The Complete Guide to JOOLA Pro V Pickleball Paddles (Updated for 2026)
- jan08070
- Apr 13
- 6 min read
JOOLA has once again reimagined paddle innovation with the launch of the highly anticipated Pro V collection. Representing their most comprehensive and performance-driven lineup to date, the Pro V series builds upon the success of previous generations while introducing groundbreaking new technology. Designed to capture, refine, and return the energy generated on every swing, the Pro V collection is built to work with the player, not overpower them.
For 2026, JOOLA brings back their most trusted shapes—the Perseus, Scorpeus, Hyperion, and Agassi—while introducing an all-new hybrid shape, the Kosmos, and a tennis-inspired Graf model. Whether you are a baseline driver, a kitchen-line counter-attacker, or a tennis convert, there is a Pro V paddle engineered for your game.
The Technology: Energy Unlocked
The Pro V series is defined by a refined core construction and a revolutionary new throat design. While it retains the Gen 3-style polymer core and traditional peel ply surface, the real magic happens in the paddle's structure.
KineticFrame (Patent-Pending): Inspired by kick-point engineering found in hockey sticks and golf clubs, this redesigned throat geometry flexes upon ball contact before returning to its original shape. This allows the paddle to store momentum and release energy more efficiently, supporting both aggressive offensive swings and composed defensive play.
Propulsion Core: Carried over from the Pro IV, this controlled flex creates a responsive, spring-like effect for easy power without the need to overswing.
Hyperfoam Edge Wall: Foam injection around the perimeter increases stability, expands the sweet spot, and provides forgiveness on off-center hits.
Pro IV vs. Pro V: What Changed?
If you are upgrading from the Pro IV, the Pro V is not simply a louder, poppier version of the same paddle. Instead, it represents a shift toward refined, player-driven offense.
Activated Power: The Pro V tones down the instant, effortless pop of the Pro IV. It requires more deliberate activation to generate offense, rewarding players who bring their own swing speed with a highly stable launch angle.
More Consistent Response: The Pro IV was occasionally criticized for unexpected "hot shots". The Pro V smooths out the response across the face, making drives, drops, and counters far more predictable.
Improved Spin Control: While the Pro V doesn't necessarily produce more raw spin than the Pro IV, the Kinetic Frame creates more bite on the ball and a lower, more consistent flight path. This makes spin easier to control and place accurately.
Impact Feel: The stiff, hollow crack of the Pro IV has been replaced by a softer, more solid, and muted feel at contact.
The Verdict: The Pro IV offers easier offense, while the Pro V delivers more refined, player-driven offense with superior control.
14mm vs. 16mm: Which Core is Right for You?
Every shape in the Pro V collection is available in both 14mm and 16mm core thicknesses. While they share the same surface materials and throat geometry, the core thickness drastically alters how the paddle plays. Based on extensive lab testing of over 400 paddles, the differences in raw metrics like serve speed and spin are negligible (often less than 0.5 MPH difference). The true distinction lies in feel, forgiveness, and how power is generated.
16mm: Control, Stability, and Plow-Through Power
The 16mm core is the recommended choice for the vast majority of players, including most touring professionals.
Dwell Time & Touch: A thicker core holds the ball on the face fractionally longer. This increased dwell time provides a softer, more absorbent feel that is crucial for executing precise dinks, drops, and resets.
Forgiveness: 16mm paddles score significantly higher in forgiveness ratings. They boast a higher twist weight, meaning the paddle resists twisting in your hand on off-center hits, keeping the ball on its intended path.
Power Generation: While 14mm paddles offer more "pop," 16mm paddles deliver more raw power on full swings. The slight increase in mass transfers more momentum to the ball when you load up for a drive or overhead.
Because the Pro V series already features a highly controlled power profile, the 16mm core perfectly complements the paddle's design, making it the ideal weapon for doubles and all-court play.
14mm: Speed, Pop, and Crispness
The 14mm version is a more specialized option, best suited for players who prioritize hand speed and a direct, crisp feedback on contact.
Instant Pop: A thinner core deforms slightly more on impact, acting like a tighter drum that snaps the ball back quickly. This delivers easy depth on punch volleys and blocks without requiring a hard swing.
Faster Hands: The slightly lower static weight and thinner profile make the paddle feel quicker in fast kitchen exchanges.
The Trade-Off: The 14mm core requires much cleaner contact. It has a smaller sweet spot and less twist weight, meaning mishits are punished more severely. It also requires more precise swing control to keep touch shots from popping up too high.
