This article may contain links that help support this website.
Light up the courts with the new Holbrook FUZE paddle. This paddle is a whole new level from their other paddles, and it does not disappoint.
Holbrook introduced the FUZE paddle as a full-foam core paddle but maintained its dual-density core, combining power and control at a level that advanced players will enjoy. The combination of high density to reinforce the sweet spot for off-center hits, and low density to create a “pop” for faster, more powerful hits is the perfect marriage of power and control in a high-end paddle. The layered carbon face and textured surface add forgiveness and control to any shot, especially those drops and dinks. Feel free to add a spin too!
“Dual Density” is Holbrook’s patent-pending approach to ensuring players hit with ease, power, and accuracy. This is the merging of two honeycomb cores – high-density (10mm) and low-density (8mm) honeycomb cores. The low-density cells cover most of the traditional sweet spots to drive power and consistency. These cells are surrounded by low-density (8mm) cells, which reinforce energy and provide stability.
So many paddle companies claim to have power or control in their construction. I have found that many of them do, but only if the player behind the paddle also has power and control. Holbrook makes me feel like the power and control are part of the paddle construction, and I do not have to work as hard to find either.
I am going to cover first impressions, the playability, the cost considerations and how you can use bepickleballer to get 15% off, the dimensions, and how this paddle works.
First Impressions
Holbrook continues with its sleek, minimalist design, which I love. The black and white graphics are exactly what I am looking for – simple and understated. I would rather performance speak for itself.
The FUZE has the logo stamped throughout the grip. It’s a subtle nod to brand stewardship. This is something that some may never notice, but I, as a former marketing executive, find impactful and heart-warming to see a small company stay so committed to their brand.
Playability
Control
The FUZE has transformed my soft game. Consistent drop shots are something I have yet to master, until now. This is the number one shot in my game that has been altered with the help of the FUZE paddle. I feel more comfortable loosening my grip and letting the paddle work for me. The payoff has been consistent in testing my opponents by sending a 3rd-shot drop over the net that has won more points than any of my other shots lately. The steadiness and control in dinking have also been a gamechanger with the FUZE.
The Holbrook FUZE has a much softer sound than other paddles that I have played with due to the foam cores. My bag includes the Holbrook Arma T, ZONE, and the Kevlar paddles, all which have a thinner, “pop” sound to them. The FUZE feels easier, like I do not have to hold on for dear life when playing against bangers.
Spin
The FUZE paddle seems to utilize the same Unidirectional T700 Carbon Fiber surface that is found on other Holbrook paddles. This is a gritty surface that is molded onto the paddle to enhance spin power and control. The FUZE’s surface is durable and will last longer if cleaned periodically. These surfaces can be cleaned with any carbon fiber eraser to keep the surface fresh and gritty.
Holbrook paddles are certainly not the only carbon fiber surface choices. There are other paddles with a carbon fiber surface, but some are sprayed onto the surface instead of molded into the construction. One way to tell if your paddle surface is a sprayed or a molded construction is to rub it with a carbon paddle eraser. If it does not clean the surface or makes it look dirtier, that is likely a sprayed surface. A carbon paddle eraser should refresh the paddle surface by removing carbon buildup and dirt. You should be able to see and feel the difference.
Power
The FUZE comes in a 16mm thickness and a 14mm thickness. It is also offered in elongated, hybrid, or a wide-body shape to satisfy a variety of players.
The FUZE’s Dual Density core highlights precision and power. What stands out for me is that even those hits that are not dead center, are still hitting a sweet spot. This took some getting used to as I was over-hitting, especially on my serves. Mis-hits were happening because I underestimated that even the edges were designed to deliver power.
Honestly, with a lighter grip and more trust in my paddle, I am delivering shots with more accuracy, control, and power by using the FUZE. My confidence has soared with the FUZE. The comments about my improved game are just a bonus because I am working less, playing better, and enjoying the game even more (if that was possible!).
Cost Implications
Holbrook has done well to keep its paddles priced competitively. There are a lot of choices in the pickleball paddle market, but Holbrook has committed to remain competitive without being over-the-top. At $229, the Holbrook FUZE beats many of its competitors whose paddles range from $250-$350.
That said, you can use the code bepickleballer to get 15% off the Fuze getting this paddle under $200.00
15% Discount Code: BePickleballer
Paddle Specifications
The Holbrook website describes the high and low, dual-density core but casually omits the material of the honeycomb cells, likely due to the “patent pending” note in the description.
Holbrook FUZE – Elongated
Specs:
- Weight: 7.8 – 8.0 oz
- Grip Length: 5.5 in
- Grip Circumference: 4.25 in
- Length: 16.5 in
- Width: 7.5 in
- Swing Weight: 117-118
- Twist Weight: 6.3
- Thickness: 16 mm or 14 mm
USAP Approved. Designed for high-level play.
Holbrook FUZE – Hybrid
- Specs:
- Weight: 7.8 – 8.0 oz
- Grip Length: 5.5 in
- Grip Circumference: 4.25 in
- Length: 16.25 in
- Width: 7.75 in
- Swing Weight: 113-114
- Twist Weight: 6.5
- Thickness: 16 mm
- USAP Approved. Designed for high-level play.
Holbrook FUZE – Wide-body
Specs:
- Weight: 7.8 – 8.0 oz
- Grip Length: 5.5 in
- Grip Circumference: 4.25 in
- Length: 16 in
- Width: 8 in
- Swing Weight: 113-114
- Twist Weight: 7
- Thickness: 16 mm
USAP Approved. Designed for high-level play.
Conclusion
Overall, the Holbrook FUZE offers control, precision, and power across the entire paddle. Players who have tried the FUZE are pleasantly surprised by the amount of power that the paddle brings to the game. Learning to let a paddle work for you, instead of the other way around, is one of the biggest transitions with the Holbrook FUZE.
For players looking for different paddle shapes, The FUZE offers an elongated handle, a standard wide-body, and a hybrid shape for players who want the best of both. There is a 4.93/5 rating paddle reviews on the Holbrook website and a 5-star rating for the elongated and hybrid versions on Pickleball Central. For me – 10/10 for the FUZE and some of my opponents would agree!
Leave a Reply