Buy Perseus IV
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Welcome to Episode 3 of Paddle of the Week! This week’s lineup is absolutely stacked—I tested a mix of new releases and some returning favorites, putting them through real games, drilling sessions, and hands battles at the kitchen to see what holds up and what doesn’t.

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How did I acquire this pickleball paddle?
This paddle was purchased by me for the purpose of this review. All opinions expressed are my own and are based on my personal experience with the product.
How did I acquire this pickleball paddle?
This paddle was provided to me at no cost, with no conditions or obligations attached. While I did not purchase this paddle, all opinions expressed here are entirely my own and represent my honest assessment of its performance and quality.
How did I acquire this pickleball paddle?
I was initially given a paddle at no cost, without any conditions or obligations. After my experience with it, I decided to purchase an additional one on my own. All opinions expressed here are based on my thorough testing of both paddles and reflect my honest assessment of their performance and quality.

JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 14mm Paddle Type

CONTROL
ALL-COURT
POWER
  • Control
    Best for strategic players who favor precision and placement over power, excelling in slow play and careful ball manipulation.
  • All-Court
    Designed for versatile players who want the best of both worlds. These paddles balance control, power, and speed, adaptable to various playing styles.
  • Power
    Ideal for aggressive players (aka, "bangers") who prioritize fast, powerful gameplay, sacrificing some control and sweet spot size for maximum force.

JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 16mm Paddle Type

CONTROL
ALL-COURT
POWER
  • Control
    Best for strategic players who favor precision and placement over power, excelling in slow play and careful ball manipulation.
  • All-Court
    Designed for versatile players who want the best of both worlds. These paddles balance control, power, and speed, adaptable to various playing styles.
  • Power
    Ideal for aggressive players (aka, "bangers") who prioritize fast, powerful gameplay, sacrificing some control and sweet spot size for maximum force.

Proton Series Three Project Flamingo 15mm Paddle Type

CONTROL
ALL-COURT
POWER
  • Control
    Best for strategic players who favor precision and placement over power, excelling in slow play and careful ball manipulation.
  • All-Court
    Designed for versatile players who want the best of both worlds. These paddles balance control, power, and speed, adaptable to various playing styles.
  • Power
    Ideal for aggressive players (aka, "bangers") who prioritize fast, powerful gameplay, sacrificing some control and sweet spot size for maximum force.

Thrive Smoke 14.5mm Paddle Type

CONTROL
ALL-COURT
POWER
  • Control
    Best for strategic players who favor precision and placement over power, excelling in slow play and careful ball manipulation.
  • All-Court
    Designed for versatile players who want the best of both worlds. These paddles balance control, power, and speed, adaptable to various playing styles.
  • Power
    Ideal for aggressive players (aka, "bangers") who prioritize fast, powerful gameplay, sacrificing some control and sweet spot size for maximum force.

Honolulu Pickleball Co. J2K 16mm Paddle Type

CONTROL
ALL-COURT
POWER
  • Control
    Best for strategic players who favor precision and placement over power, excelling in slow play and careful ball manipulation.
  • All-Court
    Designed for versatile players who want the best of both worlds. These paddles balance control, power, and speed, adaptable to various playing styles.
  • Power
    Ideal for aggressive players (aka, "bangers") who prioritize fast, powerful gameplay, sacrificing some control and sweet spot size for maximum force.

Franklin C45 14mm Paddle Type

CONTROL
ALL-COURT
POWER
  • Control
    Best for strategic players who favor precision and placement over power, excelling in slow play and careful ball manipulation.
  • All-Court
    Designed for versatile players who want the best of both worlds. These paddles balance control, power, and speed, adaptable to various playing styles.
  • Power
    Ideal for aggressive players (aka, "bangers") who prioritize fast, powerful gameplay, sacrificing some control and sweet spot size for maximum force.

Standout Pickleball CF4 Power Nxt Gen 16mm Paddle Type

CONTROL
ALL-COURT
POWER
  • Control
    Best for strategic players who favor precision and placement over power, excelling in slow play and careful ball manipulation.
  • All-Court
    Designed for versatile players who want the best of both worlds. These paddles balance control, power, and speed, adaptable to various playing styles.
  • Power
    Ideal for aggressive players (aka, "bangers") who prioritize fast, powerful gameplay, sacrificing some control and sweet spot size for maximum force.

JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 14mm Performance Ratings

Company
JOOLA
Model
Perseus Pro IV 14mm
Category
Power
Price
$
279.95
Purchase Info
Warranty

JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 16mm Performance Ratings

Company
JOOLA
Model
Perseus Pro IV 16mm
Category
Power
Price
$
279.95
Purchase Info
Warranty

Proton Series Three Project Flamingo 15mm Performance Ratings

Company
Proton
Model
Series Three Project Flamingo 15mm
Category
Power
Price
$
280
Purchase Info
Warranty

Thrive Smoke 14.5mm Performance Ratings

Company
Thrive
Model
Smoke 14.5mm
Category
Power
Price
$
219.99
Purchase Info
Warranty

Honolulu Pickleball Co. J2K 16mm Performance Ratings

Company
Honolulu Pickleball Co.
Model
J2K 16mm
Category
All-Court
Price
$
155
Purchase Info
Warranty

Franklin C45 14mm Performance Ratings

Company
Franklin
Model
C45 14mm
Category
Power
Price
$
229
Purchase Info
Warranty

Standout Pickleball CF4 Power Nxt Gen 16mm Performance Ratings

Company
Standout Pickleball
Model
CF4 Power Nxt Gen 16mm
Category
Power
Price
$
220
Warranty
Check out the latest videos from Matt's Pickleball on YouTube!

JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 14mm Performance Metrics

Core Thickness (mm)
14
Thicker cores (16mm) offer more control and a softer feel. Typical paddles range from 13mm (more power) to 16mm (more control).
Spin RPM
2193
Standard paddles range from 1800 to 2500 RPM, with higher numbers enhancing control and shot variability.
Length (in)
16.5
Standard lengths range from 15.5 to 16.5 inches, with longer paddles offering better reach.
Width (in)
7.5
Widths typically range from 7.5 to 8 inches, balancing forgiveness and maneuverability.
Static Weight (oz)
8.09
Heavier paddles (8+ oz) provide more power and stability, while lighter ones offer better control and quicker handling.
Swing Weight
114.9
Higher swing weight means more power and stability. Lower values offer better control and quicker handling.
Twist Weight
6.2
Higher twist weight provides stability and forgiveness. Lower values allow quicker wrist movements.
Balance Point (cm)
24.2
A higher balance point (head-heavy) offers more power. Lower points (handle-heavy) provide better maneuverability.
Serve Speed Power (MPH)
56.8
Higher serve speeds indicate more power potential. Useful for aggressive play styles.
Punch Volley Speed Pop (MPH)
36.7
Higher speeds indicate quick, powerful volleys with minimal effort.
Surface Hardness (Shore D)
Harder surfaces offer more power and precision, while softer surfaces provide more control and a softer feel.
Handle Length (in)
5.5
Longer handles offer more reach and leverage, beneficial for two-handed shots. Standard lengths range from 4.5 to 5.5 inches.
Handle Circumference (in)
4.25
Larger circumference offers a secure grip for bigger hands. Smaller circumferences suit players with smaller hands, allowing quicker wrist movements.
Manufacturing Process
Gen-3 Foam Enhanced
Impacts durability, performance, and feel.
Surface Texture
Peel Ply (Coarse)
Rough surfaces enhance spin and control, while smoother surfaces offer cleaner, faster shots.
Core Cell Size (mm)
Rough surfaces enhance spin and control, while smoother surfaces offer cleaner, faster shots.

JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 16mm Performance Metrics

Core Thickness (mm)
16
Thicker cores (16mm) offer more control and a softer feel. Typical paddles range from 13mm (more power) to 16mm (more control).
Spin RPM
2067
Standard paddles range from 1800 to 2500 RPM, with higher numbers enhancing control and shot variability.
Length (in)
16.5
Standard lengths range from 15.5 to 16.5 inches, with longer paddles offering better reach.
Width (in)
7.5
Widths typically range from 7.5 to 8 inches, balancing forgiveness and maneuverability.
Static Weight (oz)
8.09
Heavier paddles (8+ oz) provide more power and stability, while lighter ones offer better control and quicker handling.
Swing Weight
116.5
Higher swing weight means more power and stability. Lower values offer better control and quicker handling.
Twist Weight
6.4
Higher twist weight provides stability and forgiveness. Lower values allow quicker wrist movements.
Balance Point (cm)
24.5
A higher balance point (head-heavy) offers more power. Lower points (handle-heavy) provide better maneuverability.
Serve Speed Power (MPH)
57
Higher serve speeds indicate more power potential. Useful for aggressive play styles.
Punch Volley Speed Pop (MPH)
36
Higher speeds indicate quick, powerful volleys with minimal effort.
Surface Hardness (Shore D)
Harder surfaces offer more power and precision, while softer surfaces provide more control and a softer feel.
Handle Length (in)
5.5
Longer handles offer more reach and leverage, beneficial for two-handed shots. Standard lengths range from 4.5 to 5.5 inches.
Handle Circumference (in)
4.25
Larger circumference offers a secure grip for bigger hands. Smaller circumferences suit players with smaller hands, allowing quicker wrist movements.
Manufacturing Process
Gen-3 Foam Enhanced
Impacts durability, performance, and feel.
Surface Texture
Peel Ply (Coarse)
Rough surfaces enhance spin and control, while smoother surfaces offer cleaner, faster shots.
Core Cell Size (mm)
Rough surfaces enhance spin and control, while smoother surfaces offer cleaner, faster shots.

Proton Series Three Project Flamingo 15mm Performance Metrics

Core Thickness (mm)
15
Thicker cores (16mm) offer more control and a softer feel. Typical paddles range from 13mm (more power) to 16mm (more control).
Spin RPM
2196
Standard paddles range from 1800 to 2500 RPM, with higher numbers enhancing control and shot variability.
Length (in)
16.5
Standard lengths range from 15.5 to 16.5 inches, with longer paddles offering better reach.
Width (in)
7.5
Widths typically range from 7.5 to 8 inches, balancing forgiveness and maneuverability.
Static Weight (oz)
7.92
Heavier paddles (8+ oz) provide more power and stability, while lighter ones offer better control and quicker handling.
Swing Weight
117.95
Higher swing weight means more power and stability. Lower values offer better control and quicker handling.
Twist Weight
6.7
Higher twist weight provides stability and forgiveness. Lower values allow quicker wrist movements.
Balance Point (cm)
24.2
A higher balance point (head-heavy) offers more power. Lower points (handle-heavy) provide better maneuverability.
Serve Speed Power (MPH)
55.7
Higher serve speeds indicate more power potential. Useful for aggressive play styles.
Punch Volley Speed Pop (MPH)
37.3
Higher speeds indicate quick, powerful volleys with minimal effort.
Surface Hardness (Shore D)
Harder surfaces offer more power and precision, while softer surfaces provide more control and a softer feel.
Handle Length (in)
5.25
Longer handles offer more reach and leverage, beneficial for two-handed shots. Standard lengths range from 4.5 to 5.5 inches.
Handle Circumference (in)
4.25
Larger circumference offers a secure grip for bigger hands. Smaller circumferences suit players with smaller hands, allowing quicker wrist movements.
Manufacturing Process
Thermoformed
Impacts durability, performance, and feel.
Surface Texture
Peel Ply (Coarse)
Rough surfaces enhance spin and control, while smoother surfaces offer cleaner, faster shots.
Core Cell Size (mm)
6
Rough surfaces enhance spin and control, while smoother surfaces offer cleaner, faster shots.

