Selkirk Sport introduces LABS Project 007: The future of long-lasting spin technology
October 29, 2024
COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – Oct. 29, 2024 – Selkirk Sport, the leading innovator in pickleball paddles and equipment, today announces the launch of the LABS Project 007, the latest paddle in the Selkirk LABS line.
Designed with long-lasting spin technology, LABS Project 007 offers advanced spin performance and increased versatility to suit players who demand more from their game.
Selkirk LABS Project 007 is available in two core thicknesses — 10 mm and 14 mm — allowing players to choose between a pure power or hybrid option for balanced play. The 10 mm version is the thinnest edgeless paddle Selkirk has ever produced, engineered for players who favor aggressive groundstrokes and quick putaways. The 14 mm option offers a blend of power and control, making it ideal for all-court players.
“I've never played with a paddle this thin before, and I'm really satisfied with it,” said Catherine Parenteau, the No. 2 female player in the world. “It gives me a ton of power and it also provides a lot of spin, so I'm super happy with it.”
The paddle is available in two shapes, Invikta and Epic. The Invikta, known for its extended handle and elongated paddle shape, provides players with added reach and leverage, while the Epic offers a larger hitting surface and a more traditional shape, making it a versatile choice for various playing styles.
Innovative materials for enhanced performance
The LABS Project 007 incorporates several new technologies, including Selkirk’s InfiniGrit surface. The InfiniGrit surface offers three times the durability of previous models, allowing players to generate up to 2,000 rotations per minute for maximum spin. This increased grit longevity ensures precision and performance over extended play.
In addition to the new surface technology, LABS Project 007 features a patent-pending titanium mesh layer embedded between the core and the paddle’s outer sheets. This mesh adds rigidity to the paddle, giving players better stability and responsiveness during high-speed exchanges.
“We designed LABS 007 to meet the demands of today’s competitive pickleball players,” said Tom Barnes, director of research and design. “From its power-focused core to the enhanced spin capability, this paddle ensures that players can execute their best game on the court."
A more accessible Selkirk LABS Program
Alongside the launch of LABS Project 007, Selkirk Sport is updating its LABS program to increase accessibility. Introduced in early 2022, the LABS program allows pickleball enthusiasts to give feedback on LABS paddles. The feedback collected from LABS members is used to perfect paddle design before being introduced to Selkirk’s main line.
Previously, LABS participants had to apply for membership to purchase exclusive LABS paddles. Now, anyone can purchase LABS paddles online or through Selkirk’s authorized retail partners.
Current members will continue to enjoy perks such as early access to new releases, with the opportunity to purchase paddles one week before they are available to the general public. Customers who purchase a LABS paddle can become LABS members by providing feedback through an online system, gaining exclusive access to apparel, gear and early access to purchase.
“We’re pleased to open the LABS program to a wider audience,” Barnes said. “By making these innovative paddles more accessible, we’re giving more players the opportunity to be part of the process that shapes the future of pickleball. It’s important to us that our community has a direct role in the evolution of our products.”
The LABS Project 007 is available now for $333.
About Selkirk Sport
Selkirk Sport, manufacturer of pickleball paddles and accessories, is a family-owned and operated company. Selkirk Sport is based in Hayden, Idaho, in the shadows of its namesake, the Selkirk mountain range. Founded in 2014, Selkirk Sport was born from a passion for sport and the Western outdoor leisure lifestyle that was afforded to the company’s founders, Rob and Mike Barnes, along with their father Jim, who is Selkirk’s production manager. Backed by the philosophy of always pushing the limits, Selkirk Sport is committed to manufacturing products that deliver the highest performance with unmatched quality and service. Selkirk Sport has become one of the industry’s fastest-growing companies, with paddles used by many of the game’s premier players, such as Jack Sock, Catherine Parenteau, Parris Todd, Dylan Frazier, Mary Brascia, Maggie Brascia, James Ignatowich and a host of others premier players and national/regional champions.
Media contacts:
Kyle Whatnall: Kyle@Selkirk.com
Brynn Grissom: Brynn@Selkirk.com
Photo caption: Catherine Parenteau, the No. 2 female professional pickleball player, uses the LABS Project 007 during the PPA Las Vegas event.
