JOOLA Mod TA vs. JOOLA Gen 3S: Breaking Down the Paddle Hype
Last Edited
Sep 20 2024
Category
Gear
The JOOLA Mod TA and JOOLA Gen 3S are taking over the paddle market right now with buzz from across the community.
Our team hit the courts with both paddles. Here’s what we found.
TL;DR:
- Mod TA: All about power and pop. Great for players who like to go aggressive.
- Gen 3S: A specialist in control and feel. Perfect for finesse players.
Now, let’s break it down.
The JOOLA Mod TA: Power on Demand
The MOD is seriously powerful without sacrificing control.
You'll have to adjust your shots a little if you're used to playing with plushy paddles, but the MOD-15 has both the soft feel everyone loves on resets AND the type of pop that will take your counters to the next level.
Expect a little more stability in the 16mm model and a faster reload speed with the 14mm version.
- 16mm version: Expect greater stability with a thicker core.
- 14mm version: Looking for speed? The thinner core gives you a faster reload.
And, yes—spin potential is solid, but let’s be real: it’s the power that will make your opponent second-guess those drives.
Check out the 16mm here and the 14mm here.
If you don't have anyone to practice with...there's always our favorite pickleball product ever, The ERNE pickleball machine.
The JOOLA Gen 3S: For the Specialists
Now, if you’re a finesse player who thrives on calculated, controlled shots, the JOOLA Gen 3S series is where you need to look.
Not to be confused with the original Gen 3 paddles, the Gen 3S dials it in across several models & shapes with improved control & balance.
With models fine-tuned for balance and precision, this line offers more dwell time, meaning the ball stays on the paddle face longer, allowing for extra control and spin.
Here’s a rundown of what you can expect across models:
Ben Johns Perseus 3S: Head heavy, swings through solidly, with a really strong feeling at point of contact.
JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion 3S: Thinner, even more pop than the Perseus 3S, and a more balanced “trampoline” effect.
Simone Jardim Hyperion 3S: Combines a charged carbon surface with a soft, two-piece core & a stretched out sweet spot.
Anna Bright Scorpeus 3S: A shorter 5.25” handle aids in control by keeping your hand close to the sweet spot and encouraging quick reloads. Impressive pop for a control shape.
JOOLA Collin Johns Scorpeus 3S: All about control with a soft touch, vibration dampening. Definitely not lacking in pop, either.
Tyson McGuffin Magnus 3S: Singles & power players will love this. We could rocket low drives just over the net, with tons of spin.
Which Paddle Suits Your Game?
The key difference? All of the Gen 3S paddles feature more dwell time and spin potential, where the MOD series is the perfect all-court paddle.
("Dwell time" in pickleball refers to the amount of time the ball remains in contact with the paddle during a shot, impacting control and spin).
Read Next: Don't Fall For These Pitfalls When Buying Your Next Pickleball Paddle
The MOD might lack the dwell time and spin potential of the Gen 3S paddles but makes up for it in raw power.
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