When you hear "Selkirk LABS," you might picture a high-tech facility filled with scientists in white coats. But is there really a lab at Selkirk LABS?
The answer is yes, though the scientists typically opt for pickleball apparel over lab coats.
Selkirk LABS is more than just a name — it’s an advanced research and development program where the future of pickleball technology is being shaped.
What is Selkirk LABS?
Selkirk LABS serves as an innovation hub for Selkirk Sport, allowing the creation and testing of advanced pickleball paddle prototypes before they are released on the main line.
The LABS program helps Selkirk refine products by releasing small-batch paddles to early adopters who provide real-world feedback. This feedback is then analyzed and used to improve the final product before it reaches the broader market.
What happens inside Selkirk LABS?
Selkirk LABS is not just a concept. It is a real, working laboratory where extensive research, testing, and development occur. Some of the key activities include:
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Material innovation: The LABS team experiments with new core materials, such as foam-core technology, to create new paddle combinations for optimized performance.
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Durability testing: Paddle surfaces are subjected to extensive abrasion testing, impact testing, and structural evaluations to ensure they hold up under intense gameplay.
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Dynamic testing: Using research cannons and high-speed cameras, LABS engineers analyze how paddles interact with the ball to maximize performance in terms of power, spin, and control.
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3D prototyping: Advanced 3D printing technology is used to test new shapes, grip designs, and structural innovations before full-scale manufacturing.
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AI-powered data analysis: With thousands of individual user feedback collected on each prototype, artificial intelligence is used to analyze patterns and determine the most valuable insights for refining paddle designs.
Who works at Selkirk LABS?
The team at Selkirk LABS consists of full-time engineers, product designers, and materials scientists dedicated to pushing the boundaries of pickleball technology. Their expertise in physics, materials science, and advanced manufacturing allows them to create paddles that offer superior performance and durability.
