JOOLA Pro V vs Pro IV (2027): Is the Pro V Worth the Upgrade?

The Pro IV was JOOLA’s flagship until the Pro V arrived. Now it costs roughly half as much. Here’s exactly how they compare and which one to buy.

Quick Comparison

The table below summarizes our joola pro v vs pro iv picks. Use the buttons to check live Amazon prices, then read the detailed sections for pros, cons and who each one suits.

Pro V vs Pro IV: side-by-side

	JOOLA Pro V	JOOLA Pro IV
Generation	5th Perseus	4th Perseus
Construction	KineticFrame	Previous-generation frame
Face	Raw textured carbon fiber	Raw carbon fiber
Shape	Elongated Perseus	Elongated Perseus
Thickness options	14mm or 16mm	14mm or 16mm (varies by listing)
Power	Higher, easier	High
Touch on soft shots	Better	Good
Amazon rating	4.4 (162)	4.2 (100)
Value	Premium	Excellent

Is the JOOLA Pro V worth it over the Pro IV?

This is the question most JOOLA fans are asking. The honest answer: it depends on how often you play and how much the newest technology matters to you.

The Pro V’s KineticFrame is a genuine improvement. JOOLA designed it to flex like a hockey stick, loading energy during your swing and releasing it into the ball. The result is easier power on drives and a calmer response on dinks and drops than many power paddles. The Pro V also has a higher Amazon rating.

But the Pro IV is far from outdated. It shares the raw carbon face that produces heavy spin, the elongated Perseus shape and the overall character that made the Perseus line famous. Since the Pro V launched, the Pro IV has dropped to around half the Pro V’s price, which makes it one of the best-value premium paddles on the market.

Power

Winner: Pro V. The KineticFrame gives the Pro V noticeably easier power. Drives come off with more pace for the same swing, and put-aways feel effortless. The Pro IV is still a powerful paddle, but you work a little harder for the same result.

Control and touch

Winner: Pro V. This is where KineticFrame matters most. Despite its extra power, the Pro V stays calmer on soft shots, so dinks and drops are easier to control. The Pro IV has good touch, but its power can make soft shots a little jumpier for some players.

Spin

Tie, slight edge to Pro V. Both use raw carbon faces that grip the ball well. The Pro V’s raw textured surface is excellent, but Pro IV owners will not feel short-changed on spin.

Sweet spot and forgiveness

Close. Both are elongated paddles, so neither has the sweet spot of a wide-body design. Some Pro IV variants, such as the GRAF and Agassi models, emphasize an extended sweet spot.

Feel

The Pro V feels lively but controlled. The Pro IV feels familiar to anyone who has played a Perseus before: powerful, spin-friendly and responsive.

Price and value

Winner: Pro IV. This is the Pro IV’s big advantage. At around half the price, it delivers most of the Perseus experience. For many intermediate players, the difference in performance is smaller than the difference in price.

Who should buy the JOOLA Pro V?

• 3.5+ players who play three or more times a week
• Players who want the newest technology and the best JOOLA makes
• Competitive players who want every small advantage in power and touch
• Players upgrading from an older paddle who want a long-term flagship

Who should buy the JOOLA Pro IV?

• Value hunters who want a flagship feel for much less
• Intermediate players stepping up to premium for the first time
• Players who want a backup for their Pro V
• Anyone who loves the Perseus shape but does not need KineticFrame

Pro IV variants worth knowing

The Pro IV platform also appears in signature paddles that are worth considering:

Should you upgrade from a Pro IV to a Pro V?

If your Pro IV still plays well, upgrading is a nice-to-have rather than a must. You will gain easier power and slightly better touch, but your existing paddle remains very capable. If your Pro IV is worn out or showing dead spots, the Pro V is a natural next step. If you are coming from an older or budget paddle, either one will be a big improvement.

Pro V vs Pro IV by player level

Level	Our pick	Why
3.0–3.5	Pro IV	Most of the performance at a much lower price
3.5–4.0	Either	Pro V if you play often; Pro IV for value
4.0+	Pro V	KineticFrame advantages matter more at higher levels
Tournament	Pro V	Newest tech and highest rating

How they compare with other premium paddles

Paddle	Strength	Rating
JOOLA Pro V	All-court flagship	4.4 (162)
JOOLA Pro IV	Best value Perseus	4.2 (100)
JOOLA 3S	Fast hands	4.4 (182)
CRBN TruFoam Genesis	Control and durability	4.5 (135)
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik	Raw power	New

For the Selkirk matchup, read JOOLA Pro V vs Selkirk Boomstik. For all JOOLA options, see the most expensive JOOLA paddles.

