My Story, Paddle Tips, and Gear Guide

Pickleball has been an amazing journey for me — not only as a player and coach but now as an adjunct faculty member at Indiana University in the Department of Kinesiology, where I’ll be teaching a pickleball pilot course starting in March 2025.

Since starting my pickleball journey in 2014, I’ve had the opportunity to try a variety of paddles from different brands — and through all those trials, one company has stood out above the rest: Selkirk.

In this post, I want to share my personal experiences with Selkirk gear — from my first paddle purchase to becoming a dedicated Selkirk advocate. If you’re looking for reliable, high-performance gear backed by an amazing company, I can’t recommend Selkirk enough.

How It All Started: My First Selkirk Paddle

My introduction to Selkirk paddles came through my friend, Dan S., one of my fellow co-founders of the Bloomington Pickleball Club, a 501(c)(7) non-profit organization dedicated to growing our local pickleball community.

I bought a used Selkirk paddle from Dan, and I was immediately hooked. The feel, control, and power were unlike anything I had experienced before. Unfortunately, after lots of hard play, that paddle eventually got beat up, delaminated, and slightly misformed.

I thought I was out of luck — but then I filled out Selkirk’s warranty form on their website. To my amazement, just three business days later, a brand-new paddle arrived at my door — no questions asked, and they didn’t even require me to return the damaged one.

Wow! That experience left a lasting impression, and I knew I was dealing with a company that truly cared about their customers.

A Surprise Gift: Selkirk’s Incredible Generosity

A while later, I had an unfortunate setback when my pickleball gear was stolen. That same day, I stumbled across a social media giveaway hosted by professional pickleball star Catherine Parenteau. I entered, not thinking much of it — and to my surprise, Selkirk sent me two brand-new paddles!

Moments like these are what make me proud to support Selkirk. They’re not just about selling products — they genuinely care about supporting players, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned competitor.

Why I Trust Selkirk

Over the years, I’ve tried various brands, paddle shapes, and sizes. After all that experimenting, I firmly believe that Selkirk offers the best selection of paddles in the industry. Their combination of innovation, quality, and customer service is second to none.

Selkirk also works with some of the finest players, teachers, and advocates for the sport, which shows their dedication to growing the game the right way. I’m grateful to be part of the Selkirk team and excited to continue helping players find the perfect paddle for their game.

My Current Paddle of Choice: The Selkirk Labs 007

I’m currently loving the Selkirk Labs 007 Paddle. It features Infinigrit technology, which offers an incredible balance of power, control, and spin. It took me a little while to dial it in, but like the Invikta Air, once you get used to the unique feel, it’s a game-changer.

I’m excited to see how well the 007 holds up over time, and so far, I’m really enjoying the balance it offers on the court.

My First Impressions of the Selkirk Labs 008

I recently got my hands on the Selkirk Labs 008 Paddle — and wow, what a paddle!

This one features a foam core, and the feel is amazing. It’s incredibly responsive with tons of pop and offers excellent control thanks to the textured surface. If you’re a player looking for a high-performance hybrid paddle that blends power and precision, the 008 is an excellent choice.

Check out my full unboxing video for a closer look:
🎥 Selkirk Labs 008 Paddle Unboxing – The Ultimate Power/Control Hybrid

The LUXX Control Air – Precision at Its Finest

Another standout paddle in the Selkirk lineup is the LUXX Control Air. If you prioritize control and finesse, this is a must-try paddle.

The sweet spot feels huge, giving you reliable control from almost anywhere on the paddle face. Plus, the paddle’s grit texture is exceptional, making it perfect for adding spin and controlling your shots with precision.

My Recommended Selkirk Paddles

Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate player, or seasoned competitor, Selkirk has a paddle for you. Here are my top picks based on different playstyles:

Impressed by the Selkirk CourtStrike Pro Shoes

One thing that really stood out to me about the Selkirk CourtStrike Pro shoes is their impressive attention to detail while still maintaining a clean, minimalist design. The shoe’s sleek black aesthetic looks fantastic on and off the court, and despite the simple design, every aspect feels well thought out.

The toebox feels especially well-designed, offering plenty of room while still providing a snug and secure fit. I’ve found them to be incredibly comfortable during long play sessions, with ample support and cushioning that keeps my feet feeling fresh.

Whether you’re a casual player or competing at higher levels, these shoes provide the stability and traction you need to stay confident on the court. I highly recommend giving them a try!

Gear Essentials for Peak Performance

When it comes to maintaining my gear and enhancing my comfort on the court, Selkirk has become my go-to brand — and for good reason!

One item I can’t recommend enough is the carbon cleaning block. It’s incredibly effective at removing stubborn pickleball residue from my paddle’s surface, ensuring a clean, fresh face for optimal ball contact every time I play. A quick wipe-down with the block leaves my paddle looking and performing like new.

For added grip and control, I always apply a tacky overgrip to my paddle. Selkirk offers these grips in a variety of styles and colors, allowing players to personalize their paddle while improving comfort and performance.

I’ve also been blown away by Selkirk’s selection of pickleball gloves. These gloves outperform the racquetball gloves I used to rely on — and the best part? They seem to get even tackier as they absorb sweat, giving me a stronger grip during intense rallies.

But Selkirk’s offerings go well beyond paddles and gloves. Whether you’re looking for socks, hats, apparel, or even courtside chairs, Selkirk has you covered with high-quality gear that keeps you comfortable and prepared for every match.

If you’re serious about improving your game, investing in the right accessories can make a huge difference — and Selkirk’s lineup consistently delivers.

The Selkirk Advantage: Rewards for You!

When you purchase Selkirk gear, you can take advantage of their Customer Rewards Program:

✅ Orders $50-$100 → $10 gift card
✅ Orders $101-$200 → $20 gift card
✅ Orders $201-$300 → $30 gift card
✅ Orders $300+ → Rewards scale up to $200!

When you shop using my affiliate link and coupon code, you’ll unlock these awesome rewards:
➡️ Affiliate Link: Selkirk Gear
➡️ Coupon Code: ADV-DMARTIN

Get in Touch with Coach Dave

If you’re looking for paddle advice, coaching tips, or local events in the Bloomington area, I’d love to connect with you! Whether you’re just starting or working on refining your skills, I’m here to help you improve your game.

📧 Contact Me for Paddle Recommendations
📆 Join Me for Local Pickleball Events

Final Thoughts

Selkirk has been an incredible company to work with, and their gear has truly elevated my game. Whether you’re new to pickleball or pushing for competitive success, Selkirk’s lineup has something for every playstyle.