JOOLA has solidified its reputation for producing some of the most powerful paddles on the market. So what’s next for them? Their new JOOLA Pro IV is not about reinventing the wheel, it’s about refining the ride. Since they are already at the top of the food chain for power, the JOOLA Pro IV focuses on improvements in feel, balance, and stability. The result is an improvement on what was already one of the best and most popular power paddles available.
In this review, I will be doing a head to head comparison of the Perseus Pro IV to its predecessor, the Perseus 3S. I have not yet received the other shapes and will review them when I do. Only the Perseus and Agassi shapes will be available for the Pro IV launch on March 4, 2025. The other shapes will be available for pre-order and shipping in April. However, I imagine the comparison of the Perseus Pro IV to the Perseus 3S gives us a good idea of how the other paddles in the series will play and compare to their predecessors.
I would like to thank JOOLA for sending me these paddles; however, this article is not sponsored by them. The opinions expressed here are solely my own and are intended to help you find the best paddle for your game.
Table of Contents
Video Review
Tech Breakdown: TFP Technology & Propulsion Core
The Pro IV models now feature Tech Flex Power (TFP) technology. This is in addition to the Propulsion Core they developed for the 3S models.
TFP utilizes added foam in the throat area that’s separate from the dual foam walls. This way you get the benefits of the TFP foam like improved balanced and feel without losing the power you get from the dual foam walls above it.
The image above compares a Pro IV and a 3S paddle. I cut both open to show the differences, particularly the extra foam in the Pro IV’s paddle’s throat area, which is surrounded by the standard edge foam. If you press on the TFP foam with your finger, you’ll notice it’s denser than the other foams used in the paddle. The edge foam wraps around the TFP foam and continues through the handle.
I found the addition of foam in the throat reduced vibrations and increased maneuverability. This improvement is also evident in the data, which I’ll examine next.
Spec Analysis: Static Weight, Swingweight, Twistweight, and Balance Point
When comparing the 16mm models:
- The Pro IV has a higher static weight but lower swingweight and balance point than the 3S. This makes the Pro IV more maneuverable and easier to accelerate despite the heavier static weight.
- Twistweights are the same for both models which is also a win for the Pro IV considering they reduced the balance point and swingweight which typically leads to lower twistweight measurements.
For the 14mm versions:
- The Pro IV 14 also has a reduced swingweight and balance point while maintaining the same twistweight as the 3S.
- Static weights are more comparable between the two models than in the 16mm versions.
Overall, the Pro IV’s numbers are more attractive and approachable than the 3S. I like that they reduced the weight profile of the new models as that was one of my complaints about the Perseus 3S.
Offensive Capabilities: Power, Pop, Maneuverability, and Spin
Let’s start with power and pop levels. Here are the numbers I got from my testing.
The Pro IV and 3S models offer comparable power and pop, but the Pro IV models are more maneuverable in hand battles and easier to accelerate through the ball on flicks, giving them an offensive edge over the 3S. Overall, both models are top-tier in terms of power and pop, rivaled only by the Paddletek Bantams, Gearbox Pro Ultimate, and Proton Project Flamingo.
The combined high level of power and pop makes these paddles very good when looking for offense all over the court. Not all power paddles are high in both categories like this. Drives and serves are strong along with counters and blocks. Interestingly though the 16mm version offers easier access to power and pop vs the 14mm which requires more effort to access the offense making it easier to control in some ways which I’ll talk more about later.
Spin tests were similar between both models as well, with the 3S holding a slight edge. The Pro IVs tested in the high 1900s performed on par with most paddles, but didn’t stand out.
Control and Feel
The 3S models, while powerful, were known for having a harsh, stiff feel that wasn’t universally loved. The Pro IV’s TFP technology addresses this, offering a more dampened, smoother, and crisper feel, though it remains on the stiffer side. This improvement is most notable in the 16mm model, which even developed a somewhat plush feel over time as I got used to it and it broke in. The 14mm Pro IV felt smoother than the 14mm 3S, but the difference was more subtle than with the 16mm version. The 14mm Pro IV still retained a mostly firm, hollow feel.
