Holbrook paddles shine for spin, control, and value, with models for every style.
If you are hunting for a true, hands-on holbrook pickleball paddle review, you are in the right place. I test paddles weekly and coach rec players who range from 3.0 to 4.5. In this holbrook pickleball paddle review, I break down how each Holbrook model plays in real games, what sets them apart, and which one will fit your swing and goals best. Stick with me and you will leave with a clear pick and zero guesswork.
Who Holbrook Is And Why Their Paddles Stand Out
Holbrook is a newer brand with a growing following. Their paddles balance performance, clean design, and fair pricing. You get options for power, control, and spin across several lines. Most models use a polypropylene honeycomb core and carbon or fiberglass faces. Many are USA Pickleball approved.
From my testing, Holbrook paddles feel easy to trust on day one. They are not gimmicky. The sweet spots are friendly, and the grips are comfortable. This holbrook pickleball paddle review focuses on real play results, not just specs.
Key things Holbrook does well:
- Predictable control with raw carbon faces on several models
- Strong spin for serves, rolls, and flicks
- Good value versus bigger brands
- Designs that look sharp without being loud
How I Tested For This Holbrook Pickleball Paddle Review
I tested on indoor wood and outdoor asphalt courts. I used Dura Fast 40 and Franklin X-40 balls. I played singles and doubles with a mix of 3.0 to 4.5 partners. I tracked notes for power, control, spin, feel, and comfort.
What I measured:
- Power: Serve speed, drive depth, and put-away ease
- Control: Third-shot drops, resets, and dink accuracy
- Spin: Topspin on serves and rolls, slice on returns
- Feel: Vibration, dwell time, and feedback at contact
- Comfort: Fatigue over long sessions and any hot spots
I also checked finish quality, edge guard integrity, and face wear over time. That way, this holbrook pickleball paddle review reflects both day-one feel and weeks of use.
Performance Breakdown: Power, Control, Spin, Feel
This section shows how Holbrook paddles play across core skills. It ties the holbrook pickleball paddle review to results you will feel right away.
Power
- Drives carry well, especially on stiffer or 14 mm builds.
- Put-aways have pop when you square the ball.
- Elongated shapes help on serves and overheads.
Control
- Raw carbon faces have great touch on drops and resets.
- 16 mm cores soak up pace and calm the ball at the kitchen.
- Dink battles feel steady with a gentle, linear response.
Spin
- Raw T700-style faces bite the ball for heavy topspin.
- Roll volleys jump off the court with shape and dip.
- Slices stay low and skid on outdoor courts.
Feel and Feedback
- Feedback is clear without being harsh.
- Carbon models feel plush, fiberglass models feel lively.
- Vibration is low on center and moderate on mishits.
Model-By-Model Review
Holbrook makes several lines for different players. Below is the heart of this holbrook pickleball paddle review. I list who each paddle suits and what you will feel in real play.
Mav Pro
- Face and Core: Raw carbon face with a 16 mm control core
- On-Court Feel: Soft touch, high spin, steady control
- Best For: Players who value resets, dinks, and shaped drives
What I felt: The Mav Pro played like a control-first carbon paddle. Third shots landed deep and soft. I could roll forehand topspin with ease. Power was enough for mid-level put-aways. It shines in patient rallies and punchy counters.
Mav Pro E (Elongated)
- Face and Core: Similar to Mav Pro, with a longer shape
- On-Court Feel: More reach, a bit more swing weight, higher serve power
- Best For: Players who want extra reach for singles or counters
What I felt: The Mav Pro E gave me a little extra whip on serves and overheads. Blocks felt stable but a touch slower to the ball up close. If you like to counter and attack from the backhand wing, this shape helps.
Power Pro
- Face and Core: Carbon face with a stiffer, more explosive build in 14 mm or 16 mm
- On-Court Feel: Lively contact, strong put-aways, still good spin
- Best For: Aggressive players who want pop without losing touch
What I felt: The Power Pro has heat. The 14 mm version jumps on the ball and rewards fast swings. The 16 mm version is calmer and more forgiving yet still packs a punch. My serves picked up speed with both.
SoHo
- Face and Core: Fiberglass composite face with a classic poly core
- On-Court Feel: Pop and easy depth, brighter feedback
- Best For: Newer players who want instant depth and fun designs
What I felt: The SoHo is energetic. Drives fly with less effort. At the kitchen, you need a light hand at first. It is a fun paddle to pick up if you struggle with depth or want simple power for rec nights.
Sport
- Face and Core: Entry level composite face with a poly core
- On-Court Feel: Light, easy to swing, budget friendly
- Best For: Beginners or loaner paddles for friends and family
What I felt: Sport is great to start. It is easy to handle and better than most big-box paddles. As you improve, you may want more spin and control from a carbon face.
