JOOLA Perseus 3 paddles started showing up at my local courts almost immediately. They were being used by dozens of players, many of whom were outperforming me. Their speed and power were undeniable.

I decided to test out Ben Johns’ new signature paddle JOOLA Perseus 3 for myself to see if it lived up to the hype. This review is based on my own testing over several weeks. I purchased the paddle myself, ensuring an unbiased perspective.

Buy or pass?

Buy JOOLA Perseus 3 if:
✅ You play an aggressive game: This paddle offers significant pop and power, making it easy to win points with drives and speed-ups.
✅ Power is your main priority: I’d rate this 11/10 for power—if you get the opportunity, you can put away any ball.
✅ You’re intermediate or advanced: The pop and power can be tough to control, especially for lower-level players.

Pass JOOLA Perseus 3 if:
❌ You pop up shots easily: With so much pop, it’s easy to send drops too high or sail balls long. Try the Bread & Butter Filth for easier control.
❌ You need more control in your game: This is a pure power paddle—for better touch shots, check out the Selkirk LUXX Air Invikta.
❌ You’re on a budget: At $280, this is an investment. A great budget alternative is the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash ($100).

JOOLA Perseus 3 Review Summary

My current favorite power paddle is the Ben Johns Perseus 3, which delivers more pop and power than any other paddle I’ve tested. It’s an excellent option for aggressive players who rely on attacking shots.

Compared to the Gearbox Pro Power Elongated and B&B Filth, two of the best power paddles of 2025, the Perseus 3 provides more power while maintaining comparable control and forgiveness. However, if you prioritize feel and finesse over raw power, the Filth may still be a better all-court option.

One of the first things I noticed was the explosive pop. The ball launches off the face on short strokes like punches and volleys, making it easy to speed up play and score points at the kitchen. However, this comes with a trade-off: misjudging paddle angle can result in shots sailing long or wide.

The finishing power of this paddle is unmatched. If you find the right angle, such as a short bounce, you can put the ball away almost effortlessly. Even when driving shots directly at opponents, I frequently forced errors.

Another major highlight is drive power. One of my best strokes with this paddle was a drive down the middle that hit the fence before my opponents could react. Swing speed enhances this effect significantly.

Spin performance is another significant improvement over the previous generation. Right out of the box, the Perseus 3 has a gritty carbon-textured face, producing spin levels comparable to premium raw carbon fiber paddles like the B&B Filth and Six Zero DBD. In comparison to the spin-lacking Gen 2 Perseus, this is a major upgrade.

That said, there are some drawbacks. Blocking powerful shots can be challenging because the ball can rebound too aggressively, making resets difficult. The adjustment period is also notable; the paddle seems to “break in” over a few weeks, gaining even more force. It took me about a month to feel fully in control of it.For players who crave power, the JOOLA Perseus 3 is an exciting, high-performance paddle that makes every shot feel explosive.

Features in JOOLA Perseus 3

I rarely say this, but JOOLA’s Gen 3 technology is revolutionary. These paddles can be difficult to play against and speed up the game. It wouldn’t surprise me if other companies started competing for their technology.

Here’s what makes the JOOLA Perseus 3 unique:

Propulsion Core

This is the secret of the powerful pop and force of the Gen 3 Perseus. Ball acceleration off the paddle face is increased by the bounce effect produced by the propulsion core.

It has a tiny layer of foam around the perimeter that connects to a conventional polymer core as it extends into the center. Because of its increased flexibility, the core can act as a trampoline to generate additional power.

Carbon Friction Surface

For the JOOLA Perseus 3 debuted a new carbon-textured surface, and I’m pleased to say that it now has the spin and grit required to rival premium carbon fiber paddles like the B&B Filth.

Because of how rough the surface is, I even saw a video where the paddle adhered to a player’s shirt!

The carbon face of the Gen 2 Perseus was disappointing since it provided poor spin. There is a significant improvement with this Gen 3 upgrade.

NFC Chip Access

You can unlock the paddle and enjoy a special product experience (including warranty details) by tapping your phone against the handle of the JOOLA Perseus 3.

Although this may appear to be something new, it’s actually a clever invention that helps stop counterfeits, which is a serious problem considering how well-liked and expensive the paddle is.

Performance

Performance Ratings

Power – 10/10

I’ve never experienced power like this before. It’s especially noticeable on drives and overhead putaways shots that opponents usually reset now feel nearly unreturnable.

The sheer speed of this paddle forces a lot of opponent errors. I frequently use the “shake-and-bake” strategy, driving the ball hard to bait an easy pop-up return. With this much power, it’s incredibly effective.

Control – 7.5/10

The biggest trade-off with the JOOLA Perseus 3 is control. The extreme power makes it easy to sail balls long or wide. Even the slightest change in paddle angle can send shots out of bounds.

I’ve had drives fly long that would normally be attackable, and even lower-level players recognize when my shots are going out. I still prefer the more traditional Gen 2 thermoformed paddles, like the Six Zero DBD Infinity, for better control.

Spin – 9.5/10

Right out of the box, the JOOLA Perseus 3 has a ton of grit on the face. Spin is top-tier, allowing me to generate great topspin on serves, drives, and volleys.

I’d rank it on par with top raw carbon paddles like the Six Zero DBD Control and B&B Filth. You need to take advantage of spin to counterbalance the paddle’s power and keep shots in play.

Forgiveness – 8/10

This was a pleasant surprise, especially after testing the Gearbox Pro Power Elongated my #2 power paddle of 2025—which has major dead spots.

The JOOLA Perseus 3 has a larger sweet spot and fewer mishits. If you want even more forgiveness, consider the Scorpeus 3, which has a bigger sweet spot in the Gen 3 JOOLA lineup.

That said, all new JOOLA paddles have a stiff, hollow, almost wood-like feel, making them less plush and more challenging to control. Expect a long adjustment period.

Weighting – 8/10

The Perseus 3 has the highest swing weight (123) and most head-heaviness of any Gen 3 JOOLA paddle. This boosts power but makes it slower at the kitchen and harder to maneuver.

If you want big power with a lighter swing weight, check out the Scorpeus 3.

Grip – 9/10

No changes from the Gen 2 Perseus, which is a good thing. The tacky, premium-feeling grip is comfortable and secure. I also appreciate the grey color, which won’t get dirty as quickly as a white grip.

Durability – 10/10

Like all JOOLA paddles, this is built with premium materials. The carbon construction and edge guard provide excellent long-term durability.

Aerodynamics – 7.5/10

The JOOLA Perseus 3 is the least aerodynamic of the new Gen 3 paddles due to its high swing weight and flat top.

The good news? You don’t need a fast swing speed to generate power. In fact, swinging too fast can make it easier to hit balls out

Pricing & Value

The Perseus 3 retails for $280, a $30 increase from the $250 Gen 2 model. So, is it worth the extra cost?

Value for Money

However, if your game depends on touch and control or if you have trouble with pop-ups, this paddle isn’t for you. If you’re an aggressive player who can handle the extra pop, I think JOOLA justifies the price increase, especially with the new propulsion core that delivers unmatched pop and power. Instead, I’m going to recommend:

• Sticking with the Gen 2 Perseus if you already use it
• Choosing a more balanced Gen 2 thermoformed paddle, like the CRBN-3X Power Series

Bottom Line

A significant advancement in paddle technology is the JOOLA Perseus 3. The most potent paddle I’ve ever used, it’s a must-try for aggressive gamers.