My first interaction with Holbrook paddles was at the Hyatt Regency in Monterey, CA. I saw the Holbrook’s paddle design, and I thought, that is the nicest design I’ve ever seen.
Do the paddles play as nicely as they look?
Yes, these paddles are unbelievably good with cutting edge technology. In addition, the Holbrook team is exceptionally kind, providing a 15% discount code (bepickleballer) that is better than anything I’ve found online (even better than their website). It’s always appreciated, but never expected to use my code as it does help support my writing.
Let’s look at the best Holbrook paddles and why these paddles are the best.
1. Best Holbrook Paddle
The Arma paddle is so fantastic that you can read an entire 1000+ word comprehensive review about the ins and outs of this paddle. Let me summarize it below.
Holbrook’s new Arma Pro series shows just how far paddle innovation can go. Right out of the gate, the Arma T impressed with a bold blend of control and serious pop. It took a few swings to adjust to the feel, but once the paddle clicked, it felt like it was doing half the work for me.
Built with Holbrook’s new Dual Density core with two layers of honeycomb for stability and drive. In addition, this paddle doesn’t just look sharp, it plays with purpose. Even shots near the edge of the paddle felt solid, which made my game feel tighter and more confident.
The FLX-Foam running through the edge of the paddle adds to that stable feel, giving the Arma one of the most forgiving sweet spots I’ve hit. That stability, combined with a gritty T700 carbon fiber face, gives it excellent spin potential without sacrificing power. The internal weighting gives the paddle balance and punch, especially when driving balls down the line or returning with pace. The paddle also comes with a refined grip and thoughtful branding touches that show Holbrook’s attention to detail.
What really stands out is how effortless it feels to generate pace. I didn’t have to overwork to hit hard, and my resets and counters stayed crisp. Holbrook clearly designed this for fast hands and clean power. It’s made for players who want explosive shots without giving up feel. After testing dozens of paddles, the Arma T stood out as one I didn’t want to put down.
15% Discount Code: BePickleballer (Over $40 Off)
2. Runner Up Paddle
The Holbrook Aero pickleball paddle series is fantastic, and is second only to the new Arma T series. I’ll touch on a few things, but check out my comprehensive review for more information.
Right away, it felt like Holbrook took everything they’ve learned and created something sleek, fast, and tech-packed. The Aero paddles are built for players who want quick hands, extra power, and an expanded sweet spot. The edgeless frame and dynamic weight placement gave it a different feel than most paddles I’ve used.
I chose the Aero T for its longer handle, which is great for two-handed backhands, but there are other shape options for different styles.
On court, the Aero T had an instant impact. I noticed a clear boost in power, especially on my serve and drives. Even though it’s a 16mm paddle, it felt quicker and more maneuverable than other paddles that thick.
The control was solid too. I spent time drilling with my ball machine and was able to consistently drop shots in tough spots. Spin also came easy. Whether slicing on a return or hitting topspin drives, the gritty surface and carbon face made a big difference in keeping the ball low and sharp.
Overall, this paddle felt like a true all-around weapon. Holbrook’s use of T700 carbon fiber, edge foam, and internal weight distribution gives the Aero series a premium playing feel.
For those interested, there’s a 15% discount with the code bepickleballer. If you’re looking for speed, spin, and balanced performance, the Aero might be the one to try next.
3. Best Budget Holbrook
The Holbrook Mav Pro 2.0 made a great first impression right out of the bag. The paddle’s packaging and overall presentation felt thoughtful and clean, reflecting the same level of care shown across Holbrook’s brand. From the small design details to the branded insert with the phrase “play better,” it was clear this paddle was meant to deliver on both performance and style.
Check out my review, but let me summarize below just how well this paddle played.
On the court, the Mav Pro 2.0 really delivered when it came to control. I usually play singles and often struggle with reliable drop shots from the baseline. But with this paddle, I found myself landing those soft shots over the net with ease, giving me time to get into position. Spin was another big win.
The carbon fiber surface gave me the grip I needed to generate steady backhand spin, especially on returns. It paired well with outdoor balls and made shaping shots more consistent than with most paddles I’ve tested.
Power-wise, it held its own. The 16mm build gave me solid depth and pop, especially on serves, though the paddle’s real strength lies in its touch and spin potential. It’s the kind of paddle you want to bring back out the next day.
Holbrook nailed the feel, and for players who want a balanced option without overpaying, the Mav Pro 2.0 is an easy paddle to keep in your rotation.
15% Discount Code: BePickleballer
You can also find the Mav Pro 2.0 in a pink edition that is pretty special.
4. Honorable Mention
The Holbrook Power Pro series is a smart step up from the Mav Pro, designed for players who want solid performance without spending top dollar. Released in 2023, it offers serious value with its unibody design, T700 carbon fiber face, and lightweight feel. See my thorough review.
It’s built to be versatile, with multiple thickness options and shapes that appeal to a wide range of players. Even the grip feels dialed in right out of the box, with a tackiness that makes it easy to hold through long sessions. It’s not flashy, but the minimalist look and smart engineering make it feel like a premium piece of gear.
Once on the court, the Power Pro holds up beautifully. It gives you dependable control with the 16mm version, but the 14mm adds more pop without giving up too much feel. For those willing to experiment, the harder-to-find 12mm brings a quicker, livelier response.
Spin potential is impressive across the board thanks to the molded carbon surface, which also holds up longer than sprayed alternatives. I especially liked how the paddle let me work on different types of shots, from soft resets to sharp, spinning returns.
Power is where the paddle quietly surprises you. The sweet spot feels generous, and even slightly off-center hits carry plenty of pop. I ended up adding some lead tape to fine-tune the weight, which worked well for my swing.
While the newer Arma and Aero paddles might steal the spotlight with more built-in tech, the Power Pro still earns its place as one of Holbrook’s most reliable and well-rounded paddles. If you’re progressing toward the 4.0 level or just want a carbon paddle that punches above its price point, this one’s a great fit.
15% Discount Code: BePickleballer
Which Holbrook Pickleball Paddle Should You Choose?
Personally, I like the latest and greatest technology, so I would argue that the Holbrook Arma pickleball paddle is the best Holbrook pickleball paddle. That said, if I wanted to go with a more budget paddle option, I would choose the Mav Pro 2.0 as the paddle has great playability and has premium paddle feel for under $100 before the discount.
Regardless, you cannot go wrong with any of these Holbrook pickleball paddles as each are great in their own right.
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