JOOLA dropped their new Pro IV paddles, and while I'm impressed with the new look featuring a black and white design paired with small pops of color for each of the signature pro paddles, what we we really need to know is how they play. 

Josh Jenkins, a brand manager and sponsored pro coach at JOOLA, provided some insight on the subject. 

“Pro IV is a “power” paddle by all metrics, but has some of the most spin and control of any paddle in the market,” he explained.

What really differentiates the Pro IV from the 3S?

“The Pro IV will play most similarly to the 3S, but players can expect increased durability and solidity from the paddle. It has a slightly larger sweet spot with comparable levels of spin and control to the 3S,” mentioned Jenkins.  

Ben Johns also shared his thoughts on how the JOOLA Pro IV plays compared to previous models.

“The 3S was a great paddle, but I think the Pro IV is even better. Our main focus going into making the Pro IV was fixing the overall solidity of the paddle. We added supports near the throat area and on the outside edge, which makes the paddle extremely consistent,” he said. “You’ll see this most in real game play during the mishit when you don’t hit it in the middle. And then it’s extremely forgiving. You’re not going to make a lot of errors, even when you mishit it. It’s a pleasure to play with.”

When asked how the Pro IV plays compared to the Mod, Jenkins had more good news to report.

“The Pro IV will have slightly less power, but a more solid feel throughout the hitting surface,” Jenkins said. “It blends between the two, 3S and Mod, offering comparable power to the 3S, but the feeling and dwell time of the Mod. This is all due to the flexibility of the paddle with the new technology in the throat.”

So, who is the ideal player for the Pro IV? 

“I can see this paddle being played by players of all skill levels, but I think those playing competitively will love the benefits of the new paddles,” stated Jenkins.

The Pro IV paddles are available for purchase from JOOLA for $279.95 and on Pickleball Central starting March 11.

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