JOOLA Perseus Pro V vs RPM Q2
JOOLA Perseus Pro V vs RPM Q2: both are 16mm elongated paddles built for strong intermediate and advanced play, and on paper they look close (same 16.5 x 7.5 in footprint, same 114 swing weight). They feel different in the hand though. Want the poppier, more stable paddle with the biggest name in the game behind it? The Perseus Pro V is the pick. Want a lighter, spin-leaning foam paddle that plays plush at the kitchen and saves you around $110? The RPM Q2 is the one. Every real spec is below, then our honest take on who each suits.
We stock both at Pickld, and between us we have hit with both. No marketing gloss here, just what we have found on court.
JOOLA Perseus Pro V vs RPM Q2: specs side by side
| Spec | JOOLA Perseus Pro V | RPM Q2 16mm Elongated |
|---|---|---|
| Price (RRP) | $469.00 | $357.50 |
| Weight | 230 g (8.1 oz) | 221 g (7.8 oz) |
| Swing weight | 114 | 114 |
| Twist weight | 6.53 | 6.1 |
| Spin (lab RPM) | 2188 | Not published |
| Core | Honeycomb Propulsion polymer | EPP full-foam (3 mm groove channels) |
| Face | Textured carbon fibre | CarbonBite carbon fibre |
| Core thickness | 16 mm | 16 mm |
| Shape | Elongated | Elongated |
| Dimensions | 41.9 x 19.1 cm (16.5 x 7.5 in) | 41.9 x 19.1 cm (16.5 x 7.5 in) |
| Grip | 5.5 in length, 4.25 in circumference | 5.5 in length, 4.125 in circumference |
| Generation | Gen 5 (Pro V) | Gen 4 |
| Skill tier | Intermediate, Professional | Professional |
| Play style | All-court, Power | Power, Spin |
| Warranty | JOOLA manufacturer warranty (handled by Pickld) | RPM manufacturer warranty (handled by Pickld) |
Specs are the manufacturer figures we hold on each product page. Where a number is not published by the maker, we say so rather than guess.
How they actually play
JOOLA Perseus Pro V
The Perseus Pro V is JOOLA's Gen 5 elongated all-rounder, and it is Ben Johns' paddle, so it carries the most recognisable pedigree in the sport. The honeycomb Propulsion polymer core gives it a crisper, poppier response than a foam paddle: put-aways come off fast and the ball leaves the face with intent. The standout number is the twist weight of 6.53, which is meaningfully higher than the Q2's 6.1. On court that reads as more stability on off-centre hits, the mishit near the top of the paddle that would twist a lower-stability frame stays truer here. Add the textured carbon face at a published 2188 RPM of spin and you have a paddle that rewards an aggressive all-court game. It is the pricier option at $469.
RPM Q2 16mm Elongated
The Q2 is RPM's first full-foam paddle, and the EPP core with 3 mm groove channels is the whole story: it plays plush and connected, with more dwell time on the ball than the Perseus' honeycomb. That is the classic foam trade, softer feel and more control at the kitchen, in exchange for a fraction less raw pop. It is also 9 g lighter at 221 g, which you notice in fast hands battles when you need to reset the paddle face quickly. Here is Ben's take from about 20 hours on it: "It feels plush at the kitchen, holds spin into the third shot, and the elongated frame adds genuine reach. The 16mm wants a slightly heavier swing weight than a 14mm, so expect a small adjustment week if you are coming off a thinner paddle." At $357.50 it is roughly $110 cheaper than the Perseus.
The verdict: which should you buy?
- Pick the JOOLA Perseus Pro V if you want the poppier, more stable paddle (that 6.53 twist weight is the highest here), you play an aggressive all-court style, and the Ben Johns pedigree matters to you. It is the more forgiving frame on off-centre contact.
- Pick the RPM Q2 16mm Elongated if you want a plusher, spin-leaning foam feel, you value a lighter head for fast hands, and you would rather keep around $110 in your pocket for the same 16mm elongated footprint.
And who each one is not for
Skip the Perseus Pro V if your game is built on absorbing pace rather than generating it. The honeycomb core is crisp by design, so resets and soft drops take more hand than they do off a foam paddle. At $469 it is also the dearest way on this page to buy a 16mm elongated frame, and a lot of what you are paying for is the Gen 5 badge and the Ben Johns association. If neither moves you, your money goes further elsewhere.
Skip the RPM Q2 if you are still finding the middle of the face. Its twist weight of 6.1 is the lower of the two, so an off-centre hit twists the paddle more than it would on the Perseus. It is also a professional-tier frame, so if you are coming off a starter paddle or a 14mm, expect a genuine adjustment period rather than an instant upgrade.
Both are genuine advanced paddles. If you are still stepping up, our professional paddles, power paddles and spin paddles collections are the quickest way to see everything in this bracket. Not sure on shape or weight? Browse the full paddle range.
More paddle comparisons
- JOOLA Perseus Pro V vs Selkirk Omni
- RPM Q2 vs Selkirk Omni
- RPM Q2 vs Six Zero Coral
- Six Zero Coral vs Friday Aura Pro
- Enhance Turbo EPP vs Six Zero Coral
Frequently asked questions
Is the JOOLA Perseus Pro V or the RPM Q2 better for spin?
The Perseus Pro V publishes a lab spin figure of 2188 RPM with its textured carbon face. RPM does not publish a spin number for the Q2, so we will not quote one. Both are strong spin paddles in play; the Q2's foam core leans control and spin, the Perseus leans all-court power.
Which is lighter, the Perseus Pro V or the RPM Q2?
The RPM Q2 is lighter at 221 g versus the Perseus Pro V at 230 g, a 9 g difference you can feel in fast hands exchanges at the kitchen line.
Why is the JOOLA Perseus Pro V more expensive?
The Perseus Pro V is $469 versus $357.50 for the RPM Q2, about $110 more. It is JOOLA's Gen 5 flagship and Ben Johns' signature paddle, with a higher twist weight (6.53) for more off-centre stability.
Are both paddles in stock in Australia?
Both are Australian-stocked at Pickld. Live availability shows on each product page, so check the current stock there before you order.