Worth the Hype? Selkirk Labs Project Paddles 001 and 002
Selkirk announced Selkirk Labs had a new project in the works in 2014. Since the announcement, they have released 001, 002, 003, 005, and 006 pickleball paddles, although some paddles, including the 001 have been archived and are no longer in production.
What is Selkirk Labs?
Selkirk Labs is the research and development arm of the company Selkirk Sport tasked with creating paddles fit for the future of pickleball. They not only develop aerodynamic power paddles for pros but take customer feedback into account for designs for all pickleball players through the Selkirk Labs Mentorship Program.
Selkirk Labs claims that less than 1% of all pickleball paddle designs make it to production because of their rigorous testing and high standards.
What Are Selkirk Project 001 and Project 002?
Selkirk Labs Projects 001 and 002 were the first pickleball paddle iterations of the Selkirk Project line, which now includes Project 003, Project 004, Project 005, and now Project 006. Each new paddle tries to build upon the successes of the previous models while making innovative changes to continuously evolve and provide top-tier paddles.
Selkirk Labs Project Paddles Features
Selkirk Project paddles contain the highest-quality materials and a host of special and proprietary features. We’ve listed the most notable materials and features of each model below:
Selkirk Labs Project 001
Project 001 has incredible specs but was retired in April of 2023, never making it to the permanent SLK lineup. While this paddle didn’t ultimately achieve pickleball perfection, it helped launch subsequent paddles with better performance.
It featured Macro ProSpin technology using a layered-grid texture system to impart max spin on the ball. The 001 also had a multi-layer carbon face for extra power, and an SLX1 core for better dinks at the net.
Project 001 Specs
EPIC
Skill Level: Intermediate to Pro
Height: 15.75”
Width: 8.0”
Handle Length: 5.25”
Standard Grip Circumference: 4.00”
Double Grip Circumference: 4.25”
INVIKTA
Skill Level: Intermediate to Pro
Average Weight: 7.6-8.1
Height: 16.5”
Width: 7.375”
Handle Length: 5.25”
Standard Grip Circumference: 4.00”
Double Grip Circumference: 4.25”
Selkirk Labs Project 002
Project 002 was a midweight paddle created for professional pickleball player Tyson McGuffin and features an Air Dynamic Throat for increased swing speed and incredible power. It has ProSpin technology, and a FlexFoam Perimeter along with a greater core thickness offering a larger sweet spot for epic dinks and maximum spin on the soft game.
INVIKTA
Skill Level: 4.5+
Height: 16.5”
Width: 7.375”
Handle Length: 5.25”
Grip Circumference: 4.25”
Selkirk Labs Project 003
The most notable feature of Project 003 is the X7 Thickset 20mm Honeycomb Core which amps control and power, offering a huge sweet spot. It has the Pro Spin and Air Dynamic Throat along with the FlexFoam Perimeter from Project 002 and an Aero-DuraEdge Edgless technology that offers increased durability and aerodynamic frame for faster hits.
This paddle is available in 3 shapes, including the Epic, S2, and Invikta.
Selkirk Labs Project 005
Project 005 comes in Epic, Invikta, and S2 models but will be known formally as the AMPED Pro. It combines the best features of the VANGUARD power Air and Project 003, to create a balanced paddle with an edgeless design, open throat, and FiberFlex + Fiberglass Face with a 16mm Honeycomb core.
Selkirk Labs Project 006
The newester premier paddle, Project 006 features MicroSpin Raw 12k Carbon Fiber Texture and Omni-Tech Multi-Layer Carbon Fiber Face technologies in a new Tour Line shape that is modeled specifically for pickleball tour pros and tennis players. The paddle shape is aerodynamic and made longer for two-handed backhands, while the weight is heavier for advanced players.
The High Pricetag of Selkirk Project Paddles
Overall, picklers seem to like the new Selkirk paddles, except for the $300+ price tag. While the packaging is beautiful and each paddle comes with a paddle cover and certificate of authenticity, some reviewers believe they are paying to be a part of the research and development process more than players buying a cool, new paddle.
What Do Pickleball Pros think of Selkirk’s New Paddles?
Tyson McGuffin and Kyle McKenzie share their thoughts on Selkirk Project 002 pickleball paddle:
Unboxing the Selkirk Labs Project 002 Pickleball Paddle
If you want to see what you get when you sign up for Selkirk’s Membership program and receive one of their paddles, check out this awesome unboxing video!
