Best Pickleball Paddles This Week: GRUVN MUVN-16HD, Franklin C45, and More – Paddle of the Week #13

Introduction

This week’s Paddle of the Week takes a more focused turn. I’ve been rotating through a smaller group of paddles—some I’ve been shaping over time, others just hit the court—and I’m locking in final impressions before heading to Florida for the Nerdy Tourney at Bread & Butter HQ. I’ll be teaming up with Braydon from Pickleball Effect, and if you're curious what kind of content you’d like to see from that event, let me know. Cameras will be rolling.

In this episode, we’re digging into five unique paddles: Franklin’s denser C45 Dynasty 16mm, Honolulu Pickleball’s new J2NF foam-core lineup with three distinct face types, Holbrook’s muted-yet-powerful ARMA Metallic T, and a clear standout—the GRUVN MUVN-16HD Solid Foam. That paddle caught me off guard in the best way, and I’ll explain why.

You can also catch this full breakdown on YouTube, listen to the audio version on Matt’s Pickleball Podcast, or get early notes and extra data in the newsletter at mattspickleball.com. If you're searching for your next paddle, the Paddle Finder is now live with over 250 models—and if the results feel off, just DM or hop into Discord. I’ll help you get dialed in.

In-Depth Playing Experience

Let’s start with the GRUVN MUVN-16HD Solid Foam, because this one stood out immediately. From the first few points, it felt different—in a good way. Contact is crisp but not jarring, with just enough density to keep you connected to the ball. It doesn’t have the springy unpredictability that plagues a lot of foam-core paddles, and it never veers into hollow or dead territory. Drops felt clean, resets sat where I wanted them, and my roll volleys were dialed in almost instantly. The paddle felt like an extension of my hand, which is rare in early testing. And even with the light weight, it held up in hand battles—especially after I added a small strip of tungsten up the neck.

The Franklin C45 Dynasty 16mm was more of a project. In its stock form, it didn’t offer the feedback or stability I wanted. Off-center hits—especially high on the face—caused noticeable torque. But once I added weight to the corners, the frame settled. Resets became more predictable, and counters felt stronger. You don’t get much dwell, but you do get directional control once the weight is dialed. Compared to the 14mm version, it’s more stable on blocks and less twitchy in the hand, but the trade-off is a slower transition feel and a tighter contact window. Not bad—just particular. You have to commit.

The J2NF paddles from Honolulu Pickleball were all variations on a theme—firm, structured, and feedback-heavy. Across all three, the immediate takeaway was stiffness. The J2NFK’s Kevlar face gave it a slightly softer feel, but it’s still a paddle that asks for precision. Drops, resets, and counters were manageable once I found rhythm, but off-center contact punished me. The J2NFT (Titanium PET) felt the most neutral—less vibration than the CFC version, but still direct. It gave me a smooth baseline-to-kitchen transition, but didn’t offer much forgiveness. The J2NFL (CFC) was the most difficult to tame but also the most rewarding when hit clean. Drives jumped. Flicks hit their mark. But if I was even a little late, I lost control. These aren’t foam paddles that hold your hand—they’re foam paddles that demand it be steady.

As for the Holbrook ARMA Metallic T, the biggest difference from the carbon-faced model was the softening of impact. The face still feels firm, but contact is less sharp, especially on resets and touch shots. The transition game improved—not because the paddle got faster, but because I didn’t have to work as hard to manage mishits. The extra swing weight gave me depth on counters, and once I adjusted my timing, the paddle performed reliably. The crispness of the carbon version is still my personal preference, but I can see why someone would prefer this—it’s easier on the hand, easier on the body, and easier to trust in high-pressure exchanges.

