Six Zero Black Opal vs Selkirk Boomstik: Which Foam Paddle Should You Buy?

by | Nov 10, 2025 | Pickleball Tips | 0 comments

The foam paddle market just got a lot more interesting. Six Zero dropped their Black Opal, and Selkirk launched the LABS Boomstick. Both promise premium performance, but they take completely different approaches to the game.

I’ve spent time with both paddles on the court, and here’s what you need to know before dropping $200+ on your next paddle.

Watch the Full Comparison

The Price Gap: $225 vs $333

Let’s start with the elephant in the room: price.

The Black Opal retails for $250, but with our discount code (link below), it drops to $225.

The Selkirk LABS Boomstick, being part of their premium lab series, comes in at $333.

That’s a $108 difference. The question is whether that extra cost translates to better performance.

Black Opal: Speed and Traditional Feel

Core Technology

The Black Opal features Six Zero’s proprietary G4 Aerospace Solid Core. Unlike standard EPP foam you’ll find in most foam paddles, this is a denser, space-age material.

What does that mean for you? The paddle weighs slightly more (8.2-8.3 oz instead of 8.0 oz), but it delivers a more traditional feel similar to Gen 3 paddles.

If you’re coming from a thermoformed paddle and want the benefits of foam without losing that familiar feedback, this is significant.

Key Features:

  • Carbon Lite Frame: Maximizes the hitting area without adding weight
  • Diamond Tough Face: Patent-pending material designed for high-performance spin
  • Shock Shield Grip: Silicon-injected grip reduces vibration (great for tennis elbow)
  • Power Gel Layer: Enhances shock absorption while adding pop
  • Fully Customizable: Add lead tape wherever you want

Playing Characteristics

The Black Opal is built for quicker hand speed. The thinner profile lets you get the paddle around faster at the net. Control is excellent—you can place dinks precisely and reset hard drives with confidence.

But when you need power? It’s there. This paddle sits right up against the 0.44 COR limit. When you lean into a drive, it absolutely jumps off the face.

Selkirk Boomstick: Raw Power with MOI Tuning

Core Technology

The Boomstick uses Selkirk’s BoomCore system—PureForm foam surrounded by an EVA Power Ring. This is their most powerful foam core setup to date.

Key Features:

  • InfiniGrit Technology: Claims 3x the spin durability
  • MOI Tuning System: Pre-tuned weight distribution for maximum sweet spot and balance right out of the box
  • Explosive Power: Designed to maximize velocity on drives and serves

The Trade-Off: Fixed Weights

Here’s the catch: those red weights on the sides that look adjustable? They’re permanently fixed.

If you like where Selkirk positioned the weight, great. If you prefer customizing your paddle’s balance, you’re out of luck. This is a significant limitation at the $333 price point.

Playing Characteristics

The Boomstick has a hollow, plush feel. It’s powerful—no question about it. Drives come off hot, and the enlarged sweet spot is forgiving on off-center hits.

But that plush feel is divisive. If you’re coming from traditional paddles, it takes adjustment. Some players love it. Personally, I struggled to find the same level of control I get with more traditional-feeling paddles.

Head-to-Head: Which Should You Choose?

Choose the Black Opal if you:

  • Want a traditional paddle feel with foam paddle benefits
  • Prefer quicker hand speed and maneuverability
  • Like customizing your paddle with lead tape
  • Value all-court versatility
  • Want to save $100+

Choose the Boomstick if you:

  • Prioritize raw power above all else
  • Like a softer, plush paddle feel
  • Don’t mind fixed weight distribution
  • Want maximum forgiveness on the sweet spot
  • Are willing to pay premium pricing for LABS technology

The Verdict

Both are excellent foam paddles. Neither is objectively “better”—they’re designed for different playing styles.

The Black Opal is my pick for most players. It offers that rare combination of control and power, feels familiar to traditional paddle players, and costs significantly less. The customization options mean you can dial it in exactly how you like it.

The Boomstick is purpose-built for power players who want a pre-tuned setup and don’t mind the premium price tag. If you love the plush foam feel and want maximum forgiveness, it delivers.

My recommendation? Unless you specifically want that softer, plush feel and are committed to power-focused gameplay, the Black Opal gives you more versatility and better value.

Get the Black Opal with Our Discount

Ready to try the Black Opal? Use our exclusive discount code to get it for $225 (regularly $250).

👉Special discount link, save an extra $25 https://limitlesspickleball.com/recommends/opal-discount-blog-post/

Have questions about either paddle? Drop them in the comments below or check out the full video comparison above.