Gearbox GX2 Integra XL vs Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16
Both paddles are scored using the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model. Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
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Quick answer
Gearbox GX2 Integra XL wins this matchup for most players: it takes control, hand speed and value on Paddle DNA against the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16, which costs $332.99.
Power
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16
95 vs 73
Spin
Too close to call
91 vs 90
Control
94 vs 84
Forgiveness
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16
88 vs 73
Hand speed
105 vs 118 kg·cm² swing weight
Value
$170 at IQ 78 vs $332.99 at IQ 87.1
Overall pick: Gearbox GX2 Integra XL · $170 · IQ 78
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 73Power95
- 94Control84
- 90Spin91
- 73Forgiveness88
- 71Sweet spot89
- 68Stability92
- 89Maneuverability66
- 70Pop90
- 92Touch80
- 78Consistency85
- 58Swing weight82
- 53Twist weight92
- 46Launch angle58
- 67Plow through93
- 90Softness72
Gearbox GX2 Integra XL vs Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 specs
Every spec side by side. Highlighted values are the better of the two where one is objectively better.
| Spec | Gearbox GX2 Integra XL | Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $170 — better | $332.99 |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 78 | 87.1 — better |
| Weight(oz) | 8 | 8.25 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 16 | 16 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 105 | 118 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 5.7 | 7.2 — better |
| Shape | hybrid | elongated |
| Face length(in) | 16.375 | 16.5 |
| Face width(in) | 7.375 | 7.45 |
| Handle length(in) | 5.5 | 5.8 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4 | 4.25 |
| Surface | TXR Surface Grip Technology (3K Woven Carbon Fiber) | Multistrata T700 carbon with InfiniGrit |
| Core material | 140 FAW-Toray T-700 Mid Modulus Carbon Fiber | BoomCore PureFoam with EVA Power Ring |
Gearbox GX2 Integra XL verdict
Gearbox's solid-span construction removes the traditional honeycomb core, which is why the GX2 feels dense and quiet where thermoformed rivals feel hollow and loud.
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 verdict
The highest power score in the database, and the twist weight (7.2) to back it up. The MOI tuning system lets you dial the balance, but nothing turns a 118 swing weight into a fast-hands paddle.
The verdict
Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is twist weight: Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 scores 92 against 53 for Gearbox GX2 Integra XL — a 39-point gap. They are effectively level on spin, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Gearbox GX2 Integra XL is $162.99 cheaper at $170.
Twist weight
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 leads by 39 points (92 vs 53).
Plow through
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 leads by 26 points (93 vs 67).
Stability
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 leads by 24 points (92 vs 68).
Swing weight
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 leads by 24 points (82 vs 58).
Which one is right for your level?
Each call below re-weights the Paddle DNA traits that matter at that level, so the winner can differ from the overall pick.
Beginner
New to 3.0 — still building a consistent contact point
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 is the clearer pick at this level — twist weight 92 vs 53, sweet spot 89 vs 71, stability 92 vs 68. Twist weight 7.2 keeps the face steadier on off-centre contact.
- Twist weight
- Sweet spot
- Stability
Intermediate
3.0–3.9 — playing organised rec and early tournaments
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (85.3 vs 83.6 on the weighted index). Take Gearbox GX2 Integra XL and keep the $162.99.
- Maneuverability
- Control
- Touch
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 is a narrow pick at this level — power 95 vs 73, plow through 93 vs 67, spin 91 vs 90. Swing weight 118 kg·cm² is what carries that through contact.
- Power
- Plow through
- Spin
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (78.6 vs 80 on the weighted index). Take Gearbox GX2 Integra XL and keep the $162.99.
- Twist weight
- Forgiveness
Which one should you buy?
Gearbox GX2 Integra XL
Take Gearbox GX2 Integra XL if you want maneuverability (+23), softness (+18), touch (+12). Its swing weight of 105 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL review →Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16
Take Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 if you want twist weight (+39), plow through (+26), stability (+24). Its swing weight of 118 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 review →Gearbox GX2 Integra XL vs Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 FAQ
- Which is better, the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL or the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16?
- Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (87.1 vs 78), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — twist weight — Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 leads by 39 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Gearbox GX2 Integra XL, at 105 kg·cm² swing weight against 118 for Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16. Lower swing weight is the single best predictor of hand speed in fast exchanges.
- Which paddle has more power, the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL or the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16?
- Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 scores 95 for power against 73 for Gearbox GX2 Integra XL. That comes from a 16 mm BoomCore PureFoam with EVA Power Ring core swinging at 118 kg·cm² — mass behind the ball, not face material.
- Which one gives more control and touch?
- Gearbox GX2 Integra XL at 94 versus 84. Its 16 mm core holds the ball on the face slightly longer, which is what makes resets and dinks land shorter.
- Which paddle spins the ball more?
- Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 scores 91 for spin off its Multistrata T700 carbon with InfiniGrit face, against 90 for the TXR Surface Grip Technology (3K Woven Carbon Fiber) face on Gearbox GX2 Integra XL. In practice a 1-point gap is small enough that technique matters more.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16, with the higher forgiveness score (88 vs 73). Its 7.2 twist weight against 5.7 is what drives it — higher twist weight means the face rotates less when you miss the middle.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- Gearbox GX2 Integra XL costs $170, $162.99 less. Whether that gap is worth closing depends on whether you actually use the traits it trades away — check the head-to-head DNA bars above before paying up.
- Do they use the same core and face?
- Gearbox GX2 Integra XL: 16 mm 140 FAW-Toray T-700 Mid Modulus Carbon Fiber core with a TXR Surface Grip Technology (3K Woven Carbon Fiber) face. Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16: 16 mm BoomCore PureFoam with EVA Power Ring core with a Multistrata T700 carbon with InfiniGrit face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16, at 5.8 in of handle against 5.5 in. Anything under 5.25 in forces you to choke the bottom hand onto the face bevel, which Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 avoids.
- Which one is better for beginners?
- Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 is the safer first paddle here: forgiveness 88 and sweet spot 89 mean fewer mishits while your contact point is still inconsistent. Gearbox GX2 Integra XL rewards a repeatable swing and can feel less stable before that.
- Which is lighter in the hand?
- Gearbox GX2 Integra XL at 8 oz against 8.25 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (105 vs 118) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL to the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 leads on twist weight by 39 points; everything else is within 26 points. At $170 vs $332.99, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
Related comparisons
The other matchups shoppers open in the same session as this one.
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- Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 vs Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16
- Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 vs Perseus Pro V 16
- Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 vs Coral Pro
- Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 vs Perseus CFS 16
- Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 vs GX2 Power Elongated
- Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 vs CRBN-3X Power Series
- GX2 Integra XL vs Double Black Diamond Control
Also worth comparing
Head-to-heads that share DNA with this matchup — useful if you're still deciding between shapes, cores or price tiers.
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- GX2 Integra XL vs BALLR+ 16
- GX2 Integra XL vs Perseus 14
- GX2 Integra XL vs Pursuit Pro1 6.0 Hybrid
- Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 vs Ultré Power 2
- Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 vs 1X TruFoam Power
- Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 vs Hyperion Pro V 16
- Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 vs Labs 008 Project 16
Top alternatives to both
Paddles that beat one of these two on a specific trait or on price.
Guides featuring these paddles
Still deciding? These buying guides put Gearbox GX2 Integra XL and Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 in context against the rest of the database.
Read the full reviews: Gearbox GX2 Integra XL and Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.