Thrive Smoke 14.5mm Performance Metrics

Core Thickness (mm)
14.5
Thicker cores (16mm) offer more control and a softer feel. Typical paddles range from 13mm (more power) to 16mm (more control).
Spin RPM
2193
Standard paddles range from 1800 to 2500 RPM, with higher numbers enhancing control and shot variability.
Length (in)
16.5
Standard lengths range from 15.5 to 16.5 inches, with longer paddles offering better reach.
Width (in)
7.5
Widths typically range from 7.5 to 8 inches, balancing forgiveness and maneuverability.
Static Weight (oz)
7.94
Heavier paddles (8+ oz) provide more power and stability, while lighter ones offer better control and quicker handling.
Swing Weight
119.26
Higher swing weight means more power and stability. Lower values offer better control and quicker handling.
Twist Weight
6.14
Higher twist weight provides stability and forgiveness. Lower values allow quicker wrist movements.
Balance Point (cm)
24.6
A higher balance point (head-heavy) offers more power. Lower points (handle-heavy) provide better maneuverability.
Serve Speed Power (MPH)
56.7
Higher serve speeds indicate more power potential. Useful for aggressive play styles.
Punch Volley Speed Pop (MPH)
40.5
Higher speeds indicate quick, powerful volleys with minimal effort.
Surface Hardness (Shore D)
Harder surfaces offer more power and precision, while softer surfaces provide more control and a softer feel.
Handle Length (in)
5.75
Longer handles offer more reach and leverage, beneficial for two-handed shots. Standard lengths range from 4.5 to 5.5 inches.
Handle Circumference (in)
4.25
Larger circumference offers a secure grip for bigger hands. Smaller circumferences suit players with smaller hands, allowing quicker wrist movements.
Manufacturing Process
Thermoformed
Impacts durability, performance, and feel.
Surface Texture
Peel Ply (Coarse)
Rough surfaces enhance spin and control, while smoother surfaces offer cleaner, faster shots.
Core Cell Size (mm)
Rough surfaces enhance spin and control, while smoother surfaces offer cleaner, faster shots.

Honolulu Pickleball Co. J2K 16mm Performance Metrics

Core Thickness (mm)
16
Thicker cores (16mm) offer more control and a softer feel. Typical paddles range from 13mm (more power) to 16mm (more control).
Spin RPM
2198
Standard paddles range from 1800 to 2500 RPM, with higher numbers enhancing control and shot variability.
Length (in)
16.125
Standard lengths range from 15.5 to 16.5 inches, with longer paddles offering better reach.
Width (in)
7.75
Widths typically range from 7.5 to 8 inches, balancing forgiveness and maneuverability.
Static Weight (oz)
8.09
Heavier paddles (8+ oz) provide more power and stability, while lighter ones offer better control and quicker handling.
Swing Weight
110.27
Higher swing weight means more power and stability. Lower values offer better control and quicker handling.
Twist Weight
6.7
Higher twist weight provides stability and forgiveness. Lower values allow quicker wrist movements.
Balance Point (cm)
23.3
A higher balance point (head-heavy) offers more power. Lower points (handle-heavy) provide better maneuverability.
Serve Speed Power (MPH)
54.9
Higher serve speeds indicate more power potential. Useful for aggressive play styles.
Punch Volley Speed Pop (MPH)
36.2
Higher speeds indicate quick, powerful volleys with minimal effort.
Surface Hardness (Shore D)
Harder surfaces offer more power and precision, while softer surfaces provide more control and a softer feel.
Handle Length (in)
5.5
Longer handles offer more reach and leverage, beneficial for two-handed shots. Standard lengths range from 4.5 to 5.5 inches.
Handle Circumference (in)
4.125
Larger circumference offers a secure grip for bigger hands. Smaller circumferences suit players with smaller hands, allowing quicker wrist movements.
Manufacturing Process
Thermoformed
Impacts durability, performance, and feel.
Surface Texture
Peel Ply (Coarse)
Rough surfaces enhance spin and control, while smoother surfaces offer cleaner, faster shots.
Core Cell Size (mm)
8
Rough surfaces enhance spin and control, while smoother surfaces offer cleaner, faster shots.

