Proton Series Two Project Flash vs Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16

The verdict

Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is maneuverability: Proton Series Two Project Flash scores 80 against 66 for Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 — a 14-point gap. They are effectively level on sweet spot, consistency, spin, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Proton Series Two Project Flash is $132.99 cheaper at $200.

• Maneuverability

  Proton Series Two Project Flash leads by 14 points (80 vs 66).

• Plow through

  Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 leads by 13 points (93 vs 80).

• Swing weight

  Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 leads by 12 points (82 vs 70).

• Twist weight

  Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 leads by 12 points (92 vs 80).

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.

Which one should you buy?

Proton Series Two Project Flash vs Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 FAQ

Which is better, the Proton Series Two Project Flash or the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16?

Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (87.1 vs 85.3), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — maneuverability — Proton Series Two Project Flash leads by 14 points.

Which one is faster at the kitchen line?

Proton Series Two Project Flash, at 111 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 Proton Series Two Project Flash or the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16?

Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 scores 95 for power against 84 for Proton Series Two Project Flash. 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?

Proton Series Two Project Flash at 88 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?

Proton Series Two Project Flash scores 92 for spin off its Gritted raw carbon face, against 91 for the Multistrata T700 carbon with InfiniGrit face on Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16. 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 84). Its 7.2 twist weight against 6.7 is what drives it — higher twist weight means the face rotates less when you miss the middle.

Is the price difference worth it?

Proton Series Two Project Flash costs $200, $132.99 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?

Proton Series Two Project Flash: 16 mm Thermoformed polymer honeycomb core with a Gritted raw carbon 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 5.4 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. Proton Series Two Project Flash rewards a repeatable swing and can feel less stable before that.

Which is lighter in the hand?

Proton Series Two Project Flash at 8 oz against 8.25 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (111 vs 118) is what you feel mid-rally.

Is it worth upgrading from the Proton Series Two Project Flash to the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16?

Only if you need what it actually adds. Proton Series Two Project Flash leads on maneuverability by 14 points; everything else is within 13 points. At $200 vs $332.99, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.

Also worth comparing

Head-to-heads that share DNA with this matchup — useful if you're still deciding between shapes, cores or price tiers.

• Series Two Project Flash vs Scorpeus Pro IV 16
• Series Two Project Flash vs Ruby Hybrid 16
• Series Two Project Flash vs Crush Control 16
• Series Two Project Flash vs Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0

• 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

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Read the full reviews: Proton Series Two Project Flash 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.