JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV 16mm Pickleball Paddle vs Engage Pursuit Pro EX Pickleball Paddle: Sp

Researched from published specs, USA Pickleball rules and verified owner reviews, not play-tested by us. Updated 2026.

The Engage Pursuit Pro EX Pickleball Paddle costs about $20 more ($169.99 vs $149.95). Choose the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV 16mm Pickleball Paddle if you want to spend less, you value control and soft touch, you want faster hands or less load on your arm, you want extra reach; choose the Engage Pursuit Pro EX Pickleball Paddle if you want more pop on drives, you want more stability against hard hitters, you want a more forgiving sweet spot, you want the more premium build.

Specs side by side

SpecJOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV 16mm Pickleball PaddleEngage Pursuit Pro EX Pickleball Paddle
Listed price$149.95$169.99
Listed weight7.9 oz8.1 oz
Core thickness16 mm13 mm
Shapeelongatedwidebody
Facecarbon fibercarbon fiber
Core materialNot statedNot stated
ThermoformedNot statedNot stated
USA Pickleball approvalClaimedClaimed

From each Amazon listing. "Not stated" means the listing does not say.

What actually differs?

  • The Engage Pursuit Pro EX Pickleball Paddle costs about $20 more ($169.99 vs $149.95).
  • The Engage Pursuit Pro EX Pickleball Paddle is 0.20 oz heavier by listing (8.1 vs 7.9 oz): a little more stability and plow-through, a little slower at the kitchen, and a little more load on the arm.
  • The JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV 16mm Pickleball Paddle has the thicker core (16 vs 13 mm), which usually means more control and a softer feel; the Engage Pursuit Pro EX Pickleball Paddle should play with more pop.
  • Shapes differ: JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV 16mm Pickleball Paddle is elongated, Engage Pursuit Pro EX Pickleball Paddle is widebody. Elongated shapes add reach and swing weight; widebody and standard shapes add forgiveness.

Which should you buy?

Choose the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV 16mm Pickleball Paddle if you want to spend less, you value control and soft touch, you want faster hands or less load on your arm, you want extra reach.

Choose the Engage Pursuit Pro EX Pickleball Paddle if you want more pop on drives, you want more stability against hard hitters, you want a more forgiving sweet spot, you want the more premium build.

Weight class: mid vs mid. Not sure what you need? The paddle weight calculator and core thickness calculator answer that in under a minute. We have not play-tested either paddle; this comparison is researched from listings and verified owner reviews.

Other paddles to consider

Prices are the last listed Amazon price and change often.

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Frequently asked questions

Which is better, the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV 16mm Pickleball Paddle or the Engage Pursuit Pro EX Pickleball Paddle?

Neither is better for everyone. Choose the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV 16mm Pickleball Paddle if you want to spend less, you value control and soft touch, you want faster hands or less load on your arm, you want extra reach. Choose the Engage Pursuit Pro EX Pickleball Paddle if you want more pop on drives, you want more stability against hard hitters, you want a more forgiving sweet spot, you want the more premium build. Check both against your ideal weight with the paddle weight calculator before deciding, because fit matters more than brand.

Which is heavier, the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV 16mm Pickleball Paddle or the Engage Pursuit Pro EX Pickleball Paddle?

By their listings, the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV 16mm Pickleball Paddle weighs 7.9 oz and the Engage Pursuit Pro EX Pickleball Paddle weighs 8.1 oz. Individual paddles vary slightly from stated weights. Heavier paddles add stability and power but load the elbow and shoulder more.

This is researched general guidance, not professional advice. Specs and prices come from manufacturer listings and change often; confirm details on the product page before buying.