JOOLA pickleball paddles come in many types, and it's easy to hesitate over "which shape of which series should I choose?" JOOLA is a brand known for table tennis gear, which entered pickleball in 2022. It's also known for having the signature model of the world's top-rankedBen Johns. This article organizes the differences in JOOLA paddles' main series, thickness and shape, and explains how to choose the one paddle that suits you.
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JOOLA's Flagship Models
JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus 3S (UPA-A/USAP Certified)
A high-end model supervised by world top player Ben Johns. A certified model and a go-to for those seriously aiming for tournaments.
Why JOOLA Is Chosen: Technical Strength Built in Table Tennis
JOOLA's strength is theunderstanding of spinit has honed through making table tennis gear. Applying the surface-treatment and material technology built in table tennis rubbers and rackets to pickleball paddles, it earns high marks especially for spin performance. Being a brand that top pros use in real competition is also why it's supported by competition-oriented players.
Another appeal is aseamless lineup from entry to pro models. Since a beginner can choose their first paddle and step up within the same brand as they improve, they can level up while keeping the tendency of the feel.
JOOLA Paddle Main Series [At a Glance]
JOOLA paddles broadly divide into three price ranges and series. First, let's get the big picture.
| Series | Position | Price Guide (at time of source) | Who It's Suited To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pro Series (Pro IV) | Top pros' signature models | 45,760 yen (limited color 49,500 yen) | Competition-oriented advanced players |
| 3S Series (3S Dual) | The core line. 8 types: 4 shapes × 2 thicknesses | 35,200 yen | Intermediate to advanced |
| Entry Series | For your first personal paddle | From 16,390 yen | Beginner |
Source JOOLA Official Online Store "Pickleball / Paddles"Created from (prices vary by timing)
Pro Series (Pro IV): The Pinnacle Signature Models
The Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV, Ben Johns Hyperion Pro IV, Tyson McGuffin Magnus Pro IV, Anna Bright Scorpeus Pro IV and more—JOOLA's pinnacle line, lined with top pros' signature models. In the official product descriptions, it claims to balance power, spin and a wide sweet spot through proprietary technologies like Tech Flex Power (TFP), Propulsion Core and Carbon Friction Surface. You can choose from 14mm and 16mm thicknesses.
Source JOOLA Official Online Store "Ben Johns Hyperion Pro IV"Created from
3S Series (3S Dual): The Core 8 Variations
JOOLA's core line, whose forte is powerful ball striking. With Perseus, Scorpeus, Magnus and Hyperion in 4 shapes × 14mm/16mm in 2 thicknesses, you can choose from 8 types total. The differences by shape are covered later.
Source Pickleball One "How to Choose a JOOLA 3S Paddle Guide"Created from (November 2024)
Entry Series: For Your First Paddle
The Seneca FDS 14mm is an entry model using a fiberglass face and a Response polymer honeycomb core. Edge Shield Protection aims for core strength and to prevent surface delamination. You can experience JOOLA quality while keeping the price down—an easy paddle to choose as your first personal one.
Source JOOLA Official Online Store "Seneca FDS 14mm"Created from
Choosing by Thickness: The Difference Between 14mm and 16mm
| 14mm | 16mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Forte | Power and maneuverability. Good pop | A soft feel and stability |
| Pros | Easy to generate speed on volleys and smashes | A wide sweet spot, strong against mis-hits |
| Cautions | The core can be demanding and lack stability at times | Somewhat heavy, with modest power |
| Who It Suits | Aggressive players who use hard hits a lot | Control-focused / a first paddle |
JOOLA's main models can be chosen in 14mm and 16mm. What's easier to craft touch-based shots with—drops anddinkand the like—is the 16mm. If you want to reduce mistakes with your first paddle,starting with the 16mm is the solid choice.
