Selkirk’s Million-Dollar High-Tech Testing Lab: Revolutionizing the Pickleball Industry

In the rapidly evolving world of pickleball, one company is making waves with its commitment to innovation and quality: Selkirk Sport. The Barnes brothers – Mike, Rob, and Tom – have not only witnessed the explosive growth of pickleball but have played a significant role in shaping its trajectory. With a staggering 1,900 percent revenue growth since 2019, Selkirk has established itself as a powerhouse in the pickleball equipment market. Now, they’re taking their dedication to the sport to new heights with a state-of-the-art testing facility that’s set to redefine industry standards.

The Million-Dollar Investment in Pickleball’s Future

Nestled in the picturesque city of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Selkirk’s headquarters has become home to a testing lab that’s nothing short of revolutionary. With an investment exceeding $1 million, this facility is a testament to the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of pickleball equipment technology.

Tom Barnes, who oversees research and development at Selkirk, shared insights about the lab with Inc. magazine, highlighting the cutting-edge technology that sets it apart:

• High-tech machines with robotic arms for precise and consistent testing
• A bank of 3-D printers enabling rapid prototyping
• CT scanners to analyze paddle core changes over time
• A ball-cannon that simulates intensive gameplay in a controlled environment

This advanced equipment allows Selkirk to conduct thorough tests that push their products to the limit. “We can do thousands of shots on the paddle to see what happens with it,” Tom explained. “One way is, we shoot it with a really fast ball to see if we can physically break the paddle in half. We want to make sure that it’s not going to fail because you tripped on the court and you used the paddle to catch yourself.”

Accelerating Innovation and Quality Control

The impact of this lab on Selkirk’s product development process is profound. Traditionally, the cycle of building, testing, and iterating on a paddle prototype could take up to nine months when working with overseas manufacturers. With their in-house lab, Selkirk has dramatically reduced this timeline to as little as one week.

This efficiency doesn’t just save time; it allows for more iterations, more testing, and ultimately, better products. The lab enables Selkirk to test their paddles against specific requirements set by governing bodies like USA Pickleball and the United Pickleball Association of America. This capability ensures that Selkirk’s products not only meet but often exceed industry standards.

The implications of this vertical integration are significant. By bringing critical testing and development processes in-house, Selkirk can maintain tighter control over quality, respond more quickly to market demands, and push the boundaries of pickleball equipment technology faster than ever before.

Setting New Industry Standards

Selkirk’s investment in this high-tech lab isn’t just about improving their own products; it’s about raising the bar for the entire industry. As Tom Barnes confidently stated, their lab and testing capabilities are “the most advanced in pickleball.”

This claim isn’t just corporate bravado. Recently, a group of top paddle reviewers visited Selkirk’s headquarters and toured the testing facility. Their unanimous impression, as shared in various review videos, was that Selkirk is taking paddle technology and performance testing to unprecedented levels. The consensus is clear: Selkirk is poised to set new industry standards in the near future.

The Selkirk Labs Program: A Direct Line to Players

One of the most innovative aspects of Selkirk’s approach is how they’ve integrated their advanced testing capabilities with direct consumer feedback through the Selkirk Labs program. This initiative allows customers to gain early access to small-batch paddle releases in exchange for registering and reviewing their purchases.

This program creates a controlled, in-house focus group comprising both seasoned players and pickleball newcomers. It’s a constant feedback engine that provides Selkirk with invaluable real-world data to complement their laboratory findings.

Rob Barnes emphasized the importance of this user data, explaining how it combines with their new testing facility to position Selkirk at the forefront of paddle design and technology. This symbiosis between high-tech testing and real-world player feedback is a powerful formula for innovation.

Recent Innovations and Future Prospects

Selkirk’s commitment to innovation is already bearing fruit. Some of their recent developments include:

• The launch of one of the industry’s first 100% foam-core paddles through Selkirk Labs, including the recently unveiled widebody shape called the Maxima
• The SLK Era Power, a budget-friendly paddle that has found its way into the hands of multiple pros on the PPA and MLP Tours
• An upgrade to their best-selling LUXX paddle, now featuring a 19mm honeycomb core, EVA foam handle and throat, and an InfiniGrit surface designed to last three times longer than raw carbon

These developments are just the beginning. With their new testing facility and the Selkirk Labs program in full swing, the company is well-positioned to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in pickleball equipment.

The Long-Term Vision

Despite the incredible growth of pickleball in recent years, the Barnes brothers are not resting on their laurels. They recognize that the sport’s explosive growth curve won’t last forever, but they’re prepared for the long haul.

“Pickleball is not going to be on a hockey stick growth curve forever, but we think we’ll be able to adapt and be able to focus on the industry for the long term,” Mike Barnes, Selkirk’s co-founder and co-CEO, told Inc. “And we have no plans of getting into other sports.”

This laser focus on pickleball, combined with their significant investments in research and development, positions Selkirk to remain at the forefront of the industry for years to come. As Mike puts it, “This is the opportunity of a lifetime, and we’re very invested in sticking to it.”

Implications for the Pickleball Industry and Players

Selkirk’s million-dollar testing lab represents more than just a company’s investment in its own future; it’s a bellwether for the pickleball industry as a whole. As the sport continues to grow and evolve, the demand for high-performance equipment is likely to increase. Selkirk’s advanced testing capabilities and rapid prototyping abilities put them in a prime position to meet this demand with innovative, thoroughly tested products.

For players, this means access to paddles and equipment that have undergone rigorous testing and refinement. The combination of laboratory testing and real-world feedback through the Selkirk Labs program ensures that products hitting the market are not just technologically advanced, but also practical and effective in actual gameplay situations.

Moreover, as Selkirk raises the bar for testing and quality control, it’s likely to spur competition within the industry. Other manufacturers may feel pressure to invest in similar capabilities, potentially leading to an overall increase in the quality and performance of pickleball equipment across the board.

Conclusion: A New Era in Pickleball Equipment

Selkirk’s million-dollar high-tech testing lab is more than just a impressive facility; it’s a symbol of the company’s commitment to the future of pickleball. By investing heavily in research, development, and quality control, Selkirk is positioning itself not just as a leader in the industry, but as a driving force shaping its future.

As pickleball continues its meteoric rise in popularity, players can look forward to equipment that’s increasingly sophisticated, durable, and performance-oriented. With companies like Selkirk pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, the future of pickleball equipment looks brighter than ever.

For the Barnes brothers and the team at Selkirk, this is just the beginning. As they continue to leverage their advanced testing capabilities and close connection with players, we can expect to see more innovations that push the sport forward. In the world of pickleball, it seems the technological revolution is just getting started, and Selkirk is leading the charge.