The JOOLA 3S Perseus redefined what a power paddle could be when it launched in 2024. The JOOLA Agassi Pro IV arrived in March 2025 with one mission: refine what already worked. Same Gen 3 construction, same shape, same explosive power philosophy — but with a new Tech Flex Power core that JOOLA claims improves feel, forgiveness, and dwell time without sacrificing the raw pop that made the 3S famous.
The price gap is only $30. But is the upgrade actually meaningful on court? After testing both extensively, here’s the honest answer.
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| Spec | JOOLA Agassi Pro IV 14mm | JOOLA 3S Perseus |
|---|---|---|
| Face | Carbon Friction Surface (CFS) | Carbon Friction Surface (CFS) — higher UPA-A grit |
| Core | 14mm Propulsion Core + Tech Flex Power (TFP) | 14mm Propulsion Core (dual-layer foam, no TFP) |
| Weight | 8.1 oz (avg) | ~8.0 oz (avg) |
| Shape | Elongated (16.5" × 7.5") | Elongated (16.5" × 7.5") |
| Handle Length | 5.5 inches | 5.5 inches |
| Build | Gen 3 Thermoformed, Dual-certified (USAP + UPA-A) | Gen 3 Thermoformed, UPA-A only |
| Swingweight | 113 | ~121 |
| Twistweight | 5.9 | 6.2 |
| USAPA Approved | Yes — USAP + UPA-A dual certified | UPA-A only |
The JOOLA Agassi Pro IV 14mm Experience: Refined Power
Pick up the Agassi Pro IV 14mm and the first thing you notice is how familiar it feels — and how slightly different it is. The same Gen 3 elongated shape, the same CFS carbon face, the same explosive pop that made the 3S famous. But the TFP (Tech Flex Power) addition in the throat area changes the feel in a way that’s immediately noticeable on softer shots. JOOLA added high-density foam into the bottom corners of the core, which does two things: it adds stability weight to the throat area where players used to manually add lead tape, and it narrows the honeycomb channel so the face flexes more at contact.
The result is a paddle that feels more forgiving than the 3S on off-center hits, particularly toward the handle. Dead spots that frustrated 3S owners near the throat are significantly reduced. Dinks and resets feel more predictable — you can swing with more confidence knowing the ball won’t spray unpredictably on mishits. The swingweight of 113 is also lower than the 3S’s ~121, making the Pro IV meaningfully faster in rapid hand exchanges.
The main limitation is spin ceiling. The dual-certified USAP version has noticeably less surface grit than the UPA-A only 3S — reviewers consistently describe the CFS surface on the Pro IV as feeling weaker than expected for a paddle at this price. A UPA-A only version with higher grit is available to JOOLA-sponsored athletes but not yet to the general public.
The JOOLA 3S Perseus Experience: Raw and Unfiltered
The 3S Perseus was designed for one thing — maximum power and spin — and it delivers both without compromise. The Propulsion Core’s dual-layer foam generates exceptional energy return on drives, and the UPA-A certification allows for a higher-grit surface that produces spin numbers the Pro IV’s dual-certified version can’t match. Reviewers consistently note that the 3S edges out the Pro IV in raw spin tests despite being the older paddle.
The tradeoff is consistency. The 3S is a punishing paddle for players who aren’t precise — dead spots near the handle are noticeable, and mishits pay a higher penalty than on the Pro IV. Players who make clean contact consistently will love the 3S’s raw power and spin output. Players who need forgiveness during fast exchanges will find the Pro IV a better companion.
The 3S is also UPA-A only — it cannot be used in USAP sanctioned tournaments. For recreational players this doesn’t matter, but for competitive players who want to use one paddle across all formats, this is a significant limitation.
Head-to-Head: What Actually Matters
Raw spin: 3S Perseus wins. The UPA-A certified surface produces higher RPM output than the Pro IV’s dual-certified CFS face. If spin is your primary weapon, the 3S has the edge.
Consistency and forgiveness: Agassi Pro IV wins clearly. TFP technology eliminates the dead spots that plagued the 3S near the throat. Off-center hits are noticeably more predictable on the Pro IV, which matters enormously in fast exchanges.
