As a pickleball player who lives for those moments when the ball rockets off the paddle with a satisfying crack, I was practically bouncing with excitement to get my hands on the Selkirk LABS Project Boomstik. This paddle isn’t just gear—it’s a game-changer that’s had me grinning ear to ear on the court. I’ve spent weeks testing both the Elongated and Widebody versions, and let me tell you, these paddles are like the dynamic duo of power and precision. Whether you’re a baseline blaster or a net ninja, the Boomstik has something special to offer. Here’s my deep dive into why this paddle has earned a permanent spot in my pickleball bag—and why it might just steal your heart, too.
First Impressions: A Paddle That Means Business
Right out of the box, the Boomstik screams confidence. Its sleek black design, paired with those bold red weights on the edge guard, gives it a futuristic vibe—like it’s ready to dominate the court before you even swing. The Elongated version, at 16.5 inches long and 7.45 inches wide, feels like an extension of my arm, built for reach and leverage. The Widebody, slightly shorter at 15.95 inches but broader at 8 inches, promises stability and forgiveness. Both weigh in around 8.2 to 8.25 ounces, striking a perfect balance of heft and maneuverability that suits my aggressive playstyle. Holding them, you can feel the quality of made in the USA pickleball paddles—crafted with precision and a touch of swagger.
The octagonal grip, with its medium 4.25-inch circumference, fits like a glove, and the slightly extended handle length (5.8 inches for Elongated, 5.6 for Widebody) is a dream for two-handed backhands. The moment I gripped them, I knew these were built for players who want to dictate the pace. Let’s break down how they perform on the court and how the two shapes stack up.
Power That Pops: The BoomCore Advantage
The heart of the Boomstik is its BoomCore technology, a genius blend of PureFoam wrapped in an EVA Power Ring. This core delivers a pop that’s nothing short of exhilarating. Every drive feels like it’s got an extra gear, with Selkirk claiming a 12-14% boost in ball exit velocity compared to other power paddles. That’s about 25 milliseconds shaved off your opponent’s reaction time—enough to turn a good shot into a point-ender. I noticed this immediately during baseline rallies. With the Elongated version, my drives had a whip-like speed, soaring with authority and landing deep to push opponents back. The Widebody, while slightly less whippy, offered a thunderous consistency, making every shot feel like a controlled explosion.
What sets both apart is their resilience. Unlike some power paddles that fizzle out after heavy use, the BoomCore holds strong. I’ve put these through intense sessions—imagine three-hour tournaments with relentless smashes—and they still deliver that same crisp, lively feel. The Elongated shape’s extra length gives it a slight edge for raw power, perfect for singles players or those who love to dominate from the backcourt. The Widebody, with its broader face, feels more forgiving, ensuring even my less-than-perfect hits still carry weight. Whether you’re unloading a serve or countering a volley, both shapes make you feel like you’ve got a cannon in your hand.
Spin That Sticks: InfiniGrit Surface Magic
If power’s the main course, the InfiniGrit surface is the spicy sauce that elevates the meal. This Multistrata T700 carbon face, with its three-layer design, grabs the ball like nobody’s business, churning out spin rates up to 2,000 RPMs. I found myself carving topspin drives that dipped sharply over the net, catching opponents off guard, and slicing dinks that danced just out of reach. The Elongated version’s narrower face lets me whip the paddle faster, adding extra spin for wicked angles, especially on serves. The Widebody’s larger surface, on the other hand, gives a touch more dwell time, making it easier to shape shots with precision during softer exchanges at the kitchen.
What’s truly impressive is the durability of this grit. Unlike raw carbon faces that wear down and lose their bite, the InfiniGrit holds its texture match after match. I’ve been playing with both paddles for weeks, and the spin potential feels as fresh as day one. This is a huge win for players who rely on spin to control points, whether you’re a finesse master or a power player looking to add some flair. The Elongated edges out for spin-heavy shots due to its aerodynamic shape, but the Widebody’s forgiving sweet spot makes spin accessible even on off-center hits. Both let you play with creativity and confidence.
