Selkirk Labs Project 006

Who should buy the Labs Project 006?

Labs Project 006 head-to-head comparisons

The matchups people actually cross-shop, each with a full 15-trait breakdown.

• Labs Project 006 vs TruFoam Genesis 1Cross-shopped at the same price
• Labs Project 006 vs TruFoam Genesis XCross-shopped at the same price
• Labs Project 006 vs Hyperion CFS 16$60 cheaper
• Labs Project 006 vs TruFoam Genesis 3Cross-shopped at the same price
• Labs Project 006 vs Vanguard Power AirSame brand, more control
• Labs Project 006 vs Loco 16mm Elongated$100 cheaper

DNA match — paddles within 5% of the Labs Project 006

Our similarity engine ranks the whole database by average DNA deviation. Tighten or widen the band to see how far you have to travel to save money or gain a trait.

Paddle DNA™ match

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Selkirk Labs Project 006

IQ 83.7 · $280

8 paddles within 5% of the Labs Project 006

Ranked by DNA deviation

1. #1JOOLA Hyperion CFS 16$220 (-60) · 16 mm · elongatedDNA match96.9%82
   -7 stability-6 forgiveness-6 sweet spot-5 launch angle

   Saves $60 versus the Labs Project 006 · -7 stability

   CompareFull DNA
2. #2Bread & Butter Loco 16mm Elongated$180 (-100) · 16 mm · elongatedDNA match96.9%81
   -10 twist weight+10 softness-7 stability-4 forgiveness

   Saves $100 versus the Labs Project 006 · +10 softness · -10 twist weight

   CompareFull DNA
3. #311SIX24 Pegasus Gen 3$190 (-90) · 16 mm · hybridDNA match96.3%85
   +9 softness+6 maneuverability-5 swing weight-5 plow through

   Saves $90 versus the Labs Project 006 · +9 softness · -5 swing weight · Higher IQ score (85.1 vs 83.7)

   CompareFull DNA
4. #4Bread & Butter Loco 16mm Hybrid$180 (-100) · 16 mm · hybridDNA match96%84
   +11 softness+7 maneuverability-6 pop-6 plow through

   Saves $100 versus the Labs Project 006 · +11 softness · -6 pop · Higher IQ score (84.1 vs 83.7)

   CompareFull DNA
5. #5Vatic Pro Oni 16$130 (-150) · 16 mm · hybridDNA match95.8%85
   +9 maneuverability-8 swing weight-8 plow through+8 softness

   Saves $150 versus the Labs Project 006 · +9 maneuverability · -8 swing weight · Higher IQ score (84.6 vs 83.7)

   CompareFull DNA
6. #6CRBN TruFoam Genesis 1$280 · 14 mm · elongatedDNA match95.8%83
   +14 softness-8 pop-8 twist weight+6 spin

   +14 softness · -8 pop

   CompareFull DNA
7. #7CRBN TruFoam Genesis X$270 (-10) · 16 mm · elongatedDNA match95.3%87
   +14 softness+6 forgiveness+6 sweet spot+5 maneuverability

   +14 softness · -5 launch angle · Higher IQ score (87 vs 83.7)

   CompareFull DNA
8. #8Gearbox CX14E Ultimate Power$210 (-70) · 14 mm · elongatedDNA match95.2%80
   -16 softness-11 launch angle-6 forgiveness-6 sweet spot

   Saves $70 versus the Labs Project 006 · -16 softness

   CompareFull DNA

Best alternatives to the Labs Project 006

Each pick beats the Labs Project 006 on one specific thing — price, power, control or forgiveness.

• Labs Project 006 vs Quartz Control
• Labs Project 006 vs Perseus CFS 16

Labs Project 006 — frequently asked questions

Is the Selkirk Labs Project 006 good for beginners?

Not our first recommendation. Forgiveness sits at 80/100 and the paddle is tuned for advanced/pro play. A developing player is better served by something more forgiving and cheaper — see our beginner shortlist.

Is the Selkirk Labs Project 006 worth the price?

At $280 it sits in the 89th percentile of the database for cost and the 53th for IQ score. If those numbers do not line up for you, the Six Zero Quartz Control at $190 is the value alternative we point people to.

How does the Labs Project 006 compare to the Hyperion CFS 16?

They are close on DNA. The Labs Project 006 reads power 92 / control 84 / spin 87 against 89 / 84 / 88 for the Hyperion CFS 16, at $280 versus $220. Our full head-to-head breaks down every trait.

Is the 14 mm better than the 16 mm version?

A 14 mm core returns energy faster, so drives and speed-ups come off harder with less effort. The 16 mm build gives up some of that pop for dwell time and softer hands. Pick 14 mm for pace, 16 mm for touch.

Is the Selkirk Labs Project 006 approved for tournament play?

Sanctioned play requires the model to appear on USA Pickleball's official approved-equipment list. Selkirk submits its retail models for approval, but approval is per model and configuration, so check the current USAP list for the exact Labs Project 006 build before you enter a sanctioned event. We do not list approval status we have not verified.

Does the Labs Project 006 have good spin?

Spin measures 87/100 — the 45th percentile of our database — off a Raw carbon with Air Dynamic throat face. That is solid rather than class-leading; you will get shape on the ball without it being the paddle's selling point.

Is the Labs Project 006 head heavy?

Swing weight is 124 kg·cm² and twist weight 6.2. That is on the heavy side of the database — you get plow-through and stability, and pay for it in hand speed at the net. Static weight is 8.5 oz.

Does the Labs Project 006 benefit from lead tape?

It already swings at 124 kg·cm², so adding weight at 12 o'clock will make it sluggish. If you customise, keep it to a few grams at 3 and 9 o'clock for stability. Any added weight can affect tournament legality if it changes the paddle beyond the approved configuration.

What is the best overgrip for the Labs Project 006?

The stock handle is 5.75 in long with a 4.25 in circumference. A thin tacky overgrip adds roughly 1/16 in of circumference and a few grams above the balance point — the cheapest way to fine-tune fit. If your hand is larger than the 4.25 in stock size, build up with an under-wrap first rather than stacking overgrips.

What should I replace the Labs Project 006 with when it wears out?

Face wear shows up as lost spin long before the core dies. The straight replacement is another Labs Project 006; if you want to change something, the JOOLA Perseus CFS 16 adds control (95 vs 84).

Who is the Labs Project 006 best for?

Singles and drive-first doubles players. Skill levels we would put on it: advanced, pro. Handle length of 5.75 in supports a two-handed backhand.

What shape and size is the Labs Project 006?

elongated shape, 16.7 in long by 7.4 in wide, 14 mm Thermoformed polymer core, Raw carbon with Air Dynamic throat face, 8.5 oz. Released 2026.

Is the Labs Project 006 good for two-handed backhands?

Yes — the 5.75 in handle gives your top hand a full grip rather than riding the throat.

Labs Project 006 or Luxx Control Air?

Both are Selkirk. The Labs Project 006 reads IQ 83.7 at $280; the Luxx Control Air reads IQ 85.1 at $250. The clearest split is power (92 vs 71).

How does PickleballLookup score the Labs Project 006?

The IQ score of 83.7 is a weighted composite of the 15 Paddle DNA traits, normalized across every paddle in the database so the number means the same thing on any page. Performance traits carry the most weight; descriptive traits like swing weight carry none. Full methodology is published.