If you're a player who likes to pack a punch and generate plenty of spin without sacrificing control, the Selkirk LABS Project Boomstik pickleball paddle is definitely worth a try. I've had the chance to put both the Elongated and Widebody models through their paces over several weeks, and what really stands out is how well they deliver power and how much thought has gone into the paddle technology. In this review, I'll compare the two shapes head-to-head so you can see how this Selkirk paddle performs in different situations and figure out which one might be the best fit for you.
Key Takeaways
- The Project Boomstik is a power-focused paddle series with two distinct shapes: Elongated for reach and Widebody for stability.
- BoomCore technology combines a PureFoam foam core with an EVA Power Ring for a lively response on drives and serves.
- The InfiniGrit carbon face delivers consistent spin and is designed for extended surface durability.
- Selkirk's MOI Tuning System uses semi-permanent edge weights to create a larger, more forgiving sweet spot on off-center hits.
- The tested paddles balanced around 8.2 to 8.25 ounces, which suits aggressive play without excessive fatigue.
- The Elongated shape favors baseline power and singles, while the Widebody excels in doubles and net exchanges.
- The Boomstik is ideal for intermediate to advanced players who prioritize ultimate power with usable control.
First Impressions: A Paddle That Means Business
The Boomstik looks really sharp right out of the box, with its sleek black finish and red MOI weights giving it a modern feel without being too flashy. When you pick it up, you can immediately tell the difference between the two shapes. The Elongated version, which is 16.5 inches long and 7.45 inches wide, feels a bit longer and has a slightly heavier head, which is great for players who have a strong baseline game or a tennis background. On the other hand, the Widebody version, which is 15.95 inches long and 8 inches wide, feels broader and more stable, making it perfect for players who like to get to the net quickly and need a bit of forgiveness. Both versions have a medium 4.25-inch octagonal grip and a longer handle - 5.8 inches on the Elongated and 5.6 inches on the Widebody - which makes them comfortable to hold, especially for two-handed backhands.
Boomstik Paddle Specifications Overview
This pickleball paddle by Selkirk Sport has some really interesting features, including thermoformed construction, a three-layer Multistrata T700 carbon face with InfiniGrit texture, and a 16mm BoomCore foam core. The core combines PureFoam with an EVA Power Ring, while Selkirk's MOI Tuning System places precision weights at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions. The weights are 7.5 grams each and are clamped to the edge guard to increase the paddle's moment of inertia. That paddle technology is intended to fine-tune swing weight, twist resistance, balance, and the maximum sweet spot without requiring players to add lead tape. Both shapes are USA Pickleball approved, and their main difference comes down to geometry: one is longer and more slender for reach and leverage, while the other is wider and more stable.
Power That Pops: The BoomCore Advantage
The BoomCore really packs a punch when you hit it with full force. The paddle is engineered for exceptional power and stability in play, helping the ball travel deep and fast whether you're serving or hitting from the baseline. The foam core and surrounding EVA Power Ring create a solid, explosive response that is intended for aggressive players who prioritize explosive drives. The Elongated model is especially effective for players who want extra leverage and speed to finish points quickly. The Widebody produces more stable power when timing or contact is not perfect. Selkirk also says the core does not require a break-in period, so its intended performance is available from day one rather than developing only after repeated use.
Baseline and Serve Performance
The Boomstik really delivers when it comes to full swings. You get a great combination of pace and spin on your serves, and your passing shots from the baseline have plenty of depth, even when you're under pressure. If you're an aggressive baseline player, the Elongated version is a great choice because it gives you more reach and leverage, allowing you to hit deeper shots. On the other hand, the Widebody is perfect for long, grueling rallies because it provides consistent power and does not require perfect contact every time. Both shapes stay responsive over extended sessions, which is a major benefit when you're in the middle of a long match. Overall, the Boomstik pickleball paddle is built to keep up with an aggressive playing style.
Spin That Sticks: InfiniGrit Surface Magic
The InfiniGrit carbon face really gets a good grip on the ball, which is great for adding spin to topspin drives, roll volleys, and cut dinks. Its three-layer design provides a consistent bite that helps you shape shots and keep opponents on their toes. The elongated shape allows for faster whip, making it easier to hit sharper angles on serves and drives. The Widebody version has a larger surface area, which can provide a bit more dwell time and more controlled spin on softer shots. Consistent spin becomes especially important in long matches because it helps you control the ball even as you get tired. Selkirk markets InfiniGrit as a more durable surface than traditional raw-carbon peel-ply textures, although long-term durability will always depend on use and care.
