JOOLA 3S Dual
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 3
- Handle Length
- Medium
- Certification
- UPA-A
- Price
- $199.95
Our take on the Perseus 3S
One of the most popular paddles among pros and amateurs of the past 2 years, the JOOLA 3S Series, has now been re-released with new colorways and the stamp of approval from both USA Pickleball and the United Pickleball Association of America. The 3S paddles previously were not USAP certified. The dual-certification means that amateur players can now use the 3S paddles in any tournament setting, whether that’s a PPA Tour/MLP event or a USAP sanctioned event. Even though the tech featured in the 3S Series has been around for more than a year, it is still the paddle of choice for several JOOLA signed pros and many unsponsored pros — which is how you know a paddle is very good.
Is the Perseus 3S worth $199.95?
Yes. At $199.95 it sits in the high price range, and you get pro-proven controlled power for less than the Pro IV. Plenty of JOOLA-signed and unsponsored pros still choose it, which says a lot about how well it plays.
Who should buy the Perseus 3S?
Players who want pro-level controlled power and like a direct, connected response. Amateurs who enter both PPA Tour or MLP events and USAP-sanctioned events can use it in either, since the re-release carries approval from both USA Pickleball and the UPA-A.
Buy it if
- You want pro-level controlled power for less
- You like a firm, direct feel
- You play both USAP and tour events
- You want technology pros still play with
Skip it if
- You want the Pro IV's softer throat foam
- You want the original 3S's extra pop
- You want a hybrid or widebody shape
How does the Perseus 3S play?
The Propulsion Core and textured carbon fiber surface deliver great power and spin potential. Compared with the original 3S it has slightly less pop but a softer feel on dinks and resets, and compared with the Pro IV it is firmer and more direct. A 121 swing weight and 6.3 twist weight sit behind the elongated 16mm frame.
What are the strengths and trade-offs of the Perseus 3S?
Its biggest edge is a proven design that is now approved for every sanctioned event. The main cost is a firmer feel than the Pro IV on touch shots.
Strengths
- Controlled power with great spin potential
- Softer on dinks than the original 3S
- Approved for every sanctioned event
- Firm, direct feel at a lower price
Trade-offs
- Slightly less pop than the original 3S
- Firmer than the Pro IV on touch shots
- High 121 swing weight
Closest match we’ve tested
JOOLA 3S Dual vs Proton Project Coyote
Same elongated shape, same Gen 3 core and nearly the same power.
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 3
More specs
- Paddle Type
- Power
- Static Weight
- 8 oz
- Swing Weight
- 121
- Twist Weight
- 6.3
- Handle Length
- Medium
- Certification
- UPA-A
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 15mm
- Core Type
- Gen 3
More specs
- Paddle Type
- Power
- Static Weight
- 7.8 oz
- Swing Weight
- 113
- Twist Weight
- 6.1
- Handle Length
- Medium
- Certification
- Dual Certified
15% off with code KITCHEN
15% off with KITCHEN
Not sure yet? Compare the JOOLA 3S Dual against any paddle
See their stats, price and playability side by side
Questions people ask about the Perseus 3S
Is the JOOLA 3S Dual a good paddle?
Yes. It's a pro-level paddle that balances controlled power with an accessible price, with slightly less pop than the original 3S but a softer feel on dinks and resets.
What are the main differences between the JOOLA 3S Dual and Pro IV?
The 3S Dual has a firmer, more direct feel at a lower price, while the Pro IV adds TechFlex Power foam at the throat for a softer, more forgiving response.
Is the JOOLA 3S Dual USAP approved?
Yes, it's approved by both USA Pickleball and the UPA-A, so it's legal in any sanctioned tournament.
What's the difference between the JOOLA 3S Dual and the original 3S?
The 3S Dual is a re-release with new colorways and USA Pickleball approval. The original 3S paddles weren't USAP certified, so they couldn't be used in USAP-sanctioned events.
Do pros use the JOOLA 3S Dual?
Yes. It's still the paddle of choice for several JOOLA-signed pros and many unsponsored pros, even though its technology has been around for more than a year.
How much does the JOOLA 3S Dual cost?
$199.95, which puts it in the high price range for pickleball paddles.
What are some JOOLA 3S Dual alternatives?
Holbrook Fuze VantaGrit
Power 95Spin 99
16mm Gen 4 · Swing weight 118
How we test every paddle
Why trust our ratings? Every paddle is played by Team Kitchen, our team of expert paddle reviewers, and measured on the same scale before we rate it.
- Expert reviewers. All 5.0+ players, testing alongside other high-level players in their area.
- Hours of drills and games. Every kind of shot, in real points, to see how a paddle plays in a match and not just on paper.
- Measured on the same scale. Power, spin, swing weight and twist weight for every paddle, so any two compare fairly. The Perseus 3S measured power 84, spin 66, swing weight 121 and twist weight 6.3.
- One ball for every test. The Life Time LT Pro 48.