One of the core functions of Selkirk LABS is collecting feedback from the pickleball community on paddle prototypes.
Providing useful paddle feedback isn’t as simple as saying, “It feels good” or “It has nice control.” At Selkirk LABS, engineers often guide testers to help deliver actionable insights tailored to their skill level.
Asking the right questions
Engineers avoid broad, subjective questions like “How’s the control?” Instead, they frame questions around specific shots: “On a scale of 1 to 10, how comfortable were you hitting drop shots?” or “If you hit 10 resets, how many landed where you intended?”
This helps testers — especially less experienced ones — focus on measurable outcomes rather than vague impressions.
Feedback from beginners vs. advanced players
Advanced players can evaluate performance across a wide range of shots and conditions and typically don't need as much guidance.
Beginners or intermediates, however, may only use a few basic strokes and may struggle to articulate paddle characteristics. Engineers will often provide shot-specific instruction or context to ensure feedback is relevant.
For example, a beginner might say a paddle is “too powerful.” Upon deeper questioning, they may actually be referring to a lack of control during volleys or resets.
Expanding the feedback pool
To diversify feedback, Selkirk Labs not only tests across skill levels, but also works with trusted testers across various regions.
These testers follow structured protocols to test paddles with players of different skill levels, reducing regional bias and increasing the objectivity of results.
