JOOLA Perseus Pro V Review
Consensus score
The paddle Ben Johns actually plays with, and the most match-verified frame in our pro paddle tracker. Buying it will not make you Ben Johns. Nothing will. He is Ben Johns. But once the hype settles, here is what reviewers agree on: controlled pop, serious spin, and a complete all-court game with no glaring weakness. Think of it as the complete midfielder of paddles. It does everything, and it does nothing badly.
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. Our rankings are never influenced by commissions or brand partnerships. Consensus score 90/100 (Excellent) — aggregated Oct 2026 from 26 reviews across 2 source types — how we rank.
The consensus verdict
Best for
Competitive all-court players who want one paddle with no glaring weakness. Reviewers say the elite spin, full-swing power, and much-improved touch cover the whole court.
Not for
Power hunters shopping for maximum pace. Reviewers agree: this is controlled pop, not a cannon, and at $300 dedicated power paddles give you more per dollar.
Consensus 90/100 · Excellent
Weighted from Pickleheads 5/5 and Pickleball3 77/100 (editorial) plus 19 owner reviews averaging 4.6/5 (Dick's Sporting Goods and JustPaddles). Per-dimension scores pending more editorial data. Elite spin and full-swing power with much-improved touch; heavy swing weight and the $300 price are the knocks.
Money where my mouth is
The score on this page is consensus, aggregated from reviews across the web. This part is separate: my own money, my own sessions.
The paddle quiz on this site told me to try it, so I bought one at the PPA Vegas booth. It might be the one I use long term. Drives feel better with it, resets are where it really earns its keep, and it plays the same every session.
Specs
| MSRP | $299.99 (16mm) · $279.95 (14mm) |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 14mm or 16mm |
| Shape | Elongated. 16.5" × 7.5" |
| Face | Textured carbon fiber (JOOLA Carbon Friction Surface) |
| Core | Propulsion Core + Hyperfoam Edge Wall, KineticFrame throat |
| Weight | 7.9–8.3 oz (16mm typically ~8.1 oz) |
| Handle | 5.5" length · 4.25" grip |
| Measured (third-party) | Swing weight ~117, twist weight ~6.3, spin ~2,060 RPM (independent reviewer lab data, 16mm) |
| Approval | USAP + UPA-A approved |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Specs from JOOLA and retailer listings; measured figures from independent reviewer lab data (unit-to-unit variance applies).
What reviewers agree on
Strengths
- Controlled pop, not raw power. The Propulsion Core gives pace on drives and counters without needing a huge swing, but it stays composed. That's the paddle's identity. Reviewers who wanted a cannon keep saying the same thing: look at dedicated power paddles instead.
- Resets and defensive control. The KineticFrame throat flexes through contact instead of launching the ball. Reviewers single out resets and drops as a standout strength.
- Spin is genuinely high. ~2,060 RPM measured. Near the top of what this platform has produced. Reviewers praise the heavy topspin on drives and dipping passing shots.
- Forgiving for an elongated. Twist weight around 6.3 is solid for the shape, and reviewers say mishits stay playable. A widebody still forgives more, but this won't punish you.
Weaknesses & caveats
- Grit fades. The day-one spin softens with heavy use. Durability grading puts the raw-texture surface in the lower tiers for longevity. And it's the most common long-term complaint in owner reviews.
- Hand speed costs. It's an elongated head. You gain reach, you lose maneuverability in fast kitchen exchanges. Reviewers are blunt: no setup fixes the physics.
- Price. $300 is flagship money. Reviewers broadly agree it earns the price on completeness. Not on any single superpower.
- Pro-build caveat. Ben Johns' actual paddle is customized with added weight. You're buying the excellent retail frame, not his exact setup.
Synthesized from expert reviewer lab data and long-form reviews (measurement-focused outlets), retailer owner reviews, and player-community discussion. How we rank →
Who it's for
Who it's for
- You play 3.5+ all-court ball and want consistency on every shot
- You're upgrading from an older Perseus and want the refined feel
- You hit a two-handed backhand (the 5.5" handle fits the second hand)
Who should skip it
- You hunt pure power. A heavier, stiffer power build out-hits this every time
- You mishit a lot and need maximum forgiveness. Look at widebodies
- You're buying on a budget. Our $100–$200 rankings cover most players through 4.0
Pro usage
Ben Johns — JOOLA Perseus Pro V 16mm, match-verified. Also used on tour by Chao Yi Wang and Noe Khlif (16mm). See the full tracker →
Where to buy
Free shipping at JustPaddles. Also available direct from JOOLA.
← Best paddles $200 & up · 14mm vs 16mm guide · Swing weight explained
Perseus Pro V FAQs
What paddle does Ben Johns use?
The JOOLA Perseus Pro V 16mm, verified in match play. Note his is customized. You're buying the retail frame.
14mm or 16mm?
16mm for control and resets, 14mm for pop and a lighter swing. Most all-court players choose 16mm.
Is it worth $300?
Yes for completeness, no if you only want max power. Dedicated power paddles give more per dollar there.