The information provided in this article was shared by one of Selkirk's engineers during a rare break from the lab.
Within the Selkirk Lab, engineers focus on developing and maintaining paddles with high quality and durability.
A critical instrument in their testing arsenal is the Taber Abrasion Tester, which evaluates the abrasion resistance of materials used in Selkirk paddles.
What is the Taber Abrasion Tester?
The Taber Abrasion Tester is a precision instrument designed to simulate wear and tear on materials through controlled, accelerated abrasion.
It consists of a rotating platform where the test sample — in this case, materials found in pickleball paddles — is mounted and two abrasive wheels that apply consistent pressure as they move in opposite directions.
As the wheels move, they create consistent rubbing and wear across the material. The engineers can also switch out the coverings for the wheels to test how different materials affect wear and tear of the paddle surface.
This setup effectively replicates real-world conditions, allowing for accurate assessment of a material's durability.
Application in testing pickleball paddles
In the context of pickleball paddles, the Taber Abrasion Tester measures how well the paddle's surface coatings, such as Selkirk's proprietary InfiniGrit, withstand continuous use. The process involves:
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Initial profiling: A new paddle's surface is analyzed using a profilometer to establish a baseline.
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Abrasion testing: The paddle is subjected to the Taber Abrasion Test, where it rotates against the abrasive wheels for a set number of cycles, simulating extended play.
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Re-evaluation: Post-testing, the surface is re-examined to assess any changes or wear.
This cycle is repeated multiple times to monitor how the coating endures over prolonged use, ensuring that products meet the high standards expected by Selkirk customers.
How the tester was used to build Selkirk's InfiniGrit surface
After feedback from the original Selkirk LUXX Control Air, engineers began testing different surface materials to create a paddle with longer-lasting grit.
Engineers used the taber abrasion test to directly compare the InfiniGrit surface against others. After determining the surface roughness of a material, engineers run the machine in 25-cycle increments, testing surface roughness after each.
Traditional raw carbon fiber lasts around 50 cycles, while the InfiniGrit lasts 150 cycles — three times the durability.
Broader use in sports equipment testing
The Taber Abrasion Test is widely recognized across various industries for assessing material durability because of its ability to provide reliable data quickly.
In sports equipment manufacturing, it helps ensure that products can withstand the rigors of regular use, thereby maintaining performance and safety standards.
