Joola Ben Johns Perseus 3 Pickleball Paddle Review

The pickleball paddle landscape is constantly evolving, and the latest version of the Joola Ben Johns Perseus paddle series reflects this trend. The Perseus 3 arrives with a handful of intriguing upgrades, aiming to build upon the success of its predecessor while catering to the ever-changing needs of players. This review delves deeper into the new features and explores how they might impact your game.

A First for Paddles:

An interesting addition to the Joola Gen 3 line of paddles is the inclusion of an NFC microchip embedded within the paddle. Users can scan the chip to effortlessly register their paddle for the warranty with the Joola Connect app, streamlining the process and ensuring authenticity. This combats the growing issue of counterfeit paddles in the market, providing players with peace of mind. 

Power Surge:

The Joola Ben Johns Perseus 3 pickleball paddle is a top contender for aggressive players seeking explosive power. It pushes the boundaries of what players thought possible, possibly even surpassing the Gearbox Pro Power series in raw power output.

However, the Ben Johns Perseus 3 isn't just about brute force. It offers a key advantage over the Gearbox paddles: a larger sweet spot and increased forgiveness. This translates to fewer mishits and improved control, allowing players to focus on aggressive swings without sacrificing accuracy.

The Ben Johns Perseus 3 empowers an aggressive playstyle on multiple fronts. Powerful serves and returns allow you to control the net, dictate rallies, and push opponents back on their heels. Groundstrokes benefit from the explosive power, making drives more difficult to return.

The paddle's stability also translates to a defensive advantage. Blocking hard-hitting baseline drives becomes more manageable, potentially turning a weakness into a defensive strength.

While the power of the Ben Johns Perseus 3 is undeniable, it's important to consider your playing style. This 14mm version of this paddle is ideal for aggressive players who prioritize overpowering their opponents. However, for players who prioritize control over raw power, the 16mm version of the Ben Johns Perseus 3 will be a better option.

Control:

With increased power, you can expect a bit less control. However, that is not to say that once you are used to this power can’t be controlled. Once you get used to the unique feel of Joola’s Gen 3 Propulsion Core technology, these paddles become deadly on the court. Even users of the previous Perseus model will need some adjustment time, but once adjusted the benefits far outweigh the cons of the extra power. 

One plus on the control side of having increased power is being able to focus more on shot placement than how hard you need to hit the ball. Many players find themselves wasting concentration on how much power to use but with the Perseus 3, once accustomed to it this because second nature and the player can spend more time strategizing shots.

A New Look:

While the core, signature Joola look remains the same, the Perseus 3 receives a futuristic aesthetic update. The edge guard, previously a uniform gray, now features a gradient design. It transitions from light blue at the bottom to a subtle gray in the middle, before finishing with blue again at the top. This adds a touch of visual interest without detracting from the paddle's overall functionality.

In Conclusion:

The Joola Ben Johns Perseus 3 represents a major advancement in the popular paddle series. The integrated microchip, while not directly affecting gameplay, offers a glimpse into the future of pickleball technology and provides valuable benefits like warranty registration and anti-counterfeiting measures. The upgraded core caters to players seeking a more aggressive style of play, delivering a noticeable increase in power. Ultimately, the Perseus 3 is a compelling option for players seeking a tech-infused paddle with a power boost with a unique feel similar to that of the Gearbox Pro Series.

Disclaimer: The Perseus 3 is no longer available for sale due to delisting by USA Pickleball.