Tesla is a brand that stands for breakthrough advancements, the forefront of technology, and innovative systems that intertwine science-fiction with reality. Alright, perhaps that’s a little overstated, but the company is recognized for stretching the limits of contemporary technology with its electric vehicles, robotics, and much more. Unsurprisingly, you would anticipate that its next offering would continue to challenge those limits. A high-tech sandwich maker? A sophisticated shuttle for individuals to explore low earth orbit? Perhaps a cutting-edge diving device for discovering the ocean’s mysteries? As it turns out, it’s nothing of the sort. It’s [simply a basic pickleball paddle](https://shop.tesla.com/product/tesla-plaid-pickleball-paddle-by-selkirk?sku=2272753-00-A) — basic in the sense that it lacks any connected technology or wireless attributes. Also basic in that, well, it’s quite basic.
Tesla claims it’s “optimized for high performance play,” so there’s that, at least. What’s even more concerning is its price tag of $350, in a sport where quality gear typically costs under $100. Manufactured by Selkirk, and “inspired by the aerodynamic [design of Tesla vehicles](https://www.bgr.com/2049186/is-tesla-cyber-truck-reliable-according-consumer-reports/),” this one-of-a-kind paddle boasts a custom composition with embedded weights, an edgeless design, and an open throat face. Tesla asserts that it took months of partnership and extensive research and development to create this distinctive paddle. It also includes a carrying bag, which is a nice addition, I suppose.
### What makes the Tesla pickleball paddle unique?
“[Paddle up, human](https://x.com/tesla_na/status/1999554694826365256/photo/1).” That’s how Tesla announced the pickleball paddle on X — which may or may not be clever. A bit less clever is the composition of the board, regarding the materials used, not the design. All together, it’s a carbon fiber board with a foam core featuring some unique styles and functional design aspects developed through “a shared passion for quality and performance.” Selkirk Co-Owner & Director of Research & Development Tom Barnes and Tesla’s Director of Product Design Javier Verdura collaborated to develop this robust mixed-material paddle.
Speaking [to Business Insider](https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-latest-launch-expensive-lifestyle-product-pickleball-paddle-2025-12), Tom Barnes mentions that the paddle “wasn’t merely a branding endeavor, [but] a genuine engineering collaboration.” He notes that after over a year of exchanging data, perfecting paddle geometry, and conducting stress tests on prototypes, possibly with Tesla’s robots, the paddle came to fruition. The limited batch of paddles also sold out rapidly, within less than three hours post-launch. This aligns with the brand’s previous success, given that the Tesla Model Y was the [first EV ever to earn the title of the world’s best-selling car](https://www.bgr.com/tech/tesla-model-y-becomes-first-ev-ever-to-be-the-worlds-best-selling-car/). However, this isn’t a car; it’s a pickleball paddle. At least it didn’t feature the boxed edges of [the uniquely designed Tesla Cybertruck](https://www.bgr.com/1964387/tesla-cybertruck-range-reports-from-owners/), or did it?
