Selkirk Omni Review: A Versatile All-Court Paddle With a Clever Weight System

Introduction

The Selkirk Omni is an all-court pickleball paddle that aims to stand out with a removable weight system and a stiff, hollow feel that is uncommon in its category. It shares a lot of DNA with the popular Boomstick, but it is designed to be a touch more controlled and versatile. This review looks at how the paddle plays, how the weight system works, and whether it earns its premium price tag.

The Removable Weight System

One of the biggest selling points of the Selkirk Omni is its new weighting system. It is similar to what was used on the Boomstick, but with one key difference: the weights are now removable. The paddle comes with two 7.5 gram weights that can be placed almost anywhere on the paddle, allowing players to customize the balance and feel to their liking.

Removing the weights takes a bit of practice at first. The recommended method is to place both pointer fingers next to the weight on the side of the paddle, press against your body, then use your thumbs at the bottom of the weight to pop it off. The first few times are a little difficult, but after several on-and-off cycles, the weights become easier to remove without being so loose that they slide around during play. A silicone or rubber layer on the inside keeps them securely in place once positioned.

The system was tested by popping a weight on and off 100 times to check whether the edge guard would loosen. It held up without any issues. That said, 100 cycles is more than most players will likely do, and long-term durability across different temperatures and heavy play remains an open question. The Boomstick was not known for having the most durable edge guards, so it is worth keeping an eye on how the Omni holds up over time.

Playing With and Without the Weights

The way the Omni plays changes dramatically depending on whether the weights are attached. With the weights on, the paddle feels stiff and hollow, with a noticeable pop that is reminiscent of the Boomstick. It is a touch less stiff than the Boomstick, but the overall character is very similar. For players who wanted a Boomstick with slightly less firepower, the Omni in this configuration may hit the mark.

Without the weights, the paddle feels much softer and plays closer to what was expected from an all-court paddle. It is still on the hollow side, but it moves toward the soft-and-hollow category. The sweet spot does get a little smaller without the weights, but the difference is not drastic. Dinks, drops, and resets feel nicer without the weights, and the softer feedback makes it easier to place the ball with control.

This versatility is one of the Omni’s strongest traits. Players can set it up to feel stiff and poppy or softer and more controlled, and they can also add smaller amounts of weight or concentrate it in different areas rather than just at the sides. It is a paddle that can genuinely be tuned to personal preference.

How It Plays on the Court

The Omni is an aggressive all-court paddle. Even with the weights on, it feels very poppy, though not quite at the level of the Boomstick. The control improvement over the Boomstick is not drastic, which means players expecting a major shift in feel may be surprised by how familiar it is.

Without the weights, the paddle plays much closer to what the marketing suggests. It feels softer and more controlled, and it is easier to execute soft shots with precision. Players who like to put a little more into their swing may find the reduced pop helpful, while those who prefer a paddle that does most of the work may want to keep the weights on.

The core construction appears to be largely similar to the Boomstick, with the addition of a second ring around the center of the paddle. The exact materials of the rings have not been disclosed, but the play feel suggests a very similar build with a slightly different balance.

Long-Term Spin and Grit Durability

Spin performance is an important consideration for any paddle at this price point. In testing, the Omni’s elongated version produced around 2,138 RPM, which is in the expected range for paddles with the Infinigrit surface. One widebody sample came in lower at around 1,700 RPM, which appears to have been an outlier.

Long-term durability is a bigger concern. A Boomstick that had been used for about 64 games equivalent showed a significant drop in spin, going from 2,148 RPM down to 1,769 RPM. The backhand side, which saw less use, dropped from roughly 2,100 RPM to 1,950 RPM. These tests were conducted with a Lifetime ball, which is known to be hard on paddle surfaces, so results may vary with other balls.

For context, a paddle from another brand with a different long-lasting texture was still producing over 2,000 RPM after roughly 500 games under similar conditions. That is a substantial gap, and it raises questions about how well the Infinigrit surface holds up over time. It is worth noting that some competing paddles are only approved for UPA play, which allows for more aggressive surface textures, while the Omni is USAP approved.

How It Compares to the Competition

The Omni sits in a competitive all-court category with several strong alternatives at lower prices. The Friday Aura is one of the most direct competitors. It is priced around $129 before a discount code, making it significantly more affordable. It is the softest and most dense of the three paddles compared here, and it has the least amount of pop. It also does not have a long-lasting texture, but at roughly $120 after a code, players could almost buy three Auras for the price of one Omni. For value, the Aura is hard to beat, though it does not offer the same stiff and hollow feel.

The upcoming 6 Coral Pro is another strong contender. It is priced around $200 after a discount code and features a significantly rougher surface than the previous Coral model. That roughness means it is only UPA approved, which may be a downside for some players. In terms of firepower, the Coral Pro and the Omni are in a similar spot when the Omni is played without weights. The Coral Pro feels a bit more dense, while the Omni is more hollow. At its lower price, the Coral Pro offers a lot of performance for the money.

Who the Omni Is For

The Omni is a good fit for players who want a highly customizable paddle that can feel very different depending on how it is set up. With the weights on, it is stiff and hollow. With them off, it moves closer to soft and hollow. It is also a strong option for players who heavily value warranty and customer service, as Selkirk has a strong reputation in both areas.

Players who like the Boomstick but want less pop and power may find the Omni to be a natural step down. It offers a similar feel with more control, and it could be a great option for the many players who struggle to handle the Boomstick’s power.

Who the Omni Is Not For

The Omni is not the best choice for players who want the absolute longest-lasting grit. Based on the testing so far, the Infinigrit surface does not appear to hold up as well as some other long-lasting textures on the market. It is also not ideal for players who want multiple paddles without spending a lot, since two Omnis would cost over $600.

Players who prefer soft and dense all-court paddles should also look elsewhere. The Omni is hollow and stiff by nature, and even without the weights, it does not match the feel of softer paddles like the Friday Aura.

Buying Advice

At $300, the Omni is a tough sell for many players. The removable weight system is genuinely useful and well executed, and the paddle plays well in both configurations. The lifetime warranty adds value for players who plan to keep the paddle for a long time.

However, the spin durability concerns and the availability of strong alternatives at lower prices make it hard to recommend consistently. The Friday Aura and the 6 Coral Pro both offer solid all-court performance for significantly less money. For players who value warranty and customization above all else, the Omni may be worth the premium. For everyone else, the competition offers a lot of value.

Conclusion

The Selkirk Omni is a very good paddle with a clever weight system and a versatile feel. It can be tuned to play stiff and poppy or softer and more controlled, which is a rare feature in the all-court category. The main drawbacks are the price and the questions around long-term spin durability.

For players who want a highly customizable paddle with a lifetime warranty, the Omni is a solid choice. For those who prioritize value or want the longest-lasting grit, there are better options available. It is a paddle that will appeal to a specific group of players, but it is not the obvious choice for everyone.