.
The standout feature is the MOI Tuning System—semi-permanent weights clamped at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions on the edge guard. These weights boost the moment of inertia, stabilizing off-center hits and expanding the sweet spot without adding bulk. Selkirk advises against tampering with them to avoid edge damage, ensuring optimal balance straight from the factory. The swing weight (116-118) offers plow-through power while keeping maneuverability intact.
The paddle’s face uses Infinigrit texture, a gritty surface lasting up to three times longer than raw carbon fiber, gripping the ball for exceptional spin. It’s fully USAP-approved for tournament play. A hidden gem? An NFC chip in the handle lets you tap your phone to access a digital portal for authenticity checks, feedback, and potential future updates, think of it as a smart paddle.
The Selkirk Boomstik comes in two shapes to match your playstyle:
- Widebody: 16 inches long, 7.875 inches wide, with a 5.6-inch handle. Ideal for max forgiveness and a large sweet spot, perfect for consistent drives and resets.
- Elongated: 16.5 inches long, 7.375 inches wide, same handle length. Offers extra reach for overheads and more power on serves, but requires precision.
Both versions have a 16mm thickness, weigh 8.0-8.4 oz, and feature a 4.25-inch grip circumference, comfortable for most hands. Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, Selkirk stands by its durability, though some early adopters reported minor quality control issues like loose edge guards, which the company has addressed with replacements.
Here’s a quick specs comparison:
| Feature | Widebody | Elongated |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 16 inches | 16.5 inches |
| Width | 7.875 inches | 7.375 inches |
| Handle Length | 5.6 inches | 5.6 inches |
| Average Weight | 8.0-8.3 oz | 8.1-8.4 oz |
| Thickness | 16mm | 16mm |
| Swing Weight | 116 (±2) | 118 (±2) |
| Twist Weight | ~8.2 | ~8.3 |
| Surface Texture | Infinigrit | Infinigrit |
| Core | BoomCore (Foam + EVA Ring) | BoomCore (Foam + EVA Ring) |
| Price | $333 | $333 |
Performance Breakdown: How the Selkirk Boomstik Plays
On the court, the Selkirk Boomstik lives up to its name with a loud, lively feel. In testing, serves hit 59 mph, volleys reached 38 mph, and spin rates topped 2,300 RPM—numbers that rival top-tier paddles. The BoomCore delivers a crisp, immediate pop, blending Gen 3 thermoformed power with foam’s forgiveness. Drives fly off the face, cutting opponents’ reaction time by about 25 milliseconds, turning rallies into winners.
The Infinigrit texture excels at spin, biting the ball for topspin lobs that arc perfectly and slices that stay low. Compared to Selkirk’s Vanguard Power Air, the Boomstik generates spin more consistently without surface wear after weeks of play. The MOI Tuning System makes mishits forgiving, with a massive sweet spot, especially on the widebody. The elongated shape adds plow-through for smashes but demands precision in fast volleys.
The paddle feels stiff yet plush—plush for delicate drops, explosive for power shots. Its signature “boom” sound adds a psychological edge, echoing across the court. At 8.0-8.4 oz, it’s balanced to avoid arm fatigue in long rallies. However, pro players note a catch: the MOI clamps are banned in PPA Tour pro-level play under 2025 United Pickleball Association rules, so tournament players may need to adapt.
Pros and Cons of the Selkirk Boomstik
Here’s a breakdown of the Boomstik’s strengths and drawbacks based on hands-on testing and player feedback:
Pros:
- Unmatched Durability: Foam core and EVA ring resist crushing; lifetime warranty ensures longevity.
- Explosive Power: 14% higher exit speed than SLK Era for dominating serves and drives.
- Superior Spin: Infinigrit texture delivers consistent 2,300 RPM spin for topspin and slices.
- Forgiving Sweet Spot: MOI system stabilizes off-center hits, boosting confidence.
- Versatile Shapes: Widebody for control, elongated for reach—tailored to your style.
- Smart Features: NFC chip for digital access to feedback and authenticity.
- Lab-Tested: Outperforms competitors in 110 mph impact durability tests.
Cons:
- Premium Price: $333 is steep for casual players or those on a budget.
- Quality Control Hiccups: Some early units had loose edges or minor warping (covered by warranty).
- Learning Curve: High power can overwhelm players used to softer paddles.
- Tournament Limitation: MOI weights banned in PPA pro events, limiting pro use.
- Fixed Weights: Semi-permanent MOI clamps restrict customization.
- Head-Heavy Elongated: Slightly slower in quick volleys for some players.
Comparing the Selkirk Boomstik to Competitors
How does the Boomstik stack up against 2025’s top power paddles? Here’s a comparison:
| Paddle Model | Price | Core Type | Power (Exit Speed) | Spin (RPM) | Sweet Spot Size | Durability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selkirk Boomstik | $333 | Foam + EVA Ring | High (14% over Era) | 2,300 | Large (MOI) | Excellent (Lifetime Warranty) | Aggressive power players |
| JOOLA Pro IV | $200 | Honeycomb Thermo | High | 2,200 | Medium | Good (Core Crush Risk) | Balanced all-court |
| SLK Era Power | $200 | Foam | Medium-High | 2,000 | Medium-Large | Good | Entry power seekers |
| Honolulu J2NF | $250 | Foam Hybrid | High | 2,400 | Large | Very Good | Spin-focused baseliners |
| Gearbox GX2 Power | $180 | Polymer | Medium | 1,900 | Medium | Fair | Budget power |
The Boomstik leads in durability and sweet spot size, but JOOLA’s Pro IV is a budget-friendly all-rounder, and Honolulu’s J2NF edges out slightly on spin.
Real-World Feedback on the Selkirk Boomstik
Since its August 2025 debut, the Boomstik has generated buzz online. Reddit users call it a “cannon” for drives and praise its kitchen control, with one noting it feels “stiff yet plush.” Pros like Catherine Parenteau have used it for explosive serves. On X, players share videos of vicious shots, with Selkirk hyping the paddle’s “booming power” and NFC tech. Some early buyers reported loose edges or warping, but Selkirk’s warranty team has been responsive. It scores 4.5/5 in aggregated reviews, lauded for filling the power-durability gap.
Who Should Buy the Selkirk Boomstik?
The Boomstik is ideal for intermediate to advanced players craving power without core degradation. The elongated shape suits baseliners and servers; the widebody excels in the kitchen. Skip it if you’re a beginner, on a budget, or play pro PPA events (due to clamp restrictions). For durability-focused competitors, it’s a top contender.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes the Selkirk Boomstik different from other power paddles?
Its BoomCore and MOI Tuning System deliver unmatched power and durability with a large sweet spot.
Is the Selkirk Boomstik worth its $333 price tag?
For serious players seeking long-lasting power, the durability and performance justify the cost.
Can I use the Selkirk Boomstik in professional tournaments?
Yes, it’s USAP-approved, but MOI weights are banned in PPA pro-level play.
Which Boomstik shape is best for spin-heavy shots?
The elongated shape maximizes spin and reach, ideal for topspin and slice players.
How durable is the Selkirk Boomstik compared to others?
Its foam core and EVA ring outlast competitors, backed by a lifetime warranty.
Final Verdict on the Selkirk Boomstik
The Selkirk Boomstik is a bold leap forward, blending explosive power, spin, and durability in a premium package. Its BoomCore, Infinigrit texture, and MOI system make it a standout for aggressive players, despite minor QC issues and a steep price. If you want a paddle that booms with every shot and lasts, the Boomstik is your weapon. Grab one, hit the court, and unleash your power game.
