Many pickleball innovations are made within the Selkirk Lab, but perhaps one of the most visually distinct features created by the Labs engineers is Selkirk's air dynamic throat design.
Easily recognizable by the hole at the base of the paddle face, many pickleball players assume the air dynamic throat is solely an aesthetic feature.
However, it actually helps players achieve higher-performance games. Let’s dig into the real reason why there’s a hole in your paddle — and why it matters.
What is the air dynamic throat?
The air dynamic throat is a design feature pioneered in the LABS Project 002 and carried forward into several of Selkirk's top-performing paddles.
The innovation involves a deliberate opening in the throat, or the area where the paddle face tapers into the handle. This hole is more than just visual flair — it’s a functional aerodynamic component designed to optimize how the paddle moves through the air.
How does the air dynamic throat affect swing weight and twist weight?
The hole in the throat reduces overall swing weight. By removing material from an otherwise solid section of the paddle, the paddle’s dynamic mass is lightened without sacrificing core face area or key structural zones.
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Lower swing weight = Faster hands
A lower swing weight allows players to react faster at the net and reposition their paddle with ease. This is particularly valuable in hand battles where every millisecond matters. -
Lower twist weight = Smaller sweet spot
However, reducing mass in the throat also slightly lowers twist weight, meaning the paddle may twist more on off-center hits. This makes the sweet spot smaller, but that tradeoff can be an advantage for advanced players who consistently hit center and want maximum maneuverability.
Maneuverability and dwell time: Speed over stability
A major benefit of the air dynamic throat is enhanced maneuverability. By allowing air to flow through the paddle during a swing, drag is reduced. This creates a more aerodynamic motion, leading to:
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Faster paddle head speed
Players are able to generate more spin and power from quicker wrist and arm motion. -
Longer dwell time (Thanks to ThroatFlex)
In newer iterations like those seen in Project 003 and later, engineers added ThroatFlex — a flex-optimized air dynamic throat design. This creates more flex upon ball impact, increasing dwell time and enhancing control and power transfer.
“But what if I hit the ball on the hole?”
We get it — this question comes up a lot. But let’s look at the physics:
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The throat is already a “dead zone” on any paddle, hole or not. It’s located near the handle, which means it doesn’t flex or rebound well. So if you hit the ball in the throat area — even one without a hole — you’re likely to mishit.
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The air dynamic throat is placed in this zone intentionally, where it won’t interfere with ball-striking or paddle performance. That’s why you’ll only see this design on advanced paddles built for high-level play.
Is the hole legal?
Yes — all Selkirk paddles are 100% USAP approved. All Selkirk LABS paddles undergo extensive testing and compliance checks before release.
The air dynamic throat does not violate USAP rule 2.E.2, which governs paddle surface requirements:
“The paddle’s hitting surface shall not contain delamination, holes, cracks, rough textures, or indentations that break the paddle skin or surface, or any objects or features that allow a player to impart excessive spin on the ball.”
Because the hole is not on the playing surface — it’s in the throat — it doesn’t break any rules and is fully tournament-legal.
Who benefits from this design?
The air dynamic throat is ideal for:
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Players who prioritize hand speed
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Singles players looking for an aerodynamic advantage
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Spin-focused players who like fast-hand plays
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Advanced users who are comfortable with smaller sweet spots
If you’re a player who likes heavy control or prioritizes larger sweet spots, you may prefer a standard model. But if you’re chasing speed, precision, and paddle-head acceleration, this tech is built for you.
