Dink In Safety: The Boomstik Era (Power Paddles, Faster Hands Battles, and Why Your Eyes Are the New Target)
Pickleball didn’t suddenly become “dangerous.” It became faster.
In 2026, more paddles are engineered for pop and exit velocity. Selkirk’s Project Boomstik is a headline example, and USA Pickleball’s PBCoR testing is a clear signal that the sport is responding to increasing paddle power.
Translation: less reaction time at the kitchen line, especially during speed-ups and blocks.
Why power paddles change the safety conversation
- Deflections accelerate (paddle-to-ball-to-face happens fast)
- Hands battles move upward (chest-to-face height exchanges)
- Mishits punish faster (a miss becomes a direct hit)
And because the kitchen is close-range play, “fast” can feel instant.
USA Pickleball’s PBCoR: The sport is measuring power now
USA Pickleball introduced PBCoR testing to quantify paddle/ball collision behavior and limit trampoline-like effects. Whether you play rec league or tournament, the takeaway is simple: paddle tech is evolving quickly, and standards are evolving with it.
The “wear it every time” problem: fog kills consistency
Most players don’t skip eyewear because they hate safety. They skip it because eyewear can:
- fog indoors
- feel distracting under lights
- shift during play
The Shield by Dink Eyewear is built around a simple idea: if lenses are the fog trigger, remove the lenses. You get court-ready protection without the most common reason players stop wearing it.
Q&A: Power Paddles + Eye Protection
Are power paddles “unsafe”?
No. But faster balls reduce reaction time and increase the chance of face-level exchanges getting out of control.
Does PBCoR slow the game down?
PBCoR is designed to measure and cap certain performance characteristics. Players will still hit hard, and deflections will still happen close range.
What’s the most common “surprise hit” moment?
Speed-ups, blocks, and tape/edge deflections at the net.
Pick the Correct Choice: 30-Second Selector
- Mostly indoor or night play + fog issues? The Shield (lens-free)
- Indoor but want minimal tint? Choose your lowest-tint “Indoor” lens (approx. 2–3% tint; available in Daytona, Daytona Petite, Orlando).
- Outdoor sun + glare? Choose an Outdoor lens option.
- Mixed indoor/outdoor? Choose a medium-tint Indoor/Outdoor option (often best for “one pair” players).
References (credibility stack)
- Selkirk: Project Boomstik exit velocity claim
- Independent testing example: Boomstik exit velocity measurement
- USA Pickleball: Paddle certification updates (PBCoR)
- USA Pickleball: PBCoR test protocol (PDF)
- AAO: Sports eye safety guidance
Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice.
