As pickleball continues to grow, so does the push to improve the equipment players rely on. Whether it is better control, a more consistent feel, or added durability, paddle design has become a central part of how the game evolves.
One recent collaboration between Selkirk Sport and a group of Gonzaga University engineering students offers a glimpse into how those improvements can take shape. The project brought together experienced industry professionals and emerging talent to test new ideas in a hands-on, real-world setting.
Bringing a fresh perspective to paddle development
Selkirk Sport, based in nearby Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, partnered with Gonzaga’s School
of Engineering and Applied Science to explore new directions in paddle design. Rather than refining existing models, the focus was on trying new materials and internal structures that could influence how a paddle performs on the court.
A team of four senior students took on the challenge. Working closely with Selkirk engineers, they were given both guidance and room to experiment.
“I would say the aspect of this project I liked the most was the freedom we were granted in the design process,” said Ryan Spuck, a recent graduate who worked on the project. “Selkirk had a rough goal they wanted us to achieve and left us a lot of room to get creative. This led to us designing 13 paddles, all with different material compositions and performance.”
From ideas to something you can play with
The team approached the project the same way many products are developed in the industry. They researched, designed, built, and tested multiple paddles, adjusting along the way based on what worked and what did not.
Instead of focusing on just one prototype, the students created a range of designs. Each version explored a slightly different combination of materials and construction, allowing them to compare how those changes affected performance.
The students looked at familiar materials such as carbon fiber and fiberglass, while also experimenting with Kevlar. The goal was simple. Find out how these choices influence what players feel during play, including power, control, and overall consistency.
They also tried different internal designs, including variations in core structure intended to improve responsiveness and make the sweet spot more forgiving.
Testing on paper and on the court
To understand how each paddle performed, the team combined technical testing with real play.
In a controlled setting, they measured factors like strength and deflection to make sure each design met basic performance standards. Just as important, they took the paddles out to the court.
Working with members of Gonzaga’s pickleball club, the students gathered feedback from actual players. That input helped them better understand how design decisions translated into real play.
“I am most proud that we were able to get a lot of player feedback by working with the GU pickleball club,” Spuck said. “It showed us how valuable player feedback is in refining a design.”
Some designs performed better than others, but several stood out for striking a balance between power and control. Those results gave both the students and Selkirk useful insight into what designs and materials might be worth exploring further.
What this means for players
While the project began as a student collaboration, it reflects a larger trend in pickleball. As the sport grows, so does the attention on how paddles are made and how they perform.
New materials, different core designs, and a willingness to test multiple ideas are all part of that process. Projects like this show that innovation does not always come from one place. It can come from experienced engineers, new voices, and the space to try something different.
For players, that process eventually shows up in the paddles they use. Improvements in feel, consistency, and performance often start with experiments like these.
In this case, the collaboration produced working prototypes and practical insights that Selkirk can build on. It also gave a group of new engineers a chance to see how their ideas can have a direct impact on the game.
As pickleball continues to evolve, those kinds of partnerships may play a growing role in
shaping what comes next.
