Is the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Worth It?

Check Price at Selkirk

Use code INF-PDOW at checkout.

Is the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Worth It?

Yes, for the right player. This Selkirk Boomstik review covers a Gen 4 power paddle built around a BoomCore construction that pairs a PureFoam and EVA Power Ring core with a three-layer Multistrata T700 Carbon face finished with Selkirk’s InfiniGrit texture, available in widebody and elongated shapes, each equipped with a semi-permanent MOI tuning system that adds 15 grams of perimeter mass at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions. It is one of the most powerful paddles independently tested to date, with lab-measured spin rates exceeding 2,000 RPM and swing weights that place it firmly in the upper tier of performance equipment. See detailed review below.

What Reviewers Agree On

Power at the top of the market. The Boomstik’s defining characteristic is its explosive pop, and every source that tested it confirms this without reservation. Selkirk rates power at 10 out of 10, and independent editorial reviewers match that assessment, placing it alongside or ahead of the strongest power paddles currently available. Objective lab measurements recorded spin rates of 2,041 RPM on the elongated and 2,026 RPM on the widebody, both exceeding Selkirk’s own 2,000 RPM marketing claim. Verified buyers consistently report that the paddle produces noticeably more pace than what they were accustomed to, with some needing time to recalibrate their swing speed expectations.

A sweet spot that earns its 10 out of 10. Selkirk rates the widebody’s sweet spot at 10 out of 10 and the elongated’s at 9 out of 10, and in independent testing those figures hold up. The widebody in particular recorded the highest twist weight measured on a power paddle in at least one independent evaluation, meaning off-center hits stay on target far better than the category average. The EVA Power Ring construction appears to be a genuine contributor here, extending the effective hitting zone toward the perimeter and reducing the penalty for imperfect contact.

Spin scores 10 out of 10, and the lab confirms it. The InfiniGrit surface is a textured carbon finish that Selkirk claims lasts three times longer than raw carbon, and in independent testing it held up well across extended play without measurable degradation. Independent editorial reviewers assign spin a score of 10 out of 10, consistent with the lab data. Verified buyers frequently cite spin as a standout attribute, noting that the surface generates reliable bite on serves and drives without requiring technique adjustments.

Control that surprises for a power paddle. Control scores 8 out of 10 from both the manufacturer and independent editorial reviewers, which is a meaningful number for a paddle in this power tier. In independent testing, the soft game, including resets and dinks, performed better than expected, with the foam core absorbing pace in ways that a standard honeycomb construction typically does not. Forgiveness scores 8.5 out of 10 in independent evaluation, reinforcing that the paddle is not a one-dimensional weapon.

Durability built into the core design. The EPP foam core used in the Boomstik does not crush or delaminate the way honeycomb cores do under repeated hard contact, and independent reviewers assign durability a score of 10 out of 10. The InfiniGrit surface texture is applied in the USA and is designed to outlast most sprayed-on or woven carbon alternatives. The limited lifetime warranty backs the construction, and verified buyers consistently cite it as a meaningful differentiator from the standard two-year coverage offered by most competitors.

Handle quality and two-handed backhand suitability. Both the widebody and elongated shapes feature handles that independent reviewers describe as well-suited to two-handed backhands, with grip scores of 9 out of 10 in independent editorial evaluation. The octagonal grip profile aids orientation during play. The elongated’s 5.8-inch handle and the widebody’s 5.6-inch handle both received positive assessments for feel and length, though community feedback notes that some players find the handle length longer than their preference.

Reported Limitations

The price is the most significant barrier for most players. At $333, the Boomstik costs substantially more than most performance paddles on the market, and independent reviewers are direct about this trade-off. The performance is real, but the consensus from expert sources is that the majority of players do not need to spend this much to get a great paddle, and comparable power options from other top brands are available for meaningfully less. Community feedback reinforces this, with multiple players characterizing the purchase as a statement more than a necessity. The value case is strongest for competitive players who will use the paddle heavily and who can take full advantage of the power and spin ceiling it offers.

Edge guard separation is a documented recurring issue. One independent test unit developed a loose edge guard near the MOI weights after only a few sessions of play. Selkirk attributed the problem to early production and replaced the unit, but the reviewer subsequently updated their coverage to note that many additional reports of loose edge guards had emerged after publication, with some players filing multiple warranty claims within two months of purchase. Community reports include at least one player who required two successive warranty replacements. This is a known issue, not an isolated incident, and prospective buyers should factor it into their decision. The lifetime warranty provides a path to replacement, though community discussion raises questions about whether replacement units are covered under the same terms.

