Speedup Tide 14L vs. Selkirk Boomstik: The Foam Core Power Struggle

by

Last Updated on May 5, 2026 by Drew Pierce

Speedup Tide 14L

The Selkirk Labs Boomstik is the gold standard for “limitless” power and a massive sweet spot, but it comes with a premium $333 price tag. The Speedup Tide 14L ($170) is the underdog that offers a unique, more connected feel with a thinner 14mm profile that surprisingly mimics the dwell time of a thicker paddle. Choose the Boomstik for raw, forgiving offense; choose the Tide 14L if you want a fast, high-spin weapon that doesn’t feel like a hollow “pop” machine.

I’ve spent the last few weeks diving deep into the “foam core” craze of 2026, and two paddles keep coming up in every conversation: the Speedup Tide 14L and the Selkirk Labs Boomstik.

Both of these paddles are moving away from traditional honeycomb cores to solve the “core crush” issues that plagued Gen 3 paddles last year. But man, do they feel different on the court. Here is how they stack up.

1. Power & Feel: “Boom” vs. “Bite”

The Boomstik lives up to its name. It shaves about 25 milliseconds off your opponent’s reaction time because the ball just explodes off the face. It feels crisp and stiff, much like the popular Gen 3 paddles but with a more durable foam interior.

The Speedup Tide 14L is the weirdest 14mm paddle I’ve ever hit—in a good way. Usually, 14mm paddles are “poppy” and hard to control. The Tide uses MPP foam and a TPE perimeter that creates a “floating” core sensation. It has a longer dwell time (the ball stays on the face longer), which gave me way more confidence on my drops than I expected from a thin power paddle.

2. Maneuverability & Weight

This is where the Tide 14L might scare some people off. It has a massive swing weight of 124.6, making it one of the most head-heavy paddles on the market. If you aren’t used to a “sledgehammer” feel, your wrists are going to feel it in a long doubles session.

The Boomstik feels more “pro-tuned” out of the box thanks to Selkirk’s MOI Tuning System. Even though it’s a 16mm paddle, it feels faster in the hands during those frantic kitchen firefights than the Tide 14L does.

3. Spin Potential

The Tide 14L takes the crown here. With its 3-layer carbon fiber face and 45-degree top layer, it consistently cranks out over 2,250 RPM. The Boomstik is no slouch at around 1,980-2,000 RPM, but the Tide just seems to “grab” the ball better for aggressive topspin drives.

FAQ

Is the Speedup Tide 14L good for beginners? Not really. The high swing weight and “demanding” nature of the head-heavy balance make it better for intermediate to advanced players who already have clean mechanics.

Does the Boomstik have core crush issues? No. Selkirk specifically engineered the “BoomCore” with PureFoam and an EVA Power Ring to eliminate the core-crushing and “hot spots” found in previous honeycomb designs.

Which one is better for singles? The Tide 14L is a singles monster. Its high swing weight translates to incredible plow-through and baseline power, while the elite spin helps keep those hard passes inside the lines.

Final Thoughts: If you have the budget and want the most forgiving, powerful paddle money can buy, get the Boomstik. If you want to save $100+ and prefer a head-heavy “player’s paddle” that generates insane spin and a unique, connected feel, the Speedup Tide 14L is your winner.

Leave a Comment

Cookie Consent with Real Cookie Banner
Feature Speedup Tide 14L Selkirk Labs Boomstik
Price $169.99 $333.00
Core Material MPP (Microcellular Polypropylene) BoomCore (PureFoam + EVA Ring)
Thickness 14mm 16mm
Swing Weight 124.6 (Very High) ~118 (Balanced)
Spin (RPM) ~2,252 (Elite) ~1,980 (Good)
Best For Heavy Hitting & Spin Power & Forgiveness