Stability and Sweet Spots: The MOI Tuning System
Selkirk's MOI Tuning System is designed to make the paddle more stable and increase the size of the sweet spot. The semi-permanent weights shift mass toward the outside of the paddle, increasing its moment of inertia and helping it resist twisting on off-center contact. This is especially useful during blocks, resets, and quick reaction shots. The Elongated version stays stable when you stretch for a wide ball, while the Selkirk Boomstik Widebody Paddle adds even more forgiveness through its broader face. Unlike ordinary lead tape, the system comes pre-installed and precisely positioned on the edge guard. Players who normally add lead tape to fine tune a paddle may appreciate that the Boomstik arrives balanced for a large sweet spot, although Selkirk does not recommend removing the weights or altering the edge guard.
Kitchen Play and Soft Game Performance
The Boomstik is really effective at the net, giving you useful control for dinks, resets, and hand battles. The core provides enough touch to drop balls short or angle them precisely without automatically sending them too far. The Widebody version is especially good in this area because its bigger surface and higher stability help absorb pace during fast exchanges. The Selkirk Boomstik Elongated Paddle is also good in the kitchen, but it really shines when you need to switch quickly from defense to offense. Both shapes make it easier to block and counter without completely losing control of the ball.
Singles vs. Doubles Suitability
When it comes to pickleball, the shape of your paddle can make a big difference. For singles, an elongated paddle is a strong choice because it provides extra reach, leverage, and baseline power. This is helpful for players who like to take charge from the back of the court. In doubles, the Widebody is often the more forgiving option because it is more stable and has a larger sweet spot for quick net exchanges. Some players switch between the two shapes depending on whether they are playing singles or doubles and what role they expect to fill on the court. Reach, forgiveness, and reaction speed are all important factors, and they can vary depending on the format you play.
Elongated vs. Widebody: Which One's for You?
Players have different needs when choosing a paddle. The Elongated Project Boomstik is great for intermediate to advanced players who like to play aggressively, especially from the baseline or in singles. Its longer handle and overall length help with wide balls and powerful serves while still giving you usable control. The Widebody is better for players who want a paddle that is easier to manage during fast exchanges and provides the maximum sweet spot available in the Boomstik line. Both shapes use the same basic paddle technology and are built to the same performance standard, so the choice comes down to what you value most: reach and plow-through, or stability and forgiveness.
How the Boomstik Compares to Other Power Paddles
The Boomstik stands out in the power-paddle category because its BoomCore system and MOI Tuning weights combine lively pop with improved stability, even when the ball does not hit the center of the face. In Pickleball Studio's hands-on testing, the Boomstik hit harder than the reviewer's non-core-crushed JOOLA Pro IV paddles and felt more explosive on drives and put-aways. That is a reviewer-specific comparison rather than a universal laboratory result, but it supports the paddle's reputation as a top-tier power option. The same reviewer also described the feedback as immediate rather than muted, which made ball placement easier. Compared with other Selkirk paddles such as the SLK ERA, the Boomstik is more specialized, more powerful, and less beginner-friendly.
Who Should and Should Not Choose the Boomstik
The Boomstik is a great choice for players who like to play aggressively and need a paddle that can handle big swings, explosive drives, big serves, and fast counters. It also suits players moving from a control paddle who want to add more power without giving up every bit of touch. However, this is not a paddle designed for beginner players who are still learning to control depth, dinks, and resets. If you want an extremely soft, very light, or highly touch-oriented paddle, you may be better served by another model. The LABS Project Boomstik pickleball paddle is most appropriate for intermediate and advanced players who can manage its pace and want a serious performance tool.
Alternatives for Beginners and Other Selkirk Options
Players who are new to the sport may be better served by other Selkirk paddles in the broader Selkirk pickleball lineup. The SLK Evo XL pickleball paddle by Selkirk Sport is an XL pickleball paddle designed for beginner players and is offered in a blue and white design. The SLK Omega Hybrid XL pickleball paddle is another hybrid XL pickleball paddle featuring a unique throat design for enhanced performance. Selkirk's product imagery also shows that paddle featuring a black and blue design. These lower-cost options serve a different audience than Project Boomstik, while the SLK ERA provides a more accessible entry point for players who want power without jumping directly to the Boomstik's maximum output.
