Holbrook Mav Pro 2 Review

A Comprehensive Look

The Holbrook Mav Pro 2.0 Pickleball Paddle officially became available for purchase yesterday. As soon as I received mine in the mail, AJ and I headed to the courts to test it out, ensuring we could provide an accurate review. Here’s a detailed look at the Holbrook Mav Pro 2.0, covering both the manufacturer’s claims and our personal experiences.

Manufacturer’s Claims

The Holbrook Mav Pro 2.0 Pickleball Paddle is a redesigned version of the original Mav Pro, featuring a bold new face and enhanced features. According to Holbrook, the paddle’s carbon fiber hitting surface now includes enhanced grit to add more spin. Its honeycomb polypropylene core is designed to offer a more responsive touch. Additionally, the grip has been upgraded for better handling.

• Paddle Weight: 7.7-8.0oz
• Paddle Length: 16.5″
• Paddle Width: 7.5″
• Core Thickness: 16mm
• Core: Dual Reactive Polypropylene Honeycomb
• Surface: T700 3K Carbon Fiber
• Handle Length: 5.6″
• Grip: Specialized Comfort Grip
• Grip Circumference: 4.25″

The manufacturer emphasizes that the Mav Pro 2.0 enhances attacking power, controlled finesse, and adds cutting spin to your game. They claim that the 16mm paddle provides great touch and control, making it suitable for both power and control shots.

Our Experience with the Holbrook Mav Pro 2.0

Immediately after receiving the paddle, AJ and I tested it out on the court. Here are our observations based on our experience:

First Impressions

Upon making the first contact, we noticed the paddle’s soft feel. The grip and handle length were suitable for two-handed backhands, and the paddle’s weight distribution made maneuverability at the net smooth. The large sweet spot reduced performance loss when hitting outside the center.

One aspect that I didn’t particularly like about the paddle was the handle. While the grip and handle length are suitable for two-handed backhands, I found the handle almost square. It does have bevels, but I believe adding a Hesacore grip in the future would significantly improve the feel and comfort of the handle.

Control and Spin

The 16mm thickness provided excellent control and spin. The paddle allowed us to execute dinks, resets, and drops effortlessly. The added grit on the carbon fiber face facilitated topspin and slice serves, enhancing our ability to shape the ball and create confusion for our opponents.

Power and Pop

While the Mav Pro 2.0 offered a little less power than my Joola Hyperion C2, it was still effective for aggressive shots. The paddle’s Dual Response Polypropylene honeycomb core contributed to a consistent and kinetic reaction, making it easier to execute powerful shots when needed.

Versatility

The Mav Pro 2.0 proved to be versatile, performing well in both defensive plays and resets from the kitchen line. It allowed us to maintain control during soft shots and provided the necessary pop for aggressive plays. The paddle’s balance of control and power made it suitable for various playing styles.

AJ’s Perspective and Feedback from Open Play

AJ, with his higher skill level and precision, played with the Holbrook Mav Pro 2.0 and noted that he prefers paddles with a bit more power. He hits the sweet spot far more often than I do, and for him, the paddle felt just okay. On the other hand, I, being much bigger, don’t need to add as much power to my shots and found this paddle to be quite effective.

During an open play session, I allowed a few players to try the paddle. The feedback was mixed. Players who rely on their paddles for extra pop were not overly impressed. However, those who typically need to reduce the pace of their shots appreciated the paddle’s accuracy and control, despite its slightly lesser power.

Holbrook Mav Pro 2 Verdict

The Holbrook Mav Pro 2 is a well-rounded paddle that excels in control, spin, and versatility. While it may not offer the same power as some other paddles, its balance of control and finesse makes it an excellent choice for players looking to improve their game. The paddle’s features, combined with its reasonable price, make it a valuable addition to any pickleball enthusiast’s gear. To purchase the Holbrook Mav Pro 2.0, visit Holbrook Pickleball and use code SIDPARFAIT20 for an additional 20% off, bringing the purchase price to $80.

Holbrook Mav 2 Update

Update 7/9/2024: I have shared this paddle with many players at our local open play pickleball sessions. Although I love the feel and play of this paddle, this model is particularly preferred by the ladies. It might just be the best pickleball paddle for women. For anyone searching for the best pickleball paddles under $100, this paddle is a great choice. It’s also one of the best pickleball paddles of 2024. If you are looking for inexpensive pickleball paddles that still offer great performance, this is the paddle for you.