Source Pickleball One "How to Choose a JOOLA 3S Paddle Guide"Created from (November 2024)
Choosing by Shape: The Difference Between the 4 Types
Centered on the 3S series, JOOLA paddles come in 4 shapes. Choose based on compatibility with your playing style.
| Shape | Features | The Playing Style It Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Perseus | Close to a standard shape. Smaller sweet spot | Tennis-background / aggressive drive players |
| Scorpeus | Wide across, with a wide sweet spot | Control-focused / suited to doubles |
| Magnus | Shorter grip + a wide hitting face | Single-backhand players |
| Hyperion | A curved head that's easy to swing through | Fast exchanges at the net / reaction battles |
Source Pickleball One "How to Choose a JOOLA 3S Paddle Guide"Created from (November 2024)
Where Can You Buy JOOLA Paddles?
As a place to buy JOOLA paddles,the JOOLA Official Online Storeis a good starting point where it's easy to check the lineup and the latest models. Those who want to hold and choose should go to a pickleball specialty store like SANNO SPORTS. E-commerce like Amazon carries them too, but parallel imports and old models can be mixed in, so checking the model number and seller before buying is reassuring. If you're after limited colors or new releases, frequently checking the official store makes them easier to find.
If Using It in Official Tournaments, Check for an Approved Model
Many JOOLA paddle models have earned approval for official tournaments, but if you're considering entering an official tournament, check before buying whether that model is listed on USA Pickleball's (formerly USAPA's) approval list. The approval mark is usually noted on the paddle surface, the edge-guard area or the product description. The details of the approval system are summarized inthe explanation of approved paddles and USA Pickleball certification.
How to Choose a JOOLA Paddle: Narrow It Down on 3 Axes
① Choose by Playing Style
- Aggressive / drive-focused → Perseus shape × 14mm
- Control-focused → Scorpeus shape × 16mm
- Single-backhand player → Magnus shape
- Focused on fast exchanges at the net → Hyperion shape
First picture your best shots and how you fight, and narrow it down starting from the combinations above, and it becomes easier to choose.
② Choose by Skill Level
The royal road is to start with the entry series (Seneca, etc.) as a beginner, move to the 3S series once you're an intermediate, and to the pro series once you become strongly competition-oriented. Rather than choosing an expensive pro model from the start, locking in your playing style with a benchmark paddle makes choosing your second paddle go better in the end too.
③ Choose by Budget
At the prices as of the source, entry is in the mid-10,000-yen range, the 3S series is in the 30,000-yen range, and the pro series is in the high-40,000-yen range as a guide. Prices change by timing and retailer, so check the latest price at the JOOLA Official Online Store or a dealer when buying.
If you're unsure, put the "Scorpeus shape 16mm" as a candidate starting point. Since it's a type with a wide sweet spot that's easy to handle, it's an easy paddle to use as a benchmark for figuring out your own preferences.
FAQ
Which should I choose for a JOOLA paddle, 14mm or 16mm?
If you prioritize power and maneuverability, 14mm; if you prioritize a soft feel and stability, 16mm is the guide. If you want to reduce mistakes with your first paddle, starting with the 16mm, which has a wide sweet spot, is the solid choice.
Which series should beginners start with?
We recommend the entry series (Seneca, etc.) first. You can experience JOOLA's feel while keeping the price down, and once you improve you can step up to the 3S series, and to the pro series once you become strongly competition-oriented.
Can JOOLA paddles be used in official tournaments?
Many models have earned approval for tournaments, but the situation changes by model and timing. If you plan to use one in official tournaments, check before buying whether that model is listed on USA Pickleball's approval list.
Summary: Choose JOOLA Paddles by "Shape × Thickness"
JOOLA pickleball paddles come in a 3-line structure—Entry, 3S and Pro—and from 3S up you can choose from 4 shapes × 2 thicknesses. The axes for choosing are three: "playing style," "skill level" and "budget." Starting from a model of a player you admire or a design you like is a fine way to choose too—it becomes motivation to keep going.
If you're still unsure, the Scorpeus shape 16mm, with a good balance of control performance and ease of use, is recommended as a benchmark paddle. With a JOOLA paddle, take your play up a notch. For a comparison with other brands,the JOOLA vs. CRBN thorough comparisonis also worth a look.
Source SANNO SPORTS "Essential Points for Choosing a Paddle"Created from (October 2025)
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