Two months ago, I reviewed the JOOLA Agassi Pro IV 16 and gave it my highest rating. If you read that one, you know I’m a big fan.
Alongside it, JOOLA released the Gen 4 series—same core tech, different shapes—including the Perseus, Hyperion, Scorpeus, and Magnus.
JOOLA sent me the Perseus Pro IV 14 for testing, and Pickleball Union’s pro, Marko Grgic, took the 16mm version for a spin. We compared notes and wanted to weigh in, since these paddles have generated serious buzz.
After six weeks of testing, I’m giving the Perseus Pro 14 a solid 4.5 out of 5 balls. While it doesn’t quite match the personal feel and performance I get from the Agassi Pro IV 16, it’s close—and definitely worth a look.
Quick Video
By The Numbers
| Feature | Spec |
|---|---|
| Length | 16.5″ |
| Width | 7.5″ |
| Core Thickness | 14 mm (also available in 16 mm) |
| Grip Length | 5.5″ |
| Grip Circumference | 4.25″ |
| Weight (as tested) | 8.07 oz (marketed as 8.1 avg) |
| Price | $279.95 |
Nuts And Bolts
- Standard size shape
- Unibody, non-compressed Pro IV honeycomb poly propulsion core
- Carbon Fiber Textured surface
- Hyper Foam Edge Wall upper foam
- TFP – Tech Flex Power
- Comfort tacky grip
- NFC Chip Enabled handle for authentication and tracking
- USA Pickleball and UPA-A certified
Certification Note: JOOLA shared that this early version of the Perseus Pro IV 14 is certified for both USA Pickleball and UPA-A. A future UPA-only model is expected with a grittier surface optimized for PPA and MLP play.
First Impressions
We don’t usually test two paddles from the same brand back-to-back—but with all the buzz around JOOLA’s Pro IV line, we made an exception. I got the Agassi and Perseus at the same time, but the Agassi’s shape and feel pulled me in first. The Perseus looked more standard—and yeah, I judged it early. Testing the 16mm Agassi may have spoiled me a bit.
That said, the Perseus 14 has a clean, minimal look with solid feel. The grip is tacky and comfortable, just like the Agassi. Air swings felt fast and balanced, and the face grit is above average. After weeks of testing and comparing notes, it’s clear: the Pro IV paddles live up to the noise.
Game On: The Playtesting
I broke in the Perseus Pro IV 14 with some wall drills and practice serves, then jumped into competitive rec play with my local league the next day. From there, it joined my regular rotation alongside the Agassi 16, Diadem Warrior BluCore, and Bread & Butter Filth for eight solid weeks.
Performance-wise, the Perseus 14 holds its own—especially in power. It reminded me a lot of the Agassi 16, but with a few differences worth noting. I’ve also compared notes with our pro Marko Grgic, who tested the Perseus in 16mm. Here’s how both versions stacked up:
1. Power & Sweet Spot
Perseus 14:
This paddle brings the heat. My serves and baseline returns had plenty of pop, and bangers felt clean and explosive—on par with the Agassi 16. That said, the sweet spot is smaller and less forgiving. With a thinner core, I expected even more power, but the Agassi still holds a slight edge in consistency.
Perseus 16 (Marko):
Marko noticed serious power and a much larger sweet spot. He called out its forgiveness on mishits, especially during defensive volleys and resets. If you’re looking for both pop and cushion, this version delivers.
Tech & Design:
The Propulsion Core, TFP foam, and Hyperfoam Edge Wall work together to boost power, stability, and sweet spot size, all while keeping the feel balanced and arm-friendly.
2. Spin
Perseus 14:
Spin was impressive across the board—though slightly less pronounced than what I get with the Agassi 16. Cross-court flicks, topspin drives, and slice returns all had great bite. My topspin serves were especially lethal.
Perseus 16 (Marko):
Marko echoed these findings, noting that spin generation was top-tier.
Tech & Design:
While the woven carbon face delivers the expected level of surface grit, it’s the synergy between the Propulsion Core and the special woven texture that boosts dwell time and enhances spin capabilities, making this paddle a serious contender for spin-heavy play.
3. Control & Touch
Perseus 14:
Here’s where the gap between the Perseus and Agassi 16 widened. I found the control and touch slightly less refined—likely due to the thinner core. That said, it still ranks among my go-to paddles like the Franklin C45, Warrior BluCore, and Shogun when it comes to finesse.
Perseus 16 (Marko):
Marko felt right at home with it. Dinking was smooth, intuitive, and the paddle responded well even with a soft grasp on the paddle. Great touch, great feel.
Tech & Design:
The textured carbon face, combined with the Propulsion Core and Hyperfoam Edge Wall, works together to refine control and elevate touch responsiveness.
The Final Score
| Category | Rating (1 Out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Design / Build | 🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾 |
| Grip | 🎾🎾🎾🎾¾ |
| Control | 🎾🎾🎾🎾½ |
| Spin | 🎾🎾🎾🎾½ |
| Power | 🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾 |
| Price / Value | 🎾🎾🎾🎾 |
| Overall | 🎾🎾🎾🎾½ |
Like the Agassi 16, the Perseus Pro IV 14 is a top-tier paddle with very little to fault. Still, it scored slightly lower for me. The Agassi 16 set a new bar—it edged out the Perseus in sweet spot range and quickness at the kitchen line.
As JOOLA explained, the Agassi’s tennis-inspired shape and edge foam extend the sweet spot to the top and bottom, while the Perseus centers it for a more traditional feel. I also found the Agassi quicker in fast exchanges and flicks.
Marko, meanwhile, is a big fan of the Perseus 16, giving it a strong 95/100. With dual certifications and endorsements from legends like Agassi and Johns, both paddles are premium choices for serious intermediate and pro players—pricey, but worth it.
- Elite power & spin
- Massive sweet spot
- Vibration-dampening feel
- Built for fast hands
Pickle on my friends, pickle on…
