Boomstik vs ERA: Which Selkirk Paddle Is Best for You?

The answer depends entirely on where you are in your pickleball journey. And what type of player you aspire to be.

When you're staring down a $333 price tag for a pickleball paddle, you better believe you're going to have some questions. That's exactly the conversation Ty Butson tackles in his latest breakdown comparing two of Selkirk's most talked-about paddles: the Labs Project Boomstik and the SLK Era Power.

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The comparison comes at an interesting time in the paddle market. We're seeing more premium options flirting with the $300 mark, while solid performers still hover around $200 – or well below.

It's creating a real fork in the road for players trying to figure out where their money should go.

The Ferrari of Paddles

Butson doesn't mince words about the Boomstik.

"It's definitely like a Ferrari of a paddle," he explains in his video.

That's not just marketing speak. The 5.0-rated player admits it took him considerable time to feel confident with the Boomstik, even at his skill level. The resets were tough at first. Playing casual games with friends? No problem. But when the competition ramped up, he initially struggled to trust the paddle.

Here's the thing about the Boomstik that sets it apart: those MOI weights on the sides create a more balanced swing, and the paddle generates serious spin alongside its power, thanks also to its InfiniGrit surface.

There's no break-in period either; what you get out of the box is what you're working with from day one.

The price point is steep: $333. But Selkirk backs it with a lifetime warranty, which provides some peace of mind for that investment.

The Value Play

On the other side of this matchup sits the Era Power at $200. Butson used this paddle for a long time before making the switch, and he's quick to point out it was his favorite Selkirk paddle by far when it launched.

He got to test it before the official release and immediately felt comfortable. That's a stark contrast to his Boomstik experience.

The Era plays similarly to many modern power paddles on the market, but Butson argues the quality is slightly better while the price is actually lower than many competitors. Pros have used it in tournaments. He's used it in tournaments. The confidence factor is real.

It gets good touch, solid spin, and it's easy to customize. Plus, there are multiple color options if aesthetics matter to you (and let's be honest, they do).

When Butson lines up the specs side by side, some clear differences emerge:

• Price: Boomstik at $333 versus Era at $200. That's a significant gap.
• Control: The Era is easier to control right away. The Boomstik demands more from you.
• Spin: Both generate excellent spin, but the Boomstik edges ahead slightly.
• Power: The Boomstik hits noticeably harder.
• Comfort: The Era wins here for most players, especially if you're not used to handling serious pop.

It's worth noting that since the UPA-A-approved Boomstik hit the market, many Selkirk-sponsored pros have made the switch.

So Which One Should You Buy?

The answer depends entirely on where you are in your pickleball journey.

If you're newer to the game or still developing your skills, Butson recommends the Era. You'll spend less money and get a paddle that performs at a high level without requiring a steep learning curve. It's a paddle you can trust immediately.

But if you're more advanced (maybe you already own an Era or have used similar paddles), the Boomstik might be your next step. Butson currently uses it as his paddle of choice, though he emphasizes it took drilling and practice to get there. Even as a 5.0 player, he needed time to feel fully confident.

His logic for making the switch?

That's actually a pretty compelling argument. If you're serious about advancing your game and willing to put in the work to master a more demanding paddle, the Boomstik's performance ceiling is higher.

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