Selkirk Sport: Revolutionizing Pickleball with High-Tech Innovation and 1,900% Growth
Selkirk Sport is not just riding the wave of pickleball’s explosive popularity—it’s powering it. Founded by brothers Mike, Rob, and Tom Barnes, the Idaho-based company has seen a 1,900% surge in revenue since 2019. Their secret? Relentless innovation, rapid prototyping, and a commitment to staying laser-focused on pickleball.
A Vision Anchored in Pickleball’s Future
“We have no plans of getting into other sports,” says Mike Barnes, Selkirk’s co-founder and co-CEO. “Pickleball is not going to be on a hockey stick growth curve forever, but we think we’ll be able to adapt and focus on the industry for the long term.”
The Barnes brothers aren’t just chasing a trend—they’re shaping the sport’s future. Their products, like the LUXX, Amped Power Air, and Halo paddles, are now household names among both amateur and professional players.
Building the Lab of the Future
At the heart of Selkirk’s transformation is its cutting-edge R&D lab in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Overseen by Tom Barnes, the lab is a $1 million investment equipped with:
- Robotic arms for precision testing
- 3D printers for rapid prototyping
- A CT scanner to study paddle wear and tear
- A ball cannon that simulates intense gameplay to test paddle durability
“We can do thousands of shots on a paddle,” Tom explains. “One way is we shoot it with a really fast ball to see if we can break it in half. We want to ensure it won’t fail—even if a player falls and uses the paddle to catch themselves.”
This tech allows Selkirk to shrink the development cycle from nine months to just one week, helping them bring new, tested products to market faster than competitors.
Setting the Standard for Paddle Technology
Selkirk’s in-house capabilities mean they can test their products to official specifications set by both USA Pickleball and the United Pickleball Association of America. This vertical integration saves time, cuts costs, and ensures each paddle is performance-ready out of the gate.
A recent visit by top paddle reviewers revealed a clear consensus: Selkirk is leading the charge in paddle technology and performance testing.
Selkirk Labs: A Community-Driven Innovation Engine
Through the Selkirk Labs program, the company gives players early access to limited-run paddle designs. In exchange, users provide feedback, creating a real-time feedback loop that helps improve future products.
As Rob Barnes puts it: “It’s a constant feedback engine.” Paired with their state-of-the-art testing lab, Selkirk Labs is helping the brand set new standards in paddle design.
Breakthrough Product Launches in 2025
So far, 2025 has been a banner year for Selkirk:
- The first 100% foam-core paddle launched through Selkirk Labs, recently unveiling its third shape, a widebody model called the Maxima.
- The SLK Era Power, Selkirk’s budget-friendly paddle, is now used by multiple pro players in top tournaments like PPA and MLP, including Jack Sock, Catherine Parenteau, and James Ignatowich.
- The company’s flagship LUXX paddle received major upgrades: a 19mm honeycomb core, EVA foam handle and throat, and the InfiniGrit surface, which lasts 3x longer than raw carbon.
A Bright Future Ahead
“This is the opportunity of a lifetime, and we’re very invested in sticking to it,” says Mike.
From its groundbreaking lab to a steady stream of product innovations, Selkirk Sport is redefining what it means to be a leader in the pickleball space. Their mix of technology, customer feedback, and unwavering focus on quality has positioned them not just for today’s growth—but for long-term dominance in the sport.
