Holbrook Fuze Foam Pickleball Paddle Review: Hybrid & Widebody Lead a New Era of Foam Paddle Performance

Main Points

• Holbrook’s Fuze is the brand’s first full foam paddle lineup featuring four models: elongated 14mm, elongated 16mm, hybrid 16mm, and widebody 16mm.
• The paddles use dual-density foam construction combining EP foam core with an EVA perimeter band for tuned performance.
• Foam density is strategically placed: softer foam lower in the face for dwell time and higher density foam higher for responsiveness.
• Two cutouts near the paddle tip help reduce swing weight and improve maneuverability.
• Surface uses a carbon fiber / Kevlar / carbon fiber layered construction with peel ply texture.
• Hybrid 16mm delivers elite power for its category while maintaining a very manageable swing weight.
• Widebody 16mm offers high stability, strong power output, and above-average forgiveness on off-center hits.
• Elongated 14mm is the fastest and most explosive but has a smaller sweet spot and less forgiveness.
• Elongated 16mm provides softer feel, more stability, and smoother ball contact.
• Foam contact timing requires adjustment because the ball compresses and stays on the face slightly longer.
• Spin generation comes more from foam compression and rebound than surface texture bite.
• Retail price is around $229, positioning it as a premium foam paddle option.

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Summary

This video breaks down the Holbrook Fuze foam paddle lineup, focusing on how the brand engineered performance using dual-density foam construction and strategic weight management. The paddles combine EP foam and EVA foam to balance comfort, responsiveness, and power output. By placing softer foam lower on the face and denser foam higher, the paddles are designed to improve dwell time during contact while still delivering strong rebound energy. Added cutouts near the paddle tip help maintain faster swing speeds without sacrificing overall stability.

On court, the defining characteristic across the Fuze lineup is how the ball compresses into the paddle face before releasing. This creates more pocketing compared to traditional composite paddles. Players may need an adjustment period because launch timing and face angle matter more with foam compression. Once adapted, this engagement allows players to shape shots more intentionally while reducing vibration and hand shock during longer rallies. Spin levels remain competitive, but the spin comes primarily from core compression and release mechanics rather than aggressive surface texture.

Performance varies by shape, with the hybrid 16mm and widebody 16mm standing out the most. The hybrid offers exceptional firepower for its category while maintaining quick handling and strong net performance. The widebody provides impressive stability and forgiveness while still delivering high power output. The elongated models serve more specialized player preferences, with the 14mm focusing on speed and explosiveness and the 16mm prioritizing smoother feel and stability.

Overall, this video positions the Fuze lineup as a premium foam paddle option designed for players who want strong output with softer contact feel. The hybrid and widebody models provide the most category-defying performance, especially for players willing to adapt to foam paddle timing and engagement characteristics.

Source: Matt’s Pickleball | YouTube

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Tags: Fuze | Holbrook | Matt's Pickleball | Pickleball Paddle Review