Joola Pickleball

JOOLA has been engineering world-class racket sports equipment since 1952 — and since entering pickleball in 2022 as the sponsor of world #1 Ben Johns, they've set the benchmark for paddle technology. Every paddle in our JOOLA lineup is USAPA approved, built on real materials science, and backed by the deepest pro roster in the sport.

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About JOOLA: 70 Years of Racket Science

JOOLA was founded in 1952 in Landau, Germany — a name built from the department store where the brand was born and the town that housed it. For over seven decades, JOOLA dominated professional table tennis, serving as the Official Table Sponsor of USA Table Tennis tournaments from 2012 to 2019, including the US Open and US National Championships.

In 2019, Sport Squad Inc. acquired JOOLA, bringing in materials science expertise and a manufacturing background that would prove decisive. When the team discovered pickleball during the COVID-19 pandemic — and happened to be playing next to Ben and Collin Johns — they knew exactly what to do. JOOLA entered pickleball in 2022 with a single mission: apply 70 years of racket engineering to build the most technically advanced paddles in the sport.

At Picklefox, we carry JOOLA's full lineup because we believe their engineering is the standard against which every other paddle should be measured.

JOOLA Paddle Technology Explained

Surface Technologies — CFS, CGS, CDS, CAS & Fiberglass

The surface of a pickleball paddle determines spin, feel, and shot consistency more than any other single factor. JOOLA offers more distinct surface technologies than any other brand.

CFS — Carbon Friction Surface: JOOLA's most advanced surface. CFS uses Carbon-Flex5 textured carbon fiber precision-engineered for maximum grit retention over time. Unlike cheaper carbon surfaces that lose texture after heavy play, CFS maintains its spin-generating properties for the lifetime of the paddle. This is the surface used by Ben Johns.

CGS — Carbon Grip Surface: Built on Carbon-Flex3, CGS delivers strong spin potential with a slightly softer, more forgiving feel than CFS. Ideal for intermediate players making the jump to premium carbon materials.

CDS — Carbon Drive Surface: A carbon-dominant hybrid that blends carbon fiber responsiveness with added power off the face. Found on the Seneca CDS, it suits offensive all-court play.

CAS — Carbon Abrasion Surface: A multi-step, abrasion sand-blasted process creates a uniquely rough, gritty texture. The result is exceptional bite on the ball at contact — producing heavy topspin and slice for players who live by ball rotation.

Standard Fiberglass Surface: JOOLA's recreational paddles use a high-quality fiberglass face optimized for maximum power and ease of use. The best choice for beginners and casual players.

Core Technologies — Reactive Core, Propulsion Core & TechFlex Power

Beneath the surface, JOOLA's cores reflect their table tennis heritage more than anywhere else.

Reactive Core: JOOLA's foundational polypropylene honeycomb core, tuned for consistent and predictable rebound across the entire paddle face. The Reactive Core filters vibration without sacrificing feel — every shot, from a kitchen dink to a flat drive, feels connected and controlled.

Propulsion Core: JOOLA's most advanced internal engineering. Two layers of specialized foam surround the polypropylene honeycomb core, allowing it to flex and "float" at the moment of ball contact. The result is a catapult-like effect: the core compresses and releases, amplifying both power and precision simultaneously. Found in the Pro IV series and Tyson McGuffin's Magnus paddles.

TechFlex Power (TFP): Introduced in 2025, TFP is JOOLA's newest patent-pending innovation. Additional foam outside the paddle frame produces optimal weight distribution around the perimeter, delivering enhanced flexibility, superior power, an increased sweet spot, and greater forgiveness on off-center hits. The Agassi Pro is the first paddle built on TFP technology.

Frame & Construction — Hyperfoam Edge Wall, Uni-Body Carbon & Aero-Curve

Hyperfoam Edge Wall: Foam injected directly into the edge guard of the paddle adds strategic perimeter weight, significantly increasing the effective sweet spot. Paddles with Hyperfoam Edge Wall deliver a consistent, solid rebound from the center all the way to the rails.

Carbon Framed Design (Uni-Body Construction): JOOLA's premium paddles are built as a single, unified carbon fiber structure — the paddle body and edge guard fused together. This dramatically increases torsional stability (resistance to twisting on off-center hits), overall durability, and stiffness. Used on the 3S series, MOD-TA 15s, Perseus, Scorpeus, and Hyperion C2 paddles.

Aero-Curve Design: A patented rounded top edge that removes the sharp 90-degree upper corners found on traditional paddles. Less air resistance during swings measurably increases swing speed, and the curved top is more maneuverable in fast hands battles at the kitchen line.

NFC Chip Technology: JOOLA's Gen 3 paddles include a Near Field Communication chip in the handle. Tap your paddle with a smartphone to register for an extended 12-month warranty and access exclusive content through the JOOLA Infinity App.

The JOOLA Pro Team

  • Ben Johns — World #1

    The most decorated player in pickleball history, holding the #1 ranking in Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Doubles simultaneously. Johns has been JOOLA's lead paddle tester since 2022. Plays the Perseus Pro IV.

  • Anna Bright — Top Women's Pro

    One of the top-ranked women's professionals, known for an aggressive baseline game and exceptional net coverage. Bright plays the Scorpeus for its maneuverability and touch on reset shots.

  • Tyson McGuffin — Power Player

    Among the most recognizable names in professional pickleball. McGuffin's game — explosive drives, hard overheads, and dominant reach — defines the elongated Magnus shape and its Propulsion Core.