Hand speed: Agassi Pro IV wins. Swingweight 113 vs ~121 — the Pro IV is significantly faster in hand. Eight points of swingweight is a meaningful gap in rapid NVZ battles.
Tournament eligibility: Agassi Pro IV wins decisively. Dual certification (USAP + UPA-A) means you can use it everywhere. The 3S is UPA-A only.
Value: 3S Perseus wins narrowly. At $30 less with higher spin output, the 3S is the better choice for players who don’t need USAP certification and prioritize raw performance over forgiveness.
What Players Are Saying
The community consensus on this upgrade is more nuanced than a simple “Pro IV is better.” Players who compete in USAP sanctioned events have no choice — the Pro IV is the only option. But among recreational players and PPA-only competitors, the verdict is split along playing style lines.
Advanced players who make clean contact consistently often prefer the 3S — the higher grit surface and raw spin output are genuinely superior, and the dead spot issue near the throat is manageable for precise hitters. Players at 4.0 and below who benefit from forgiveness on mishits consistently prefer the Pro IV’s TFP-enhanced consistency. Multiple reviewers describe the upgrade as “meaningful but not transformative” — the paddles are more similar than different, and the $30 price gap is the smallest factor in the decision.
The one area where the Pro IV earns unanimous praise is hand speed. Players who tested both paddles in fast kitchen exchanges consistently noticed the Pro IV’s lower swingweight — eight points is a real difference when you’re reacting to a speed-up at the NVZ.
The Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Go with the JOOLA Agassi Pro IV 14mm if you compete in USAP sanctioned tournaments, value consistency over raw spin ceiling, or need a faster paddle in hand for kitchen exchanges. The TFP core is a genuine improvement over the 3S — not revolutionary, but meaningful. The dual certification also future-proofs your investment as more tournaments adopt USAP standards.
Go with the JOOLA 3S Perseus if you don’t need USAP certification, prioritize maximum spin output above everything else, and make consistently clean contact. The higher-grit UPA-A surface is genuinely superior for spin-first players, and at $30 less you’re getting the same explosive power in the same shape.
FAQ
What is Tech Flex Power (TFP) on the JOOLA Agassi Pro IV?
Tech Flex Power is JOOLA’s new core addition introduced with the Pro IV line. It’s a high-density foam filler placed in the throat and bottom corners of the core — the area where most players previously added lead tape manually. The foam adds stability weight to this zone and narrows the honeycomb channel, which allows the paddle face to flex more at contact. The result is more dwell time, better forgiveness on off-center hits, and reduced dead spots compared to the 3S’s standard Propulsion Core.
Why does the 3S Perseus have higher spin than the newer Pro IV?
The 3S is UPA-A certified only, which means it’s not subject to USAP’s surface grit regulations. This allows JOOLA to apply a more aggressive CFS texture to the face. The Pro IV is dual-certified (USAP + UPA-A), which requires meeting USAP’s stricter surface standards — resulting in a noticeably smoother face texture and lower spin ceiling. A UPA-A only version of the Pro IV with higher grit exists but is currently only available to JOOLA-sponsored athletes.
Can I use the JOOLA 3S Perseus in USAP sanctioned tournaments?
No — the 3S is UPA-A certified only, meaning it can be used in UPA-A events like the PPA Tour but not in USAP sanctioned tournaments. The Agassi Pro IV holds dual certification and can be used in all formats. If you play in USAP events, the Pro IV is your only option between these two paddles.
Which paddle is better for two-handed backhands?
Both share the same 5.5″ handle, so neither has an advantage on two-handed play. The Pro IV’s lower swingweight (113 vs ~121) does make it easier to reload quickly after two-handed shots in fast exchanges — which is an indirect advantage for two-handed players.
Are both paddles suitable for intermediate players?
These are power-first paddles designed for advanced players who make consistently clean contact. The 3S in particular is unforgiving on mishits. Intermediate players who want JOOLA’s Gen 3 construction with better forgiveness should consider the JOOLA Hyperion CFS 16 instead — it’s built for the 3.5–4.0 skill range with a more accessible feel.