Let’s start with the TLDR:
The Selkirk Labs Project 005 line of paddles doesn’t deserve the hate. I think it was misunderstood. This paddle serves a specific purpose of providing more control than the Power Air line and more power than the 003 line.
I’ve spent a few weeks maining the Selkirk Labs Project 005 S2. Before using this, I was primarily using the Diadem Edge 18K because I was enjoying the truly effortless spin and wild curve shots I could pull off with cutting into slices. So color me surprised when I was immediately able to do the same effortless style shots with the 005 S2! If I had I had the capability and the funds to setup a robotic arm to hit a ball with a programmed angle, speed, and strength, I wonder if we’d see diminishing returns for face grit and texture when studying spin rates. Is there a ceiling for the amount of spin possible? Well from this small sampling of a flawed human trying his best to hit the same cutting slice from both paddles, I’d say so.
Selkirk markets the line as having “Prospin” technology. That’s your typical marketing fluff. I wish we could know the specific details of which this face is composed. Alas, whatever it is, it works just fine. I’m able to pull off the same shots I can with the Diadem Edge 18K while not worrying as much if I’m putting too much power into the shot. The same applies to most other paddles I’ve tested over the past year. For me, I feel like the 005 is not giving me extra power, and it’s not taking away what I’m giving it either. Let me explain what I mean by that while comparing this between the Power Air line and Labs 003 line. And to make things clear, power refers to the pace you can put on the ball when hitting a drive or how fast you can hit the ball. Your mileage may vary, YMMV, because each person has different builds, strength, form, and speed. My friend that’s played tennis his entire life can use the same paddle as me and generate much more speed than I can because he has better form. So keep that in mind.
In terms of power among the Selkirk line of pickleball paddles, I’d rate them like the following:
In terms of pop, which is how fast the ball comes off the face of the paddle:
Again, YMMV. The more paddles you’ve used, the more you’ll experience pop differently. If you’re a clean slate, you wouldn’t have any muscle memory developed to recalibrate for the paddle you’re using. I’ve tested a lot of paddles, and go back and forth between the 15 I have in my bags. I tend to stick with whatever feels natural, and I quite like the feel of the 005.
When I was using the Power Air, I routinely dinked and volleyed more pop-ups than usual. That line of paddles is designed to be Selkirk’s leading power and pop paddle. It makes sense. As a pro, you need the advantage, and as a pro, you are honed in on your ability to play the soft game. The advantage will come from surprising your opponent with an overpowered shot or an incredibly speedy attack at the net. This is where that pop matters. However, for the rest of us, that pop will likely be too much. You can certainly be diligent and train until you’ve dialed in your skill with that paddle, but most of us want to perform well as soon as you unwrap the new paddle. That’s where the 005 and 003 shine.
I used the 003 for a while and considered that my main paddle for a few months when playing leagues and tournaments. It was one of the softest paddles at the time, which made third shot drops and the soft game almost like an auto pilot feature. Those difficult to master shots became instantaneously second nature. As I began training and playing at a higher skill level, I found myself not being able to win net battles or my put-aways became more returnable. The Labs 003 paddle is a true patience paddle. As long as you can remain patient, you’ll win off your opponents’ mistake. An aggressive game will likely not benefit from the 003.
This is where the 005 fits my play style. This is where the 005 became my main paddle of choice…at the moment. Ever since I used the Power Air, I wanted a less poppy version. The 003 was that, but I needed an in-between. Something that had less pop than the Power Air, but more power and a bit more pop than the 003. Cue the angelic harmonies as the 005 descends from above. The Selkirk Labs Project 005 is that paddle. I can win net battles, my put-aways have the necessary power and pace, and my drives have the power to overwhelm opponents when I need it. I do see why some of the popular content creators had negative reactions. If you liked the Power Air or really loved the 003, then this paddle doesn’t have positive qualities for your play style. But if you’re like me and you found negatives with the Power Air and 003, then you’ll love it. It’s what you were searching for just like me.
If you’re interested, I took the paddle out for some testing.