PureFoam Explained: Selkirk Joins The Foam Core Party

Selkirk LABS is the innovation hub within Selkirk Sport, where cutting-edge paddle technology is tested to its limits. Each release from this division follows a sequential naming convention, with the latest being Project 008 (the previous release had no affiliation with MI6 sadly). While the design may not shout for attention at first glance, there is a significant change under the hood. This new Project packs an entirely reengineered core that promises to elevate performance and solve for the common annoyance of paddle core's wearing out (quickly!) over time.

There are countless factors that can cause a paddle to lose its power over time—everything from the quality of the paddle face and core to its construction. How hard you hit the ball, how often you play, and even the temperature of your playing environment all play a role. The list is extensive. Because of this, it’s nearly impossible to predict how long any paddle will maintain its peak performance before dead spots or wear on the grit begin to be felt.

This is where PureFoam steps in as a potential solution. This high-density foam core resists core crushing and deformation, offering longer-lasting performance. Selkirk claims this breakthrough in core construction could stick around, possibly becoming the standard in their future paddle lines.

Aside from replacing the traditional polypropylene core, the rest of the Project 008’s components are tried and true: a T700 Raw Carbon Fiber Face, Thermoformed Construction with an Additional Foam Wall, and an Octagonal Handle. All are common features in high-end paddles, so our team was eager to see any differences from the new core would be felt in gameplay.

Besides boosting durability, the PureFoam core is also claimed by Selkirk to improve - stop me if you’ve heard this before - enlarging the sweet spot, reducing stiffness, dampening vibrations, increasing flexibility to expand dwell time, generating spin, and enhancing control. On paper, this core will allow me to have my cake and eat it to. But the lasting impression we all shared after testing these paddles? They felt exactly as we expected a 13mm paddle with a T700 face and thermoformed construction to feel like. All the improvements the PureFoam claims to include may have been subtly noticed, but overall the claim of expanding durability over time (not easy to feel from a first-hit playtest) seems to be the dominant characteristic. For us, the lack of a noticeable difference from the new foam core is actually a huge plus, not a drawback. The fact that these paddles feel so familiar right out of the box means there's no break-in period required. While the sales pitch promises improvements across all aspects of your game, the reality, as we see it, is that the PureFoam core primarily raises the floor of this paddle - boosting durability - without significantly raising the ceiling. Given the USAP/UPA-A limits, we were probably already near the top in terms of performance already.

The LABS Project 008 paddles are currently available in 3 shapes: Epic, Invikta, and Tour, as well as core width options including 10mm, 13mm, and 16mm. From this expansive list of options you can really dial in the shape and thickness that best suit your play style. If there are more PureFoam paddles coming down the line from Selkirk, we can confidently say this first generation got it right. It gives us everything we love, while eliminating the drawbacks. If you are interested in giving the Project 008's a try, we do offer a 30-Day Paddle Guarantee. This no questions asked, free return process gives you some insurance when buying a new paddle if the fit is anything but perfect.