The JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV was, for a good stretch, the most talked-about paddle in pickleball. Two things have changed since this review first went up, and both matter if you are about to spend $400. It is no longer JOOLA's flagship, and Ben Johns no longer competes with it. He moved to the Perseus Pro V.
None of that makes the Pro IV a bad paddle. It does change the answer to "should I buy one", so here is the current, honest version.
Where the Perseus Pro IV sits in 2026
Short version: the Pro IV is the previous Perseus, it still plays well, and we are no longer stocking it. The 16mm listing sits at AUD $399.95 and is out of stock, and the Pro IV Perseus has been retired from our range.
If you want the Perseus shape today, the Perseus Pro V at AUD $469 is the one we carry. If you specifically want a Pro IV to save money, the two we still stock are the Collin Johns Scorpeus Pro IV 16mm and the Anna Bright Scorpeus Pro IV 14mm, both AUD $369.95. Those are widebody rather than elongated, so it is a shape change, not just a price one.
Did Ben Johns play the Perseus Pro IV?
He did, and the past tense is the point. Ben Johns is one of the most dominant players the sport has produced, a multiple-time Grand Slam champion and long-time world number one, and he co-developed the Pro IV. He has since moved to the Perseus Pro V, JOOLA's current flagship. Any page still telling you the Pro IV is "the paddle Ben Johns plays" is describing a previous season, and we were one of them until this update.
What the Perseus Pro IV actually is
An elongated paddle built around reach at the net, a longer handle for two-handed backhand play, and a controlled rather than explosive feel. It introduced JOOLA's Tech Flex Power (TFP) construction and a Carbon Flex Face for spin, with weight distribution tuned to reduce fatigue over a long day and to forgive off-centre contact.
A note on generations, because it trips everyone up
JOOLA markets the Pro IV as "Gen 4" and the Pro V as "Gen 5". Independent testers, including Matt's Pickleball and Pickleball Studio, classify both as Gen 3 construction, meaning a thermoformed frame with a foam-injected perimeter.
Neither count is wrong. They are counting different things: JOOLA is numbering its own product releases, the reviewers are numbering construction eras across the whole category. So if our page and a review site disagree on the number, that is why. Compare the frame tech and the price instead. The real difference between a Pro IV and a Pro V is the KineticFrame throat on the Pro V, not a leap in materials.
JOOLA Perseus Pro IV specs
Figures below are manufacturer-claimed, not our own lab measurements.
| Feature | Perseus Pro IV 16mm | Perseus Pro IV 14mm |
|---|---|---|
| Core thickness | 16mm | 14mm |
| Shape | Elongated | Elongated |
| Face material | Carbon Flex (TFP) | Carbon Flex (TFP) |
| Approval | UPA-A approved | UPA-A approved |
| RRP (AUD) | $399.95 | $399.95 |
| Availability at Pickld | Retired, out of stock | Retired, out of stock |
How does the Perseus Pro IV play?
It rewards technique. The carbon flex face generates strong spin, and the TFP construction gives a consistent response across the hitting surface. Players coming off earlier JOOLA generations tend to report that the Pro IV feels more predictable and more forgiving, particularly on hard-driven balls and reset volleys.
The weight distribution is the underrated part. It takes some of the strain out of extended rally play, which is what you notice on the second day of a tournament rather than in the first ten minutes.
14mm vs 16mm: which should you choose?
The 16mm version has the thicker core: more control, softer feel, more dwell time on the ball. It suits kitchen-line players who rely on touch, placement and drop-shot accuracy.
The 14mm version plays faster and more explosively. The thinner core generates more power and a livelier response, which suits players who like to drive from the baseline and keep opponents on the back foot.
Should you buy a Perseus Pro IV in 2026?
- If you find one in stock somewhere and the price is well under the Pro V: it is a legitimate buy. The construction era is the same and it is still tournament-approved.
- If you want Ben Johns' current paddle: that is the Perseus Pro V, not this.
- If you are buying your first pro-grade paddle: an elongated Perseus of either generation is demanding. A widebody with a bigger sweet spot is usually the easier step up.
- If you were buying it because it is "the world's number one paddle": that framing was always marketing. Buy the shape that suits how you play.
Frequently asked questions
Does Ben Johns still use the Perseus Pro IV?
No. He competes with the Perseus Pro V. He signed a lifetime contract with JOOLA in 2023 and moved up with the range.
Is the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV UPA approved?
Yes, both the 14mm and 16mm Perseus Pro IV are UPA-A approved for tournament play in Australia and internationally.
What is the difference between the Perseus Pro IV and the Pro V?
The Pro V adds the KineticFrame throat, a flex point where the handle meets the face that loads and releases on contact. Drives feel slightly more effortless and resets a touch more settled. Same core material, same textured carbon face, roughly $70 more.
Can I still buy a Perseus Pro IV at Pickld?
Not currently. It is retired from our range and out of stock. The JOOLA pickleball paddles collection shows everything we do hold, including the Perseus Pro V and the two Scorpeus Pro IV paddles.
Do you offer free shipping in Australia?
Yes, free standard shipping on orders over $150, Australia-wide. We also offer AfterPay and a 30-day return policy.
Want the current Perseus? Have a look at the Perseus Pro V, or browse the whole JOOLA pickleball paddles range. If you are torn between shapes, hit reply on your order confirmation and you get Ben or Chris, not a support queue.