Build Quality, Durability, And Warranty
Finish quality on the units I tested was clean. Grips were well wrapped and tacky. Edge guards sat tight. Faces showed normal wear from outdoor balls after weeks, which is common for raw carbon. I saw no early delamination or core crush in my samples.
Care tips from this holbrook pickleball paddle review:
- Do not leave paddles in hot cars or direct sun for long
- Use a face eraser to clean carbon and keep spin fresh
- Replace overgrips often to reduce sweat and slippage
Holbrook offers a limited warranty for defects. Terms can change, so check current details before buying. Keep your proof of purchase.
Comfort And Ergonomics
Across models, the grips feel comfy and not too bulky. Handle lengths suit two-handed backhands on the elongated build. Swing weight ranges feel moderate, so most players adjust fast.
Comfort notes from real play:
- 16 mm cores help if you get elbow or wrist soreness
- Carbon faces reduce harsh shock on off-center hits
- A fresh overgrip improves hold and reduces tension in the hand
If you struggle with arm pain, I suggest the Mav Pro or the 16 mm Power Pro. Both felt the smoothest in this holbrook pickleball paddle review.
Value For Money And Smart Alternatives
Holbrook lands in the mid to premium price range, model depending. Compared with big-name brands, you often get similar spin and control for less. That is a win for most players.
Good alternatives to consider:
- Control and spin: CRBN series, Vatic Pro PRISM/Flash, Six Zero Double Black Diamond
- Power and pop: Joola Perseus line, Legacy Pro style builds
- Budget control: Entry-level carbon from reputable emerging brands
If you want a clean look, reliable play, and fair prices, Holbrook is a safe pick. This holbrook pickleball paddle review rates them high on value.
Pros And Cons Summary
Pros
- Excellent spin on carbon models
- Balanced control that helps drops and resets
- Solid build quality and clean design
- Options for power or control across the lineup
- Good value in a crowded market
Cons
- Fiberglass models demand a softer hand at the kitchen
- Elongated shapes can feel slower up close
- Stock grips may feel thin for big hands, so add an overgrip
This list reflects what stood out most in my holbrook pickleball paddle review over several weeks.
Buying Advice: How To Choose The Right Holbrook Paddle
Use this quick guide to match your style. It is the same advice I give students and it comes right from this holbrook pickleball paddle review.
Pick your priority
- Control and spin for drops and resets: Mav Pro
- Reach and serve power with control: Mav Pro E
- All-around power with spin: Power Pro 16 mm
- Max pop and quick drives: Power Pro 14 mm
- Easy depth for newer players: SoHo
- Budget-friendly starter: Sport
Fit your hand and swing
- Two-handed backhand: favor longer handles like Mav Pro E
- Arm comfort focus: 16 mm cores or softer carbon faces
- Faster hands at kitchen: standard shapes over elongated
Try before you buy if you can. If not, start with the Mav Pro or Power Pro 16 mm. Those two fit the most players in this holbrook pickleball paddle review.
Frequently Asked Questions of holbrook pickleball paddle review
Are Holbrook paddles USA Pickleball approved?
Yes, most current Holbrook models are approved for sanctioned play. Always check the approval list for the latest status.
Which Holbrook is best for control and resets?
The Mav Pro is the top control choice with a soft, stable feel. It pairs great touch with high spin for reliable third shots.
Should I choose 14 mm or 16 mm?
Pick 14 mm if you want more pop and a faster ball. Choose 16 mm if you prefer control, softer touch, and a calmer response.
Is Holbrook good for beginners?
Yes. The SoHo and Sport lines are easy to swing and help with depth. As skills grow, move to a Mav Pro for more spin and control.
How do I keep my paddle spinning well?
Wipe dirt after each session and use a carbon face eraser weekly. Avoid harsh cleaners and store your paddle away from heat.
Do Holbrook paddles help with tennis elbow?
Softer 16 mm cores and carbon faces can reduce harsh shock. Pair the paddle with a fresh overgrip and smooth mechanics for best results.
Conclusion
Holbrook checks the key boxes: spin that bites, control that calms the ball, and models that match different swings. In this holbrook pickleball paddle review, the Mav Pro stood out for touch, while the Power Pro 16 mm delivered power without losing feel. The SoHo and Sport make great steps for newer players.
Pick based on your top need and you will feel the upgrade on day one. Try a Holbrook that matches your style, track your drops and serves for a week, and see the gains. If this helped, share it with a partner, subscribe for more reviews, or drop your questions so I can help you choose the right setup.