Pickleball Gear

I tried JOOLA's newest Pro IV paddles – here's which one you should actually buy

picture of Stephen Mijangos
Stephen Mijangos

Published on: Apr 14, 2025

Stephen Mijangos with the JOOLA Pro IV pickleball paddles

In the pickleball world, a new JOOLA paddle drop is like Apple launching a new iPhone – huge hype, big pro names, and sky-high expectations. I've played with a lot of paddles, so it's hard to impress me. Every once in a while, though, one paddle makes me stop mid-game and say: yep, this might be it.

That's exactly what happened after a few rallies with the JOOLA Scorpeus Pro IV. It's one of JOOLA's new Pro IV range – pro-level Gen 4 paddles priced at $279.99.

First thoughts: the Scorpeus is by far my favorite paddle in the series. If you want the best blend of power, control, spin, and forgiveness, try the JOOLA Pro IV Scorpeus.

JOOLA Pro IV paddles – first impressions

I've already tested the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV and now JOOLA has released the full series with three more paddles: the Scorpeus, Hyperion, and Magnus. Here's my honest take: they're all worth the price if you're serious about your pickleball, but I'm going to keep using the Scorpeus.

Watch my first thoughts on the new JOOLA Pro IV paddles:

Loading...

My favorite – JOOLA Scorpeus Pro IV

The Scorpeus Pro IV is one of the most forgiving paddles for power I've ever played with. It's my favorite overall release of 2025 so far.

It's a widebody paddle, which usually means you sacrifice power for control. However, the Scorpeus manages to deliver both. It's not quite as explosive as the Hyperion or Perseus, but what you gain in consistency, comfort, and control makes this paddle a joy to play with.

Stephen Mijangos with the JOOLA Pro IV Scorpeus pickleball paddle
Stephen Mijangos with the JOOLA Pro IV Scorpeus

The sweet spot feels enormous, and the bounce is as predictable as any paddle I've tested. I can hit deep topspin drives, then soften up for dinks and resets with ease. It has the best spin in the series, rivaling the JOOLA Agassi Pro (another Gen 4 paddle that's worth checking out if you value power and speed).

If you're looking for a paddle that rewards smart, consistent play but still packs plenty of punch, this is your best bet.

What stands out:

  • Best spin of the Pro IV lineup.
  • Most consistent sweet spot and bounce.
  • Excellent touch on resets, dinks, and soft drops.
  • Easy to trust, especially under pressure.

Downside: slightly shorter reach than elongated paddles like the Hyperion and Magnus. Unless you particularly need that extra length, the Scorpeus is the winner.

Today's best deals

JOOLA logo

Most pure power – JOOLA Hyperion Pro IV

The Hyperion Pro IV is your classic elongated power paddle, but with enough polish to handle soft shots, too.

If you like swinging big, you'll love the feel of this paddle. I tested both the 14 mm and 16 mm models. The 14 mm is all-out aggression, while the 16 mm gives you more forgiveness and touch without sacrificing too much pop. Either way, the ball explodes off the face.

Stephen Mijangos with the JOOLA Pro IV Hyperion pickleball paddle
Stephen Mijangos with the JOOLA Pro IV Hyperion

What makes the Hyperion unique is its ability to switch gears. You can crank a forehand drive one rally and feather a drop the next – both feel comfortable. The 5.5" handle gives you plenty of space for a two-handed backhand, which is a major plus over the Magnus.

It's not quite as forgiving as the Scorpeus. However, it's a great fit for confident, aggressive players who know how to mix it up.

What stands out:

  • Big, effortless power.
  • More spin than previous Hyperion models.
  • Solid touch for a power paddle.
  • Long handle is great for two-handed shots.

Downside: like any power paddle, the pop can be a little hard to control for less experienced players (especially with the 14 mm model). It's not impossible, though.

Today's best deals

The niche weapon – JOOLA Magnus Pro IV

The Magnus Pro IV is Tyson McGuffin's signature paddle. It plays exactly how you'd expect: forehand-focused, fast, and built for offense. It absolutely rips topspin too. The elongated face helps expand the sweet spot, and the feel on hard-hit balls is excellent.

However, the 5" handle is noticeably shorter than the other two models. That creates a problem if you rely on a two-handed backhand. I find myself struggling to get comfortable in certain positions.

Stephen Mijangos with the JOOLA Pro IV Magnus pickleball paddle
Stephen Mijangos with the JOOLA Pro IV Magnus

That said, the grit on the surface is top-notch, and it's easy to generate torque and whip through the ball on forehands. If that's your strength (and you're fine with the shorter handle), the Magnus could be a real weapon.

What stands out:

  • Explosive topspin potential.
  • Longer face means a bigger sweet spot.
  • Plush feel on resets and fast exchanges.
  • Best suited for one-handed or forehand-dominant players.

Downside: the shorter handle makes it a little hard to maneuver the paddle if you like to have a two-handed backhand.

Today's best deals

Bottom line

All three of these JOOLA Gen 4 paddles are priced at $279.99 and designed for serious play. They serve different types of players. For me, the Scorpeus Pro IV is the paddle I'll keep reaching for. It feels effortless, confident, and complete – that's everything I want in a paddle.

My favorite

JOOLA Pro IV Scorpeus pickleball paddle

JOOLA Pro IV Scorpeus

Get the Scorpeus if you want the most complete blend of power, spin, control, and forgiveness. It's the safest (and best) pick for most players.

More power

JOOLA Pro IV Hyperion pickleball paddle

JOOLA Pro IV Hyperion

Go with the Hyperion if you like to play big and fast, and want a longer paddle that still lets you reset the ball.

Niche weapon

JOOLA Pro IV Magnus pickleball paddle

JOOLA Pro IV Magnus

Try the Magnus if your game revolves around a dominant forehand and you don't need a two-handed backhand.

What even more options? Try my 30-second quiz and I'll recommend the best paddles for your play style and budget.

Find the perfect paddle

Find the perfect paddle

We've tested over 100 paddles. Take the quiz to see which ones fit your game best.

Take Paddle Fitting Quiz

This article contains affiliate links from which we receive a small commission from sales of certain items. As a brand associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

About the author
Stephen Mijangos
Stephen started his pickleball journey in 2020 and quickly fell in love with the sport. Now a 5.0 level player, he regularly competes in tournaments, coaches lessons, and organizes events at his local club. He is currently sponsored by Stack Athletics and works as a paddle tester for Pickleheads.
Share this article

Join the fastest growing pickleball community

...

members

Join a community of pickleball players and find new friends to play with.

...

games

Browse games and open play sessions anywhere you go.

...

locations

Find every place to play pickleball in your local area.

...

cities

Now available worldwide. Find courts & games anywhere!