While the Pro IV’s enhanced feel improves your connection to the paddle, it doesn’t drastically increase control, as these are still highly powerful paddles. However, the increased connection to the Pro IV did improve control slightly. Maintaining control requires shorter strokes and focused footwork. It is easier to sail balls long or wide when you are stretched out or on the move.
The 14mm version initially offers slightly easier control due to its less immediate power delivery. However, the 16mm’s better forgiveness and softer feel over the 14mm ultimately lead to greater consistency for most players. The 16mm may feel jumpy and unpredictable at first and takes some getting used to, while the 14mm can be picked up and managed more quickly.
Ultimately, these paddles trade some control for significant offensive power. Experienced players can manage this trade-off effectively, while those with less developed soft games may find the control sacrifice more challenging.
Ultimately, you’re going to give up some control with these paddles in exchange for more offense, but the amount of control you give up depends on your skill level. Most high-level players will find they will be able to adjust and control these well enough that the gains in offense outweigh the loss in control, while players who don’t have a well-developed soft game may lose more on the control side than what they gain offensively.
Forgiveness: Stability & Sweet Spot
The TFP technology promised improved stability and forgiveness, but this wasn’t entirely the case. The Pro 4 played with the same level of forgiveness as the 3S, but the Pro 4 has a lower swingweight and balance point. The fact that JOOLA was able to maintain the same level of forgiveness while also reducing the swingweight is a win. In most cases when the swingweight is lower the twistweight and stability is lower too.
Generally speaking, these paddles offer good forgiveness compared to other elongated shapes on the market. When you compare these to other tier 1 power paddles like the Paddletek Bantams and Gearbox Pro Ultimate, these have an edge when it comes to forgiveness.
Market Comparison: Top-Tier Power Paddles
We’ve been comparing the Pro IV and 3S models to each other; now let’s compare the Pro IV to the rest of the market. The Pro IV is at the top of the market in combined power and pop. While there are many power style paddles out there, the Pro IV, Paddletek Bantams, Proton Project Flamingo, and Gearbox Pro Ultimate are the most powerful and poppy options currently available, so let’s compare those directly.
- Paddletek Bantams ($250): More pop, more immediate offense, less top-end power, less forgiving.
- Proton Project Flamingo ($280): Similar pop, less power, more forgiving, heavier.
- Gearbox Pro Ultimate ($274.99): Similar power and pop (after break-in), softer feel, less forgiving, heavier.
These paddles are all expensive, and unfortunately, that’s the current price for the high-end power and pop they deliver. However, there are more budget-friendly options, like the 11SIX24 Power Series at $170, that offer a lower level of power though still power paddles.
Common Questions Answered
Q: Is the Perseus Pro IV a better replacement than the Perseus 3S for the Mod-TA? Yes, in the sense that the weight profile of the Perseus Pro IV is more similar to the Mod-TA than the Perseus 3S was. The Perseus Pro IV has a lighter swingweight of 118 compared to the 3S model’s swingweight of 121. The Mod-TA has a swingweight of 116. While the Pro IV and the 3S models have higher swingweights, they aren’t as powerful as the Mod-TA.
Q: Are the Pro 4s going to be more durable? JOOLA is aware of this issue and has taken steps to address it. At their pre-launch event for these paddles in February, they discussed adding quality control measures during manufacturing to enhance durability and reduce the likelihood of core crush. They also increased the amount of destructive testing during their R&D phase to measure and check for durability issues along the way. While it all sounded great, it’s hard to say whether or not their efforts have worked until these paddles spend some time in the market.
Q: Are the Pro IVs worth the price tag? The Pro IVs are at the top of the food chain when it comes to combined power and pop and you won’t find the same firepower with less expensive options on the market for now. While this may change later, if you want the most firepower you can get then you have to pay for it. So if that’s worth it to you, then yes, the price tag is worth it. But if you’re okay with a little less power then there are more budget friendly options like the 11SIX24 Power series.
Q: Would you take the Pro IV over the 3S even though it costs more? JOOLA is dropping the prices of their 3S models to as low as $240 and selling the new Pro IV’s for $280. I do think that the extra $40 is worth it. It’s a big enough improvement in feel and balance to justify that.
Q: Did JOOLA improve the handles? JOOLA’s 3S models had clunky handles on their 16mm models and thinner handles on their 14mm handles. The new Perseus Pro IV does have a slimmer handle at 4.25” compared to the 4.5” of the 3S model. The 14mm models have the same thinner handle sizes though close to 4” though.