The Pro V Lineup Breakdown
Perseus Pro V - The Elongated Powerhouse
The Perseus remains the most trusted shape in pickleball, refined for power, speed, and consistency. Featuring rounded corners at the top and an elongated profile, it keeps the sweet spot centered while extending your reach. This allows players to cover deep or sharply angled volleys at the non-volley zone without taking an extra step. The 16mm version is the heaviest swinging paddle in the lineup, making it ideal for players who like to play through the ball and control pace with weight. It is the signature paddle of Ben Johns (Blaze Red) and Simone Jardim (Breeze Blue, featuring a smaller 4.125" grip).
Specification | Detail |
Shape | Elongated (16.5" L x 7.5" W) |
Weight | ~8.16 oz |
Swing Weight | 120.7 (16mm) |
Twist Weight | 6.35 (16mm) |
Grip Length | 5.5" |
Best For | Advanced players seeking maximum reach, heavy drives, and plow-through power |
Kosmos Pro V - The Versatile Hybrid
The Kosmos is JOOLA's first-ever hybrid shape, blending the reach of the elongated Perseus with the maneuverability and expanded sweet spot of the Scorpeus. It is designed for the modern, versatile game, allowing players to drive from the baseline, counter at the kitchen, and transition smoothly into controlled net play. Federico Staksrud, who uses the 16mm Surge Green version, notes: "I think the Kosmos shape basically sums up everything I need when it comes to the power for the drives, but also the versatility and hand-speed for doubles". Tyson McGuffin also champions this shape, utilizing the 14mm version.
Specification | Detail |
Shape | Hybrid (16.25" L x 7.625" W) |
Weight | ~8.13 oz |
Swing Weight | 115.35 (16mm) |
Twist Weight | 6.75 (16mm) |
Grip Length | 5.25" |
Best For | All-court players wanting a predictable response, balanced reach, and sweet spot forgiveness |
Scorpeus Pro V - The Defensive Dream
The Scorpeus is JOOLA's widest and most forgiving Pro V shape. Built for elite control, stability, and lightning-fast hands at the kitchen line, it delivers unmatched balance during high-velocity hand battles. The wider profile expands the sweet spot, making it incredibly stable on blocks, resets, and counters. Anna Bright, who plays with the 14mm JOOLA Yellow version, praises its design: "The forgiveness is insane; it's really going to help your defense and help you get to the kitchen line". Collin Johns utilizes the 16mm Club Green version for his elite right-side doubles play.
Specification | Detail |
Shape | Standard Widebody (16.0" L x 8.0" W) |
Weight | ~8.08 oz |
Swing Weight | 112.1 (16mm) |
Twist Weight | 7.15 (16mm) |
Grip Length | 5.25" |
Best For | Doubles specialists prioritizing hand speed, defense, and maximum forgiveness |
Hyperion Pro V - Aerodynamic Speed
Built for players who crave reach, hand speed, and precision under pressure, the Hyperion Pro V features JOOLA's iconic aero-curve shape in an elongated profile. Designed to cut through the air efficiently, it lets you stay aggressive at the net while covering more court with extended leverage. Ben Johns, who uses the Bolt Blue version as an alternate shape, says: "The feel and response you get out of this paddle is phenomenal. Overall swing speed and hand speed—just in terms of surface area and where that surface area is distributed—you can move this much quicker through the air".
Specification | Detail |
Shape | Elongated Aero-Curve (16.5" L x 7.5" W) |
Weight | ~8.1 oz |
Grip Length | 5.5" |
Grip Circumference | 4.250" |
Best For | Aggressive net players who want elongated reach with faster swing speeds |
Agassi & Graf Pro V - The Tennis Converts
Rounding out the collection are paddles inspired by tennis legends, designed specifically to ease the transition from the tennis court to the pickleball court. The Agassi Pro V (Royal Blue) features a tapered throat and an enlarged sweet spot built for players who naturally strike the ball toward the top of the paddle. Kate Fahey notes: "I really like how the sweet spot is extended, and you can see the face of the paddle gets wider as it gets higher to replicate the feeling of playing with a tennis racket". The Graf Pro V (Seaside Green) offers a unique elongated shape tailored to Steffi Graf's specifications, featuring a larger hitting zone and extended reach. Both models feature a slimmer 4.125" grip circumference.
Specification | Detail |
Shape | Elongated Tapered (16.5" L x 7.5" W) |
Weight | ~8.1 oz |
Grip Length | 5.5" |
Grip Circumference | 4.125" |
Best For | Tennis converts who strike the ball high on the paddle face |