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A Selkirk engineer adds an edge guard to the Project Boomstik paddle.
News | Aug 25, 2025

By Brynn Grissom

Why the new Selkirk LABS paddle is called Project Boomstik™ and not Project 009

Selkirk Labs has built a reputation for pushing boundaries in pickleball paddle innovation, releasing groundbreaking models under its “Project” line with numerical names like Project 001, Project 002, and so on.

So when the newest paddle launched as Project Boomstik™ instead of the expected Project 009, it raised a few questions:

  • Why the sudden name change?

  • Does this signal the end of the Labs numbering system?

  • Will there even be a Project 009?

Let’s break it down.

A name as bold as the paddle

Project Boomstik isn’t just another paddle; it’s a power paddle unlike anything Selkirk has ever created. With the all-new BoomCore™ technology, this paddle delivers maximum power, a larger sweet spot, and an unmistakably loud, explosive “boom” every time the ball connects.

That sound became part of its identity during testing. Players described it as a sharp crack or even a mini thunderclap on the court. Engineers quickly realized that the paddle didn't just play differently, but that it also sounded different. 

So instead of sticking with the familiar number system, Selkirk decided this paddle deserved a name as bold and unmistakable as its performance: Project Boomstik™.

A one-time deviation from the numbering tradition

The Labs number system isn’t going away. In fact, Selkirk has confirmed this is a special use case:

  • The Boomstik name reflects the unique sound, power, and identity of this paddle.

  • Future Labs releases will return to the numbering system, continuing the lineage from Project 001 onward.

So yes, there will be a Project 009 — and the numbering tradition will carry on with the next evolution of Selkirk Labs paddles.

Why the Boomstik name matters

The name highlights what makes this paddle stand out:

  • BoomCore™ Technology: A new fusion of PureFoam™ and an EVA Power Ring for explosive power and durability.

  • Unmatched sound: A signature boom on contact that players instantly recognize.

  • Game-changing performance: 12–14% more exit velocity than previous power paddles with no durability compromise.

This is not a quiet paddle, and as such, it demands a name that captures its loud, powerful, and aggressive personality.

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