Other alternatives

Shot-by-shot comparison

Shot	Pro V	Pro IV
Serve	Deep and spinny with easy pace	Deep and spinny
Return	Easy depth, calmer control	Easy depth, can sail if over-hit
Third-shot drop	Easier to keep soft	Good with clean contact
Third-shot drive	Excellent, effortless pace	Very good
Dinking	Controlled, spin-friendly	Spin-friendly, slightly livelier
Hand battles	Quick and stable	Quick and powerful
Resets	Calmer thanks to KineticFrame	Requires softer hands
Overheads	Excellent	Excellent

Understanding KineticFrame

KineticFrame is the single biggest difference between these paddles. JOOLA describes it with a hockey-stick analogy: as you swing, the frame flexes slightly, stores energy, then releases it as the paddle meets the ball. In practical terms, this means you can generate pace with a smoother swing and the paddle remains composed when you take pace off the ball.

For players who already generate plenty of power, the main benefit is the improved touch on soft shots. For players who struggle to generate pace, the main benefit is easier power. Either way, it makes the Pro V a more complete paddle than the Pro IV.

Value math

If the Pro IV costs around half as much as the Pro V, you could buy two Pro IVs, one to play with and one as a backup, for roughly the price of a single Pro V. For players on a budget, that is a compelling argument. For players who want the best possible single paddle, the Pro V still wins.

What owners of each tend to say

Pro V owners most often highlight the combination of power and touch and describe it as a complete, do-everything paddle. Pro IV owners most often highlight value, spin and the familiar Perseus feel, with some noting that soft shots require a little more care than on newer designs.

Common questions

Is the Pro IV discontinued?

The Pro IV remains available on Amazon in several versions, though availability of specific colorways and thicknesses can change. It is worth buying while it is widely available at its lower price.

Do the Pro V and Pro IV feel very different?

They feel related. Players who know the Pro IV will recognize the Perseus character in the Pro V, with extra ease of power and calmer soft shots from KineticFrame.

Which is better for beginners?

Neither is designed for true beginners, but if you are an improving player, the Pro IV’s lower price makes it the more sensible first premium paddle. Read Are Expensive Pickleball Paddles Worth It?

Buying tips

Check the listing for the exact model, thickness and shape, since both paddles have several variants. Buy from reputable sellers to avoid counterfeits, and protect your new paddle with a cover.

Key takeaways

• The Pro V adds KineticFrame for easier power and better touch.
• The Pro IV shares the raw carbon face and Perseus shape at a much lower price.
• Choose the Pro V for maximum performance; the Pro IV for maximum value.
• Upgrading from a healthy Pro IV is optional rather than essential.

Final verdict

The JOOLA Pro V is the better paddle: easier power, better touch and a higher rating. The JOOLA Pro IV is the better value: the same Perseus DNA at around half the price. If you play often and want the best, buy the Pro V. If you want premium performance for less, buy the Pro IV and enjoy one of the best deals in pickleball.

Read our full JOOLA Pro V review or see both paddles in our ranking of the 10 most expensive pickleball paddles.

Which should you buy as a gift?

For a gift, the Pro V is the more impressive choice: it is JOOLA’s current flagship and the most expensive mainstream paddle on Amazon. The Pro IV is the smarter choice if you want to give a premium Perseus experience on a tighter budget, or if the player already owns a Pro V and needs a familiar backup.

Pro V vs Pro IV for singles and doubles

In singles, both paddles benefit from the elongated Perseus shape, which adds reach and leverage for passing shots. The Pro V’s easier power helps on deep drives and returns. In doubles, where soft shots and resets matter more, the Pro V’s calmer touch gives it a clear edge, especially in fast transition rallies. Pro IV owners can still excel in doubles but may need softer hands on drops and dinks.

Durability and long-term value

Both paddles use raw carbon faces that will gradually lose texture with heavy use, and both benefit from a cover, gentle cleaning and avoiding hot cars. Because the Pro IV costs much less, replacing it when worn is cheaper. Because the Pro V is newer, it is likely to remain current for longer before the next generation arrives. Over a year of regular play, the cost per session of either paddle is low compared with the value they bring.

How to decide in one minute

If you play three or more times a week, care about having the newest technology and want the best touch from a power paddle, buy the Pro V. If you play once or twice a week, want premium spin and reach and would rather keep money for lessons or accessories, buy the Pro IV. Either way, you are getting one of the most proven paddle families in pickleball.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the JOOLA Pro V and Pro IV?

The Pro V adds KineticFrame construction for easier power with better touch; both share the raw carbon face and elongated Perseus shape.

Is the JOOLA Pro V worth it?

For frequent 3.5+ players who want the best, yes. For value, the Pro IV delivers most of the experience for around half the price.

Is the JOOLA Pro IV still good?

Yes. It is one of the best-value premium paddles available.

Should I upgrade from a Pro IV to a Pro V?

Only if your Pro IV is worn out or you want the newest technology; otherwise it is a nice-to-have.