Some paddles feel comfortable the moment you pick them up. The Selkirk Labs Boomstick is not one of them, and that’s exactly what makes it so interesting.
After using the Boomstick consistently for nearly three months, I can confidently say this is one of the most demanding paddles I’ve ever played with. It doesn’t hold your hand, it doesn’t forgive sloppy mechanics, and it absolutely punishes hesitation. But if you’re willing to put the work in, the reward is explosive power, elite put-away capability, and some of the crispest drives you’ll ever hit on a pickleball court.
This is a paddle built for players who like to dictate points and not survive them.
First Impressions: Not for the Faint of Touch
Out of the box, the Boomstick immediately feels stiff, powerful, and fast through the air. Control is clearly not the headline feature here. Even with Selkirk’s inbuilt weighting system, the paddle felt twitchy during the first few sessions, especially in soft game situations.
To be honest, this was one of the hardest paddles I’ve ever had to control. I ended up adding tungsten tape at the bottom of the handle purely to calm it down and even then, it took me three full drilling sessions before my drops and dinks started to feel consistent.
This is not a paddle you take into league night expecting instant success. It demands reps, discipline, and clean mechanics.
Power & Drives: Where the Boomstick Earns Its Name
I’m not a natural driver. My game has always leaned more toward placement and patience. But the Boomstick almost forces you to drive and when you do, it delivers.
The first time I caught a forehand drive cleanly, I knew exactly what this paddle was built for.
The contact feels crisp, direct, and explosive, without that hollow trampoline effect some power paddles suffer from. Balls come off fast, stay low, and carry deep with very little effort. These were genuinely some of the best drives I’ve ever hit, both forehand and backhand.
During a league-based tournament, I recommended the Boomstick to a singles specialist with nearly 15 years of tennis experience. He adapted almost instantly like a duck to water. That’s when it really clicked: this paddle shines brightest in the hands of players who already know how to swing.
If you play singles or lean heavily on third-shot drives, this paddle feels purpose-built.
Soft Game & Control: Earned, Not Given
Let’s be clear control does not come easy with the Boomstick.
Drops and dinks require intent. Lazy mechanics will send balls sailing long, especially early on. However, once dialed in, the paddle’s dwell time is unreal. The ball genuinely feels like it sits on the face for a fraction longer than expected, which helps tremendously in hands battles and countering speed-ups.
At the kitchen, once I adjusted my touch and grip pressure, the Boomstick became surprisingly reliable. It still isn’t a soft-game paddle by nature, but the feedback is excellent, and once you trust it, it rewards confident strokes.
Pop-ups are almost a guaranteed finish one clean swing and the point is over.
Infigrit Surface: Grit That Actually Lasts
Selkirk’s Infigrit surface is one of the standout features here. Even after months of play, the grit feels nearly as aggressive as day one. Like any paddle, you’ll notice small ball marks developing, but the spin potential remains strong and consistent.
Also Read: Different types of pickleball paddle surfaces
Topspin drives dip hard, rolls feel heavy, and slices stay low. This is a surface built for aggressive shot-making rather than touch-heavy finesse.
Selkirk Labs Boomstick Specifications
- Face Material: Infigrit Textured Surface: Selkirk’s Infigrit surface is one of the grippiest faces they’ve produced to date. The texture feels aggressive without being overly abrasive, allowing the ball to bite into the face on full swings. This translates to heavy topspin on drives, sharper angles on rolls, and excellent control during fast exchanges. Even after extended use, the grit holds up well, with only cosmetic ball marks showing rather than a noticeable drop in spin performance.
- Core: High-Density Polymer Core: The Boomstick uses a high-density polymer core that leans firmly toward power rather than plushness. The core feels solid and stiff at contact, giving the paddle its trademark pop and crisp feedback. While this does reduce forgiveness on mishits, it also provides excellent energy transfer, especially on drives, counters, and overheads. Once you adjust your touch, the added dwell time becomes a real advantage in hands battles.
- Weight: Mid to Upper 8 oz Range (Customizable): Stock weight sits in the mid-to-upper 8-ounce range, which contributes heavily to the Boomstick’s plow-through and stability on aggressive swings. Selkirk’s inbuilt weight system allows you to fine-tune balance, and players who want additional control can add tungsten to the handle or throat area. Heavier setups reward confident swings and help tame the paddle’s natural liveliness.
- Grip Length: Extended Handle: The extended handle makes the Boomstick especially appealing to former tennis players and anyone who favors a two-handed backhand. It offers extra leverage on drives and returns while keeping the paddle quick enough at the net. The added handle length also helps with reach and stability during fast-paced exchanges.
