JOOLA 3S vs. JOOLA Pro IV Comparison (14mm Review)
In this detailed comparison of the JOOLA 3S 14mm and JOOLA Pro IV 14mm pickleball paddles, find out which paddle delivers better power, control, durability, and spin. Learn about key upgrades like TFP core technology and if the Pro IV is worth the upgrade.
This review covers the JOOLA 3S 14mm and the new JOOLA Pro IV 14mm. More specifically, the Perseus models. I have spent significant time using both paddles. The main question is simple: Is upgrading worth the investment?
The JOOLA 3S (14mm): A Powerhouse
I have been using the JOOLA 3S 14mm as my main paddle for quite a while. It offers lots of pop and power. However, control is not its strong suit. This paddle is really for people who love that poppy feeling, similar to the Mod, but with more grit. When you strike the ball cleanly, the results are impressive.
The 3S has its challenges, especially on mishits or shots closer to the handle. Dead spots are noticeable.
It is also important to note that the 3S paddles are only UPA-A approved, which means they come with a higher grit surface by default. (Since UPA-A does not have regulations on surface grit levels.)
Enter the JOOLA Pro IV (14mm): The Latest and Greatest?
The JOOLA Pro IV Perseus in the 14mm thickness delivers a noticeably different performance.
One major improvement is the consistency across the paddle face. The new TFP core technology is not just marketing. It significantly reduces the impact of off-center hits and creates a more forgiving sweet spot. Stability has been improved, and mishits near the handle are much less punishing.
Part of this comes from what JOOLA calls TFP technology, short for Tech Flex Power. They have added foam cutouts closer to the handle, near the hilt of the paddle. This allows the interior of the core to flex more in that region, reducing dead spots that affected earlier Gen 3 paddles.
The Pro IV still provides strong pop but with greater control and predictability. It is not as good at control like a 16mm model, but it represents a significant refinement over the last generation of paddles.
JOOLA also claims that the Pro IV features a more solid construction and higher build quality. This should lead to a longer lifespan and more consistent core performance over time. This is a major improvement considering the noticeable core breakdown and performance drop-off observed with earlier Gen 3 paddles like the OG Gen 3, the MOD TA-15, and the 3S.
One noticeable downside with the Pro IV is the surface grit. In my experience, it feels quite weak compared to what you would expect from a high-end paddle. Honestly, it felt like the surface texture on a Mod, which is disappointing for players who rely heavily on spin as part of their game. On the bright side, there is also a UPA-A version of the Pro IV line that boasts a surface grit similar to the 3S, providing much stronger spin potential compared to the standard Pro IV. Currently, it is only available to JOOLA-sponsored athletes. It would be great if JOOLA eventually released that version to the general public, as it could provide players with a much-needed option for enhanced spin performance.
Key Differences Between the 3S and Pro IV
When comparing the 3S 14mm and the Pro IV 14mm, several major performance shifts are clear. The 3S is a raw, aggressive power paddle with high pop but minimal forgiveness. It has a high-grit UPA-A surface, giving it a strong edge in spin potential. This gives the 3S an advantage in spin potential over the Pro IV USAPA version, which has noticeably less surface grit. For players who prioritize spin, the 3S holds an edge. However, it struggles with noticeable dead spots and offers lower control, especially on off-center shots.
The Pro IV still delivers strong power but adds more predictability and consistency through its TFP core. This core includes foam near the handle, helping reduce dead zones and providing a more responsive feel across the paddle face. While the USAPA version of the Pro IV has less grit than the 3S, it compensates with improved build quality and durability.
In short, the 3S excels in raw spin and grittiness. The Pro IV offers better balance, greater forgiveness, and longer-term reliability.
So, Is It Worth the Upgrade?
If you are satisfied with the 3S and prioritize raw power and spin, and can tolerate inconsistency on mishits, there may not be an urgent need to upgrade. I would also add if you're on a budget and/or not a serious player, the 3S is sufficient for now. I would wait for the fifth generation of JOOLA paddles. However, if you are looking to level up your game, play more competitively, and reduce risk on each shot without sacrificing power, then the Pro IV is definitely worth the upgrade.
Final Thoughts
There will be more insights after further experience with the Pro IV, and once I try the 16mm version, but early indications are positive. This appears to be a next-generation paddle with meaningful upgrades rather than a simple rebrand. I really want to try the grittier version of the Pro IV and see how that compares to the 3S.
If you are interested in another paddle review, make sure to check out my Proton Flamingo paddle review, where I break down its unique performance and build.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the JOOLA Pro IV good for beginners?
A: The Pro IV is better suited for intermediate to advanced players than the 3S.
Q: Does the JOOLA Pro IV 14mm have more control than the JOOLA 3S?
A: Yes, the Pro IV offers noticeably better control and forgiveness compared to the 3S, though it still prioritizes power.
Q: What is the TFP core technology in the JOOLA Pro IV?
A: TFP (Tech Flex Power) technology introduces foam cutouts near the handle, improving flex and eliminating dead spots.
Q: I'm an amateur player, should I upgrade from the 3S to the Pro IV?
A: If you play amateur tournaments, the USAPA certification of the Pro IV is really useful. Otherwise, it's debatable if the upgrade is worth it. You have to consider the tradeoffs like grit, larger sweet spot, certifications, etc.
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