Holbrook ARMA Series Review: Groundbreaking Power, But Can It Last?

The quest for the perfect blend of power and control defines the modern pickleball paddle market. In 2025, Holbrook has entered the arena not with a whisper, but with a definitive roar—the ARMA series. This isn’t just another Gen 3 iteration; it’s a structural overhaul that demands attention.

As professional equipment testers and suppliers, we’ve put the entire series through rigorous testing and data analysis. We’ll break down what makes the ARMA unique, who it’s for, and address the critical question on every advanced player’s mind: is its performance built to last?

While competitors refine foam injection and thermoforming, Holbrook took a radical approach. The ARMA’s signature is its patent-pending, vertically-laminated dual-density core.

• The Breakdown: This construction fuses two distinct polypropylene honeycomb layers. The bottom features larger 10mm cells designed to flex and rebound explosively. The top layer uses a tighter, 8mm high-density honeycomb to stiffen the paddle and stabilize contact, particularly on higher-face impacts where players often mishit.
• The “Inverted U” Design: These layers are bonded vertically with a carbon fiber strip, creating a unique “inverted U” architecture unseen in any other paddle. This translates to a more consistent and predictable response across the entire vertical axis of the face.
• Our Expert Perspective: This innovation aligns perfectly with what we tell our clients: the future of paddle tech lies in intelligent structural design, not just material stacking. Holbrook’s approach with the ARMA core is a clear validation of this direction, one we actively monitor and embrace in our own product selections.

We put the flagship Arma T (Carbon) through its paces with advanced monitoring equipment. The results confirm its status as a power hitter.

• Speed: Serve speeds clocked in at 56 mph (84th percentile), with punch volleys reaching 39 mph (94th percentile). The ball explodes off the face.
• Spin: Average spin measured 2,186 RPM (44th percentile). It provides more than enough spin for aggressive plays but isn’t categorized as an elite “spin monster.”
• Feel: The data tells the story: this is an offensive weapon. Solid contact delivers a crisp, direct feedback and a loud, satisfying “pop” that sends the ball deep with authority.

The real surprise, however, is the control. Despite its raw power, the ARMA remains remarkably manageable. This is thanks to one of the thickest EVA foam perimeter systems we’ve seen, combined with strategic internal weighting, which expands the sweet spot and boosts twist weight for stability.

Holbrook offers a clear lineup to suit different playstyles:

Arma T (Carbon) – “The Flagship Powerhouse”

• Profile: Elongated shape with a 5.75-inch handle.
• Feel: The stiffest, loudest, and most direct. Built for disciplined players with structured swings who seek to end points.
• Data: With a high swing weight of 122.5, it demands physicality to wield effectively.

Arma Metallic T – “The Tamed Beast”

• Profile: Same shape as the ‘T’, but features a PET metallic face.
• Feel: Slightly softer and more muted. Offers added forgiveness on resets and blocks, trading a bit of crispness for comfort.

Arma S (Carbon) – “The Lightning Bruiser”

• Profile: Standard shape with a wider face.
• Feel: The most maneuverable in the line with the lowest swing weight (110.25). A dream in fast hands battles, offering incredible speed and mishit forgiveness for control-focused players.

Arma Metallic X – “The Top-Headed Hammer”

• Profile: Elongated shape paired with a shorter 5.5-inch handle.
• Feel: Mass is shifted towards the head, creating a leverage-heavy feel ideal for single-handed backhands and players who make contact high on the face.

As a supplier, our analysis must look beyond initial performance to long-term reliability. This is the central debate surrounding the ARMA.

• The Promise: Holbrook backs the ARMA with a one-year warranty—double the industry standard—and has a reputation for responsive customer service.
• The Concern: X-rays and tear-downs from multiple independent reviewers reveal early signs of core crushing, a legacy issue from early thermoformed paddles. Our own extended testing suggests that some paddles may “heat up” and become unpredictably powerful over time, a potential indicator of structural breakdown.

Our recommendation is nuanced: If you are a tech-forward player who doesn’t mind utilizing a warranty and wants elite power at a compelling price, the ARMA is a thrilling, high-value option. However, if you prioritize a paddle that will feel the same in 12 months as it did on day one, we advise a cautious approach. We are monitoring long-term durability reports closely before giving it a universal endorsement.

The Holbrook ARMA series is a bold and impressive statement of intent. It won’t suit players seeking a soft, dwell-heavy feel. But for the aggressive, structured player who craves explosive power, direct feedback, and a distinct, crisp connection to the ball, it presents an unparalleled option on the market.

It proves that genuine innovation is still possible. And at our core, we are committed to bringing you equipment that not only performs today but also points toward the future of the sport. The structural intelligence Holbrook demonstrates with the ARMA is precisely the kind of advancement we value and align with.

Is the Holbrook ARMA the right paddle to unleash your power game?