- Swing Feel: Stiff, Powerful, and Fast: This is a stiff paddle through and through. There’s minimal flex at contact, resulting in a direct, connected feel that excels during full swings. The Boomstick cuts cleanly through the air, rewarding assertive mechanics and decisive shot selection. Players who hesitate or decelerate mid-swing will feel exposed, while committed swings are met with explosive results.
- Best Suited For: Advanced Players & Aggressive Styles: The Boomstick is best suited for advanced or high-intermediate players who already have solid fundamentals. It particularly shines in singles play, aggressive doubles roles, and in the hands of former tennis players who rely on pace and placement. This is a paddle designed to finish points, not extend them, and it performs best when used with confidence and intent.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Use the Boomstick
Ideal For:
- Advanced and high-intermediate players
- Singles players and aggressive doubles attackers
- Former tennis players
- Players who prefer drives over drops
Not Ideal For:
- Beginners or developing players
- Touch-first, dink-heavy styles
- Players looking for immediate forgiveness
Selkirk Labs Boomstick vs Other Popular Power Paddles
| Paddle | Control (Out of Box) | Power & Drive Performance | Forgiveness | Soft Game Feel | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selkirk Labs Boomstick | Low–Moderate (requires break-in and adjustment) | Elite-level power with crisp, direct response on full swings | Low | Firm with excellent dwell time once dialed in | Aggressive players, singles specialists, former tennis players |
| Gearbox GX2 | High | Strong but more muted than Boomstick | High | Softer and more forgiving in dinks and resets | Players wanting power with immediate control |
| JOOLA Perseus Pro 4 | Moderate–High | Powerful but more balanced and controlled | Moderate–High | Noticeably easier to manage at the kitchen | Doubles-focused players needing blend of power and touch |
| Bread & Butter Loco | High | Moderate | High | Soft, plush, and reset-friendly | Control-oriented players and dink-heavy styles |
Final Verdict
The Selkirk Labs Boomstick is not a plug-and-play paddle. It challenges you, exposes weaknesses, and forces you to commit to your shots. But once you earn its trust, it becomes a legitimate weapon.
If control is your top priority, look elsewhere. But if you want elite-level power, exceptional dwell time, and drive confidence that changes how opponents play you, the Boomstick delivers in a way very few paddles do.
This isn’t a paddle for everyone and that’s exactly why it stands out.
FAQ’s
Is the Selkirk Labs Boomstick good for beginners?
No. The Boomstick is not beginner-friendly. It has a stiff face, high power output, and low forgiveness out of the box. Newer players will likely struggle with control, especially on drops, dinks, and resets.
Does the Boomstick have good control for the soft game?
Control improves with time and adjustment, but it does not come easy. The Boomstick requires solid mechanics and intentional touch. Once dialed in, the dwell time helps during hands battles, but it remains a power-first paddle.
How does the Boomstick perform for singles vs doubles?
The Boomstick excels in singles play. Its power, drive potential, and ability to finish points quickly make it a strong choice for singles specialists. In doubles, it works best for aggressive players who like to attack rather than rely on extended dink rallies.
Is the Infigrit surface durable?
Yes. The Infigrit surface holds its grit well over time. While cosmetic ball marks appear with regular play, the spin performance remains consistent even after months of use.
Can you customize the Boomstick for better control?
Yes. The paddle includes Selkirk’s inbuilt weighting system, and many players add tungsten tape to the handle or throat area to improve stability and control. Custom weighting can significantly change how the paddle feels.
How does the Boomstick compare to the Gearbox GX2?
The GX2 offers more control and forgiveness right away, especially in the short game. The Boomstick delivers more raw power and a crisper feel but requires more time and skill to master.
Is the Boomstick good for former tennis players?
Absolutely. Former tennis players often adapt quickly to the Boomstick due to its extended handle, stiff feel, and drive-oriented performance. Players with long, confident swings tend to get the most out of it.
Does the Boomstick work well for two-handed backhands?
Yes. The extended handle provides ample space for a comfortable two-handed backhand, making it a strong option for players who rely on that shot.
What playing style benefits most from the Boomstick?
Aggressive, attack-first styles benefit the most. Players who like to drive the ball, counter hard, and end points quickly will find the Boomstick far more rewarding than touch-oriented paddles.
Is the Selkirk Labs Boomstick worth it?
If you’re an advanced player looking for elite-level power and are willing to put in the time to adjust, the Boomstick is absolutely worth considering. If you want immediate comfort and forgiveness, there are better options.
Leave a Reply