Selkirk Labs 008 Project 16 vs Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16

The verdict

Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is maneuverability: Selkirk Labs 008 Project 16 scores 72 against 66 for Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 — a 6-point gap. They are effectively level on plow through, forgiveness, stability, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Selkirk Labs 008 Project 16 is $52.99000000000001 cheaper at $280.

• Maneuverability

  Selkirk Labs 008 Project 16 leads by 6 points (72 vs 66).

• Power

  Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 leads by 5 points (95 vs 90).

• Spin

  Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 leads by 5 points (91 vs 86).

• Pop

  Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 leads by 4 points (90 vs 86).

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?

Selkirk Labs 008 Project 16 vs Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 FAQ

Which is better, the Selkirk Labs 008 Project 16 or the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16?

Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (87.1 vs 85.2), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — maneuverability — Selkirk Labs 008 Project 16 leads by 6 points.

Which one is faster at the kitchen line?

Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Both swing at 118 kg·cm², and swing weight is the single best predictor of hand speed in fast exchanges.

Which paddle has more power, the Selkirk Labs 008 Project 16 or the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16?

Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 scores 95 for power against 90 for Selkirk Labs 008 Project 16. 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?

Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Both score 84 for control.

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 86 for the Raw carbon fiber face on Selkirk Labs 008 Project 16. In practice a 5-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 86). Its 7.2 twist weight against 7 is what drives it — higher twist weight means the face rotates less when you miss the middle.

Is the price difference worth it?

Selkirk Labs 008 Project 16 costs $280, $52.99000000000001 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 008 Project 16: 16 mm Foam-injected polymer core with a Raw 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. Selkirk Labs 008 Project 16 rewards a repeatable swing and can feel less stable before that.

Which is lighter in the hand?

Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 at 8.25 oz against 8.4 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight is identical at 118 kg·cm², so they will feel the same mid-rally.

Is it worth upgrading from the Selkirk Labs 008 Project 16 to the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16?

Only if you need what it actually adds. Selkirk Labs 008 Project 16 leads on maneuverability by 6 points; everything else is within 5 points. At $280 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.

• Labs 008 Project 16 vs 1X TruFoam Power
• Labs 008 Project 16 vs CRBN-5 TruFoam Hybrid
• Labs 008 Project 16 vs Mach 2 Forza 16
• Labs 008 Project 16 vs Ultré Power 2

• 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

Top alternatives to both

Paddles that beat one of these two on a specific trait or on price.

Read the full reviews: Selkirk Labs 008 Project 16 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.