Cutting-Edge Engineering Meets Pickleball Innovation

The Tesla x Selkirk Plaid Paddle is easily one of the most talked-about releases of the year — and for good reason. It is the boldest fusion of high-performance engineering and pickleball technology we’ve seen to date. Everything about this paddle, from its materials to its aerodynamics, signals a new direction in paddle design.

With an unprecedented $350 price tag, it currently sits as the most expensive pickleball paddle on the market. So the question is simple: Does it play like a $350 paddle?
Let’s break it down.

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Technology & Construction: A True Collaboration Between Tesla Engineering and Selkirk Labs

This project is more than a co-branded product — it shows off two companies pushing boundaries in their own fields.

🚀 Aerodynamic Design by Tesla

Tesla reportedly contributed to aerodynamic modeling, and the paddle reflects that DNA:

• Edgeless frame for reduced drag

• Distinct neck opening that channels airflow

• A noticeably smoother swing path compared to traditional thick-edged paddles

It's the first time a major engineering company has shaped pickleball paddle design in this way — and it shows.

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Materials & Build Quality

Hybrid 2-Ply Face: Carbon + Composite

The face combines:

• T700 raw carbon fiber

• 3K twill composite layer

This box-weave construction is very likely the inspiration behind the “Plaid” name and gives the paddle a unique blend of stiffness, bite, and long-lasting surface life.

Full Foam Core System

Inside the paddle is a fully engineered foam core stack:

• EPP (Expanded Polypropylene) main core

• TPU & EVA foam layers wrapped around it

This multi-layered foam system creates:

• A heavily dampened, ultra-stable feel

• A dense, connected response on big swings

• Exceptional shock absorption for arm comfort

Enhanced Surface Texture

The Plaid uses Selkirk’s new Infinitril texture — the grittiest, most ball-grabbing surface they’ve produced so far, and noticeably stronger than previous Selkirk textures.

Integrated MOI Sidewall Weights

Unlike most paddles that add MOI weights on top of the edge guard, this design embeds them inside the paddle walls.
This:

• Improves sweet spot stability

• Reduces outer-edge flutter

• Keeps the aerodynamic profile perfectly clean

It’s a sleek engineering choice that adds to the paddle’s premium feel.

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Specs & Shape Overview

• Thickness: 16 mm

• Handle Length: 5.5" (great for two-handed backhands)

• Shape: Elongated, aerodynamic

• Profile: Edgeless construction

• Type: All-Court

The paddle feels futuristic in hand — sleek, smooth, and engineered to reduce air resistance.

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On-Court Performance

⭐ Spin: The Best Legal Spin We’ve Seen

This is where the Plaid becomes legendary.

• Topspin RPM average: 2,484 RPM
  This makes it the highest-spinning legal paddle ever tested, topping even many purpose-built spin paddles on the market.

If you rely on shape, dip, kick serves, or heavy topspin attacks, this paddle is a dream to swing.

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⭐ Feel & Comfort: Unmatched Vibration Dampening

The defining trait of the Plaid’s feel is how quiet and dampened it is.

• Almost no vibration reaches the hand

• Impact feels plush yet controlled

• Excellent for players managing tennis elbow or wrist sensitivity

This is one of the most comfortable paddles ever built.

The trade-off is reduced tactile feedback — but for players craving comfort and stability, the feel is incredibly confidence-inspiring.

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⭐ Sweet Spot & Stability

Thanks to the embedded MOI weights, the Plaid offers one of the more stable edgeless designs available.

• Very solid through the center

• Noticeably improved side-to-side stability

• Still slightly smaller sweet spot than traditional full-foam power paddles

Players coming from foam-core control or all-court paddles will adapt quickly.

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⭐ Power & Pop: Controlled, Linear, All-Court Power

The Tesla Plaid is not a cannon like the Boomstik or Loco — nor is it meant to be.

Instead, it delivers:

Mid-Tier Power + High Control

• Strong output on full swings

• Very controlled on touch shots

• More power than pop, meaning flicks feel softer but drives feel explosive

This creates an all-court profile ideal for:

• Players who generate their own pace

• Clean mechanics

• Baseline attackers

• Counter-punchers

If you like a paddle that rewards your swing rather than playing the point for you, the Plaid lands in a great spot.

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Pricing

• $350 retail

• No discounts available at launch

• The most expensive paddle on the market

The premium price is justified by:

• Engineering collaboration

• Material innovation

• Aerodynamic modeling

• Long-lasting texture durability

• Unmatched spin performance

And of course, it’s a paddle with undeniable collector appeal.

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Who Is the Tesla Plaid Paddle For?

✔ Buy it if you want:

• The highest spin you can get in a legal paddle

• A modern, aerodynamic design

• A completely dampened feel with almost no vibration

• A uniquely engineered paddle with premium materials

• An all-court playstyle that balances power and control

• A conversation piece that stands out on any court

✘ You may prefer something else if:

• You want a very large sweet spot

• You prefer high pop or ultra-fast power

• You like strong tactile feedback at impact

• You’re looking for value pricing

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Final Verdict

The Tesla x Selkirk Plaid Paddle is one of the most technologically ambitious paddles in the pickleball world. It blends Tesla’s aerodynamic influence with Selkirk’s high-end materials to deliver an extremely comfortable, controlled, and spin-dominant playing experience.

It isn’t designed to overpower you — it’s designed to elevate your mechanics, protect your arm, and give you the most spin available in a legal paddle.

For players who appreciate cutting-edge innovation and premium construction, this paddle absolutely earns its place at the top of the market.

If you want help comparing it to similar all-court paddles at get2eleven,