Dink In Safety: Power Paddles, Faster Balls, Less Reaction Time (Welcome to the Boomstik Era)
Pickleball didn’t get bigger by staying slow.
In 2026, paddle tech has leveled up: more pop, more power, and faster exchanges at the net. That’s fun… until you remember where the ball often goes during a speed-up battle:
straight toward the face.
The Boomstik example: “more exit speed” is the whole point
Selkirk LABS markets its Project Boomstik around increased “exit speed” (the ball comes off the face faster). Independent reviewers also publish exit velocity numbers, reinforcing the “power paddle” narrative.
Whether you use Boomstik or any other high-pop paddle, the safety point is the same: faster ball off the paddle = less time to react.
USA Pickleball responded with PBCoR testing
USA Pickleball introduced enhanced paddle testing (PBCoR) to measure performance and help limit trampoline-like effects. Translation: the sport recognizes that paddle performance has changed, and standards are evolving to keep the game fair and safe.
Kitchen-line math (why it feels “instant”)
The kitchen line is 7 feet from the net. During hands battles, players are often positioned close to that line. When a ball is sped up from close range, your reaction window can drop into “blink territory.”
Human visual reaction time is often measured in the neighborhood of a couple hundred milliseconds, and it tends to slow with age. That matters in a sport where a deflection can be both fast and unpredictable.
Why eye protection matters more as speed increases
- Deflections happen (your paddle, your partner’s paddle, the tape, the edge)
- Trajectories change suddenly (ball pops up or shoots sideways)
- Close range reduces dodge time (especially in doubles)
Where The Shield fits in
Players often avoid eyewear because fog, distortion, and discomfort break their focus. The Shield is a different category: lens-free protection designed for the realities of indoor/night play and fast hands exchanges.
Q&A: Power Paddles + Safety
Are power paddles “unsafe”?
No. But they can reduce reaction time and increase the speed of face-level exchanges, especially at the net.
Does PBCoR mean paddles can’t be fast?
No. It’s a performance test meant to help keep paddle pop within defined limits. Players will still hit hard, and close-range deflections still happen.
What’s the #1 moment people get hit?
Many incidents are described as close-range speed-ups, blocks, or deflections during net play.
Pick the Correct Choice: Match Your Gear to Your Game
- Play against bangers / power paddles? Strongly consider eye protection every session.
- Indoor/night + fog issues? Choose The Shield (lens-free).
- Outdoor brightness + glare? Choose an outdoor lens option for sun control and visibility.
- Wear prescription? Look for sport-rated solutions that work with your needs (ask your eye care professional).
References
- Selkirk LABS Project Boomstik (manufacturer page)
- Reviewer data example: exit velocity figures (JustPaddles)
- USA Pickleball: PBCoR testing protocol
- USA Pickleball: Paddle certification updates (PBCoR)
- Court dimensions: USA Pickleball Official Rulebook
- American Academy of Ophthalmology: Sports Eye Safety
Disclaimer: This article is informational and not medical advice.
