Tesla's $350 Plaid Pickleball Paddle, co-developed with Coeur d'Alene-based Selkirk Sport, sold out in under three hours following its launch. Resale prices topped $700 amid buzz from Optimus robot demo videos, showcasing the partnership's success.
Just weeks after its debut, Tesla's Plaid Pickleball Paddle—launched in collaboration with North Idaho's Selkirk Sport—sold out in less than three hours, with secondary market prices exceeding $700. The frenzy underscores the product's appeal and the synergy between Tesla's innovation and Selkirk's expertise.
Selkirk Sport, a family-founded Coeur d'Alene company, has built its reputation on high-performance paddles through meticulous engineering, advanced manufacturing, and in-house R&D that blends automation with craftsmanship. This philosophy mirrors Tesla's approach, forming the basis of their joint design effort led by Selkirk's Tom Barnes and Tesla's Javier Verdura.
Building on the paddle's aerodynamic features like its edgeless profile and optimized geometry, Tesla amplified the launch with videos of its Optimus humanoid robot demonstrating swings, linking the product to advanced robotics and precision engineering.
For Coeur d'Alene, the sell-out validates local innovation on a global stage, elevating Selkirk from regional paddle maker to partner of a tech giant.