Franklin C45 14mm Performance Metrics

Core Thickness (mm)
14
Thicker cores (16mm) offer more control and a softer feel. Typical paddles range from 13mm (more power) to 16mm (more control).
Spin RPM
2252
Standard paddles range from 1800 to 2500 RPM, with higher numbers enhancing control and shot variability.
Length (in)
16.25
Standard lengths range from 15.5 to 16.5 inches, with longer paddles offering better reach.
Width (in)
7.5
Widths typically range from 7.5 to 8 inches, balancing forgiveness and maneuverability.
Static Weight (oz)
7.52
Heavier paddles (8+ oz) provide more power and stability, while lighter ones offer better control and quicker handling.
Swing Weight
106.25
Higher swing weight means more power and stability. Lower values offer better control and quicker handling.
Twist Weight
5.65
Higher twist weight provides stability and forgiveness. Lower values allow quicker wrist movements.
Balance Point (cm)
23.7
A higher balance point (head-heavy) offers more power. Lower points (handle-heavy) provide better maneuverability.
Serve Speed Power (MPH)
56.3
Higher serve speeds indicate more power potential. Useful for aggressive play styles.
Punch Volley Speed Pop (MPH)
37.7
Higher speeds indicate quick, powerful volleys with minimal effort.
Surface Hardness (Shore D)
Harder surfaces offer more power and precision, while softer surfaces provide more control and a softer feel.
Handle Length (in)
5.75
Longer handles offer more reach and leverage, beneficial for two-handed shots. Standard lengths range from 4.5 to 5.5 inches.
Handle Circumference (in)
4.25
Larger circumference offers a secure grip for bigger hands. Smaller circumferences suit players with smaller hands, allowing quicker wrist movements.
Manufacturing Process
Thermoformed
Impacts durability, performance, and feel.
Surface Texture
Peel Ply (Coarse)
Rough surfaces enhance spin and control, while smoother surfaces offer cleaner, faster shots.
Core Cell Size (mm)
Rough surfaces enhance spin and control, while smoother surfaces offer cleaner, faster shots.

Standout Pickleball CF4 Power Nxt Gen 16mm Performance Metrics

Core Thickness (mm)
16
Thicker cores (16mm) offer more control and a softer feel. Typical paddles range from 13mm (more power) to 16mm (more control).
Spin RPM
2227
Standard paddles range from 1800 to 2500 RPM, with higher numbers enhancing control and shot variability.
Length (in)
16.5
Standard lengths range from 15.5 to 16.5 inches, with longer paddles offering better reach.
Width (in)
7.5
Widths typically range from 7.5 to 8 inches, balancing forgiveness and maneuverability.
Static Weight (oz)
8.27
Heavier paddles (8+ oz) provide more power and stability, while lighter ones offer better control and quicker handling.
Swing Weight
115.65
Higher swing weight means more power and stability. Lower values offer better control and quicker handling.
Twist Weight
6.25
Higher twist weight provides stability and forgiveness. Lower values allow quicker wrist movements.
Balance Point (cm)
23.5
A higher balance point (head-heavy) offers more power. Lower points (handle-heavy) provide better maneuverability.
Serve Speed Power (MPH)
56.5
Higher serve speeds indicate more power potential. Useful for aggressive play styles.
Punch Volley Speed Pop (MPH)
40
Higher speeds indicate quick, powerful volleys with minimal effort.
Surface Hardness (Shore D)
Harder surfaces offer more power and precision, while softer surfaces provide more control and a softer feel.
Handle Length (in)
5.5
Longer handles offer more reach and leverage, beneficial for two-handed shots. Standard lengths range from 4.5 to 5.5 inches.
Handle Circumference (in)
4.25
Larger circumference offers a secure grip for bigger hands. Smaller circumferences suit players with smaller hands, allowing quicker wrist movements.
Manufacturing Process
Thermoformed
Impacts durability, performance, and feel.
Surface Texture
Peel Ply (Coarse)
Rough surfaces enhance spin and control, while smoother surfaces offer cleaner, faster shots.
Core Cell Size (mm)
Rough surfaces enhance spin and control, while smoother surfaces offer cleaner, faster shots.

Discount Code

Get 10% off Joola pickleball gear with this discount code.
Promo Code: 
MPB
Find more discount codes here!

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About 
JOOLA
Company Information
Established in Germany in 1952, JOOLA has dominated the professional table tennis scene in the United States for over 15 years. Partnering with North American Table Tennis (NATT) early on, JOOLA established a strong presence through the North American Tour and NATT‘s flagship event, the North American Teams Championships. Each event in the Tour generally drew in 200 to 300 participants and showcased about 30 JOOLA tables, while the Teams event exposed the brand to nearly 1000 players, who competed on about 150 JOOLA tables. With each successful event, JOOLA grew its fan base and eventually became the most visible table tennis brand in US table tennis.
Read more
Warranty Information
JOOLA warrants the paddles to be free from major defects in workmanship and materials when used for the intended purpose under normal use and conditions for a period of 6 months from the date of receipt on original purchase in the United States and Canada.
Learn more about the warranty
Posted 
March 9, 2025
 in 
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Updated 
March 9, 2025

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