Joola's JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV 16mm Pickleball Paddle is positioned at the upper mid end of the range, designed around competitive players who'll feel a 0.2oz weight difference and tune their paddles with lead tape.
Build at a glance
- Core thickness16mm
- Face materialRaw carbon fibre
- ConstructionPolypropylene honeycomb core
- ShapeElongated (16.5" length)
- Skill levelIntermediate · Advanced · Pro
- Play styleControl · Power · Spin · All-court
What this paddle does well
Raw carbon fibre face means the surface bites the ball for spin. Modern paddles peel-ply finish their face to keep the texture grippy without sanding it artificially.
The 16mm core is the modern club-paddle thickness sweet spot. Enough plush for soft hands at the kitchen, enough density for a meaningful third-shot drive when you need it.
Elongated 16.5" shape extends reach for poaches, overheads, and stretched defensive shots. Sweet spot is tighter, but rewards perfect contact.
Who it's for
This paddle is designed with competitive players who'll feel a 0.2oz weight difference and tune their paddles with lead tape in mind. If you've moved past entry-tier paddles and want to feel the difference at every contact, the spec is here.
The honest trade-offs
You give up a small amount of raw pop compared to thinner-core paddles — most players don't notice it, but power-first hitters might. the elongated shape gives reach but tightens the sweet spot — off-centre contact is less forgiving than a standard shape.
How it sits in the range
Browse Joola's full UK line to compare against the brand's other models, or the wider paddle range to compare against equivalents from other brands at this tier.
Frequently asked
What core thickness is the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV 16mm Pickleball Paddle?
The JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV 16mm Pickleball Paddle uses a 16mm polypropylene honeycomb core. A 16mm core is the modern control-first standard — more dwell time, better for kitchen play.
Does this paddle come with a cover?
Cover inclusion varies by model and batch. Where Joola bundles a cover, we mention it explicitly in the listing. Otherwise, paddle covers are sold separately and we recommend one for any paddle £100+.
How long will this paddle last?
1–2 seasons of regular weekly play before noticeable dead-spot creep. Thermoformed unibody paddles tend toward the longer end of that range; sandwich-construction paddles toward the shorter.
How does the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV 16mm Pickleball Paddle compare to other paddles in this price band?
At this price you're competing against the equivalent tier from Selkirk SLK, JOOLA, Head Radical, and Vatic Pro. The differences come down to face grit, edge guard quality, and brand-specific feel — best to read the spec sheet, not just the badge.
Is the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV 16mm Pickleball Paddle elongated or standard shape?
This is an elongated paddle (16.5" length). The longer face gives extra reach for poaches and overheads at the cost of a slightly tighter sweet spot. Suits aggressive baseliners and tall players.
Is the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV 16mm Pickleball Paddle too advanced for a beginner?
This paddle is engineered for advanced and tournament-bound players — tighter tolerances, more demanding sweet spot. Beginners can play it, but won't access most of what makes it special. Consider a £30–£90 starter paddle first.