Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 vs VERSIX Strike 4F
Both paddles measured on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA test. 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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Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 95Power66
- 84Control72
- 91Spin52
- 88Forgiveness80
- 89Sweet spot78
- 92Stability62
- 66Maneuverability94
- 90Pop84
- 80Touch70
- 85Consistency70
- 82Swing weight40
- 92Twist weight60
- 58Launch angle72
- 93Plow through48
- 72Softness72
Specs
| $333 | Price | $15 |
|---|---|---|
| 16 mm | Core | 10 mm |
| 8.25 oz | Weight | 7.3 oz |
| 118 | Swing weight | 96 |
| 7.2 | Twist weight | 5.4 |
| elongated | Shape | standard |
| Multistrata T700 carbon with InfiniGrit | Surface | Glass fiber composite |
| 5.8 in | Handle | 5.1 in |
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 verdict
The highest measured power 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.
VERSIX Strike 4F verdict
At $15 this is a loaner-bin paddle done properly: light, poppy and durable enough for a season of open play. Nobody should keep playing with it once they can consistently dink.
The verdict
Measured on the same 15-trait test, the clearest separation is plow through: Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 scores 93 against 48 for VERSIX Strike 4F — a 45-point gap. They are effectively level on softness, so those traits should not decide the purchase. VERSIX Strike 4F is $318 cheaper at $15.
Plow through
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 leads by 45 points (93 vs 48).
Swing weight
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 leads by 42 points (82 vs 40).
Spin
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 leads by 39 points (91 vs 52).
Twist weight
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 leads by 32 points (92 vs 60).
Which one should you buy?
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16
Take Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 if you want plow through (+45), swing weight (+42), spin (+39). 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 →VERSIX Strike 4F
Take VERSIX Strike 4F if you want maneuverability (+28), launch angle (+14). Its swing weight of 96 kg·cm² and 10 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the VERSIX Strike 4F review →Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 vs VERSIX Strike 4F FAQ
- Which is better, the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 or the VERSIX Strike 4F?
- Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (87.1 vs 69.7), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — plow through — Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 leads by 45 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- VERSIX Strike 4F, at 96 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 Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 or the VERSIX Strike 4F?
- Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 measures 95 on power against 66 for VERSIX Strike 4F. 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?
- Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 at 84 versus 72. 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 52 for the Glass fiber composite face on VERSIX Strike 4F. In practice a 39-point gap is noticeable on third-shot drives.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16, with 7.2 twist weight against 5.4. Higher twist weight means the face rotates less when you miss the middle, and Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 carries the higher forgiveness score (88) as a result.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- VERSIX Strike 4F costs $15, $318 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 Elongated 16: 16 mm BoomCore PureFoam with EVA Power Ring core with a Multistrata T700 carbon with InfiniGrit face. VERSIX Strike 4F: 10 mm Polypropylene honeycomb core with a Glass fiber composite face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16, at 5.8 in of handle against 5.1 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 Project Boomstik Elongated 16 rewards a repeatable swing and can feel unstable before that.
- Which is lighter in the hand?
- VERSIX Strike 4F at 7.3 oz against 8.25 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (96 vs 118) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the VERSIX Strike 4F to the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 leads on plow through by 45 points; everything else is within 42 points. At $333 vs $15, 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 Project Boomstik Elongated 16 vs Ultré Power 2
- Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 vs Hyperion Pro V 16
- Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 vs Friction Pro Elongated V2
- Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 vs Labs Project 006
Top alternatives to both
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Read the full reviews: Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 and VERSIX Strike 4F. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.