Most paddle guides stop at JOOLA, Selkirk and CRBN, and PickleballPH also stocks three smaller brands that deserve a look: Honolulu, Holbrook and RELOAD. They do not have the marketing of the big names, but they have some of the more interesting engineering in the catalog, from dual-density foam cores to a paddle with replaceable carbon sheets. Prices run from ₱6,400 for the Holbrook Mav Pro to ₱14,500 for the Holbrook Fuze.
This guide explains six of these paddles and who each one suits. It is a research guide based on the manufacturers’ listings, not a hands-on test, and the claims are theirs. Several were showing as sold out when I checked, and I have marked what is in stock.
Why look beyond the big three
Smaller brands tend to compete on one clever idea, and the ideas here are good ones. Honolulu bets on an all-foam core and a crystal-infused surface. Holbrook bets on a dual-density foam core that is firmer at the top and softer in the center. RELOAD bets on a paddle you can refresh by replacing the carbon face. Prices are comparable to the big brands, but the paddles are less common, so you are less likely to meet someone with the same one.
The trade-off is support. A smaller brand may have a shorter track record, a less visible warranty process and fewer places to try the paddle before you buy. At PickleballPH you are buying from a retailer that stocks them officially, which helps, but it is worth asking about returns before you commit.
| Paddle | Shape (L × W) | Weight | Core | Skill level | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honolulu J2CR | 16.2 × 7.8 in | 8.0–8.3 oz | 16mm foam | Advanced/Pro | ₱13,690 |
| Honolulu J3CR | 16 × 8 in | 7.9–8.3 oz | 16mm foam | Beginner to Pro | ₱13,690 |
| Honolulu J6CR | 16.48 × 7.52 in | 8.0–8.2 oz | 16mm foam | Advanced/Pro | ₱13,690 |
| Holbrook Mav Pro | 16.5 × 7.5 in | 8.0 oz | 16mm honeycomb | Beginner | ₱6,400 |
| Holbrook Fuze Hybrid | 16.25 × 7.75 in | 7.8–8.0 oz | 16mm dual-density foam | Intermediate–Advanced | ₱14,500 |
| RELOAD RLD-1 16mm | 16.5 × 7.5 in | 8.2 oz | 16mm honeycomb | All-court | ₱12,350 |
Prices are the peso prices listed at PickleballPH at the time of writing. The Honolulu J2CR, J3CR and the RELOAD were in stock, and the others were showing as sold out.
Honolulu J2CR: the hybrid power paddle
Honolulu describes the J2CR as a next-generation power paddle for power, pop, spin and control. Its Aero Hybrid Plus shape combines the power and reach of an elongated paddle with the control of a standard one, at 16.2 by 7.8 inches. The core is a 16mm Gen 4.5 multi-density, all-foam floating-pivoting core, built from EPP foam interlaced with EVA perimeter foam.
The face has the Crystal Blue Endurance Surface with Blue Grit, which the listing says is made with a crystal-infused particulate process for controlled texture. The paddle averages 8.0 to 8.3 ounces with a swing weight of 110 to 114 and a twist weight of 7, which is highly stable. It comes with either a 5.5-inch grip or an extended 6-inch grip, both with a 4.125-inch circumference, and is rated for advanced and professional players.
Honolulu J3CR: the wide, stable one
The J3CR is the wide Honolulu. Its Aero Standard Square shape is 16 by 8 inches, which gives a wide, stable hitting area, and the 6-inch grip is long enough for two-handed backhands. The listing rates it for skill levels from beginner to pro, which is unusually broad, and says the multi-density foam core combines an EPP core with EVA perimeter foam for a responsive and forgiving feel.
It averages 7.9 to 8.3 ounces with a swing weight of 108 to 113 and a twist weight of 6.8 to 7.1, the lightest swing weight of the three Honolulus. If you want the foam core in the most forgiving shape, this is the one to pick.
Honolulu J6CR: the elongated one
The J6CR is the elongated Honolulu, at 16.48 by 7.52 inches with a 6-inch grip. Honolulu says its Optimized Elongated Shape builds on the J2 long-handle design, with an extended face and a chopped-top aero curve that shifts more mass toward the head for higher swing weight and greater power while keeping maneuverability.
It weighs 8.0 to 8.2 ounces with a swing weight of 111 to 116 and a twist weight of 6.2 to 6.7, and it is USA Pickleball approved and rated for advanced and professional players. It was showing as sold out. If you want reach and power and you are comfortable with a long, narrow paddle, this is Honolulu’s answer.
Holbrook Mav Pro: the affordable all-courter
At ₱6,400, the Mav Pro is the cheapest paddle in this guide by a wide margin and is listed for beginners. Holbrook calls it the Swiss Army knife of paddles, a balanced all-court paddle for dinking, resetting and driving. It has a one-piece carbon mold for strength and a textured peel-ply surface for spin, with a polypropylene honeycomb core for consistent touch.
