* Get 15% OFF on Holbrook paddles with code PIRATES15 here: https://holbrookpickleball.com/collections/pro-series-paddles/?sca_ref=6354244.gINAE9miT6J&utm_source=6354244&utm_medium=keith-valentine&utm_campaign=173989&utm_term=Pickleball-Pirates #pickleballpaddle #pickleballpaddlereview Do you like more power, but still retain control? Watch Holbrook Aero Paddles review by The Pickleball Pirate Keith Valentine. Hey everyone, Keith Valentine here with another paddle review! Today, we're checking out the new collection from Holbrook Pickleball. They just launched the Arrow Series, and we're going to dive into what these paddles excel at, where they might fall short, who would benefit from them, and why you should consider picking one up. Let’s get started! These paddles are priced at $199, but using the code *PIRATES15* or the affiliate link in the description below, you can grab one for $169.99. At that price, I think it offers excellent value for the money, giving you a high-quality all-court paddle for around $170. I’ll pop up the specs of the different models here on the screen so you can see them, and then we’ll get into the details about these paddles. Let’s start by looking at these paddles. The Arrow Series is Holbrook's first attempt at an edgeless design. The surface is smooth, with a subtle edge that seamlessly blends into the paddle face, giving it a very distinct appearance. This design is similar to Volay paddles, which also feature a sealed carbon edge. However, I love the way the Holbrook logo looks and how it doesn’t interfere with the spin from the face, leaving the sweet spot unobstructed. The handle and custom grip are well-executed, and they even color-match the paddles to the handle. Plus, they place their logo on the side and paint it on the edge, making it noticeable on the court. I love the look and feel of this paddle. I know it sounds silly, but if you like the look of a paddle, it makes you play better with it—at least in your mind. Holbrook has done the right thing with these paddles by injecting EVA foam around the edges and into the handle. This foam layer enhances the sweet spot and stability, while reducing vibration on your hands and body—a common issue with edgeless paddles. I’d compare this to the Pro Drive Counter for its stability, though the Pro Drive offers slightly more power than these paddles. Additionally, Holbrook has added lead weights to these paddles. They’ve placed 10 grams in the top two corners and 5 grams in the bottom corners. This improves the balance and expands the sweet spot. I love control paddles and not-so-head-heavy paddles, so I appreciate how balanced these paddles feel right from the start. The core is made of the standard polypropylene honeycomb material, common in many paddles, but the foam injection and strategic weight placement set this line apart. Let’s talk about how these paddles feel. In my experience, most edgeless paddles tend to be unstable when you hit them on the edges. While the ball goes straight, the twist weight is often lower due to the lack of an edge guard, which adds perimeter weight. However, with the foam injection and corner weight distribution, these paddles feel incredibly steady in hand. I noticed this immediately when I started playing with them. The ball response is fantastic. Most brands that aren’t Generation 3 paddles have a 16 mm thickness for drops, dinks, and resets, while the 14 mm paddles offer more power and pop. However, the thinner 14 mm paddles may feel less stable and have slightly more vibration. Many players add lead tape to the corners to widen the sweet spot and increase twist weight, but that sacrifices some speed and increases static weight. Fortunately, these paddles already have a low swing weight of 112 to 115 grams. Since the 14 mm version weighs only 7.7 ounces, there’s room to adjust. The 16 mm version, at 8.0 ounces, also has room for customization. Personally, I play my paddles at 8.3 to 8.5 ounces, so I would add weight to these regardless. When it comes to spin, these paddles offer a decent amount of grit. Like other edgeless paddles, they don’t have the strictest carbon fiber face, so they aren’t top-tier spin paddles. However, the T700 carbon fiber unidirectional paddle pattern provides solid spin performance. The 14 mm paddle generates slightly more spin than the 16 mm paddle, which is common across all paddles with similar thickness options. For advanced players, the 14 mm paddle’s speed may be an advantage, while the 16 mm paddle is ideal for those who prioritize control. The only drawback I see is the handle length of 5.25 inches, which might be a bit short for players with two-handed backhands. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PickleballPirates #pickleball #HolbrookPickleball Source: The Pickleball Pirates
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