The JOOLA Perseus Pro IV is the latest evolution of the most popular power paddle in pickleball. Co-designed with world #1 Ben Johns, it builds on the Perseus 3S with patent-pending TechFlex Power (TFP) technology — adding high-density foam in the throat area to improve feel, expand the sweet spot, and reduce the head-heavy balance that plagued earlier versions.
Verdict
JOOLA Perseus Pro IV
TechFlex Power construction improves feel and forgiveness over the 3S, while the Propulsion Core and Carbon Friction Surface deliver elite power and spin.
Bottom Line
One of the hardest-hitting legal paddles on the market. Improved balance and feel over the 3S — if you can handle the power, this paddle rewards aggressive play.
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Elite power and pop
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Improved feel over 3S
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Strong spin generation
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Overhitting is easy
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Premium pricing
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6-month standard warranty
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Specs
| Specification | Details |
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| Weight | 8.1 oz avg (7.9–8.3 oz range) |
| Face Material | Carbon Friction Surface (CFS) |
| Core | Propulsion Honeycomb with TechFlex Power |
| Thickness | 16mm (14mm also available) |
| Length | 16.5″ |
| Width | 7.5″ |
| Handle Length | 5.5″ |
| Grip Size | 4.25″ (16mm) / 4.125″ (14mm) |
| Shape | Elongated (Perseus) |
| Edge Technology | Hyper-Foam Edge Wall |
| Swing Weight | 118 (16mm) / 113 (14mm) |
| Certification | USAP PBCoR .43 & UPA-A |
| Warranty | 6 months (12 months with NFC registration) |
Performance
Power
This is where the Perseus Pro IV makes its name. The Propulsion Core generates explosive pop on drives, serves, and speed-ups — without you needing to swing out of your shoes. The 16mm gives you controlled power with more dwell time, while the 14mm delivers faster, more direct pop. Both versions rank among the most powerful legal paddles available, right up there with the Paddletek Bantam TKO-C and Gearbox Pro Ultimate.
Control
Control takes more effort here than with a dedicated touch paddle. The power is a double-edged sword — dinks can pop up if you’re not deliberate, and drops need careful angle management. That said, the 16mm version is noticeably more forgiving than the 14mm. The TFP foam in the throat gives the face more flex, which adds dwell time and helps you shape the ball. Resets and blocks feel better than the 3S did, and the soft game is manageable once you adjust.
Spin
The Carbon Friction Surface grabs the ball on contact and generates strong topspin and slice. Testing shows spin rates around 1,970–2,050 RPM depending on the version, which puts it in solid territory against most competitors. The texture is built into the carbon fiber face, so it holds up longer than spray-on grit coatings. Serves kick. Rolls stay down. Slice drops bite.
Feel
This is where the Pro IV improved most over the 3S. The added TFP foam in the throat area reduces vibrations and eliminates that hollow, harsh feel the 3S was known for. Contact feels more connected and plush — you actually know where the ball hit. The Hyper-Foam Edge Wall expands the sweet spot, and off-center hits produce more solid, predictable responses than previous generations. The swing weight dropped from around 121 (3S) to 118, making it noticeably quicker in hand battles without losing stability.
Best For
Intermediate to advanced players (3.5+) who play aggressively and want a paddle that finishes points. Ideal for drive-heavy players, shake-and-bake strategies, and anyone who values power and spin over pure touch.
Skip this if you’re a beginner, rely primarily on finesse and soft game, or prefer lighter paddles with more forgiveness.
Comparisons
vs. Bread & Butter Loco
The Loco uses a full foam core with a completely different construction — softer, lighter, and available in three shapes at roughly $100 less. The Perseus hits harder and has more pop, but the Loco offers comparable performance at a fraction of the cost. Value-minded players should seriously consider the Loco.
vs. Selkirk Boomstik
Both are power paddles, but the Boomstik has a larger sweet spot and more raw pop. The Perseus counters with better maneuverability and spin generation. Similar price tier — comes down to whether you want brute force or aggressive versatility.
Value
You’re getting the Propulsion Core, TechFlex Power construction, Carbon Friction Surface, Hyper-Foam Edge Wall, and an NFC chip — all in the paddle shape that Ben Johns trusts at the highest level. The improvements over the 3S are real: better feel, better balance, better forgiveness.
But strong alternatives exist at lower prices. The Bread & Butter Loco delivers similar power at roughly $100 less. The 11SIX24 Power Series offers comparable performance with a larger sweet spot. The value depends on whether you want the absolute most power in a legal paddle and trust the JOOLA ecosystem.
Durability is worth watching. JOOLA’s previous propulsion cores had well-documented issues. Early dissections of the Pro IV show healthy construction, but only time and heavy play will tell.
Final
The Perseus Pro IV is the best version of JOOLA’s power paddle yet. The TFP construction genuinely improved the feel, reduced the swing weight, and expanded the sweet spot — all without sacrificing the explosive power the Perseus line is known for.
Yes, it’s expensive. And yes, the 6-month standard warranty is short for a paddle at this price. But if you’re an aggressive player who needs maximum pop and spin in a tournament-legal package, few paddles compete with what this delivers.
The 16mm suits most players — more forgiving, easier to control, serious power. The 14mm fits advanced players who want maximum speed and are comfortable managing the pop. Either way, this is a paddle built for players who attack.
FAQs
Is the Perseus Pro IV good for beginners?
Not recommended. The power and smaller sweet spot make it difficult to learn fundamentals with. Beginners will overhit frequently and struggle with touch shots. Start with something more forgiving like the JOOLA Hyperion CFS or Vatic Pro Prism Flash, then graduate to the Perseus once your mechanics are solid.
Should I choose the 14mm or 16mm version?
The 16mm is the better choice for most players. It offers more forgiveness, a bigger sweet spot, easier access to controlled power, and a softer feel. The 14mm delivers more pop and faster hands but requires cleaner contact and tighter technique. Unless you’re an advanced player who specifically wants maximum speed and crispness, go 16mm.
How does the Pro IV compare to the Perseus 3S?
The Pro IV is a clear upgrade. The TFP foam improves feel, reduces vibrations, and lowers the swing weight from around 121 to 118. The grip size is corrected to a proper 4.25 inches on the 16mm. Power is comparable, but the Pro IV is more maneuverable and more forgiving. If you liked the 3S, the Pro IV is better in every meaningful way.
Will the propulsion core crush or lose performance over time?
Early dissections show healthy cores with no compression, and JOOLA has focused on improving durability with this generation. But propulsion core paddles have a history of degradation under heavy play. JOOLA addressed known issues, and signs are positive — but this remains a paddle you should monitor over months of aggressive use. Learn more about how long pickleball paddles last to set realistic expectations.
What’s the deal with the warranty — 6 months or 12 months?
The standard warranty is 6 months. You can extend it to 12 months by registering the paddle’s NFC chip through the JOOLA Infinity app within 14 days of purchase. Registration requires uploading your receipt. If you miss the 14-day window, you’re stuck with 6 months. Register immediately after buying.