It is 16.5 by 7.5 inches, weighs 8.0 ounces plus or minus 0.2, and has a 16mm core, a 5.5-inch grip with a 4.25-inch circumference, a swing weight of 117 and a twist weight of 6.5. It is designed and quality-controlled in the USA. For players moving up from an entry-level paddle, it is a solid step, and it was out of stock when I checked.
Holbrook Fuze: the dual-density foam paddle
The Fuze is Holbrook’s premium paddle, at ₱14,500. It is powered by a patent-pending Dual Density Foam Core that puts high-density foam in the upper part of the paddle and lower-density foam in the center, which Holbrook says delivers explosive power, increased forgiveness and a consistent response across the face. The listing’s pitch is that you can miss the sweet spot and still hit the shot you want.
It comes in two shapes. The Hybrid is 16.25 by 7.75 inches with a swing weight of 113 to 114 and a twist weight of 6.5. The Elongated is 16.5 by 7.5 inches with a swing weight of 117 to 118 and a twist weight of 6.3. Both weigh 7.8 to 8.0 ounces, have a 16mm core, a 5.5-inch grip and a 4.25-inch circumference and are listed for intermediate to advanced players. Both were out of stock.
If you want the most forgiving Fuze, the Hybrid is the better choice. If you want reach and a higher swing weight, the Elongated gives you more momentum at the cost of a smaller sweet spot.
RELOAD RLD-1: the paddle with replaceable sheets
The RELOAD RLD-1 16mm is the most unusual paddle in this guide, at ₱12,350. The idea behind the system is that you can replace the carbon surface, and PickleballPH also sells RELOAD Paddle Sheets at ₱1,600 to fit the RLD-1. That makes it the only paddle here designed so you can refresh a worn face without buying a whole new paddle.
The paddle itself has a thicker 16mm polypropylene core and a RELOAD carbon surface that the brand says delivers extra dwell time and stability, and it is designed to replicate the feel of Gen 2 thermoformed paddles, with a smooth, connected response. It is 16.5 by 7.5 inches, weighs 8.2 ounces plus or minus 0.2, and has a swing weight of 124 and a twist weight of 6.0. The 5.5-inch grip has a 4.17-inch circumference. It was in stock.
The swing weight of 124 is the highest of any paddle in my paddle guides, which means it carries a lot of momentum. If you like a heavier, more traditional feel and the idea of replacing the face appeals to you, it is the one to try.
Three different ideas about foam
Honolulu, Holbrook and the big brands all use foam, but the designs differ. Honolulu’s core combines EPP foam with a perimeter of EVA foam, which it calls multi-density and describes as floating and pivoting. Holbrook’s Fuze splits the paddle into zones, with firmer foam up top and softer foam in the center, so the face responds more evenly wherever the ball lands. RELOAD uses a polypropylene honeycomb core instead and puts its innovation in the replaceable face.
None of these claims is independently verified in the listings, so the practical test is how they feel. If you can, hit a few balls with a friend’s paddle before you buy. The differences between a foam-core and a honeycomb paddle are noticeable in the first few minutes, mainly in how soft and quiet the contact feels.
Grip length matters more than you think
The Honolulu paddles list 5.5 or 6-inch grips, the Holbrooks and RELOAD list 5.5 inches, and every paddle here has a circumference between 4.125 and 4.25 inches. A 6-inch grip gives plenty of room for a two-handed backhand and lets you choke up on the handle, which is useful if you play more defensively. A 5.5-inch grip is more compact and quicker to bring around. If you use two hands, favor the longer grip, and if you use one, the shorter one is easier to handle.
How to choose
- Tight budget, want a good paddle: Holbrook Mav Pro (₱6,400).
- Maximum forgiveness with foam: Honolulu J3CR (₱13,690) or Holbrook Fuze Hybrid (₱14,500).
- Reach and power: Honolulu J6CR (₱13,690) or Fuze Elongated (₱14,500).
- Power and stability: Honolulu J2CR (₱13,690).
- A paddle you can refresh: RELOAD RLD-1 (₱12,350).
Before you buy
Check three things with any smaller-brand paddle. First, ask the seller about the warranty and whether it covers a cracked face or a dead core. Second, confirm the paddle is approved for the events you plan to play, since the Honolulu J6CR and the other listings state USA Pickleball approval, but approval can be model-specific. Third, ask about replacement faces or parts, which matters most for the RELOAD.
If you want to compare with the bigger brands, my guides to Selkirk, CRBN and Franklin paddles cover the similar price range.
Care for foam-core paddles
Foam cores are said to be more durable than honeycomb, but the face still needs looking after. Clean it with a dry eraser or a paddle-safe spray, keep it in a cover or padded bag, and keep it out of hot cars. My paddle care guide compares the options. The same goes for the grip: a fresh overgrip makes any paddle feel better, and my overgrip guide compares five.
My picks
- Best value: Holbrook Mav Pro (₱6,400).
- Best forgiving foam: Honolulu J3CR (₱13,690).
- Most innovative: Holbrook Fuze (₱14,500) and RELOAD RLD-1 (₱12,350).
Any of them is a good way to play something different from what everyone else at your court has. Just make sure you can return it if it does not suit you.