Vibration and arm injury risk appear in multiple independent community reports. Two separate community members, one using the widebody and one using the elongated, reported developing tennis elbow shortly after beginning use with the Boomstik, with neither having experienced the condition previously on other paddles. Both attributed the onset to the paddle’s vibration characteristics. This concern does not appear in expert editorial reviews, but two independent reports pointing to the same symptom from different variants is worth noting for players with existing arm sensitivity or a history of elbow issues. Adding a dampener may reduce the effect, based on community suggestions.

The MOI weight system is effectively permanent. The perimeter weights are secured with both adhesive and a snap-fit mechanism, and independent testing confirms that attempting to remove them risks damaging the edge guard. For players who prefer to fine-tune weight placement or who want to experiment with a lighter swing weight configuration, this is a real limitation. The paddle’s swing weight without the MOI weights drops from 113 to 102 on the widebody and from 118 to 107 on the elongated, but accessing that configuration without risking damage is not straightforward.

Which Should You Choose: Widebody or Elongated?

The widebody is the recommended starting point for most players.

How Reviewers Compare It to Rivals

JOOLA Pro IV series. The Boomstik hits harder than a non-core-crushed JOOLA Pro IV, with independent reviewers describing the feel as similar in terms of stiffness and immediate feedback but the Boomstik as more explosive in raw output. Multiple independent sources place the Boomstik above the JOOLA Pro IV series in power, making it the stronger choice for players whose primary priority is pace. The Pro IV series may suit players who want a slightly more familiar feel at a lower price point.

Gearbox GX2 Power. Independent testing places the Boomstik in direct competition with the Gearbox GX2 Power as one of the top power paddles available. Neither paddle is described as clearly superior; the comparison is framed as competitive rather than decisive. Players choosing between the two are likely making a decision based on feel preference and brand ecosystem rather than a meaningful performance gap.

SLK ERA Power. Selkirk’s own data shows the Boomstik generating 14 percent more exit speed than the SLK ERA Power. The ERA is priced around $200, covers a wider skill-level range, and is described by independent reviewers as easier to use, making it the more accessible option for players below the 4.5 level. The Boomstik is not a replacement for the ERA; it is a higher-ceiling, higher-demand paddle for players who have outgrown what the ERA offers.

Body Helix Flik F1. Multiple independent sources confirm the Boomstik is more explosive than the Body Helix Flik F1. The Flik F1 is not described as competitive with the Boomstik in power, placing it in a different tier for players whose primary criterion is maximum pop.

Who Is the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Best For?

The Boomstik is built for intermediate to advanced players at the 4.5 skill level and above who play an attacking game and want a paddle that rewards aggressive ball-striking. Players who rely on pace off the drive, heavy spin on serves, and the ability to put balls away from the transition zone will find the Boomstik’s power and spin ceiling genuinely useful. Below the 4.5 level, the paddle’s explosive rebound and demanding power output are more likely to produce errors than winners, and independent reviewers are consistent on this point.

Between the two shapes, the widebody suits players who want the largest possible sweet spot and the highest forgiveness on off-center contact. The elongated suits players who prioritize reach, prefer a longer handle for two-handed backhands, and are comfortable with a higher swing weight in exchange for slightly more spin and a longer face.

Buy it if you:

• Play at a 4.5 skill level or above and prioritize power and spin
• Want a paddle with a lifetime warranty and a foam core that resists delamination
• Play an aggressive attacking style and can manage a high-power rebound
• Are comfortable spending $333 for a top-tier performance tool

Skip it if you:

• Are below a 4.5 skill level or still developing your soft game
• Have a history of tennis elbow or arm sensitivity to vibration
• Want a paddle with adjustable weighting or a lighter swing weight configuration
• Are looking for the best performance-per-dollar value in the power paddle category

At a Glance

Is It Worth the Money?

Yes, for competitive players at the 4.5 level and above who will use the paddle to its ceiling. The performance data is not marketing copy: lab-measured spin rates above 2,000 RPM, swing weights that place it among the heaviest-hitting paddles tested, and independent editorial scores of 10 out of 10 for power and spin are real numbers from real testing. The lifetime warranty adds long-term value that a standard two-year policy does not, and the foam core’s resistance to delamination means the paddle should perform consistently for longer than most honeycomb alternatives.

The honest caveat is that $333 is a significant ask, and the edge guard separation issue documented across multiple sources introduces a real risk that the warranty will need to be exercised. Players who need to file a claim lose use of the paddle during the replacement process, and community discussion raises legitimate questions about the coverage terms for replacement units. The price-to-value equation is strongest for players who compete regularly and who will notice the difference between this paddle and a $230 alternative; it is weakest for recreational players who play a few times per week and whose game would not meaningfully benefit from the top-of-market power ceiling.

