JOOLA Pro IV vs Pro V
Last updated: April 10, 2026
Which one should you actually buy?
The JOOLA Pro V is a more polished Pro IV — same Carbon Friction Surface, same swing profile, but the KineticFrame™ in the throat dampens the instant pop into a more predictable, planted response. The Pro IV is now $250 (marked down from $279.99) and keeps the loudest pop. If you want max raw power and value, get the Pro IV. If you want max consistency and the longer warranty, the Pro V earns the $50 premium.
How we tested
Every paddle we cover goes through the same on-court protocol - individual play, head-to-head comparisons, and tournament use before anything gets written down. Every paddle below has a full review on the site; click through to see scores, specs, and the deal we found for each.
The rankings
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Compare the full reviews before you buy.
Use the review pages for full scores and specs, then check the deals page for any current codes.
What's actually different in the Pro V
The Perseus has been JOOLA's flagship line for years. The Pro V keeps the silhouette of the Pro IV — what's changed is what's behind the face. The Pro IV uses a Polypropylene Propulsion Core paired with TFP Foam. The Pro V swaps that for the Propulsion Core + KineticFrame™ — JOOLA's hockey-stick-inspired throat structure that stores momentum on contact and releases it on release. Both paddles share the same Carbon Friction Surface, the same 16mm thickness, the same elongated shape, and the same 5.5" handle. Swing weight on both lands at 118 with 8.1 oz static weight.
On court, the KineticFrame is the headline. It planted the Pro V noticeably. Drives still come off with authority, but the response feels smoother and more predictable than the Pro IV. The instant pop that makes the Pro IV feel electric on impact is dampened a touch in trade for a more planted, controlled response.
Power: the Pro IV still hits hardest
The Pro IV is the loudest, hottest paddle JOOLA currently sells. Drives explode off the face — the Polypropylene Propulsion Core + TFP Foam does the heavy lifting and rewards committed swings with elite pop. The Pro V smooths that response. Drives still have serious authority, but the KineticFrame's tendency to dampen the instant pop makes the Pro V feel more controlled than electric.
If your game is built around max raw pop and instant put-away power, the Pro IV wins this category by a real margin.
Spin: a wash
Both paddles use the same Carbon Friction Surface, so spin numbers are nearly identical (Pro IV 2,048 RPM; Pro V 2,060 RPM). The textures behave the same on third-shot drops and roll volleys. There's no meaningful spin difference between these two paddles.
Control and feel: where the Pro V earns ground
Soft game is where the Pro V's KineticFrame translates into a real on-court advantage. The dampened instant pop produces a more predictable response on resets and dinks. The Pro IV demands cleaner technique at the kitchen — slightly tense hands and you'll pop balls up. The Pro V plays calmer and is more forgiving when your soft game is having an off day.
What $50 actually buys you
Pro IV is now $250 (marked down from $279.99 with the Pro V launch). Pro V is $299.99. For the $50 delta you get the KineticFrame, the longer warranty (12 months + 3 replacements vs the Pro IV's 1 year), and the latest Perseus on the market. If you're chasing maximum pop or the better deal, the Pro IV wins. If you're chasing consistency and warranty coverage, the Pro V earns its premium.
Who should buy the Pro V
- You want the most refined, planted Perseus available.
- You play a control-leaning power game and want a paddle that doesn't pop balls on resets.
- You value warranty coverage — 12 months + 3 replacements is the longest in JOOLA's lineup.
Who should buy the Pro IV (or keep theirs)
- You want maximum raw power and the loudest instant pop.
- You're price-sensitive — $50 is real money for a similar paddle.
- You're a Ben Johns fan and want the production paddle he plays.
Who should skip both
- Anyone unwilling to spend $250+ when the Honolulu J2CR delivers comparable performance at $175.
- Players who prioritize sweet-spot size and forgiveness over raw power.
- Control-first dinkers — either Perseus is built around an aggressive baseline.
The verdict
The Pro V is a more polished Pro IV, not a generational leap. If you want the smoothest, most predictable Perseus, the Pro V earns its $50 premium. If you want max pop and the better deal, the Pro IV at $250 is the smarter buy. Either way, the Honolulu J2CR at $175 deserves a hard look before you commit to a Perseus.
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