Proton Project Flamingo
Our take on the Project Flamingo
The updated Series Three model from Proton features a more powerful core and a very gritty hitting surface for great pop and spin. The Flamingo, released in January 2025, has been used by several top pros this year and the 15mm “Velocity Core” has earned this paddle a reputation as one of the most aggressive on the market.
Find our full review of the Project Flamingo here.
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 15mm
- Core Type
- Gen 3
- Handle Length
- Short
- Certification
- Dual Certified
- Price
- $175.00
Is the Project Flamingo worth $175?
Who should buy the Project Flamingo?
How does the Project Flamingo play?
What are the strengths and trade-offs of the Project Flamingo?
Project Flamingo vs Perseus Pro IV
Power
Proton Project Flamingo
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 15mm
- Core Type
- Gen 3
Additional details
- Brand
- Proton
- Paddle Type
- Power
- Static Weight
- 8.2 oz
- Swing Weight
- 121
- Twist Weight
- 6.8
- Handle Length
- Short
- Certification
- Dual Certified
Power
JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV 16mm
- Shape
- Elongated
- Core Thickness
- 16mm
- Core Type
- Gen 3
Additional details
- Brand
- JOOLA
- Paddle Type
- Power
- Static Weight
- 8.2 oz
- Swing Weight
- 118
- Twist Weight
- 6.3
- Handle Length
- Medium
- Certification
- Dual Certified
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Questions people ask about the Project Flamingo
Is the Proton Project Flamingo worth $175?
Yes. It delivers elite power and spin while staying solid on resets and dinks, so you gain a lot without really sacrificing anything.
Who should buy the Proton Project Flamingo?
Aggressive players who hit heavy topspin serves and third-shot drives. The harder you drive with it, the better it plays, and the spin lets you clear the net comfortably.
How much power does the Proton Project Flamingo have?
A lot. Its stability and big sweet spot make it strong on counters and overheads, near the top end of paddles approved under the new USAP and UPA-A rules.
Should I get the 13mm or 15mm Proton Project Flamingo?
The 13mm for more pop and maneuverability at the kitchen line, or the 15mm for a more plush feel. Both come in elongated and widebody shapes.
Is the Proton Project Flamingo USAP approved?
Yes, it's approved by both USA Pickleball and the UPA-A, so it's legal in any sanctioned tournament.
What are some Proton Project Flamingo alternatives?
Proton Project Peacock
Speedup Tide
FLiK F3
How We Tested
Our paddle reviewers (all 5.0+ players) work with other high-level players in their area to test paddles on a variety of shots. This testing involves several hours of drills and games in an effort to determine how the paddle impacts performance in real-world scenarios.
We use the Life Time LT Pro 48 pickleball for our testing.