Players who drive the ball hard from the baseline and rely on pace as a primary weapon will get the most out of the Boomstik. Players who anchor their game in the soft game, reset frequently, and win through placement rather than power will find the control score of 8 out of 10 adequate but not exceptional, and may not need to spend this much to get what they are looking for. Players with arm sensitivity should approach this paddle cautiously given the vibration reports in community feedback.

The Boomstik is the right purchase for a competitive player who has identified power and spin as the limiting factors in their game, who plays enough to justify the price, and who is comfortable with the edge guard risk knowing the warranty provides a path to replacement. For everyone else, the performance is real but the premium is hard to justify.

Check Price at Selkirk

Use code INF-PDOW at checkout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik good for beginners?

No. Independent reviewers consistently recommend the Boomstik for players at the 4.5 skill level and above, and players below that threshold are likely to produce more errors than winners with this paddle. The explosive rebound and high swing weight demand precise contact and swing speed control that developing players have not yet built. Players still working on drops, dinks, and consistent placement will find the power ceiling a liability rather than an asset, and a more forgiving, lower-power paddle will accelerate their development more effectively.

Is the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik tournament approved?

Yes, with an important distinction. The standard Boomstik with MOI weights is USAP approved and legal for the vast majority of sanctioned tournament play. A separate version without MOI weights is available specifically for players competing in certain professional-tier events under UPA-A certification requirements. Recreational and competitive amateur players using the standard MOI-equipped version have no approval concerns for USAP-sanctioned events.

What is the spin rate on the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik?

Objective lab measurements confirm spin rates of 2,041 RPM on the elongated and 2,026 RPM on the widebody, both exceeding Selkirk’s own marketing claim of up to 2,000 RPM. The InfiniGrit surface texture, applied in the USA, is the primary driver of this performance, and independent reviewers note it holds up well over extended use without significant degradation.

Are there durability problems with the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik?

Yes, edge guard separation is a documented recurring issue. At least one independent review outlet updated its coverage after publication to note a significant volume of reports involving loose edge guards, with some players filing multiple warranty claims within two months of purchase. Community reports include at least one player who required two successive replacements. The foam core itself is not a durability concern; independent reviewers assign durability a score of 10 out of 10 for the core construction, and foam does not crush or delaminate the way honeycomb does. The edge guard issue is specific to the perimeter construction near the MOI weights.

How does the widebody compare to the elongated?

The widebody offers a larger face, a higher twist weight (8.21 versus 6.91 in lab testing), and more forgiveness on off-center hits, making it the better choice for players who want maximum sweet spot size. The elongated offers more reach, a slightly higher swing weight of 118 versus 113, a longer handle at 5.8 inches versus 5.6 inches, and marginally higher spin at 2,041 RPM versus 2,026 RPM. Both variants share the same core construction, face material, core thickness, and price. The widebody is the recommended starting point for most players; the elongated suits those who prioritize reach and two-handed backhand leverage.

Is the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik good for doubles?

It can be, for the right player profile. The widebody’s large sweet spot and high forgiveness score of 8.5 out of 10 make it manageable at the net, and the control score of 8 out of 10 is respectable for a paddle in this power tier. Independent testing found the soft game, including resets, performed better than expected. That said, the paddle’s explosive rebound introduces pop-up risk if contact point and swing speed are not carefully managed, and doubles play at the kitchen line demands the kind of touch control that this paddle rewards only in experienced hands. Players at the 4.5 level and above who play an aggressive doubles style will find it well-suited; players who rely on a soft, patient kitchen game may prefer a paddle with a higher control ceiling.

How does the Boomstik compare to the SLK ERA Power?

The Boomstik is the higher-performance, higher-demand option. Selkirk’s own data shows the Boomstik generating 14 percent more exit speed than the SLK ERA Power, and independent reviewers describe the ERA as easier to use across a wider skill-level range. The ERA is priced around $200, making it a more accessible entry point for players who want Selkirk’s foam core technology without the Boomstik’s power ceiling or price. The Boomstik is not a replacement for the ERA; it is a step up for players who have maximized what the ERA offers and are ready for a higher-demand tool.

Still narrowing down your next paddle? Browse every paddle category in the Pickler Junction gear directory. Pickler Junction may earn a commission if you purchase through links in our directory.

Written by the Pickler Junction Review Team.