Is the Selkirk Boomstik Worth the Price?
At the time of this update, the retail price of the Boomstik is $333. That is expensive, but the paddle combines a full foam core, a durable spin surface, pre-installed MOI weighting, two shape options, and a Boomstik-specific Limited Lifetime Warranty. Selkirk markets the BoomCore construction as highly resistant to core breakdown and says there is no break-in period or intended core crush. That does not mean any paddle is literally indestructible, but the construction is designed to provide more consistent long-term performance than cores that depend on progressive breakdown for added power. If you play frequently and want a premium power paddle with a large sweet spot, the overall package can justify the cost.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
The Selkirk LABS Project Boomstik delivers focused power with usable control and spin in two well-thought-out shapes. Its BoomCore and InfiniGrit technologies support aggressive play, while Selkirk's MOI Tuning System improves forgiveness on imperfect contact. It is a great paddle for experienced players who want ultimate power, immediate feedback, a longer handle, and a maximum sweet spot without having to customize the stock setup. If your game includes strong baseline shots or fast net exchanges, test both the Elongated and Widebody versions to see which one matches your style best.
FAQs About the Selkirk Boomstik Paddles
Is the Selkirk Boomstik Better in the Elongated or Widebody Shape?
It depends on your style. The Elongated favors reach, leverage, and baseline power, while the Widebody offers more stability, faster handling, and forgiveness for net play and doubles.
How Powerful Is the Selkirk Boomstik Compared With Other Power Paddles?
It provides strong, controllable pop on full swings with good consistency, thanks to the BoomCore system and shape-specific leverage. Pickleball Studio's reviewer reported that the Boomstik hit harder than his non-core-crushed JOOLA Pro IV paddles, but that statement should be understood as a hands-on review result rather than a guarantee that every player will measure the same difference.
Does the Boomstik Provide Immediate Feedback on Ball Placement?
Yes, it has a stiff, connected feel rather than a muted foam response. Pickleball Studio described the feedback as immediate and said that this made ball placement easier. Players who prefer a soft or cushioned feel may find that direct response less comfortable.
Does the Boomstik Generate Enough Spin for Competitive Play?
Yes. The InfiniGrit face produces reliable spin on drives, serves, roll volleys, and dinks, and Selkirk designed the surface for longer spin durability than conventional raw-carbon textures.
Is the Selkirk Boomstik Suitable for Intermediate Players?
It suits intermediate to advanced players who are comfortable with power-oriented paddles and want to develop aggressive shot-making. It is not the best starting paddle for beginners who still struggle to control pop, depth, or soft shots.
How Forgiving Is the Boomstik on Off-Center Hits?
The MOI Tuning System enlarges the effective sweet spot by moving weight toward the perimeter. This raises the moment of inertia, reduces twisting, and makes mishits more playable than they would be on many traditional power paddles.
Does the Boomstik Require a Break-In Period?
No. Selkirk states that the BoomCore foam construction is intended to deliver consistent performance from day one without a break-in period. The company also markets the core as resistant to core crush, although real-world durability will still depend on use, care, and any manufacturing issues.
What Warranty Comes With the Project Boomstik?
The Boomstik has a Limited Lifetime Warranty for the original purchaser in the United States. It covers qualifying manufacturer defects, such as certain handle breaks, loose edge guards, face cracks, and end-cap problems. This differs from other LABS paddles, which typically carry a two-year warranty. Normal wear, abuse, ground strikes, and some other conditions are excluded, and Selkirk states that replacement paddles are not covered by a new warranty.
What Is the Boomstik Price, and Are There Any Credits or Codes?
The current listed retail price is $333. Pickleball Studio lists code INF-PBSTUDIO for a $40 Selkirk digital gift card toward a future order; it is not described as $40 off the current Boomstik purchase, and promotional terms can change. The extra $33 credit for leaving feedback within 60 days was a launch bonus limited to the first 60 days after release, so it should not be assumed to be an active standing offer now.
Is the Selkirk Boomstik Approved for Tournament Play?
Yes. The Widebody and Elongated models appear on the USA Pickleball approved paddle list and are eligible for play under USA Pickleball equipment rules. Players entering other professional tours should still confirm the specific event and governing-body requirements for their exact paddle version.
