If you're looking for an all-court paddle that balances a solid control profile with reliable output, the Holbrook Fuze has carved out a unique spot in the market.
The original Holbrook Fuze was one of our top pickleball paddles of 2026, but this was my first time playing with any Fuze. The core build is the same but this updated model introduces Holbrook's new VantaGrit surface for enhanced, long-lasting spin generation.
My verdict4.5
The Holbrook Fuze VantaGrit is a stellar all-court option for players who prioritize control, durability, and a quieter pickleball paddle with a connected feel over raw, explosive power. The new VantaGrit surface noticeably boosts spin. At $200, the price is right, and Holbrook does something rare by bringing in a new model that's actually cheaper than the original was.
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Buy or pass?
Buy if:
You prefer a muted, dampened feel:
you love a quiet, absorbing feedback loop at contact rather than a loud, hollow, or overly responsive pop (like the RPM Q2).
You want a solid, customizable platform:
you like to weight your paddles out (adding weight to the top, top corners, sides, and bottom corner) to dial in your swing and trajectory.
You value long-lasting spin and durability:
you want a reliable all-court paddle featuring Holbrook's upgraded VantaGrit designed for persistent spin generation over time.
Pass if:
You want a quick out-of-the-box feel:
try the Honolulu J6CR if you want a paddle that doesn't require a multi-hour break-in period to loosen up and feel comfortable.
You are looking for explosive 10/10 power:
look at a pure baseline power paddle over this controlled, balanced 9/10 power profile that requires more effort to put balls away.
You prefer a highly responsive, loud paddle:
see the 11SIX24 Ultré Power 2 if you want immediate, loud acoustic feedback and a snappy response.
Awesome spin and a muted feel
The Holbrook Fuze VantaGrit is an awesome all-court paddle, balancing power and control with solid speed and forgiveness. The enhanced grit surface puts it up there with some of the best pickleball paddles for spin. Holbrook is following the successful example of brands like Honolulu, 11SIX24, and Vatic Pro who've all released new paddles with their own trademark long-lasting grit.
Out of the box, the paddle feels quite stiff and requires a break-in period; it definitely plays better after hour four as it loosens up and gets a bit more dwelly. If you break it in, players who prefer a muted, dampened feel at contact will really enjoy it.
My time with the Holbrook Fuze VantaGrit showed a paddle that requires a little personalization to fully unlock its potential, especially regarding weight placement. While I typically avoid weighting the top of a paddle, adding lead tape to the top, top corners, sides, and bottom corner made a massive difference in figuring out the trajectory and swing needed to be effective.
If you want raw power over a more controlled feel, our best power paddles are a better fit. But for a muted, connected all-court paddle with serious spin, the Fuze VantaGrit is a super-strong pick, especially with our 15% discounts taking the price from $200 down to $170.
Paddle Weight
7.8 to 8.0 oz
Paddle Length
16.5 inches (elongated) / 16.25 inches (hybrid) / 16 inches (widebody)
Paddle Width
7.5 inches (elongated) / 7.75 inches (hybrid) / 8 inches (widebody)
Handle Length
5.5 inches
Grip Circumference
4.25 inches
Paddle Face Material
CAC (carbon-aramid-carbon) w/ VantaGrit
Core Material
Dual density foam
Core Thickness
14 or 16 mm
Sweet Spot
Large
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How the Holbrook Fuze plays
| Category | Rating | Notes |
| Power | 9/10 | While you can definitely put balls away and get great depth on drives and counters, it's not a 10/10 power monster; it's a controlled 9 that keeps you from launching balls long. |
| Control | 9/10 | Offers a fantastic combination of control and placement, though the trajectory off the face takes a little dialing in compared to more responsive paddles. |
| Spin | 9.5/10 | The addition of the new VantaGrit surface noticeably elevates the spin generation, helping pull heavy topspin drives and drops safely back inside the baseline. |
| Forgiveness | 8.5/10 | Maintains a solid, stable sweet spot across the face that handles off-center hits well during heated exchanges. |
| Weighting | 9/10 | Highly customizable; adding weight strategically to the top, top corners, sides, and bottom corner completely unlocks the paddle's potential and trajectory control. |
| Grip | 9/10 | Comfortable, standard-feeling handle thickness and shape that performs reliably through long playing sessions. |
| Durability | 9.5/10 | The upgraded VantaGrit surface is designed for long-lasting performance, and the overall construction feels exceptionally sturdy. |
| Aerodynamics | 8.5/10 | Quick enough in the hands for rapid hand battles without feeling sluggish or overly heavy. |
✅ Pros
Exceptional spin generation
The inclusion of the permanent VantaGrit provides serious bite on the ball, letting you shape shots and drop topspin with confidence. An immediate contender for top spin paddle guide.
Muted, connected feel
Players who prefer a more muted, dampened feel at contact rather than a loud, hollow response will find a lot to love here. If that's you, our best quiet paddles guide has more options.
Break-in potential
The paddle genuinely improves the more you play with it; after hour four, it loosens up from its stiff out-of-box feel to offer much better comfort and dwell time.
❌ Considerations
Stiff out of the box
It requires a solid break-in period and some customization with lead tape to truly figure out the trajectory and unlock its best performance.
Not a pure powerhouse
If you are looking for explosive, 10/10 baseline power that pops effortlessly without much effort, this might feel a bit too controlled. Luckily, we have a guide to the best pickleball paddles for power.
Holbrook Fuze VantaGrit price – is it worth it?
The Holbrook Fuze VantaGrit launches at $200, which is $30 cheaper than the original Fuze paddle came on the market. This is a great middle-ground price that places the Fuze alongside our top picks in the best pickleball paddle guide – like the Honolulu J2CR Crystal Blue and Bread & Butter Loco 2.
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Alternatives to the Holbrook Fuze VantaGrit
If the Fuze VantaGrit's muted feel, break-in period, or controlled power isn't quite right for you, these paddles are worth a look:
More response and pop
RPM Q2
Long-lasting grit
Honolulu J2CR Crystal Blue
Best budget alternative
Vatic Pro V-SOL Tour Evergrit
Want even more options?
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