Selkirk LABS relies on player feedback to refine and perfect its pickleball paddle and equipment designs before they reach the broader market. But how can you provide feedback that truly makes a difference?
This guide explains the best way to share your insights and how Selkirk LABS engineers use that information to improve their products.
How to submit your LABS feedback
If you’ve purchased a Selkirk LABS paddle or piece of equipment, you have the opportunity to contribute to the research and development process by sharing your experience with the product. Here’s how:
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Play with the paddle or gear: Use the paddle in various conditions — different balls, weather, and court surfaces — to get a well-rounded perspective.
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Visit the LABS feedback portal: Once you have enough playing time, go to the Selkirk LABS website to submit your feedback.
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Be descriptive and specific: Instead of simply stating, "I like it" or "It’s powerful," try to compare it to other paddles you’ve used. Example: "This paddle generates more spin than my [previous paddle], especially on backhand slices."
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Use consistent terminology: Selkirk LABS aims to define key terms like "sweet spot," because such terms often have a different meaning to people. Try to clarify what you mean when using specific terms so the engineers can have a clearer picture.
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Consider external variables: Think about factors that may have influenced your experience, such as playing in colder temperatures, using a different ball type, and even who you were playing with.
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Be open to follow-ups: Selkirk LABS may reach out for more details if your feedback presents a particularly unique or valuable insight. The more engineers can learn from you, the better a new product iteration will be.
What makes feedback especially useful?
To ensure your feedback contributes to meaningful improvements, keep these key points in mind:
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Detailed comparisons: Instead of generic statements, use comparative language to describe changes over time (e.g., "It started stiff but softened after several hours of play").
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Clear explanations: Describe what you feel about performance (power, control, spin) and how it affects your game.
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Recognizing variables: Acknowledge conditions like temperature, ball type, skill level, and personal playing style that may impact your feedback.
How does Selkirk LABS determine which feedback matters most?
With thousands of feedback submissions, LABS engineers use a structured approach to analyze insights:
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AI data processing: AI helps categorize and highlight common themes in player feedback.
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Expert analysis: Engineers manually review critical feedback points to identify areas in need of improvement.
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User follow-ups: If necessary, LABS reaches out to players with insightful feedback for more context.
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Prototype adjustments: The most impactful feedback is incorporated into design tweaks that lead to the next iteration of the paddle.
How quickly does feedback lead to paddle iterations?
Selkirk LABS is continuously improving its paddle designs, but the speed of iteration depends on several factors:
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Material availability: Some adjustments, like changing foam cores, take longer because the materials must be sourced externally.
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Development stage: Early-stage iterations happen faster, while later stages focus on fine-tuning for manufacturing consistency.
