Joola Persius Mod TA-15 Paddle Review

Hey guys, it’s Kip from Famous by Friday Pickleball. I’ve got a brand new paddle to review—the new JOOLA Perseus MOD TA5. This is the 16 mm version of the paddle, and I was anxious, yet a little concerned, to try it out. This paddle is essentially the Gen 3 model, known for not only getting disapproved for play but also for falling apart quickly. It has the same structural components, like the polycore and carbon face, but it also includes a propulsion core with two types of foam that allow the core to flex and throw the ball.

Initial Impressions and Concerns

Right out of the box, these paddles feel great. I remember reviewing the Gen 3 paddles about three months ago, and one of them fell apart after only a week of use. You could even hear it during the review. I am worried about the longevity of these paddles, especially given the $279.95 price tag. But I hit the courts with an open mind to see how it performs.

Specifications and Key Features

Some quick housekeeping: The paddle is 16.5 inches long, 7.5 inches wide, with a 5.12-inch long grip and a 4.25-inch circumference. This paddle weighs in at 8 ounces, which I believe is slightly lighter than the previous Gen 3 model. I suspect they might have changed one of the foams in the propulsion core to achieve this, which could also affect longevity.

On-Court Testing: First Hits

Right off the bat, it has that hollow sound like the Gen 3s, and it’s really accurate. I was aiming at the cone—no problem hitting my target with a straight-line. When I spin the ball, it actually jumps when it hits the ground because it has so much bite.

Accuracy test (Picture Kip Lacey)

Performance Over Time

I’ve spent the last few weeks getting to know the new JOOLA Perseus MOD TA5. As I mentioned in the opener, this paddle is structurally similar to the Perseus Gen 3 fame, which was outstanding right out of the box but then either fell apart or got disapproved by USAPA.

My main concern was durability, and now, two to three weeks in, the paddle is still holding up. But that could change at any moment. Everything I say in this article comes with the caveat that I might have to put out a follow-up if the paddle breaks. I hope I don’t have to do that, both for my sake and JOOLA’s, but so far, so good.

Strengths and Highlights

This paddle does everything really well. I’m so impressed with its accuracy and control, which I think are a little better than the Gen 3. The consistency is also much better, even though this is a power paddle. My average service numbers with this paddle came in at 52.6, while my usual average is 48-50. The spin is absolutely wonderful, with the ball staying on the paddle longer due to the core’s trampoline effect. The feedback and feel are very good, with a slightly larger sweet spot than before.

Defensively, this paddle is outstanding. Anything it gets in front of is going back, and that makes me feel so confident on the court. It’s fast at the net, not head-heavy, and it does so many things well.

Challenges and Considerations

However, when you get up to the net for a dink battle, you have to be aware of the ball trampolining off the paddle. You’ll need to adjust your technique slightly, but that’s not a big deal.

One other thing to note is the sound. The Gen 3s were loud, and this one is no different. You can hear it from a long distance, especially indoors. The price is also a factor—at $279.95, it’s on the pricey side, especially considering durability concerns. But JOOLA has backed their products well, offering refunds and having a good return policy, so I think they’ll stand by this one as well.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this paddle is super cool. I expect to see it a lot on the courts because of the extra velocity and spin. JOOLA did a great job with this one, and I might even put it in my bag—a rare thing for me. I’m picky, but I really trust this paddle’s accuracy, control, and consistency. I know a lot of you are probably already playing with it, and I’d love to hear your thoughts, especially if you’ve had any issues like core crush or disbonding.

I’ll be back with more content soon. Fall is coming, so get out and play!

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