The following information was provided by one of our engineers during a break from the lab.
Selkirk engineers take paddle performance and durability seriously, and to help aid in testing, the Selkirk Lab members use a piece of equipment that is rare to the pickleball world: an industrial CT scanner.
Although CT scanners are more commonly associated with hospitals or advanced aerospace research labs, Selkirk has integrated this powerful technology into its paddle testing process to ensure every material and design decision supports durability, consistency, and high performance.
What is a CT scanner and what does it do in the lab?
A computed tomography (CT) scanner captures detailed 3D images of both internal and external features of objects.
Traditionally used in the medical field to examine the human body without surgery, industrial CT scanning has gained traction in fields like aerospace, automotive, and consumer product manufacturing.
According to Lumafield, the maker of Selkirk's CT scanner, the machine allows companies to “visualize and inspect internal structures without taking things apart,” which is exactly what engineers do with Selkirk paddles.
At Selkirk, the CT scanner helps:
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Analyze the internal structure of both new and used paddles
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Detect damage such as core crush, debonding, or internal inconsistencies
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Perform non-destructive quality control on incoming materials
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Compare different paddle constructions, foams, and polymers
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Monitor consistency in foam density and cell structure
“We used to cut open a lot of paddles to see what was going on," Selkirk engineer Dana Hansen said. "We don’t have to do that anymore.”
Paddle insights without breaking a thing
Using the CT scanner, engineers can inspect polypropylene cores, titanium reinforcement layers, and foam materials — all without damaging the paddle. That means a paddle can be thoroughly examined and still hit the court afterward. This is particularly valuable for inspecting paddles after they've been through other forms of stress testing, such as with Selkirk's performance cannon.
The scanner even helps detect subtle internal flaws that might go unnoticed with traditional 2D X-rays. In fact, most regulatory bodies only have access to 2D X-ray machines, and the few that do use CT scanning are often affiliated with national aerospace labs.
How this tech is used in other industries
Outside of pickleball, industrial CT scanning is used to:
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Detect defects in aircraft parts, ensuring safety and integrity in aerospace engineering
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Verify dimensions and structure of automotive components before mass production
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Inspect 3D-printed prototypes to confirm internal consistency without cutting them open
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Analyze historical artifacts in archaeology to preserve and study them nondestructively
Why it matters to pickleball players
By investing in cutting-edge tools like the CT scanner, Selkirk ensures:
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Every paddle produced is backed by data and engineering insight
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Design flaws and material inconsistencies are caught before products reach players' hands
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Paddle performance is optimized not just on the surface but at the microscopic level
The result? Longer-lasting, high-performing paddles designed for elite play.
