GEAR
REVIEWS by JACK BANDEL
JOOLA PERSEUS PRO V PADDLE
Look / Cosmetics: 4 / 5 Ben Johns signature paddle, with a textured black carbon face accented with red edge guard. Comes in Joola’ s most popular elongated 16.5 " x 7.5 " shape. Choice of 14mm or 16mm thickness( I tested the 14mm model. Choose the 16mm for more control and less power.) Comfortable 4.25 " Feel-Tec handle grip that is 5.5 " in length. Joola also throws in some edge and overgrip tape in the package.
Serves / Returns / Groundstrokes: 5 / 5 Joola’ s new KineticFrame technology incorporates a flexible throat that provides power without needing the frame to be super stiff-feeling. This effect was immediately apparent as I hit my first few hard drive returns. The harder you swing, the more you can feel the flex in the throat. Slice returns drove hard and stayed low.
Touch / Feel / Spin: 4.5 / 5 Definitely softer, more plush-feeling than the Pro IV, while adding a little more spin. Very controlled feeling in your shots that inspires confidence. The flexible throat also comes in handy fending off hard shots at the kitchen and resetting the point. The contact feel is very unique, giving you some nice dwell time off the face. You feel that dwell time more on soft dinks, which is nice for extended dink rallies. Spin is very accessible, adding lots of versatility to this well-rounded paddle.
Sweet Spot / Playability: 4 / 5 This is a very well-rounded paddle, but meant for more advanced players. You need to swing it hard to get the power out of it, so in that respect it’ s not for beginners. Also, the way the handle flexes, with the dwell time, takes some getting used to. This is not a“ pick up and go” paddle, but is very rewarding once you figure it out. Great“ connected” feel that you don’ t get with foam paddles, which may be preferred by many. Sweet spot was average in size and not an issue for the intended player level.
Summary: 4.5 / 5 Nice update to the Pro IV with noticeable improvements highlighted by the new flexible throat tech. This is a good choice for hard hitters who prefer the connected feel of Gen 3 vs. Gen 4 paddles. All-court players should also check this one out for its versatility and great blend of control and power. The dwell time seems to allow you to hit your targets very accurately. Unique paddle that isn’ t for everyone, but I think will become a favorite of a lot of tournament players.
Current Price: $ 299 To purchase, visit joola. com / collections / pro-v / products / joola-perseuspro-v-pickleball-paddle-1? variant = 47784217346262( use code: PBMAG).
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