Holbrook ARMA T Metallic 14 Pickleball Paddle Review

Kip Lacey

Hey guys, it’s Kip. I’ve got a brand new paddle to review—the Holbrook Arma. Holbrook has released some impressive paddles in the past, but this one is different from anything they’ve done before and honestly different from anything else on the market.

The Holbrook Arma comes in five versions. For this review, I chose the Arma T, which is the extended metallic 14 mm version. This fits my game better. It’s 16 ½ inches long, 7 ½ inches wide, has a 5 ¼-inch grip length, and a 4 ¼-inch grip circumference, so you can easily get two hands on it. The paddle weighs in at 8 ounces, which makes it easy to customize with lead tape if you want.

The surface uses Holbrook’s metallic polycarbon fiber weave, which has a nice texture for spin. Based on past experience, I expect good things in that department.

What Makes the Arma Unique: Dual-Density Core

The real innovation in this paddle is the dual-density core. This is something I’ve never seen before—certainly not in any Holbrook paddle and not from other brands either. It’s a bold move, and if it works, it could be a game-changer.

Inside the Core: Lead Weights, Foam Perimeter, and Two Core Types

Inside the core (Photo Kip Lacey)

The first thing you’ll notice about this core design is the streak pattern. Those are lead weights embedded in the paddle. This technique has been tried by other brands and works well because it increases twist weight, which expands the sweet spot and makes off-center hits more forgiving.

Around the perimeter, you’ll find a thick foam ring—about 25 millimeters. This is thicker than what we’ve seen from competitors like Selkirk. The foam perimeter gives the paddle extra trampoline effect for power and also stretches the sweet spot farther toward the edges.

Now for the feature that makes the Arma stand out: the two different cores inside. At the top, Holbrook uses six-millimeter high-density cells designed for stability and to help control off-center hits. Below that, there are 10-millimeter low-density cells meant to deliver power and consistency. The idea is to combine control, power, and forgiveness all in one paddle.

First Impressions on the Court

This paddle has power—no question about it. My normal serve speed is around 50 mph, and with this paddle, I was hitting 52.6 mph without swinging any harder. The ball jumps off the face. If you’re looking for extra pop on serves, drives, and hands battles at the net, this paddle delivers.

Kip Lacey using and testing the Holbrook Arma T 14mm

Power vs. Control and Consistency

With most paddles, when you gain power, you sacrifice control and consistency. That’s generally true here too, but not as much as I expected. Accuracy and control are surprisingly good, especially for a power paddle. The one drawback is occasional flyers—the ball just takes off on you. You can tame that with time and practice, but it’s something to be aware of.

View Holbrook ARMA T 14mm at JustPaddles

Spin Performance

The metallic polycarbon fiber surface grabs the ball well and produces a lot of spin. Topspin hitters will benefit the most because it helps keep balls in play even with the extra power. Slice isn’t quite as strong as topspin, but spin enthusiasts will still enjoy what this paddle can do.

Sweet Spot and Feel

The lead weights inside the core and the thick foam perimeter expand the sweet spot nicely. It feels solid and responsive, especially in the center. You can make it even more forgiving by adding lead tape if you want. For a 14 mm paddle, the feel is comfortable with no harsh vibrations unless you hit way out on the edge.

Durability Concerns

One concern I have is durability. Where the two cores meet—the high-density six-millimeter cells and the low-density 10-millimeter cells—is right in the main strike zone. That joint takes a lot of stress, and there’s only a small piece of material reinforcing it. The foam perimeter adds more flex, which is great for performance but could raise long-term durability questions. To be fair, I’ve put plenty of hours on this paddle and haven’t noticed any issues yet, but it’s something to keep an eye on.

Another potential concern is performance inconsistency depending on where the ball hits. If you strike lower in the paddle on the 10 mm section, you may get more pop than when hitting higher on the 6 mm section. That could explain some of the occasional flyers.

Who Is This Paddle For?

This is a power paddle, no doubt about it. Singles players, aggressive drivers, and spin hitters will love it. If you’re a control-first player, this paddle might frustrate you. It’s not for someone who lives at the kitchen line and wants ultimate touch—it’s designed for those who want to put balls away.

If you decide to buy it, I recommend adding some lead tape to slow it down slightly and give yourself a little more control without losing too much quickness.

Price and Final Thoughts

The Holbrook Arma retails at $279.99. That’s not cheap, but there’s a lot of technology packed into this paddle. It’s fun to hit, offers massive power and spin, and brings something truly different to the market with its dual-core design. It won’t be for everyone, but players who like power paddles will want to check it out.

I’d love to hear from anyone who’s tried it. How do you like it? Did you notice the same things? Drop a comment and let me know.

View Holbrook ARMA T 14mm at JustPaddles

Editor’s Note: This article is based on a video by Kip Lacey. We partnered with him to highlight key concepts in a written format for players who prefer to read or reference drills on the court.

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