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 started teaching a pickleball pilot course in March 2025.
Since starting my pickleball journey in 2014, I’ve had the opportunity to try a variety of paddles from different brands. 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. 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 OMNI
I’ve tried a lot of paddles over the years, and right now, my current paddle of choice is the Selkirk OMNI Widebody 15mm.
What I really love about the OMNI is its versatility. It gives me the combination of power, control, spin, and feel that I’m looking for in an all-court paddle. But one of my favorite features is the movable weighting system, which lets me fine-tune the paddle to my game and adjust how it feels in my hand.
That ability to customize the paddle makes the OMNI especially fun to play with. I can adjust the weight distribution depending on how I want the paddle to perform, whether I’m looking for more stability, quicker hands, or a different overall feel.
I currently have the Selkirk OMNI Widebody 15mm available as a demo paddle, so if you’re curious about the OMNI, you can try it for yourself before making a decision.
The OMNI vs. the Boomstik
Honestly, this is a really tough choice for me.
The Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16mm is an incredible paddle, and it remains one of my absolute favorites. The Boomstik offers a fantastic combination of power, stability, and control, and I really enjoy playing with it.
But if I had to pick just one right now, I’d choose the OMNI.
The reason comes down to versatility and customization. The OMNI gives me the all-court performance I’m looking for, while the movable weights allow me to fine-tune the paddle to my preferences.
Both are excellent paddles, and honestly, they are my top two favorite paddles right now.
I also have the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16mm available as a demo paddle if you’d like to compare the two yourself.
My Current Favorite Pickleball Shoes: Selkirk CourtStrike Pro 3.0
I’m also really impressed with the new Selkirk CourtStrike Pro 3.0 pickleball shoes.
I’ve really been enjoying these shoes. They have a clean, minimalist look, but they’re built for the demands of pickleball, with the lateral support, traction, and cushioning you need for quick movements around the court.
The new 3.0 version is lighter, more breathable, and more comfortable, with a lightweight mesh upper, improved interior lining, and a lighter insole board. Selkirk also backs the outsole with a six-month warranty.
For me, the combination of comfort, support, and court feel makes the CourtStrike Pro 3.0 a shoe I’m very happy to recommend.
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.
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 code, you’ll unlock these awesome rewards.
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.
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.