The Selkirk LABS Project 008 Maxima Pickleball Paddle sits in Selkirk's upper mid tier — built for competitive players who'll feel a 0.2oz weight difference and tune their paddles with lead tape.
Build at a glance
- Core thickness16mm
- Face materialRaw carbon fibre
- ConstructionThermoformed unibody
- ShapeElongated (16.5" length)
- Skill levelIntermediate · Advanced · Pro
- Play styleControl · Spin · All-court
What this paddle does well
Thermoformed unibody construction presses the face, edge, and core as a single piece. Result: stiffer, quieter, less prone to dead-spot creep than older sandwich-construction paddles. Lifespan typically runs 1.5–2x longer.
Raw carbon fibre face means the surface bites the ball for spin. Modern paddles peel-ply finish their face to keep the texture grippy without sanding it artificially.
The 16mm core is the modern club-paddle thickness sweet spot. Enough plush for soft hands at the kitchen, enough density for a meaningful third-shot drive when you need it.
Who it's for
This paddle is designed with competitive players who'll feel a 0.2oz weight difference and tune their paddles with lead tape in mind. If you've moved past entry-tier paddles and want to feel the difference at every contact, the spec is here.
The honest trade-offs
You give up a small amount of raw pop compared to thinner-core paddles — most players don't notice it, but power-first hitters might. the elongated shape gives reach but tightens the sweet spot — off-centre contact is less forgiving than a standard shape.
How it sits in the range
Browse Selkirk's full UK line to compare against the brand's other models, or the wider paddle range to compare against equivalents from other brands at this tier.
Frequently asked
What's the face made of?
The face is Raw carbon fibre. Carbon faces grip the ball well for spin and pop.
Is the Selkirk LABS Project 008 Maxima Pickleball Paddle USAPA approved?
Most current paddles from Selkirk are USAPA approved for sanctioned tournament play. Check the listing tags or contact us if you need confirmation for a specific event.
How does the Selkirk LABS Project 008 Maxima Pickleball Paddle compare to other paddles in this price band?
At this price you're competing against the equivalent tier from JOOLA, Head, CRBN, and Vatic Pro. The differences come down to face grit, edge guard quality, and brand-specific feel — best to read the spec sheet, not just the badge.
What core thickness is the Selkirk LABS Project 008 Maxima Pickleball Paddle?
The Selkirk LABS Project 008 Maxima Pickleball Paddle uses a 16mm polypropylene honeycomb core. A 16mm core is the modern control-first standard — more dwell time, better for kitchen play.
Does this paddle come with a cover?
Cover inclusion varies by model and batch. Where Selkirk bundles a cover, we mention it explicitly in the listing. Otherwise, paddle covers are sold separately and we recommend one for any paddle £100+.
Is the Selkirk LABS Project 008 Maxima Pickleball Paddle too advanced for a beginner?
This paddle is engineered for advanced and tournament-bound players — tighter tolerances, more demanding sweet spot. Beginners can play it, but won't access most of what makes it special. Consider a £30–£90 starter paddle first.