JOOLA Pro V vs. Pro IV Pickleball Paddles: What’s New, What’s Better & Which Should You Choose?
by Pickleball Central Experts on Mar 20, 2026
JOOLA’s Pro line has quickly become the most recognizable paddle family in professional pickleball, with players like Ben Johns, Anna Bright, and Federico Staksrud all competing with versions of it. The line has become closely associated with high-level power paddles.
With the Pro V, JOOLA focused less on reinventing the paddle and more on refining it. Instead of leaning further into easy pop, like the Pro IV, the company tuned the platform around more controlled power, better predictability, and cleaner feedback through contact.
60-second verdict
The Pro V is not a universal replacement for the Pro IV
The Pro V takes JOOLA’s Pro line in a different direction. Instead of leaning into easy offense and instant pop, it focuses on a more controlled and consistent power profile that rewards players who generate their own swing speed.
If you relied on the Pro IV for effortless power, the Pro V may not feel like a straight upgrade. But if you bring your own offense and want more predictable launches with cleaner feedback through contact, the Pro V is a compelling evolution of the platform.
In short: Pro IV = easier offense | Pro V = more refined, player-driven offense
JOOLA Pro V vs Pro IV: Quick Comparison
The biggest change is not the core itself. It is how the paddle flexes and releases energy through the throat and frame.
Pro IV
- More instant pop and easier offense
- Livelier, more aggressive response
- Great for players who need help generating pace
- Higher offensive ceiling on compact swings
Pro V
- New KineticFrame throat geometry
- More controlled and predictable launches
- Absorbs incoming pace better on softer shots
- Rewards players who generate their own swing speed
What is different in the Pro V?
The key technology JOOLA is introducing is the KineticFrame, a redesigned throat geometry intended to change how the paddle flexes, loads, and releases energy through contact. Outside of that throat redesign, the core construction remains largely the same as the Pro IV.
The result is what JOOLA calls precise power: a paddle that requires more deliberate activation to generate offense, but gives players a more stable launch angle and more consistent response.
What improvements does the Pro V bring on court?
After comparing both paddles, several differences stand out in real play.
1
Activated power
The Pro V does not have the instant pop and easy power of the Pro IV. It takes more effort to unlock its offense, but it can still produce strong pace when the player has enough swing speed.
2
More consistent response
One criticism of the Pro IV was the occasional hot shot that launched unexpectedly. The Pro V smooths that out, making drives, drops, and counters feel more predictable across the face.
3
Different impact feel
The stiff, hollow crack of the Pro IV is toned down. The Pro V feels softer, more solid, and more muted at contact while still staying performance-oriented.
Does the JOOLA Pro V have more spin than the Pro IV?
The JOOLA Pro V does not necessarily produce dramatically more spin than the Pro IV, but it delivers more effective and controllable spin. Thanks to its updated Flex Frame (KineticFrame) design, the Pro V creates more bite on the ball and a lower, more consistent flight path, making spin easier to control and place accurately.
- Pro IV: Higher launch, more explosive spin, less predictable
- Pro V: Lower trajectory, more bite, more precise spin placement
- Key difference: Pro V improves spin control, not just spin quantity
This makes the Pro V especially effective for players who rely on controlled aggression, sharp angles, and precise shot placement rather than simply overpowering opponents.
GEAR EXPERT
“With the Pro V paddles, I feel like I get more spin with the Flex Frame. The ball has more bite and a lower flight path, making it great for players whose attacks are more precise and not just overpowering.”
— John Cowley, Pickleball Central Gear Expert
Is the JOOLA Pro V better for control than the Pro IV?
Yes, the JOOLA Pro V is generally better for control than the Pro IV. While the Pro IV offers easier pop and more explosive offense, the Pro V delivers a more predictable launch, more stable response, and cleaner feedback through contact. That makes it easier for many players to control drives, drops, counters, and attacking resets.
- Pro IV: More pop, easier offense, livelier response
- Pro V: More control, more consistency, more predictable ball flight
- Best for: Players who value precision, placement, and confidence under pressure
The Pro V is especially appealing to players who generate their own swing speed and want the paddle to amplify precision rather than create automatic offense.
“The Pro V smooths that out. The response feels more predictable across the face whether you’re driving, dropping, or countering.”
— Braydon Unsicker, Pickleball Effect
Should you choose a 14mm or 16mm JOOLA Pro V paddle?
Most players should choose the 16mm JOOLA Pro V because it offers a fuller sweet spot, more stability, and better overall control. The 14mm version has a firmer, quicker response, but in the Pro V lineup it is more of a niche option for players who want a crisper, more direct feel.
