Selkirk Labs Boomstik Review
Consensus score
The $333 moonshot. Selkirk Labs built the BoomCore power paddle, a PureFoam core with an EVA power ring, and Jack Sock plays one on tour. Reviewers agree it is among the most powerful paddles ever measured, with a giant sweet spot that skips the usual tiny-forgiveness penalty. They also agree the price is the whole conversation. (Michael Scott, seeing the price tag: "I. Declare. Bankruptcy!")
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. Our rankings are never influenced by commissions or brand partnerships. Consensus score 83/100 (Excellent) — aggregated Oct 2026 from 15 reviews across 2 source types — how we rank.
The consensus verdict
Best for
You are aggressive, you want maximum pace, and you do not want the usual tiny-sweet-spot penalty. Reviewers say it is the most powerful premium paddle many testers have ever hit.
Not for
You are price-sensitive, touch-first, or a tinkerer (the MOI weights are semi-permanent). At $333, reviewers say this is a luxury for everyone but dedicated power players.
Consensus 83/100 · Excellent
Weighted from Pickleheads 4.5/5 and MyPickleBlog 7/10 (editorial) plus 11 verified owner reviews averaging 4.8/5. Per-dimension scores pending more editorial data. Elite power and spin are the consensus strengths; the extreme rebound makes soft-game control demanding, and $333 is a recurring criticism.
Specs
| MSRP | $333 |
|---|---|
| Shapes | Elongated 16.5" × 7.45" · Widebody 15.95" × 8" |
| Thickness | 16mm |
| Face | 3-layer Multistrata T700 carbon fiber + InfiniGrit surface |
| Core | BoomCore: PureFoam EPP core + EVA power perimeter ring |
| Weight | 8.0–8.4 oz (elongated avg ~8.3 oz) |
| Handle | 5.8" (elongated) · 5.6" (widebody) · 4.25" grip · octagonal profile |
| Measured (third-party) | Swing weight ~121 (elongated) / ~113 (widebody); twist weight ~6.9 / ~7.7; spin ~1,970 RPM (independent reviewer lab data) |
| Extras | MOI Tuning System (factory perimeter weighting); limited lifetime warranty; 30-day returns |
| Approval | UPA-A approved versions available |
Specs from Selkirk Labs and retailer listings; measured figures from independent reviewer lab data (unit-to-unit variance applies).
What reviewers agree on
Strengths
- Elite, possibly class-leading power. Independent measurement puts its power and pop at the very top of tested paddles. Reviewers describe drives that turn reachable shots into forced errors. The "plow-through" marketing is, unusually, backed up.
- A giant, stable sweet spot. Factory perimeter weighting (the MOI Tuning System) produces twist weights reviewers call exceptional. 7.7 on the widebody. Off-center hits stay playable in a way power paddles usually don't manage.
- Spin is high and durable. ~1,970 RPM measured, and the InfiniGrit surface outlasts standard raw carbon. Reviewers note the texture holds up far better than typical grit.
- No break-in needed. The pop is there from the first hit, and Selkirk's durability claims (110 mph impact testing) get cautious nods from long-term owners.
Weaknesses & caveats
- $333. The highest price in the category, full stop. Owner reviews are glowing about the paddle and wincing about the receipt. Often in the same sentence.
- Control is the tradeoff. Measured control scores land well below its power scores. This paddle rewards players who already place the ball. It won't teach you touch.
- Heavy swing, especially elongated. 121 swing weight is a lot of paddle to whip. Reviewers flag arm fatigue and slow hands at the kitchen. The widebody (113) is the maneuverable pick.
- Limited customization. The semi-permanent MOI weights mean you can't strip it down and rebuild it your way. Tinkerers, look elsewhere.
Synthesized from expert reviewer lab data and long-form reviews (measurement-focused outlets, WearTesters), retailer owner reviews (1,200+ ratings across listings), and player-community discussion. How we rank →
Who it's for
Who it's for
- You're an aggressive baseliner or doubles attacker who builds points on pace
- You play 4.0+ and can harness the power without spraying it
- You want max power without the usual tiny-sweet-spot penalty
Who should skip it
- You're touch-first. The power will fight you
- Your arm or shoulder complains already (heavy swing weight)
- You're shopping value — the $200+ tier has plenty under $250
Pro usage
Jack Sock — Selkirk Labs Boomstik (elongated, 16mm), match-verified. See the full tracker →
Where to buy
This link is the widebody. Also available direct from Selkirk.
← Best paddles $200 & up · Swing weight explained · Foam cores explained
Boomstik FAQs
Is the Boomstik worth $333?
For dedicated power players, the performance justifies it. For everyone else, it's a luxury. The $200–$250 tier covers most players.
Elongated or widebody?
Elongated for reach and max power; widebody for maneuverability and forgiveness. The widebody's 7.7 twist weight is exceptional.
What is BoomCore?
A PureFoam EPP core fused with an EVA power perimeter ring. The source of the explosive energy return reviewers measure.