Paddle Design and Technology

GRUVN MUVN-16HD Solid Foam
The MUVN-16HD Solid Foam is built around a true solid-core design, but it doesn’t follow the EVA playbook most brands are using. GRUVN hasn’t disclosed the exact foam composition, but they’ve emphasized that it’s not EVA—and in play, that distinction is obvious. The core delivers consistent rebound, without the springy or hollow feel typical of foam paddles. Pair that with a raw carbon fiber face, and you get strong spin potential and a crisp, reactive surface. Structurally, it’s clean: no edge foam, no weird flex, no gimmicks—just a compact, balanced build with tuned control. Early indications suggest durability will be strong too, as the foam doesn’t seem to compress or degrade quickly.

Franklin C45 Dynasty 16mm
Franklin’s C45 Dynasty line is one of the most technically ambitious Gen 3 builds we’ve seen in this price tier. The 16mm model shares the same architecture as the 14mm, but it feels denser and more muted. Internally, Franklin uses a dual-stage thermoforming process. After molding the polypropylene core and raw carbon face, two perimeter foam tracks are CNC-carved around the edge: an EVA foam channel on the inside to provide rebound, and a polyurethane outer channel to control vibration and reinforce the frame. The handle stays connected via a carbon throat bridge for strength. It’s a multi-pass process designed for consistency and durability—but it also means the paddle can feel overly rigid unless you adjust the balance yourself.

Honolulu Pickleball – J2NF Series
All three J2NF paddles feature the same base structure: a 16mm variable-density EPP (Expanded Polypropylene) foam core, surrounded by what Honolulu calls “Notched Foam.” The key detail is the 320-degree EVA perimeter ring that wraps around the paddle while leaving the throat open—allowing the core to partially float and pivot inside the frame. In theory, this creates flex and rebound without compromising stability. In reality, it plays much stiffer than expected. The differences between models come down to the face material: Kevlar (J2NFK) for damped feel and grip, Titanium PET (J2NFT) for crisp rebound, and CFC (carbon-fiberglass-carbon, J2NFL) for speed and directness. The edge guard is standard, the foam ring is cleanly set, and the build quality looks sharp across the board.

Holbrook ARMA Metallic T
This paddle builds on Holbrook’s Dual Density™ Core platform: a vertically stacked honeycomb design that sandwiches a dense 8mm top layer with a softer 10mm bottom layer, fused with a carbon fiber spine down the center. Around the perimeter is injected foam to stabilize the frame and increase twist weight. The key change in the Metallic T version is the face: instead of raw carbon fiber, Holbrook uses a metallic PET weave. It reduces sharpness on contact while preserving structural stiffness. Internal weighting in the throat helps control balance, and the overall shape mirrors other Gen 3 elongated designs, but with slightly more weight behind the ball. Holbrook is clearly targeting players who want high performance with a touch more forgiveness.

Surface Materials and Texture: A Closer Look

GRUVN MUVN-16HD Solid Foam

The MUVN-16HD uses a raw T700 carbon fiber face with a lightly textured finish. It doesn’t feel overly gritty to the touch, but in play, it produces solid spin thanks to how the surface interacts with the ball—especially on rolls and drops. While spin RPM data is still pending, the paddle behaves like others in the 2,200–2,300 RPM range, putting it well into top-tier territory. The face holds up well after a few sessions with no early signs of wear. Texture is clearly molded, not painted, which adds to its durability and consistency under pressure.

Franklin C45 Dynasty 16mm

The C45 line features a 45-degree peel-ply raw carbon surface. It’s not the most aggressive grip texture on the market, but it bites well if you stay compact and accelerate through contact. Spin clocks in at 2,245 RPM—roughly 70th percentile—which makes it solid, though not elite. What makes the texture work is its consistency—it doesn’t degrade quickly, and the impact feels clean and linear. The face isn’t sticky or overly sharp, so you won’t get “grab” as much as you get controlled lift and rotation. It rewards clean mechanics and follow-through.

