Selkirk LABS Project 008 16 mm Tour - pickleball paddle review

If you're looking for a premium control paddle, or you've got an eye on the latest paddle tech, check out the Selkirk LABS Project 008 16 mm Tour. This is an interesting paddle—like the CRBN TruFoam Series, it has a 100% foam core and even has one of the longest handles I've seen (6").

After getting a chance to test this paddle early, I'm happy to share my thoughts on whether it's worth the $288 price tag. Read on for my Selkirk LABS Project 008 16 mm Tour review.

The Selkirk LABS Project 008 16 mm Tour is one of the best control paddles I've tested, scoring high on everything except power. Priced at $288, it's built for high-level players who want excellent feel and shot consistency, and it definitely delivers.

Since this paddle is really soft (the PureFoam core absorbs impact so well), touch shots are great. The combination of a 16 mm thickness, raw carbon fiber face, and foam perimeter makes this one of the most consistent and forgiving paddles I've tested.

This is easily one of the best pickleball paddles for spin too. The 6" handle adds more comfort and maneuverability, especially for two-handed backhands.

Check out my first thoughts on the Selkirk LABS Project 008:

Unfortunately, the Project 008 Tour falls short on power. I don't often use lead tape when testing, but I had to add some here to make it playable for attacking shots. It has minimal pop too. In hand battles at the kitchen, I keep having to swing more than usual to get enough pace on the ball.

It's hard work generating power here, so I can't see many lower-level players using this. Check out the best beginner paddles or best intermediate paddles to find something more suitable.

Likewise, if you're a banger or you love overpowering your opponents, check out the Paddletek Bantam TKO-C and Gearbox Pro Ultimate Power Elongated—both some of the best power paddles.

Otherwise, if you want a high-end control paddle and you don't mind the premium price, the Selkirk LABS Project 008 16 mm Tour is one of the best.

The Selkirk LABS Project 008 has a sleek, modern look with a premium finish. The grip and paddle face don't show dirt as quickly as other black carbon fiber paddles, so it looks clean even after plenty of use. It has a high-end aesthetic that matches its performance.

Let's look at some of the main features.

I can see why Selkirk claims this high-density foam core is the future. It's soft, responsive, and resists crushing—unlike polypropylene cores that break down over time.

The dwell time is noticeable, which is why the spin and control are so good. The core also absorbs shocks and dampens vibrations, making every hit feel smooth and leaving you with no arm fatigue even after long matches. For anyone prone to injuries, this is one of the best paddles for tennis elbow.

Selkirk claims there's a "light pop" and I can confirm it is subtle. The CRBN TruFoam Genesis paddles also have a 100% foam core. However, those paddles include a layer of fiberglass to the face, giving them more power than the Project 008.

This face is built for spin. It grips the ball well, letting you roll topspin or carve slices really accurately.

It's not as gritty as some metal-infused paddles (like the Bread & Butter Invader), but the control and feel are excellent. It reminds me of the Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0's face—just pure, consistent responsiveness.

The foam wall around the edges is a real feature. It boosts the sweet spot and adds forgiveness, which I feel when reaching for off-center shots.

The paddle stays stable, and mishits don't punish you as much as they do with the CRBN TruFoam Genesis 1. It's very durable as well—no chipping or cracking so far after more than 10 hours of use.

The Project 008 is a true control paddle and its power reflects that. It's really soft, just like Selkirk LUXX Control. I have to swing harder to finish points against strong defenders.

Drives feel weaker than I'd like. I've given up on my usual third-shot drives because the ball doesn't come off with enough pace to pressure 5.0 players. Overheads take extra effort to put away too.

I have to rely more on spin and placement rather than trying to overpower opponents. While adding lead tape does help, it lacks the finishing power of other paddles straight out of the box.

This is one of the best control paddles I've tested. It's so soft and responsive that it feels like an extension of my hand.

My third-shot drops have never been more consistent—I can drop the ball into the kitchen from anywhere on the court. I can reset sped-up balls with ease, keeping them low and precise, and getting to the kitchen feels automatic.

Dinking is also a dream with this 16 mm model. I love how I can shape two-handed backhand dinks and move my opponents around with topspin rolls or sliced drops—no pop-ups in sight.

The PureFoam core gives this paddle a slight edge in touch over the Six Zero DBD Control. I feel like I can place the ball exactly where I want every time.

The spin on this paddle is so impressive. The dwell time from the foam core and carbon fiber face lets me shape shots more effectively. My topspin drops loop over the net and dip at my opponents' feet perfectly. Backhand slices stay low and skid off the court, making resets and defensive shots more effective.

The Project 008's spin is right up there with the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C and Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0, though the softness does make it feel different. It's more controlled than aggressive.

It's similar to the Vatic Pro Saga Bloom with how it allows for aggressive shots despite the lack of pop. Even my serves feel more dangerous because I can shape them with spin rather than relying on power.

Forgiveness is surprisingly good for an elongated paddle. The sweet spot is solid, and I feel confident even when I don't hit dead center. That said, shots near the throat sometimes die and land short. Adding lead tape to the sides helps with that, making mishits less noticeable.

It's not as forgiving as the Volair CTRL 2 Forza, but it's better than the CRBN TruFoam 1's smaller sweet spot. I rarely have issues keeping the ball in play.

The 7.9-8.3 oz weight is distributed well (that 6" handle helps), so this paddle doesn't feel head-heavy or draggy. It swings smoothly—light, fast, and comfortable—making it great for reaction shots at the net.

The octagonal handle shape provides a secure grip, and the slim circumference makes it comfortable to hold. The grip feels cushioned but not overly thick and it doesn't get slippery even during long matches. It stays comfy and dry—classic Selkirk quality.

The extended handle (6") is similar to the ProXR Zane Signature (6") and Pickleball Apes Pro Line Energy (6.25").

The PureFoam core is designed to last longer than traditional polypropylene cores. I haven't noticed any signs of wear or breakdown, but only time will tell how well it resists deformation.

This paddle feels quick in my hands. I can move it fast at the kitchen for counters and resets, even with the lead tape I added. The 116.6 swing weight keeps it smooth, though it's not as fast as the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C. It's a bit quicker than the Volair CTRL 1 Forza and doesn't feel draggy at all.

At $288, this is a pricey paddle, but it's worth it for the control and spin—especially for advanced players who need precision at the highest level. This is a solid investment for tournament players who live at the kitchen and don't care about power, as well as 5.0+ control players willing to add lead tape.

If you're an intermediate and you have the budget, this paddle will help you dictate points with spin and touch. Right-side doubles players who love resetting and dinking will find it really useful too.

If you don't have the budget, you can get 90% of this performance with the Six Zero DBD Control or Ronbus R2 PULSAR FX for $100 less. Beginners might prefer to save money with the Vatic Pro PRISM Bloom or 11SIX24 Pegasus Jelly Bean. Lastly, if you're a banger, try the Paddletek Bantam TKO-C instead.

If the Selkirk LABS Project 008 16 mm Tour isn't the right paddle for you, here are some others I recommend:

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