Selkirk LABS launched in 2022 as the research & development (R&D) arm of Selkirk Sport. The goal of Selkirk LABS is to offer the community a chance to pilot and participate in the latest advancements in pickleball paddle technology. There have been a number of Selkirk LABS paddle innovations that have been tested and turned into pickleball paddles from Selkirk Sport. Here is the history of pickleball paddles from Selkirk LABS:
Selkirk LABS 001
Selkirk LABS Project 001 was introduced in February 2022. Made of carbon fiber and a polypropylene core, the Selkirk LABS 001 introduced both power and control into our first R&D pickleball paddle.
Project 001 was a great test for Selkirk LABS, but after extensive research and design, we decided not to integrate the paddle into the main Selkirk product line and it was retired in April 2023.
Selkirk LABS 002 → Selkirk Power Air
Selkirk LABS Project 002 was also released in February 2022, but was a very different pickleball paddle than the Project 001. The Selkirk LABS 002 featured an aerodynamic open-throat design, QuadFlex hybrid paddle face, NextGen spin texture, and concealed "stealth technologies.”
After testing, customer feedback, and revamping of the Selkirk LABS 002, it was developed into the Selkirk Power Air pickleball paddle series.
Selkirk LABS 003 → Selkirk LUXX Control Air
Selkirk LABS Project 003 was released in August 2022, as a reflection of the original AMPED collection. From the original AMPED, Selkirk LABS kept the thick core and expanded it to 20 mm, making it the thickest pickleball paddle core ever.
From the Selkirk LABS 003 came the Selkirk LUXX Control Air, drawing on the strengths of the Project 003 and elevating them.
From there, we incorporated the Florek Carbon Fiber technology, widening the paddle's sweet spot and amplifying power play. The LUXX Control Air was engineered with the 20mm X7 Thikset Honeycomb Core, a shared feature with Project 003, for reduced paddle torquing and enhanced power and control.
Selkirk LABS 005 → Selkirk AMPED Pro Air
Selkirk LABS Project 005 was released in June 2023, with new technology that offered a blend of power and control. Project 005 is an edgeless, open-throat paddle that infuses a fiberglass face and honeycomb core.
After extensive research and feedback, the Selkirk LABS 005 became the Selkirk AMPED Pro Air. The AMPED Pro Air introduced several new technologies that honored the original AMPED series while improving upon the design and performance.
Selkirk LABS 006
Selkirk LABS Project 006 was also released in June 2023 and pioneered a new generation of raw carbon in pickleball paddles, thanks to its patent-pending MicroSpin raw carbon fiber paddle face. The Selkirk LABS 006 also introduced a new paddle shape: the Tour.
The LABS Project 006 is for players who are looking for a larger sweet spot, solid feel, and enhanced spin. Selkirk LABS 006 has not yet been turned into a specific Selkirk Sport pickleball paddle, but the Tour shape has taken off in a number of different paddles across the Selkirk LABS and Selkirk brands.
Selkirk LABS 007
The Selkirk LABS Project 007 was released in October 2024, offering advanced features designed for both high-spin performance and durability. The LABS 007 pickleball paddle introduced an InfiniGrit surface, a Titanium mesh layer system, and an air dynamic throat.
Selkirk LABS 007 has not yet been released as a specific Selkirk Sport pickleball paddle.
Selkirk LABS 008
Released in January 2025, the Selkirk LABS Project 008 introduced our PureFoam core technology, a new benchmark for performance, durability, and responsiveness. The LABS 008 also features a T700 Raw Carbon Fiber Face, Thermoformed Construction with Additional Foam Wall, and Octagonal Handle and comes in three thicknesses: 10mm, 13mm, and 16 mm.
The technology in the Selkirk LABS Project 008 is an improvement on previous Selkirk pickleball paddles by enhancing responsiveness, control, and power and pop.
Selkirk LABS 008 has not yet been released as a specific Selkirk Sport pickleball paddle.