Paddle Ratings & Stats
Perseus Pro IV 16mm
- Approval Body: USAP PBCoR .43 Approved & UPA-A
- Static Weight: 8.1 oz avg
- Swingweight: 118 (moderately high)
- Twistweight: 6.29 (moderate)
- Spin RPMs: 1971 (high)
- Length x Width: 16.5″ x 7.5″ (elongated)
- Face: Carbon
- Grip Circumference: 4.25″
- Handle Length: 5.5″
- Core: 16mm polypropylene
- Paddle Type: Power
- Price: $279.95
- Warranty: 6 month warranty – Learn more
Perseus Pro IV 14mm
- Approval Body: USAP PBCoR .43 Approved & UPA-A
- Static Weight: 8 oz avg
- Swingweight: 116 (moderate)
- Twistweight: 6.08 (moderately low)
- Spin RPMs: 1964 (high)
- Length x Width: 16.5″ x 7.5″ (elongated)
- Face: Carbon
- Grip Circumference: 4.125″
- Handle Length: 5.5″
- Core: 14mm polypropylene
- Paddle Type: Power
- Price: $279.95
- Warranty: 6 month warranty – Learn more
Perseus Pro IV 16mm vs 14mm
Comparing the 16mm to the 14mm, the 16mm feels jumpier and has easier access to power. You get more energy return with less effort than the 14mm, though the top-end power on full swings is very similar between the two. This makes the 16mm more offensive overall but also trickier to control. The 16mm is more forgiving and has a more pleasant feel, which has its advantages. I personally thought the 14mm was easier to control because the ball didn’t seem to jump out as quickly, and it had a lower launch angle, so you could swing a little bigger without the ball floating deep as easily. However, when I shared the paddles with other players, the majority thought they could control and were more consistent with the 16mm. I imagine the more pleasant feel and better forgiveness of the 16mm over the 14mm contributed to that.
I imagine more players will gravitate towards the 16mm for the added feel and forgiveness but the 14mm is more maneuverable, easier to control, has a lower launch angle and has equal top end power which will be attractive to some players.
My Recommendation
When I reviewed the 3S models last year, I struggled to adjust and control the ball. However, this time around, I adapted much faster and played significantly better. This improvement reflects both my growth as a player and my increased familiarity with power paddles. This experience highlights an important consideration for players interested in high-power paddles: prior experience with power paddles will greatly ease the adjustment period. For those new to power paddles, it’s advisable to start with a less powerful option.
These top-tier power paddles are not suitable for everyone. They are best suited for experienced players who can control the power, players in hot and humid climates where the ball moves slower, and players who need additional power from their paddle due to limited power generation capabilities.
Braydon competes at the 5.0 level and plays in 5-10 tournaments a year. He plays/drills 3 to 4 times a week and would play more if time allowed it.
Paddle Terms Glossary
We’ve categorized paddles into three categories. Control, All-Court, and Power. Paddle categories are determined by Braydon after he hits or reviews the paddle.
- Control paddles offer a softer feel and better absorbs pace off the ball but doesn’t give you as much power.
- All-Court paddles give you a blend of power and control and does well at everything though it doesn’t excel at anything.
- Power paddles often have a firmer feel and will return more power but are harder to control.
A paddle’s weight represents the inherent mass of the paddle as measured on a scale. However, relying solely on this static weight measurement can be misleading when assessing the true perceived heaviness of the paddle. Even if two paddles both clock in at 8 oz, their actual heft in your hand can markedly differ due to variations in weight distribution within the paddle. This is why the static weight should be considered with the swingweight of the paddle. See the definition of swingweight below.
The weight value listed in the database corresponds to the paddle’s weight that I used to gather the swingweight and twistweight measurement. It’s possible that if your paddle has a different static weight than then the swingweight and twistweight may be slightly different.
There are three primary shapes a paddle can have which consists of the length and width of the paddle. These three shapes are:
- Elongated: The dimensions for an elongated paddle are 16.5″ x 7.5″.
- Standard: A standard shaped paddle has dimensions of 16″ x 8″.
