The Proton Series Three Project Flamingo is the original Series Three turned up to eleven. Where that paddle was a comfortable control option held back by a sluggish swing and modest spin, the Flamingo answers both with a powerful new Velocity Core and a much grippier surface. The result is one of the most aggressive paddles on the market, and the first ever approved for both pro and amateur play. Here’s who it fits, how it plays, and whether it belongs in your bag.
Verdict
Proton Series Three Project Flamingo
Fast hands, elite spin, and a connected feel that rewards technique. The Genesis 4 proves foam-core paddles can do it all — if you’re willing to invest.
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Elite, controllable power
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Max-roughness elite spin
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Dual-stamped for pro play
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Premium price
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Power-leaning, for aggressive players
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Stock grip gets slick
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Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Shape | Elongated |
| Core | 15 mm Velocity Core (foam and honeycomb) |
| Face | Roughness-enhanced raw carbon fiber |
| Construction | Thermoformed |
| Length | 16.5 in |
| Width | 7.5 in |
| Handle length | 5.375 in |
| Grip size | 4.25 in |
| Weight | 7.8 to 8.2 oz |
| Swing weight | around 119 |
| Approval | USAP and UPA-A approved |
Performance
Power
Power is the Flamingo’s headline, and it’s exceptional. The Velocity Core pairs high-density performance foam with a polypropylene honeycomb to push the ball off the face with serious pace, to the point where it flies off the paddle without you having to swing hard. It’s built right up to the maximum allowable power threshold, and it shines most from the baseline. Crucially, all that power stays controllable rather than feeling wild, which is the hard part to get right.
Control
Control is the pleasant surprise, since power paddles often give it up. Proton uses smaller 6mm core cells instead of the larger cells found in many paddles, which reduces the bouncy feel and helps you take pace off aggressive attacks. Resets and dinks stay manageable, and the paddle behaves well in the transition zone. It’s not a touch-first control paddle, but for something this powerful, the control on offer is genuinely impressive.
Spin
Spin is what makes the Flamingo special. The roughness-enhanced raw carbon face is built right up to the maximum allowable surface roughness, and paired with a quality resin that helps the grit last, it generates heavy topspin. Drives can start at an opponent’s shoulder and dip to their waist, giving them very little time to react. Combined with the power, that spin makes the paddle a real handful to play against.
Feel
Feel is solid, stable, and noticeably more maneuverable than the original Series Three. The swing weight is moderate rather than heavy, so it doesn’t feel as sluggish at the net, while the Velocity Core adds enough dwell time to keep the feel connected and consistent. The handle plays a touch longer than its measurement suggests. The one minor gripe owners mention is that the stock grip can get slick, which an overgrip easily solves.
Best For
The Flamingo is a great match for aggressive intermediate to advanced and competitive players who want elite power and elite spin with better control than most power paddles offer. It rewards baseline drivers and heavy-spin players, and it’s a natural upgrade for anyone who liked the original Series Three but wanted more pop and grip. The dual approval makes it a smart pick for players competing across both pro and amateur events. Control-first players who want a soft, touch-led paddle, and budget shoppers, will be better served elsewhere.
Comparison
vs. JOOLA Perseus Pro IV
Against the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV, both are premium elongated power paddles with strong followings. The Perseus is a proven, widely used thermoformed paddle, while the Flamingo counters with its Velocity Core power, max-roughness spin, and the distinction of being dual-stamped for both pro and amateur play. The choice comes down to feel preference and whether that dual approval matters to you.
Value
For an aggressive competitor, it makes a fair premium. You’re getting elite power, elite spin, better-than-expected control, and a genuine milestone in being the first paddle approved for both USA Pickleball and UPA-A events, backed by strong adoption among touring pros. The value case is held back mainly by the premium price and the fact that control-first players won’t get the most from it. For power and spin players who compete, though, it delivers a lot.
Final
The Proton Series Three Project Flamingo is a standout power paddle that fixes everything that held the original Series Three back. Its Velocity Core delivers elite, controllable power, its roughness-enhanced face produces heavy, match-altering spin, and it manages more control than most aggressive paddles, all in a tournament-legal package trusted by pros. With only its premium price and power-first nature as real caveats, it’s an excellent choice for aggressive players who want to dictate play with power and spin.
FAQs
How is the Project Flamingo different from the original Series Three?
The Flamingo adds Proton’s Velocity Core, which combines performance foam with polypropylene for more power and dwell time, and a roughness-enhanced surface for far more spin. It’s also more maneuverable thanks to a lower swing weight, and it’s dual-stamped for tournament play. In short, it fixes the original’s sluggish swing and modest spin while adding power.
What is the Velocity Core?
It’s Proton’s proprietary core that integrates high-density performance foam with premium polypropylene honeycomb, using small 6mm cells. The combination delivers more power and rebound while adding dwell time and control, so the paddle hits hard without becoming uncontrollable. It’s the main reason the Flamingo is both powerful and surprisingly manageable.
Is the Project Flamingo a power or control paddle?
It’s a power paddle first, and one of the most aggressive available. That said, the smaller core cells give it better control than most power paddles, so you can reset, take pace off attacks, and dink reasonably well. Power and spin are its strengths, with control as a strong supporting trait.
Is the Project Flamingo approved for tournaments?
Yes, and notably so. It was the first-ever paddle approved by both USA Pickleball and the UPA-A, meaning it’s legal in both USA Pickleball sanctioned events and PPA Tour events. That dual approval is a key selling point for players who compete across both circuits.
Does the Project Flamingo come in other shapes or thicknesses?
Yes. Alongside this 15mm elongated model, Proton offers widebody versions, branded Project Peacock, in 13mm and 15mm for a larger sweet spot and more forgiveness, plus a thinner 13mm elongated for a lighter, quicker, more responsive feel. All share the Velocity Core and roughness-enhanced carbon face.
