Why Selkirk Is Moving Away From the Widebody Paddle (And What Replaces It)

Selkirk's Rob Barnes says the widebody paddle is statistically great but sells eight to one in favor of elongated shapes. Here is what that means for hybrids, the Boomstik, the Omni, and your next paddle.

If you have ever stared at a paddle wall wondering whether a widebody paddle is the smart pick or the unfashionable one, you are not alone. The shape debate has gotten loud, and the biggest brand in the sport just weighed in.

Rob Barnes of Selkirk laid out the company's shape strategy in a sit-down on Nico the Lefty's YouTube channel, the fourth episode of his new mini series called The Main. He covers hybrids, flat tops, movable weights, power caps, and why certification still feels like a mess.

Here is what he said, what it means for the paddle in your bag, and how to think about shape without letting fads decide for you.

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Is Selkirk Really Leaving the Widebody Paddle Behind?

Yes, but slowly. Barnes said Selkirk will move away from the widebody paddle over time, with more hybrid shapes arriving around mid-2027.

It is not an overnight switch. The upcoming Boomstik ST is still coming in widebody and elongated, which you can see in our first look at the Boomstik ST.

The reason is simple sales math. Barnes said Selkirk sells roughly eight elongated paddles for every one widebody, so the shape is not a popular one even though it performs.

That is the part worth sitting with. A shape can be excellent on paper and still lose the popularity contest.

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Why Is the Widebody Paddle the Underhand Free Throw of Pickleball?

Because the data says it works, and almost nobody wants to be seen using it. The analogy came up in the conversation: granny-style free throws may be statistically better, but you never see anyone shoot them because they look bad.

Barnes agreed it is a fair comparison. Selkirk's engineers see the widebody as an amazing shape for sweet spot, playability, and consistency.

He also gave useful context on timing. A couple of years ago Selkirk revamped its shapes, and the numbers pushed the company toward widebody designs that played really well.

So the shift is not about the shape failing. It is about what players actually buy.

If you are on the fence about shape in general, our breakdown on whether most players should use an elongated paddle is a good companion read.

Why Are Hybrids Suddenly Good Enough?

The technology inside paddles improved, which shrank the penalty for choosing a hybrid.

Barnes said the negatives of a hybrid compared to a widebody are far smaller than they used to be.

He pointed to newer core and surface technology as the reason. In his words, the hybrids simply play great now.

That matters because it removes the old tradeoff. You used to give up forgiveness to get reach and spin potential.

Today, a well-built hybrid can give you a bigger effective hitting zone without feeling like a compromise. If you want to see what that looks like in practice, check these 7 hybrid paddles that blend power and control.

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What About the Flat Top Hybrid Craze?

Barnes called it mostly a fad, and he has seen the cycle before. Selkirk was the flat top company for years, then flat tops fell out of style, and now everyone is asking for them again.

He said the amount of shape shifting in the industry is "just crazy." His plan is to keep building solid underlying technology and only tweak shapes based on data and statistics.

That is the same advice I give players. Do not buy a paddle because a shape is trending in your DMs.

Barnes joked that the most overrated technology might be the flat top hybrid, since it is one of the most common questions people send him. If you are curious why players are switching anyway, here are 3 reasons players are moving to flat top hybrids.

Where Do the Boomstik and Omni Fit?

Together they cover most of what players need. Barnes said between the Boomstik and the Omni, Selkirk is hitting roughly 80 percent of players from a playing characteristic standpoint.

The Omni is positioned as all-court, or what Barnes called all-court plus. Slide the MOI weights all the way down and it brings real power when you need it, which you can read about in our Selkirk Omni review.

The Boomstik is the power option, and it works for a wider range of players than people assume.

One more note on the lineup. Barnes does not expect the ultra soft control paddle to disappear, but he does not see it as a priority for Selkirk's own line. If anything, the Omni may get tweaked over time to lean further that direction.

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What Does This Mean for Your Next Paddle?

It means shape matters less than the technology inside it. Use these steps before you buy:

1. Decide whether you want forgiveness (wide body) or reach and maneuverability (elongated or hybrid).
2. Choose a paddle with adjustable weight so you can tune it to your swing.
3. Check which tournaments you play and confirm the paddle is certified for them.
4. Ignore shape trends and trust how the paddle feels in your hand.

If you are shopping on a budget, our list of 10 high performance paddles under $150 shows how far value has come.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Selkirk discontinuing wide body paddles?

Not right away. The Boomstik ST is still arriving as a wide body elongated shape, but Selkirk expects to shift toward more hybrid designs starting around mid-2027.

Why did Selkirk make wide body paddles in the first place?

The company revamped its shapes a couple of years ago and its data showed wide bodies played really well. Engineers praised the sweet spot, playability, and consistency of the shape.

Do elongated paddles outsell wide body paddles?

Yes. Rob Barnes said Selkirk sells about eight elongated paddles for every one wide body, which is why the company is leaning away from the shape.

Should a beginner use a power paddle like the Boomstik?

You can. Selkirk sees many 3.0 and 3.5 players buy it, and modern construction means power no longer comes with the harsh, stiff feel it once did.

What is the difference between USAP and UPA-A paddle approval?

They are two separate certification standards, and only a few paddles pass both. USAP is the broader governing body, while UPA-A is mainly relevant for pro level play.