Paddle Review: Holbrook ARMA Paddles

Bottom Line

Holbrook’s new ARMA paddles bring serious power, crisp touch, and next-level spin to the power paddle market. 

With a Patent-Pending DualDensity™ Core and Dynamic Weight Technology, every shape (ARMA T, ARMA X, and ARMA S) delivers consistent performance. The Metallic Face, in particular, “bites” the ball for wicked topspin that dips just past the baseline. 

In what is typically a copycat industry, Holbrook ARMA paddles truly feel fresh and innovative.

Models Reviewed:

• ARMA T (Elongated Shape, Long Handle) – Carbon & Metallic Face
• ARMA X (Elongated Shape, Short Handle) – Metallic Face Only
• ARMA S (Wide Body, Short Handle) – Carbon & Metallic Face

Highlights

• Gen 3 “Floating Core” That Feels Solid: The DualDensity™ Core places firmer honeycomb for mishits, surrounded by softer cells where you strike most. Mishits feel connected instead of mushy, and durability stays strong after hours of play.
• Metallic Face = Spin Monster: The Metallic Poly Weave Face “grabs” the ball just long enough to launch heavy topspin. Watching drives and dinks dip sharply past the baseline put a grin on my face every time.
• One 14mm Thickness: No more confusion choosing between 14mm vs. 16mm.
• Strong Power + Reliable Touch: You’ll rip drives with authority yet still maintain soft dinks at the kitchen line. DualDensity honeycomb and Dynamic Weight Tech work together so you don’t have to give up finesse for firepower.
• Super Fun: There’s just something about having something that’s a lot of fun to play with in your hands and Holbrook delivers.

Considerations

• Premium Price Tag: At $259.99 (Carbon Face) and $279.99 (Metallic Face), ARMA sits near the top of the price range. You’re paying for genuine Gen 3 core technology and that spin-happy Metallic Face.
  
• Handle Is Short & Straight: If you prefer a chunkier or longer grip, plan to wrap extra overgrip tape. A quick fix that matches your preferred feel.
  
  

Playtesting Insights

Power & Pop

The 14mm core consistently delivers a crisp “thwack” on drives and serves. 

Thanks to Dynamic Weight Technology, the mass shifts slightly toward the handle, giving each swing a stable, planted feel, no wobble even at max swing speed.

• ARMA T (Elongated/Longer Handle): With an elongated shape and the longest handle in the ARMA line, the Holbrook ARMA T 14mm Pickleball Paddle brings reach, power, and confidence to the court every time you use it. If you love firing rockets from the baseline while maintaining reach, the ARMA T nails it.
  
• ARMA X (Elongated/Larger Face): With a shorter handle but the same elongated shape as the ARMA T, the Holbrook ARMA X Metallic 14mm Pickleball Paddle offers a slightly more controlled and compact feel for players who like to dominate hands battles.
  
• ARMA S (Wide Body): The widest face of the trio offers maximum stability and control. You’ll feel rock-solid on soft dinks and resets, while still getting plenty of pop on drives. If your game relies on consistency and a large sweet spot, the ARMA S won’t disappoint.

Spin & Surface Feel

The Metallic Face stands out as the real showstopper. 

On every groundstroke, volley, and dink, that metallic weave grips the ball for an extra split-second (dwell time), then unleashes it with sharp topspin.

Carbon Face: Still very crisp and reliably spins the ball. Quieter than the Metallic version, but plenty of grip for rolling volleys and dipping dinks.

Sweet Spot & Stability

Holbrook’s DualDensity Core strategically places high-density honeycomb cells where they matter most. 

That translates to a genuine, expanded sweet spot and fewer “dead-zone” surprises on mishits.

Foam Outer Perimeter: That patent-pending foam ring boosts stability so volleys, even at full extension, pop off solidly instead of feeling wobbly.

Internal Weighting: The Dynamic Weight Tech shifts mass closer to the handle for a balanced feel, ensuring stability whether you’re ripping a cross-court drive or blocking a fast-paced volley.

Gen 3 Foam Core vs. Earlier Generations

Older “floating core” paddles often suffered from hollow “thunk” feedback and lost pop (or even usability) after only a few months. In contrast, Holbrook’s ARMA Gen 3 core remains snappy and responsive even after extensive play due to the carbon-encased foam perimeter.

Design & Aesthetic

In a sea of copycat designs, the ARMA paddles stand apart. 

The carbon lever-weave finish looks sleek and modern, while the Metallic Face offers a really cool look that gets extra looks from your pickleball friends.

Final Thoughts

Holbrook’s ARMA paddles represent a genuine next step for “floating core” technology. 

By solving the mushy mishit problem, settling on a single perfectly tuned 14mm core, and introducing a spin-hungry Metallic Face, they’ve created paddles that both intermediate and advanced players will love.

At $259.99 (Carbon Face) and $279.99 (Metallic Face), ARMA sits at the premium end, but the technology and performance back it up. Definitely worth the price tag!

If you want a paddle that brings real innovation (rather than just copying what’s already out there), Holbrook’s ARMA Paddles are worth a hard look.

For me, they’re definitely becoming part of my regular rotation, and I’m excited to see a company like Holbrook lean into such cool innovation!