All information in this article comes directly from one of Selkirk's engineers, who shared expert insights during a rare break from the lab.
At Selkirk Sport, innovation never stops. Few realize the rigorous testing each paddle undergoes before it is sold.
The Selkirk engineers use several machines to test a variety of factors, including durability, weight, and performance. One of the most essential machines in the Selkirk Lab is the Durability Cannon, affectionately nicknamed Mjölnir after Thor’s hammer.
This powerful machine is used not only to test new materials and prototypes but also to evaluate and refine paddles available on the main line.
What is the durability cannon?
Mjölnir is a high-powered impact tester designed to simulate real-world conditions by repeatedly firing pickleballs at a paddle at speeds of up to 120 mph. This fully automated system runs continuously, allowing engineers to push each paddle to its limits.
By using this machine, Selkirk’s engineers can:
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Analyze surface durability by measuring how coatings, textures, and graphics hold up over time.
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Assess core integrity to track any changes in compression or structural breakdown.
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Identify weak points in paddle construction, ensuring players receive only the most durable and high-performance equipment.
How the testing works
The Durability Cannon fires one shot every six seconds, creating a continuous, loud barrage of impacts. Selkirk engineers closely monitor the process, listening and looking for any irregularities.
The machine typically runs tests in 500-shot intervals, with in-depth evaluations at each stage. By tracking how a paddle looks — both on the surface and inside the core — after each stage of shots, engineers can determine which materials and construction patterns are better for performance and durability.
A noisy but necessary process
The Durability Cannon is not a quiet machine. Engineers working nearby have learned to appreciate the sound as a helpful indicator of proper function. If something goes wrong — such as a jam or misfire — the change in sound immediately alerts the team to investigate.
The real-world benefits of durability testing
Why does all this testing matter? Because Selkirk believes that players should buy a new paddle because they want one, not because they need one due to durability issues.
By stress-testing each design, Selkirk ensures its paddles maintain peak performance even after extensive use.
This level of detail means players can trust that all pieces of their paddle will hold up match after match.
