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Paddle Comparison

Selkirk Boomstik ST vs Volair Mach 1 Forza

The Selkirk Boomstik ST (SW 114.86) and Volair Mach 1 Forza (SW 117.27) sit 2.41 swing-weight points apart — close enough that shape, feel, and price become the real differentiators. The Selkirk Boomstik ST also has the wider sweet spot — TW 7.68 versus 6.37 — meaning more forgiveness on off-center hits. Shape adds another dimension: the Boomstik ST is widebody, the Mach 1 Forza is hybrid, which changes reach, kitchen feel, and sweet-spot position.

Who wins on what

Power

Volair Mach 1 Forza

Higher Swing Weight (power) (114.86 vs 117.27, +2.41)

Hand Speed

Selkirk Boomstik ST

Lower Swing Weight (hand speed) (114.86 vs 117.27)

Sweet Spot / Forgiveness

Selkirk Boomstik ST

Higher Twist Weight (forgiveness) (7.68 vs 6.37, +1.31)

Side-by-side specs

Brand

Selkirk
Volair

Model

Boomstik ST
Mach 1 Forza

Shape

Widebody
Hybrid

Thickness

16mm
16mm

Weight

8.2 oz
8.1 oz

Swing Weight

114.86
117.27

Twist Weight

7.68
6.37

Play Style

power
control

Retail Price

$119.99

Discount

—
10% (PLAYBOOK)

Effective Price

—
$107.99

Selkirk

Boomstik ST

Volair

Mach 1 Forza

$107.99 (was $119.99)

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Which paddle should you buy?

Pick the Selkirk Boomstik ST if…

  • You want faster hands — lower SW (114.86 vs 117.27) means quicker maneuvering at the kitchen.
  • You want a bigger sweet spot — TW 7.68 is more forgiving on off-center hits.
  • Your game leans power — this is tuned for that style.
  • You prefer the widebody shape — different feel/reach/sweet-spot profile from the hybrid.

Pick the Volair Mach 1 Forza if…

  • You want more power — SW 117.27 is 2.41 points higher.
  • Your game leans control — this is tuned for that style.
  • You prefer the hybrid shape — different feel/reach/sweet-spot profile from the widebody.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Selkirk Boomstik ST or the Volair Mach 1 Forza better for power?

The Volair Mach 1 Forza generates more power — SW 117.27 vs 114.86 on the Selkirk Boomstik ST, a 2.41-point gap that adds mass and momentum at contact. If you prioritize hand speed and maneuverability over raw power, the Boomstik ST's lower swing weight is the advantage.

Which paddle is more forgiving — the Selkirk Boomstik ST or the Volair Mach 1 Forza?

The Selkirk Boomstik ST is more forgiving with a twist weight of 7.68 vs 6.37 on the Volair Mach 1 Forza. Higher twist weight reduces energy loss on off-center hits, which matters most for kitchen-heavy players who take a lot of dinks and resets.

How does the shape difference affect how the Selkirk Boomstik ST and Volair Mach 1 Forza play?

The Selkirk Boomstik ST's widebody shape delivers a wider face and maximum forgiveness — tuned for kitchen play and the soft game. The Volair Mach 1 Forza's hybrid gives a balance of reach and maneuverability — versatile for both the kitchen and the baseline. For players who live at the kitchen line, that shape distinction often matters more than a 1–2 point SW difference.

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