- Choose 16mm if you want: more control, more forgiveness, and more stability
- Choose 14mm if you want: quicker rebound, firmer feel, and a more immediate response
- Best overall choice: 16mm for most doubles and all-court players
In earlier JOOLA generations, some players preferred 14mm to help manage the paddle’s livelier response. But because the Pro V already has a more controlled power profile, the 16mm now makes more sense for a wider range of players.
“In this series, the 16mm is the better option for most players.”
— Braydon Unsicker, Pickleball Effect
How to choose between 16mm and 14mm
In the Pro V series, the 16mm is the better option for most players.
16mm
Best for most players
- Fuller sweet spot
- More stability and control
- Better fit for the lighter, more controlled Pro V profile
- Recommended for doubles and all-court play
14mm
Best for a more direct feel
- Quicker rebound and crisper response
- Less added benefit here than in earlier JOOLA generations
- More niche in this lineup
- Best for players who want a firmer, more immediate feel
Choosing between the Pro V, Pro IV, and 3S
Because JOOLA has kept prior models in the lineup, the Pro V should be thought of as another option within the family, not an automatic replacement.
Go 3S if...
You want maximum power and pop and do not mind a little more vibration and feedback.
Learn more >>Go Pro IV if...
You want a strong offensive ceiling like the 3S, but with a smoother and less vibratory feel.
Learn more >>Go Pro V if...
You bring your own offense and want a more controlled, predictable power profile.
Learn more >>Construction choices
Braydon Unsicker (Pickleball Effect) asked JOOLA why the Pro V stayed with polymer core construction instead of moving to full foam. The answer was straightforward: JOOLA still believes polymer delivers the best overall playing experience and feedback for many of its pros.
JOOLA also reinforced the paddle structure by adding carbon fiber between the outer foam layer and polymer core near the top of the paddle to improve compression strength in a common failure area.
What about durable grit?
According to JOOLA, additional surface technology is in the innovation pipeline, but it still needs more validation and testing to stay within USAP guidelines.
Translation: expect strong spin out of the box, but do not expect the Pro V surface to behave like the newer long-lasting grit formulas seen from some other brands.
Pro player perspective
“The type of speed-ups I hit, I often hit the ball towards the end of the paddle… I can get a lot of torque on the ball, a lot of spin, without adding too much power.”
“You’re going to feel like the Kosmos is much quicker, because the overall surface face is wider, and with there being less paddle to work with, you’ll find the transition from backhand to forehand is just much quicker.”
Final thoughts
The Pro V is not JOOLA chasing the latest trends. It is a refinement of the company’s existing Pro platform. Rather than switching to full-foam construction or launching new surface tech, JOOLA focused on how the paddle flexes and how energy is transferred through the frame.
From a performance standpoint, that gives the Pro V a more controlled and consistent response that rewards strong mechanics and deliberate swings. From a durability standpoint, JOOLA still has something to prove at a premium price point, but the KineticFrame concept gives the line a meaningful new performance identity.
If you rely on your paddle to create easy offense, the Pro IV or 3S may still be the better fit. If you bring your own power and want a more controlled, predictable response, the Pro V is the stronger choice.
CONTRIBUTING EXPERT: BRAYDON UNSICKER, Pickleball Effect
Braydon Unsicker is the founder of Pickleball Effect, where he has published independent pickleball paddle reviews since 2019. He has tested hundreds of paddles across major brands, using hands-on testing, on-court play, and performance data to help players find paddles that fit their game rather than chasing marketing claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the JOOLA Pro IV and Pro V paddles?
The Pro V adds JOOLA’s KineticFrame design for a more controlled, predictable, and stable response, while the Pro IV is poppier and easier to generate offense with.
Is the JOOLA Pro V better for control than the Pro IV?
Yes. The Pro V is generally better for control because it offers more predictable launches, more stable response, and cleaner feedback through contact.
Does the JOOLA Pro V have more spin than the Pro IV?
Not necessarily more total spin, but it often delivers more effective spin control, more bite on the ball, and a lower, more precise flight path.
Why should players upgrade from the JOOLA Pro IV to the Pro V?
Upgrade to the Pro V if you want more control, better consistency, more precise attacks, and a paddle that rewards strong mechanics rather than just easy pop.
Should I choose a 14mm or 16mm JOOLA Pro V paddle?
Most players should choose 16mm for better stability, forgiveness, and control. Choose 14mm if you want a firmer, quicker, and more direct response.
Find the right JOOLA paddle for your game
Compare Pro V shapes, choose your thickness, and shop the full JOOLA lineup.
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