Gearbox GX2 Integra XL vs Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16
Both paddles are scored using the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model. Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16 takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
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Quick answer
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16 wins this matchup for most players: it takes forgiveness and hand speed on Paddle DNA against the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL, which costs $170.
Power
Too close to call
73 vs 71
Spin
Too close to call
90 vs 90
Control
Too close to call
94 vs 94
Forgiveness
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16
82 vs 73
Hand speed
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16
98 vs 105 kg·cm² swing weight
Value
$170 at IQ 78 vs $333 at IQ 84.1
Overall pick: Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16 · $333 · IQ 84.1
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 73Power71
- 94Control94
- 90Spin90
- 73Forgiveness82
- 71Sweet spot81
- 68Stability84
- 89Maneuverability97
- 70Pop70
- 92Touch92
- 78Consistency87
- 58Swing weight47
- 53Twist weight77
- 46Launch angle46
- 67Plow through59
- 90Softness90
Gearbox GX2 Integra XL vs Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 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 Widebody 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $170 — better | $333 |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 78 | 84.1 — better |
| Weight(oz) | 8 | 8.2 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 16 | 16 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 105 | 98 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 5.7 | 6.5 — better |
| Shape | hybrid | standard |
| Face length(in) | 16.375 | 15.95 |
| Face width(in) | 7.375 | 8 |
| Handle length(in) | 5.5 | 5.6 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4 | 4.25 |
| Surface | TXR Surface Grip Technology (3K Woven Carbon Fiber) | Multistrata T700 Carbon |
| Core material | 140 FAW-Toray T-700 Mid Modulus Carbon Fiber | BoomCore™ |
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 Widebody 16 verdict
The widebody Boomstik keeps BoomCore's power but spreads it across a 15.95 x 8.0 in face, which is the most forgiving version of Selkirk's flagship platform.
The verdict
Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is twist weight: Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16 scores 77 against 53 for Gearbox GX2 Integra XL — a 24-point gap. They are effectively level on power, control, spin, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Gearbox GX2 Integra XL is $163 cheaper at $170.
Twist weight
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16 leads by 24 points (77 vs 53).
Stability
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16 leads by 16 points (84 vs 68).
Swing weight
Gearbox GX2 Integra XL leads by 11 points (58 vs 47).
Sweet spot
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16 leads by 10 points (81 vs 71).
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 Widebody 16
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16 is the clearer pick at this level — twist weight 77 vs 53, stability 84 vs 68, sweet spot 81 vs 71. Twist weight 6.5 keeps the face steadier on off-centre contact.
- Twist weight
- Stability
- Sweet spot
Intermediate
3.0–3.9 — playing organised rec and early tournaments
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16 is a narrow pick at this level — maneuverability 97 vs 89, forgiveness 82 vs 73, consistency 87 vs 78. At 98 kg·cm² swing weight it stays quick enough for hands battles.
- Maneuverability
- Forgiveness
- Consistency
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (82.6 vs 83.3 on the weighted index). Take Gearbox GX2 Integra XL and keep the $163.
- Plow through
- Power
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16 is the clearer pick at this level — twist weight 77 vs 53, forgiveness 82 vs 73. Its 16 mm BoomCore™ core at 8.2 oz is the softer, lower-shock build of the two.
- Twist weight
- Forgiveness
Which one should you buy?
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16
Take Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16 if you want twist weight (+24), stability (+16), sweet spot (+10). Its swing weight of 98 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16 review →Gearbox GX2 Integra XL
Take Gearbox GX2 Integra XL if you want swing weight (+11), plow through (+8). 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 Widebody 16 vs Gearbox GX2 Integra XL FAQ
- Which is better, the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16 or the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL?
- Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16 carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (84.1 vs 78), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — twist weight — Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16 leads by 24 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16, at 98 kg·cm² swing weight against 105 for Gearbox GX2 Integra XL. Lower swing weight is the single best predictor of hand speed in fast exchanges.
- Which paddle has more power, the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16 or the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL?
- Gearbox GX2 Integra XL scores 73 for power against 71 for Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16. That comes from a 16 mm 140 FAW-Toray T-700 Mid Modulus Carbon Fiber core swinging at 105 kg·cm² — mass behind the ball, not face material.
- Which one gives more control and touch?
- Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Both score 94 for control.
- Which paddle spins the ball more?
- Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Both score 90 for spin.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16, with the higher forgiveness score (82 vs 73). Its 6.5 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, $163 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?
- Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16: 16 mm BoomCore™ core with a Multistrata T700 Carbon 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.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16, at 5.6 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 Widebody 16 avoids.
- Which one is better for beginners?
- Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16 is the safer first paddle here: forgiveness 82 and sweet spot 81 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 8.2 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (105 vs 98) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Gearbox GX2 Integra XL to the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16 leads on twist weight by 24 points; everything else is within 16 points. At $333 vs $170, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
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- Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16 vs Kinetic Pro Flight
- Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16 vs Pursuit Pro1 6.0 Hybrid
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 Widebody 16 in context against the rest of the database.
Read the full reviews: Gearbox GX2 Integra XL and Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody 16. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.