Stability and Sweet Spots: The MOI Tuning System
Here’s where the Boomstik really flexes its engineering muscle: the MOI Tuning System. Those semi-permanent weights clamped to the edge guard (7.5 grams each at 3 and 9 o’clock) boost the moment of inertia, creating a larger, more forgiving sweet spot. This is a game-changer for off-center hits. With the Elongated version, I could stretch for a wide volley or chase a lob and still get solid contact, thanks to the paddle’s stability. The Widebody takes this to another level—its broader face feels like it has a sweet spot the size of a dinner plate, making mishits feel like intentional winners.
During fast-paced net exchanges, both shapes shine, but they cater to slightly different styles. The Elongated’s slimmer profile makes it lightning-quick for rapid-fire volleys, letting me react to smashes with pinpoint accuracy. The Selkirk Boomstik Widebody, with its extra width, feels like a shield, absorbing pace and giving me confidence to block or counter with ease. The weights ensure neither paddle twists on impact, so my shots stay true even when I’m scrambling. For players who mix power with precision, this system is like having a coach whispering, “You’ve got this,” on every swing.
Comfort and Control: Grip and Handling
The Boomstik’s upgraded octagonal grip is a standout, offering a secure, ergonomic hold that feels tailor-made for long matches. The Elongated’s 5.8-inch handle gives me extra room for two-handed shots, which I love for adding power to my backhand drives. The Widebody’s 5.6-inch handle is just as comfortable, with a slightly more compact feel that suits players who prefer a traditional grip. Both have a medium 4.25-inch circumference, which fits my hand perfectly and stays tacky even in sweaty conditions—no slipping during those tense, game-point rallies.
The balance is spot-on, too. The Selkirk Boomstik Elongated Paddle feels a tad more head-heavy, enhancing its plow-through for aggressive shots, while the Widebody’s weight distribution feels more even, making it a breeze to maneuver at the net. Both paddles are responsive, with no lag in reaction time, whether I’m dinking softly or unloading a forehand. The thermoformed pickleball paddles construction adds a crisp, solid feel that’s addictive, blending power with just enough touch to keep me in control.
Elongated vs. Widebody: Which One’s for You?
After testing both, I’m torn—they’re both phenomenal, but they cater to slightly different vibes. The Elongated Boomstik is my go-to for singles or when I’m playing a power-heavy game. Its extra length gives me reach to cover the court and leverage to blast serves that zip past opponents. It’s ideal for intermediate to advanced players who want to dominate with pace and spin, especially from the baseline. The narrower face makes it agile for quick reactions, and the extra handle length is a boon for two-handed players.
The Widebody, meanwhile, is a dream for doubles or players who value forgiveness and versatility. Its broader face delivers a massive sweet spot, making it easier to handle fast volleys or off-center shots during chaotic rallies. It still packs a punch, but its stability shines in close-quarters play, where consistency is king. If you’re someone who loves a balanced approach—mixing power with precise dinks—the Widebody feels like it was custom-built for you.
Both paddles share the same core tech, grip quality, and USAP-approved status, so you can’t go wrong. It’s about your style: Elongated for reach and aggression, Widebody for stability and all-court play. I’ve been switching between them depending on the match, and honestly, it’s like choosing between two favorite songs—each hits just right in its own way.
Final Thoughts: Why the Boomstik Rocks My World
The Selkirk Boomstik has redefined what I expect from a power paddle. Its BoomCore delivers explosive energy, the InfiniGrit surface spins like a dream, and the MOI Tuning System makes every shot feel effortless. Whether I’m wielding the Elongated for its whippy reach or the Widebody for its forgiving stability, this paddle brings joy to every rally. It’s built to last, with no break-in period and a durability that laughs in the face of intense play. For anyone looking to elevate their game with a paddle that’s as tough as it is talented, the Boomstik is a must-try. I’m already dreaming of my next match—care to join me for a dink-off? Share your thoughts below, and let’s keep the pickleball love alive!
