Holbrook introduced the edgeless Aero paddles at the end of 2024 and they received industry nods for the industry’s first edgeless Kevlar paddle of the Aero K and the woven metallic and carbon fiber face of the Aero Metallic T. These paddles ooze innovation and beg to be played with gusto, and are the predecessor of the Holbrook Arma that I wrote a comprehensive review too.
The Aero line itself is marked by originality with a new signature edgeless design, dynamic weighted construction, and its unique surfaces. The Aero K (K stands for its Kevlar face) and the Aero Metallic are related, but by internal construction alone. Like siblings, they share DNA, but on the court, they perform as differently as an introverted bookworm and an extroverted class clown. There is no question that these paddles are going to be special for some time to come and they are going to dominate play on the court.
I fell in love with the Aero line rather quickly. I am a player who likes a weighted paddle to help slow down my tennis overswing. The Aero line led me to really trust the Holbrook with its four-corner weighted construction and foam-injected polypropylene core. This allows for more stability and an enlarged sweet spot on the paddle.
The surfaces of the Aero K and the Aero Metallic are where the DNA splits off and creates magic for different styles of play. Both are exceptional when it comes to control, touch, and power. That’s where the road diverges and one surface will give you a softer, more forgiving touch with intense control while the other is going to increase spin-ability and pop in every shot.
In this article, I am going to cover my first impressions, the playability, the paddle’s specifications, and how the Holbrook family provided a cool discount code bepickleballer that provides save 15% on Aero Metallic T and the Aero Kevlar T which is better than the 10% offered direct by Holbrook. It’s always appreciated, but never expected to use my code as it does help support my writing.
Aero Metallic and Kevlar First Impressions
Holbrook weaves its simple elegant graphics into these paddles.
From a distance, the Aero Metallic can be confused with the other Aero paddles with its edgeless black sleek look.
Make no mistake, when you get close and run your hand across the woven metal and carbon fiber surface, you know you are holding something very different. Something powerful.
The Aero K is equally as stunning as it emerges from the Holbrook-branded wrapping. The paddle is a stand-out with its deep red face and edgeless design. I love the color change as it introduces a new persona to the Holbrook line.
I also imagined that pop sound on impact like the noise a something makes on impact to a Kevlar helmet and other bullet-proof surface. Quite the opposite is true. The Aero K has a softer sound – not as soft as the paddles being marketed for quieter pickleball play, but definitely not the tinny popping sound of other paddles.
Likewise, the touch is softer, but more controlled. In fact, I feel as though this paddle gave me more control over every shot than any other paddle I have ever used.
Playability
Let’s talk about playability as that’s the most important piece of the puzzle.
Control
The Aero K is hands-down, one of the paddles offering the most control along with power I have seen so far in all my playing. It doesn’t lack power, but when I think of reaching for this paddle, I am confident that my tactical strategies will easily translate to the outcome with this amazing paddle. Lobs, dinks, and drives – all of these with their intended placement when I am playing with the Aero K.
If you prefer the Aero Metallic, you can choose a 14mm or a 16mm paddle. Players who are less concerned about the thickness and want maximum power will enjoy the 14mm. Others who are more comfortable with the control of a thicker paddle are better off with the 16mm. Neither paddle compromises power, but a 16mm paddle will always offer a little more control.
Spin
The Aero Methe allic is designed with spin in mind. The combination of the gritty carbon fiber and the woven metallic face provide a surface that innately results in spin on nearly all types of shots. If you have a serve that is already rotating, your opponents will be saying your name under their breadth as they attempt to return your shots.
The surface is hard to miss in the paddle racks. People asked on Reddit if the paddle is legal and if it is approved by USAP. It is both according to the Holbrook website.
Power
The Aero T Metallic has power. A lot of power! So much so it takes a moment to find the adjustment of how much power to put behind your swing. The pop is immediately noticeable and somewhat surprising how significant it is when the ball makes contact.
This is not a paddle for the faint of heart. With the larger sweet spot from the strategically placed dynamic weighting system and the unique surface, this paddle will take you for a ride if you are not careful. It is designed for an advanced player (4.0+) and will likely be too much paddle for other players.
The Aero Kevlar is also fairly powerful. Don’t let the lesser pop fool you, this paddle can also pack a punch. While it is not as demanding of a player’s skill, it is still a paddle that can take you from improver to highly advanced levels of play. It feels a little lighter and less aggressive, but it can also be driven hard and fast.
Get a 15% Discount!
The Aero Kevlar and the Aero Metallic T cost $199.99. This is an incredible price for such performance and there are not a lot of companies who can say they are putting advanced paddles into the market at such a competitive price.
Thankfully, the Holbrook team has been generous when I asked them to provide a referral code to my readers for a discount, and provides a 15% discount for your next purchase.
Also, please note that using the code bepickleballer below helps support this website and allows me to write unbiased reviews as I get a few dollars if you purchase this paddle through the link. That said, please do not feel like you have to use it!
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.
Aero Metallic T
- Surface: Metallic Poly Carbon Fiber Weave
- Dynamic Weight Tech: Strategically placed internal weights for enhanced sweet spot
- Grip: Specialized Comfort Grip
- Specs: 16.5” H x 7.5” W
- Weight: 7.7 – 8.0 oz
- Grip Length: 5.5 in
- Grip Circumference: 4.25 in
- Swing Weight: 112-115
- Thickness: 16mm or 14mm
Aero Kevlar T
- Surface: 100% Kevlar Weave
- Core: Unibody Edgecraft Foam Injected Polypropylene
- Dynamic Weight Tech: Featuring strategically placed internal weights
- Grip: Specialized Comfort Grip
- Specs: 16.5” H x 7.5” W
- Weight: 7.7 – 8.0 oz
- Grip Length: 5.5 in
- Grip Circumference: 4.25 in
- Swing Weight: 112-115
- Thickness: 16mm
Both are USAP Approved, and designed for high-level play.
Conclusion
It should be said that all paddles, whether Kevlar, carbon fiber, woven metallic, or other surfaces should never be left in the heat. I bring this up because I play in the Arizona desert heat and
I have secretly been curious about the Aero Metallic’s durability in the summer heat with temperatures reaching baking cookies on the sidewalk level. The truth is, I (and hopefully no one else! ) am not playing at 3 o’clock in the afternoon roasting hours.
So far this paddle (and the Aero Kevlar) has held up well and is no hotter than any other paddle in the rack. Ask me again in July and August when it’s over 100 degrees at daybreak.
Both paddles – the Aero Kevlar and the Aero Metallic T, pack a punch and will not disappoint. They play very differently but both offer a highly competitive edge.
Holbrook’s introduction of the edgeless series has appeared to be a huge success as they posted about repeatedly selling out of stock, including in the first 24-hours after release. People like innovation and shiny new things and these unique additions to the Holbrook pickleball family are just what the players ordered!
If you’re still not convinced, check out my other Holbrook Aero pickleball paddle review sharing how the series works.
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