JOOLA 3S Ben Johns Perseus Paddle Review

Joola Gen 3S Ben Johns Perseus Pickleball Paddle Review: A Refined Performer

When a paddle as renowned and high-performing as the Joola Gen 3 Ben Johns Perseus receives an update, expectations are understandably high. Does the 3S live up to the hype? In short, it certainly seems to. Joola has taken an already impressive paddle and refined it further, creating a paddle that will likely appeal to a wide range of players.

Feel, Control, and Precision:

The 3S Perseus feels solid and balanced in hand. The slightly softer feel compared to the Gen 3 translates to noticeable touch and finesse. The sweet spot is generous, forgiving off-center hits, and the paddle responds well to subtle adjustments in grip and wrist. Dinking is a particular strength of the 3S Perseus. It allows for effortless placement and delicate touch at the net, enabling precise and controlled dinking. It may be one of the best all-court paddles on the market because of this.

Power and Performance:

The 3S Perseus is slightly less powerful than the original Gen 3 Perseus, but the difference is not huge. The paddle provides sufficient pop on serves and drives, allowing for aggressive play when desired. While it might not have the same raw power as the Gen 3, its power delivery is more controlled and predictable, which can lead to greater accuracy and consistency, especially on crucial shots.

Drop Shot Mastery:

Players who enjoy finesse play will appreciate the 3S. Its softer feel and enhanced control make executing drop shots feel natural and effortless. The paddle's responsiveness facilitates subtle adjustments in technique, resulting in drop shots that land softly and die at the net. The Propulsion Core does a lot for helping players shape the direction and spin on the ball. This can be a valuable asset in strategic play.

Comparison to Gen 3 and the Mod TA-15:

Gen 3:

The Gen 3 is a beast, loved by players who like to play aggressively and powerfully. The 3S has slightly less power but adds refinement and control. It’s like the Gen 3 went back to school and learned to channel some of its raw power into precision and finesse.

Mod TA-15:

The Mod TA-15 is known to be essentially a re-colored twin of the original Gen 3 series. Therefore the same differences as just mentioned between the Gen 3 and 3S apply.

UPA-A Certified:

The entire Joola 3S series is UPA certified, but not USAP approved. What this means is as of now the Joola 3S series cannot be used in USAP sanctioned events. However, it is legal for all PPA, MLP, and non-USAP sanctioned tournaments, and of course recreational play.

Overall:

The Joola 3S Ben Johns Perseus 16mm pickleball paddle is a masterpiece. It takes an already great paddle and makes it better (if you prefer slightly more control than the Mod TA-15/Gen 3), with more control, feel and precision without sacrificing power. Whether you’re a pro or weekend warrior the 3S is a paddle that will make you feel confident and take your game to the next level. It’s a Joola innovation and a must have for players who want the best.

You can purchase the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus 3S HERE.