- Hybrid: A hybrid shaped paddle falls somewhere in between the standard and elongated shapes, with approximate dimensions of 16.25″ x 7.5″-7.7″.
Then there are two less common shapes you’ll see. These are:
- Extra-Elongated: This shape is 17″ x 7″
- Widebody: This any paddle shorter than 16″ long.
When considering the advantages and trade-offs of paddle shapes, it’s important to understand the characteristics of each shape.
- Elongated Paddle: An elongated paddle offers increased reach, spin, and power. However, this additional reach comes at the expense of forgiveness, particularly from side-to-side.
- Standard Paddle: In contrast, a standard-shaped paddle provides less reach and a little less power & spin but offers greater overall forgiveness. This means that while you may not have the same extended reach as an elongated paddle, you gain better control and stability.
- Hybrid Paddle: The hybrid shape serves as a middle ground between the elongated and standard shapes. It provides a balance between reach and forgiveness, offering players a versatile option that combines aspects of both shapes.
It’s interesting to note that advanced players often prefer elongated shapes. On the other hand, players at lower skill levels typically opt for the extra forgiveness offered by standard shaped paddles.
Ultimately, the choice of paddle shape depends on an individual’s playing style, preferences, and skill level. Whether your focus is on reach or forgiveness, understanding the unique benefits and trade-offs of each shape can assist you in selecting the paddle that best suits your game.
Swingweight is a measure of the paddle’s resistance to swinging about the end of the handle. The higher the swingweight number the heavier it will feel in your hands. A higher swingweight has more power but is harder to swing, lower swingweight is easier to swing but has less power. Sometimes a faster swing with a lower swingweight can make up for power lost in swingweight. The price paid for that is greater impact shock. Stock swingweights will vary between 100 – 140.
Twistweight is the resistance to rotating around the long axis through the middle of the paddle from butt to tip. The higher the twistweight the more resistance the paddle has to rotating on off center hits. This measurement is closely related to the amount of forgiveness or the size of the sweet spot of the paddle. A higher twistweight indicates a bigger sweet spot. Twistweight numbers range from 5 – 8.
Measuring the revolutions per minute (RPMs) off of a serve you get a number that shows the spin potential of a paddle. Using these RPM measurements I’ve created five buckets that a paddle will fall into indicating its overall spin potential. The five buckets are:
1900 or Higher = Very High
1700 – 1900 = High
1500 – 1700 = Medium
1300 – 1500 = Low
1300 or less = Very Low
You can tell a big difference in the amount of spin a paddle generates when you compare a Very High paddle to a low paddle. But the gains from Medium to High to Very High are marginal. We’ve found that having at least a medium rating is often enough if you’re looking for a good spin paddle. However, if you’re a big hitter then you will benefit more from a high spin paddle to help you keep the ball in play more often.
The power level of a paddle is shown in miles per hour (MPH) after taking ten measurements with a speed gun of hitting a serve as hard as I can. This measurement gives you an idea of how hard you can hit the ball when given the chance to take a full swing. So shots like serves, drives and overheads. The higher the MPH reading the more power you can generate with the paddle.
I also show the percentile ranking of the measurement to give you an idea of how it stacks up against the rest of the paddles in my database.
The pop level of a paddle is shown in miles per hour (MPH) after taking the average of ten speed gun measurements of hitting a punch volley as hard as I can. This measurement gives you an idea of how hard you can hit the ball on shorter swings and gives you an idea of how quickly a ball comes off the face when you apply less force on the ball. So shots volleys, dinks, counters, and resets are all affected by the pop measurement. The higher the pop measurement the stronger your counters will be but it takes more skill to keep the ball from floating or popping up on you when resetting a hard hit ball or when dinking.
I also show the percentile ranking of the measurement to give you an idea of how it stacks up against the rest of the paddles in my database.
The term “forgiveness” pertains to both the size of the sweet spot and the stability of the paddle. A paddle that is more forgiving offers a larger sweet spot, greater stability, and yields more power when hitting off-center shots. On the other hand, a less forgiving paddle has a smaller sweet spot and does not provide as much power when hitting off-center shots.
While there seems to be only benefits of more forgiving paddles, less forgiving paddles are often more maneuverable and is easier to generate more paddle speed.
