It is 2026, and pickleball is practically a religion. If you step onto any local court from Naples to Seattle, you are going to see it. That distinctive blue and black elongated silhouette. The JOOLA Ben Johns paddle has become the "iPhone of pickleball"—a status symbol that promises elite performance but carries a history as dramatic as a game-winning ATP.
Honestly, people buy this thing because Ben Johns is the GOAT. We want what the best player in the world uses. But there’s a massive gap between what a pro can do with a piece of carbon fiber and what a weekend warrior does with it.
The Evolution of a Dynasty: From Hyperion to Perseus 3S
The journey of the JOOLA Ben Johns paddle hasn't been a straight line. It's been more of a roller coaster. Back in the day, the original Hyperion CFS 16 changed the game. It was heavy, head-heavy, and felt like a sledgehammer at the kitchen line. If you had the wrist strength, you could crush drives. If you didn't, you probably ended up with "pickleball elbow" after three games.
Then came the Perseus. It was the response to everyone complaining about the Hyperion being too slow. The Perseus was faster, sleeker, and utilized a "Charged Carbon Surface."
Fast forward to the current era. We now have the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus 3S and the Pro IV. These models are the peak of what JOOLA calls "Propulsion Core" technology. Basically, it’s a trampoline effect. The core is designed to compress and then explode, giving you power that feels almost like cheating.
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The Elephant in the Room: The Great Recall and Certification Mess
You can't talk about this paddle without mentioning the absolute chaos of late 2024 and 2025. You might remember the "Gen 3" controversy.
JOOLA released these incredibly powerful paddles, and for a minute, they were the hottest thing on the market. Then, the USA Pickleball Association (USAP) pulled their certification. It was a mess. There were lawsuits, angry Reddit threads, and thousands of players left with "illegal" $280 paddles.
The current 2026 lineup, including the 3S Dual-Certified models, is JOOLA's way of fixing that. They had to tweak the internals—specifically the surface grit and the core's "trampoline" bounce—to make sure they actually stay legal for tournament play. If you're looking at a used paddle on eBay, be careful. If it doesn't have the UPA-A or the updated USAP stamp, you might be buying a very expensive paperweight that you can't use in a sanctioned event.
Why It Might (or Might Not) Fix Your Game
Let’s get real about the specs. The Perseus 3S 16mm is the standard for a reason.
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- Weight: Usually around 8.0 oz.
- Length: 16.5 inches (the "elongated" shape).
- Core: 16mm (for control) vs 14mm (for pop).
- Swing Weight: Roughly 115-120.
The 16mm version is the one most people should actually play with. It has a "plow-through" effect that stabilizes your blocks. When a 4.5 player rips a drive at your chest, a flimsy paddle will twist in your hand. The JOOLA Ben Johns paddle doesn't. It sits there. It absorbs the energy.
However, the 14mm version is a different beast. It's thinner. It's lighter. It's "poppy." If your game is all about speed-ups and hand battles at the net, you’ll love it. But your dinks will suffer. You’ll find yourself popping up balls that used to stay low. It takes a soft touch that most intermediates just haven't developed yet.
The "NFC" Gimmick and Real Tech
JOOLA started putting NFC chips in the handles. You tap your phone to the paddle, and it registers your warranty and "unlocks" content in their app. Sorta cool? Maybe. Useful for your third-shot drop? Not even a little bit.
The real tech is the Hyperfoam Edge Wall. They inject a specialized foam around the perimeter. It’s supposed to expand the sweet spot. In my experience, it actually works. You can hit a ball relatively close to the edge guard and it doesn't just "die" or vibrate like a tuning fork. It’s consistent. That’s what you’re paying for.
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The Competition: Is It Still the King?
In 2026, the market is crowded. Brands like Selkirk, Vatic Pro, and Six Zero are making paddles that are just as good—and sometimes $100 cheaper.
The Selkirk Vanguard Power Air is still the king of spin. The Six Zero Double Black Diamond offers arguably better "feel" for the ball. So why stick with the JOOLA?
It comes down to the balance. Most "power" paddles feel like boards. Most "control" paddles feel like pillows. The JOOLA Ben Johns paddle somehow sits in that sweet spot where you have enough "thud" to feel the ball, but enough "zip" to put it away. It’s the "all-court" king.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Purchase
If you're ready to drop $250+ on a new weapon, don't just click "buy" on the first thing you see.
- Check the Stamp: Ensure it is the 3S or Pro IV model with dual certification. Avoid the "dead" stock of uncertified Gen 3s unless you only play in your driveway.
- Choose Your Thickness Wisely: Unless you are a high-level singles player or have incredibly soft hands, get the 16mm. The 14mm is tempting for the "pop," but it will betray you during a long dink rally.
- Weight Matters: These paddles have a "swing weight" that can feel heavy. If you have a history of wrist or elbow pain, look for the "Swift" versions or a lighter 14mm model.
- Grip It: The stock "Feel-Tec" grip is okay, but it gets slick. Most pros (including Ben himself) use an overgrip. Grab a pack of Yonex Super Grap or Tourna Grip to keep that paddle from flying into your partner's face.
The JOOLA Ben Johns paddle is a serious piece of engineering. It won’t make you Ben Johns, but it will stop your equipment from being the reason you lost that last tournament. Just remember to work on your footwork too. The paddle can't move your feet for you.
Next Steps for Your Game
- Test a demo: Most local shops or clubs have a demo program. Never buy a $280 paddle without swinging it first.
- Monitor the edge guard: JOOLA paddles are known for being sturdy, but the edge guards can occasionally loosen. Check it every few weeks.
- Register that NFC chip: Even if the app is "meh," it makes the warranty process much smoother if the face starts to delaminate or the core goes soft.