JOOLA Pro V Explained by Ben Johns (Deep Dive Interview)

Summary

In this detailed conversation, Ben Johns discusses the evolution of pickleball paddle technology, focusing on the Pro 4 and Pro 5 models. He explains the importance of flexibility and elasticity in paddle design, highlighting how the Pro 5 offers a softer, more forgiving feel without sacrificing power. Ben touches on the role of materials like fiberglass and foam, the ongoing experiments with spin and power limits, and the future of paddle technology. He predicts innovation will focus on improving paddle feel, particularly the consistency of performance across the entire paddle face.

Takeaways

• 🎯 The Pro 5 paddle introduces a redesigned throat/neck area that increases flexibility and elastic snapback, improving energy return and overall performance.
• 🌀 Elasticity is more important than raw flexibility: the paddle must snap back quickly (within ~2 milliseconds) to deliver power, control, and consistent shot direction.
• 💥 The Pro 5 delivers more power on full swings while maintaining a softer, more forgiving feel compared to the stiffer Pro 4.
• 🤲 Softer paddle feel does not mean weaker performance—players can experience both increased control and higher groundstroke speed.
• 👨‍🏫 Professional players are far more sensitive to subtle changes in paddle feel, while amateurs often notice performance results more than tactile feedback.
• 📈 Neck flex can be polarizing: done correctly it enhances power and feel, but done poorly it causes inconsistency, delayed snapback, and loss of control.
• 🎾 Current power and spin regulations are mostly effective, but further reductions in spin—especially for singles—could improve balance and entertainment.
• ⚖️ Spin levels as low as 1600–1700 RPM could still allow exciting play while reducing excessive passing shots and unfair advantages.
• 🔬 Grit and spin are related but not perfectly correlated, meaning different surfaces can affect baseline and kitchen play in unique ways.
• 🧱 Full foam paddles offer solid performance but often feel stiff and muted, reducing ball awareness and fine touch control for players who prefer feel.
• 🛠️ Future paddle innovation will focus more on feel customization and improving consistency across the entire face rather than increasing raw power or spin.
• 🚀 Long-term advances may include variable-material cores to minimize edge-to-center performance differences and maximize forgiveness.

Q & A

What is the main technological advancement in the Pro 5 paddle compared to the Pro 4?

The main technological advancement in the Pro 5 paddle is the increased flexibility and elasticity, particularly in the throat area. This enhances energy return, offering a softer feel on the paddle while providing more power on ground strokes due to increased flexibility.

How does Ben Johns describe the significance of the paddle handle length?

Ben Johns uses an extended handle paddle to emphasize flexibility, not for a two-handed backhand as many might assume. A longer handle feels more flexible, providing a softer feel on the ball and more power during ground strokes.

What is the issue with too much flexibility in a paddle, according to Ben Johns?

Too much flexibility without enough elasticity can lead to poor energy return, causing inconsistent throws off the paddle. This results in varying outcomes, like hitting the ball straight but unexpectedly having it veer off due to slow snapback after the ball leaves the face.

How does the Pro 5's elasticity translate into pickleball gameplay?

The Pro 5's elasticity results in a more forgiving feel, with greater flexibility that helps generate more power during high paddle head speed, while also offering better control for softer shots due to the paddle's snapback capability.

Why do amateur players notice less of a difference in feel compared to professional players when using the Pro 5?

Amateurs are less focused on the feel of the paddle and more on the results. While pros can immediately recognize differences in feel, amateurs tend to notice improved performance, like increased power and a more consistent ball dip, even if they don't consciously feel the changes.

What is the purpose of the 'feel chart' that the interviewer is developing for paddles?

The 'feel chart' is designed to categorize paddles based on their feel during play, with a focus on stiffness, softness, density, and hollowness. This helps players verbalize and compare how different paddles feel to them, making it easier to choose based on personal preferences.

How does Ben Johns describe the difference in feel between the Pro 5 and Pro 4?

The Pro 5 offers a softer feel than the Pro 4, which Ben Johns describes as stiffer and hollow. Despite the softer feel, the Pro 5 still maintains power comparable to the Pro 3S on ground strokes.

What are the main benefits of a flexible paddle according to Ben Johns?

Flexible paddles, like the Pro 5, provide a better control feel for softer shots and offer more power when performing high-speed strokes, thanks to the increased elasticity that helps the paddle snap back efficiently.

What are Ben Johns' thoughts on full foam paddles versus honeycomb paddles?

Ben Johns prefers paddles that provide a strong feel on the ball, which he feels is lacking in full foam paddles that can feel stiff and less responsive. He favors honeycomb cores for their ability to offer better feel and control, especially for players who prioritize feedback from the ball.

Does Ben Johns think the current spin and power limits in pickleball are appropriate?

Ben Johns is open to experimenting with lower spin and power limits in pickleball. He suggests that the current limits are appropriate for doubles but might be reduced further for singles, as less spin could help with ball control at higher bounces in singles play.