Which Paddle Does Ben Johns Use? (Current Model and History)

Ben Johns is the most-searched pickleball player on Google, and his paddle changes are major news in the sport. Here's what he plays with now and how it's evolved.

Published June 9, 2026

Ben Johns has been the dominant men's pickleball player for years and his paddle choice is one of the most-asked questions in the sport. He's currently sponsored by Joola and uses paddles in their Perseus lineup — though his exact paddle has shifted multiple times as Joola has released updated versions and adjusted to USAPA delistings.

Heads up

Pro paddle endorsements change frequently. Always verify on the pro's official social media or the brand's pro player page before assuming a model is current.

Current Paddle (as of mid-2026)

Ben Johns is currently playing with a Joola Perseus Pro IV — Joola's flagship 16mm thermoformed elongated paddle with a raw T700 carbon face. It's a 16.5" elongated shape, ~8.0 oz, with a swing weight around 117. He's been on the Perseus line in various forms since 2022.

Paddle History — Quick Timeline

Year	Paddle	Notes
2020	Franklin Signature Carbon	His first pro-sponsored paddle
2021–2022	Joola Hyperion CFS 16mm	His move to Joola; the original thermoformed flagship
2023	Joola Perseus 14mm	Switched to 14mm thickness for more pop
2024	Joola Pro IV Perseus	Updated construction; briefly de-listed during USAPA controversy
2025–present	Joola Perseus Pro IV (current)	Refined production after de-listing was resolved

Should You Buy Ben Johns's Paddle?

Maybe. The Joola Perseus Pro IV is a genuinely excellent paddle — high-end materials, professional-level construction, and one of the most popular flagship paddles on the market. But Ben Johns is a 6'2" professional with elite hand speed and reach; the same paddle that fits his game perfectly may not fit yours. Most amateur players are better served by a paddle that matches their playing style than by mimicking a pro's choice.

Specs of the Joola Perseus Pro IV

Shape: Elongated (16.5" × ~7.5")
Thickness: 16mm
Face: Raw T700 carbon fiber
Construction: Thermoformed unibody, Gen 3
Weight: ~8.0 oz
Swing weight: ~117 (high-end of all-court range)
Twist weight: ~6.4
Price: $280

Bottom Line

Ben Johns currently plays with the Joola Perseus Pro IV. It's a top-tier elongated power paddle that suits his game and pro tour conditions. Buying it because Ben uses it won't make you play like Ben — but if its specs (elongated, 16mm, SW ~117) actually fit your style, it's a legitimately excellent paddle on its own merits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What paddle does Ben Johns use?

Ben Johns currently uses the Joola Perseus Pro IV — a 16mm thermoformed elongated paddle with a raw T700 carbon face. He's been on Joola's Perseus line in various versions since 2022. (Pro endorsements can change; verify on Joola's pro player page for the current model.)

Should I buy the same paddle as Ben Johns?

Only if its specs (elongated shape, 16mm thickness, swing weight ~117) actually fit your playing style. Ben Johns is a 6'2" professional with elite hand speed; the paddle that fits him won't necessarily fit you. Most amateur players are better served by picking by spec rather than by pro endorsement.

Is the Joola Perseus banned?

The original Joola Gen 3 paddles (including the first Perseus Pro IV) were de-listed by USAPA in late 2024 over surface roughness concerns. Joola issued replacements and updated the production process. Current Perseus paddles are USAPA approved — but always verify on the USAPA approved list before tournament play.

How much does Ben Johns's paddle cost?

The current Joola Perseus Pro IV retails at $279.95. Joola occasionally runs promotions, and older Perseus models can be found at discount, but Ben's actual paddle is at the top of the price range.