The JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV 16mm is one of the most explosive power pickleball paddles of 2026. JOOLA.com listed $249.95 MSRP on the 16mm SKU as of June 2026 (no standing sale on that listing); Pro V is the newer flagship at $299.95.
The Verdict
The Ben Johns paddle: $249.95 MSRP at JOOLA.
Loud, explosive, and still a serious premium power pick at full price.
See where it lands against the rest in our foam core paddle rankings.
Specs
| Price (with code) | $249.95 |
| Stock Price | $249.95 |
| Shape | Elongated |
| Thickness | 16mm |
| Core | Polypropylene Propulsion Core + TFP Foam |
| Face | Carbon Friction Surface |
| Weight | 8.1 oz |
| Grip Length | 5.5" |
| Swing Weight | 118 |
How It Plays
Pop and power lead this one.
Against our database
Compared with the 126 paddles we have scored.
- Top 8% for pop
- Top 11% for power
On-Court Feel
The Pro IV hits. Drives come off with authority that you don't have to earn — the Propulsion Core does the heavy lifting and you just swing with intent. At the kitchen the story gets more honest — this paddle is built for attacking, and if your soft game isn't locked in you'll occasionally pop balls up. The elongated shape gives you genuine reach that shorter paddles can't match.
Performance & Testing
The JOOLA Perseus Pro IV went through our standard on-court protocol - drills, rec play, and at least one tournament match. How it plays reflects consensus feedback from the group, not a single reviewer's opinion.
Grit & Durability
Carbon Friction Surface provides good initial bite. The bigger durability question is core crush — a real issue with Gen 3 models. JOOLA has added quality control with the Pro IV, but the 1-year warranty is short for the price.
Who It's For
Attacking players who love an elongated shape and want to build points through pace and pressure.
- pop matters most to you (top 8% of the paddles we have scored)
- power matters most to you (top 11% of the paddles we have scored)
- you want plow-through on drives and serves: a 118 swing weight
- Spin comes first for you. The Luzz Pro 4 Blue Blaze Inferno is stronger there ($203.15 with PRH).
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Among the most powerful legal paddles
- Explosive instant pop
- Improved sweet spot vs Gen 3
- Dual certified (USAP + UPA-A)
- JOOLA.com MSRP $249.95 on 16mm SKU (June 2026 check)
Cons
- Demands clean technique
- Lower twist weight
- 1-year warranty short for the price
- Core durability history
Bottom Line
Premium power — strong paddle, but Honolulu J2CR at ~$175 gives it real competition.
At $249.95 this is still a top-tier power paddle — but the Honolulu J2CR at ~$175 is the value answer if you are not locked into the Ben Johns Perseus shape.
Related guides: JOOLA Pro IV vs Pro V · The JOOLA Patent Lawsuit — What It Means for Your Paddle · Best Pickleball Paddles 2026 · all promo codes
Buyer guides for this paddle
More JOOLA listings
Head-to-head with the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV
How it compares
The closest paddles in the same shape, with the price after each brand's code.
| Paddle | Price with code | Stands out for | Swing weight | Twist weight | Spin (RPM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JOOLA Perseus Pro IV This paddle | $249.95 | Pop, Power | 118 | 6.14 | 2,048 |
| Luzz Pro 4 Blue Blaze Inferno | $203.15 with PRH | Power | 119 | 6.2 | ~2,274 |
| Honolulu J6NF | $175 with PRH | Power, Pop | 116–120 | 6.3–6.8 | — |
| RPM Friction Pro Elongated V2 16mm | $212.49 with PRH | Spin, Power | 115 | 6.2 | 2,279 |
| Thrive Ignite Elongated | $197.99 with PRH | Power, Pop | 117.3 | 6.25 | 2,300 |
Common questions
Is the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV a good paddle?
Premium power — strong paddle, but Honolulu J2CR at ~$175 gives it real competition. Best for: Aggressive players who want elite power and don't mind a learning curve.
What shape is the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV?
Elongated shape, 16mm thick, with a Polypropylene Propulsion Core + TFP Foam core.
How much does the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV cost with a discount?
You pay $249.95 when the code applies.
Is the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV tournament legal?
It is listed as USAP + UPA-A. Approved-paddle lists change, so check the current one before a sanctioned event.
Who is the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV for?
Aggressive players who want elite power and don't mind a learning curve.
How much spin does the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV generate?
About 2,048 RPM in our spin data. Your swing and the ball you use will move that number.
Reviewed by Sebastian B · Released March 2025.