  • Andre Agassi — Tennis Legend

    Eight-time Grand Slam champion. Agassi collaborated with JOOLA in 2024 to build the Agassi Pro — a paddle designed specifically for the tennis-to-pickleball transition, built on JOOLA's TechFlex Power technology.

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How to Choose Your JOOLA Paddle

New to Pickleball

The goal when starting out is developing consistent contact and rallying longer — not maximizing spin or power. JOOLA's recreational lineup (Essentials, Rally, and Rexton paddles) offers wide-body designs with fiberglass faces that are forgiving, easy to control, and built for frequent play. Look for paddles in the 7.9–8.3 oz range with a mid-size grip (4.25 inches).

Intermediate Players (DUPR 3.0 – 3.9)

At this stage you have a feel for your playing style and are ready for a surface that rewards technique. The Hyperion CFS 16 is the most popular entry point into JOOLA's carbon lineup — the CFS surface provides real spin feedback, and the 16mm Reactive Core gives you enough control to manage the extra responsiveness. The Ben Johns 3S series is also an excellent option, featuring the same carbon surface technology at a slightly more accessible price point.

Advanced & Competitive Players (DUPR 4.0+)

Advanced players should go straight to the Pro IV series. These paddles were built with and for professional players but are available to all competitors. The Pro IV lineup gives you access to the Propulsion Core, uni-body carbon frame, and Hyperfoam Edge Wall — the combination that defines JOOLA's absolute top tier. Every Pro IV paddle holds dual certification from both the UPA-A and USAP, making it legal for any sanctioned tournament.

Choosing by Paddle Shape — Hyperion, Perseus, Magnus, Scorpeus & Agassi ProCollapsible row

Hyperion — The all-court paddle. Features the Aero-Curve top edge for increased swing speed and a balanced sweet spot for both groundstrokes and kitchen play. Best for players who want one paddle to do everything well.

Perseus — The power paddle. An elongated shape with a 5.5-inch handle for maximum leverage on drives, serves, and overhead attacks. Ben Johns's paddle of choice for offensive play.

Magnus — Power + reach. A longer hitting surface with a shorter handle trades two-handed backhand leverage for a larger sweet spot and more forgiveness. Tyson McGuffin's paddle — built for players who want to dominate from the baseline.

Scorpeus — The control paddle. Shorter and wider with a long handle that supports two-handed backhands. The largest effective sweet spot of any JOOLA shape and the lowest swing weight, making it the most maneuverable at the kitchen line. Played by Collin Johns and Anna Bright.

Agassi Pro — The tennis player's paddle. The sweet spot is deliberately extended into the outer edges of the face, mimicking the feel of a tennis racket's string bed. Built for former tennis players transitioning into pickleball.

14mm vs 16mm Core Thickness — Which Should You Choose?

This single number has more impact on how a paddle plays than almost any other specification.

14mm paddles have a thinner core that produces a livelier, more explosive feel. Shots come off the face with more energy — faster ball speeds, more pop on drives and serves. The trade-off is that 14mm paddles amplify both good and bad swings, requiring more skill to control. Ben Johns plays the Perseus 14mm for maximum offense.

16mm paddles have a thicker core that absorbs more energy at contact. Shots feel more controlled and dampened, making it easier to keep the ball in the court, reset at the kitchen, and execute touch shots. Ben Johns plays the Perseus 16mm when placement and consistency are the priority.

Not sure which to choose? Start with 16mm. Most players — including many professionals — find the extra control more useful more often than the extra power.

Frequently Asked Questions About JOOLA Pickleball Paddles

Are JOOLA paddles approved for tournament play?

Yes. All professional-grade JOOLA paddles are USAPA approved. The Pro IV series additionally holds dual certification from both the UPA-A and USAP, making it legal across every major competitive format.

What is the difference between CFS and CGS surfaces?

CFS (Carbon Friction Surface) uses Carbon-Flex5 — JOOLA's most durable and textured carbon material — providing the highest grit, maximum spin potential, and the longest surface longevity. CGS (Carbon Grip Surface) uses Carbon-Flex3, which is slightly softer and more forgiving while still delivering strong spin. CFS is the choice for Ben Johns; CGS suits players who want carbon performance with a bit more touch.

Should I buy a 14mm or 16mm paddle?

14mm gives more power and pop; 16mm gives more control and feel. Most players — including many professionals — find the 16mm more versatile across all situations. If you are not sure which to choose, start with 16mm.

What paddle does Ben Johns use?

Ben Johns plays the Perseus Pro IV in both 14mm (for maximum offense) and 16mm (for control-oriented play). He has been the lead testing voice behind every generation of JOOLA's Perseus and Hyperion paddles since the brand entered pickleball in 2022.

What is Hyperfoam Edge Wall?

Hyperfoam Edge Wall is JOOLA's proprietary foam-injected edge guard. The foam adds perimeter weight strategically, increasing the effective sweet spot and creating a consistent, solid rebound feel all the way to the edges of the paddle face — not just the center.

Is JOOLA good for beginners?

Absolutely. JOOLA makes paddles across every skill level, from the beginner-friendly Essentials lineup through to the Pro IV series used by the world's best players. For beginners, JOOLA's recreational fiberglass paddles are affordable, durable, and easy to play with straight out of the box.

Where is JOOLA based?

JOOLA is headquartered in Rockville, Maryland and owned by Sport Squad, Inc., with offices in the US, Germany, Brazil, and China. The brand was originally founded in Landau, Germany in 1952.