The JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV delivers explosive, tournament-legal power for aggressive players. After previous models got banned, JOOLA refined their formula—keeping that signature pop while staying within regulation limits. This paddle hits hard, generates serious spin, and gives you the reach to dominate from anywhere on the court.
Here’s the deal: you’ll crush serves and finish points with authority. But you’ll need solid fundamentals to control all that firepower.
Quick Verdict
Best For: Aggressive intermediate to advanced players
Key Win: Elite power and spin, tournament-legal
Trade-Off: Learning curve for control
Key Specs
| Spec | 14mm | 16mm |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 7.9 oz | 8.1 oz |
| Dimensions | 16.5″ x 7.5″ | 16.5″ x 7.5″ |
| Handle | 5.5″ / 4.125″ grip | 5.5″ / 4.25″ grip |
| Core | TechFlex Power Propulsion | TechFlex Power Propulsion |
| Face | Carbon Friction Surface | Carbon Friction Surface |
| Spin | 1,964 RPM | 1,971 RPM |
| Certification | USAP & UPA-A | USAP & UPA-A |
Explosive Power
The 14mm version delivers instant pop. Drives explode off the face. Serves land deep. Speed-ups catch opponents off guard.
The 16mm provides controlled power with more dwell time. You’ll generate serious pace while keeping balls in bounds more consistently.
Both use TechFlex Power technology—strategically placed foam that helps the paddle flex efficiently. The propulsion core stores and releases energy like a trampoline.
This is one of the hardest-hitting legal paddles available.
Control Requires Skill
That power cuts both ways. Dinks can pop up. Drops need deliberate angles. Resets require a soft touch.
The 16mm offers better control out of the box. Extra thickness creates more dwell time and margin for error. Most players find their soft game easier with this version.
The 14mm plays faster and more aggressive. Great for flicks and counters, but touch shots get trickier.
Good news? The TFP technology improved control compared to the Perseus 3S. Better feedback, more connected feel, forgiving sweet spot.
Spin That Bites
The Carbon Friction Surface grips beautifully. Topspin serves kick and dive. Backhand rolls get serious rotation. Slice drops bite low.
Testing shows high spin—around 1,964-1,971 RPMs. Not quite elite tier, but more than enough for competitive play.
The elongated shape adds leverage for heavier topspin that dips at opponents’ feet.
Better Forgiveness
The widened throat with foam expands the sweet spot noticeably. Off-center hits still feel solid.
The 16mm is more forgiving overall. Softer feel, bigger sweet spot, easier consistency. The 14mm demands cleaner contact.
There are still dead spots near the handle, but this beats most elongated power paddles for forgiveness.
Feels Quick
Swingweights of 116 (14mm) and 118 (16mm) make these surprisingly fast. Hand battles feel quick and responsive.
The 5.5-inch handle enables two-handed backhands and adds leverage for serves. The Feel-Tec Pure Grip stays tacky even when sweaty.
The 16mm feels softer and more plush. The 14mm feels firmer and more direct.
Who Should Buy
You’ll love this if you:
- Crave power on drives and serves
- Attack aggressively from the baseline
- Have solid fundamentals to control the pop
- Play shake-and-bake strategies
- Need tournament-legal performance
Skip this if you:
- You’re a beginner
- Rely on touch and finesse
- Prefer ultra-soft feel
- Have a tight budget
- Want maximum forgiveness
Top Alternatives
Paddletek Bantam TKO-C – More instant pop, less forgiving, similar price
Selkirk Boomstik – More raw power, bigger sweet spot, higher cost
Bread & Butter Loco – Similar performance at $100 less, outstanding value
Gearbox Pro Ultimate – Comparable power after break-in, softer feel
What We Love
✅ Tournament-legal firepower
✅ Exceptional spin generation
✅ Improved feel from Perseus 3S
✅ Longer 5.5″ handle
✅ Better forgiveness than expected
What Could Improve
⚠️ Premium pricing
⚠️ Steep learning curve
⚠️ Durability concerns with propulsion cores
⚠️ Only 6-month warranty
Worth It?
You’re paying premium prices for elite performance. This delivers tournament-legal power that rivals banned paddles, with real improvements in feel and control.
But the Bread & Butter Loco delivers 90% of this performance at $100 less. The Honolulu J2NF offers comparable power and better forgiveness at similar pricing.
The value depends on your priorities. Want Ben Johns’ paddle with JOOLA backing? This delivers. Looking purely at performance-per-dollar? Strong alternatives exist.
Durability’s the wild card. JOOLA cores had issues before. The 6-month warranty’s shorter than competitors.
Final Verdict
The 16mm version suits most players—more forgiving, easier control, serious punch. The 14mm fits advanced players wanting maximum pop.
This paddle performs at the highest level. The question is whether premium pricing makes sense when strong alternatives cost less.
For aggressive players committed to JOOLA and Ben Johns’ style, this brings the firepower you’ve been waiting for.