Honolulu Pickleball – J2NF Series

Each paddle in the J2NF series uses a different face material:

• J2NFK (Kevlar): Features a woven Kevlar face with slightly more tactile grip than you’d expect. It’s muted on contact but still grabs the ball well. The texture feels embedded—not just a surface layer—which helps it maintain spin even when under-hit. Spin output was highest here: 2,307 RPM (91st percentile).
• J2NFT (Titanium PET): The texture here is slicker. It plays faster off the face but with less grab. Spin came in at 2,292 RPM (85th percentile), which is still very respectable. You’ll get good results with deliberate form, but it won’t help much if you’re late or off-angle.
• J2NFL (CFC): This carbon-fiberglass-carbon layup plays hot and stiff. Texture is present but less aggressive than the Kevlar model. Spin measured 2,270 RPM (76th percentile), with good response on rolls and drives, but you need to create your own shape—the face won’t do it for you.

Holbrook ARMA Metallic T

The Metallic T uses a metallic PET weave rather than a raw carbon face, and that change shows up in how the paddle grips the ball. The surface texture is smoother to the touch and delivers a slightly compressed feel at contact. Spin measured 2,215 RPM (62nd percentile), which is solid but not standout. You won’t get the same friction or grab as with raw carbon, but the trade-off is a more muted, composed rebound. Great for players who like to shape the ball through motion, not face friction. The durability of the PET surface has been solid through early testing—no flaking or early smoothing.

Pricing & Value

GRUVN MUVN-16HD Solid Foam

This paddle is not yet available for purchase as it’s still undergoing USAP approval. GRUVN has indicated it may replace their current MUVN and LAZR models depending on player feedback. Based on early testing, it feels like a top-tier performer. If priced under $180, it would represent a strong value for a paddle that brings real innovation to the foam-core segment. Once released, you’ll be able to use code MPB to save at checkout.

Franklin C45 Dynasty 16mm

MSRP is $229, with full retail availability starting June 10. It shares the same price as the 14mm model and uses identical materials and construction. Out of the box, the value depends on your willingness to customize—it needs weight tuning to shine. But once dialed in, the performance is there. Use code MPB to save when ordering direct.

Honolulu Pickleball – J2NF Series

MSRP is set at $195 across the line. Pre-orders will open soon, with expected shipping in mid-to-late June. These paddles are still pending final USAP certification. The price is fair for a foam-core paddle with unique face material options, especially given the custom-engineered perimeter foam and hybrid shape. Use code MPB to save once they go live.

Holbrook ARMA Metallic T

Retail price is $279.99, and the launch is also scheduled for June 10. That puts it on the higher end of the Gen 3 market—but not out of line given the build quality, dual-density core, and shaped feel. If you’re looking for a structured elongated paddle that smooths out sharp contact without giving up drive potential, it’s a worthy contender. Use code MPB to save 15%.

Conclusion & Recommendation

This week brought a tighter rotation, but the variety in play was anything but narrow. Each paddle offered something distinct—whether it was tuned structure, unexpected foam performance, or a firm face with softened edges.

The clear standout was the GRUVN MUVN-16HD Solid Foam. It’s rare for a foam-core paddle to feel this dialed right out of the gate. Crisp contact, real touch, controllable pop—it threads the needle between stiffness and softness better than most Gen 1 or Gen 2 paddles I’ve tested. If you’ve written off foam builds in the past, this one deserves your attention when it launches.

The Franklin C45 Dynasty 16mm showed what’s possible with customization. Stock, it’s tight. But add weight, and the paddle transforms. If your game involves resets, counters, and holding your line under pressure—but you still want firepower when it counts—this version brings more mass and margin than the 14mm. Just be ready to shape it.

Honolulu Pickleball’s J2NF series challenged expectations for foam builds. These paddles aren’t soft, they’re structured—and if you want firm feedback with face-specific tuning, they deliver. Kevlar for touch, PET for clarity, CFC for heat. None of them are forgiving, but if you like direct response and control from the hand, they each offer a different take on a foam-core hybrid.

And finally, the Holbrook ARMA Metallic T rounds out the lineup with a refined twist. It takes the structure of the ARMA carbon version and dials down the harshness. You still get the swing weight, drive depth, and Gen 3 feel—but contact is more manageable, especially on off-center hits. For players who want shape and strength with a little more grace, this is it.