Selkirk LABS engineers rely on feedback from a wide range of players to refine and improve each paddle before it reaches the market.
While the team expects input on power, control, or spin, it’s often the unexpected feedback, especially related to user experience, that leads to the biggest breakthroughs.
small details can make a big difference
Some of the most surprising feedback has had little to do with measurable performance and everything to do with how a paddle feels or functions in a player’s hand.
For example, here are a few pieces of surprising feedback that engineers received on recent prototypes:
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Grip wrap error: One tester strongly disliked a prototype that other players praised. After an investigation, engineers discovered the issue wasn’t the paddle itself — it was the grip, which had been wrapped incorrectly. Once corrected, the same tester loved the paddle.
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Graphic placement and spin: Another tester noted that printing on the top of the paddle affected their ability to generate spin. This observation led engineers to consider how surface visuals might interact with some players' shot mechanics.
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Edge guard discomfort: A reinforced edge guard intended to improve durability ended up scratching players’ hands during two-handed backhands — an issue that could have gone unnoticed without detailed user reports.
These insights underscore a critical point: even feedback that seems minor can reveal real design issues that impact user experience.
All feedback is welcome
At Selkirk LABS, every piece of feedback is taken seriously, whether it comes from a pro player or a recreational 3.0. Engineers recognize that what feels like a small problem to one person could reflect a larger issue affecting a subset of players. It’s up to the product and R&D teams to evaluate what’s actionable.
One negative comment won’t necessarily trigger a change. But if a recurring theme emerges across a statistically meaningful number of testers — or if a seemingly isolated comment leads to a deeper insight — it can influence the final design.
Unexpected feedback often drives innovation
Engineers emphasize that some of the best advancements come from the most surprising places. Breakthroughs in comfort, durability, grip feel, or edge guard design often originate from left-field feedback — the kind that isn’t captured by lab measurements or spec sheets.
This openness to player insights is part of what drives Selkirk’s commitment to continuous improvement. Even as performance metrics become more advanced and measurable through in-house testing, the team knows that listening to real players — and following up on surprising observations — is what transforms good paddles into great ones.
