If you already play with a JOOLA Pro IV, you might be wondering if it is time to move to the new JOOLA Pro V.
The short answer is: maybe.
The Pro IV is still a very good pickleball paddle. The Pro V brings some meaningful changes, especially around the way the paddle flexes and recovers through contact. But that does not automatically mean every Pro IV player needs to upgrade.
I have spent a lot of time playing, coaching and testing paddles, and one thing I always tell players is this: the newest paddle is not necessarily the best paddle for you.
So let's look at what actually changed between the JOOLA Pro IV and Pro V, and whether the difference is something you are likely to notice on the court.
JOOLA Pro IV vs Pro V: What is the main difference?
At a high level, the biggest change is the paddle structure around the throat.
The JOOLA Pro IV uses TechFlex Power technology, which is designed to distribute weight through the paddle for a stable and consistent feel. The Pro V builds on JOOLA's previous technology and introduces KineticFrame, a new flex-point design intended to make the paddle flex and recover in a more controlled and predictable way.
| JOOLA Pro IV | JOOLA Pro V | |
|---|---|---|
| Main technology | TechFlex Power | KineticFrame |
| Focus | Consistent, controlled contact | More precise flex and recovery |
| Feel | Stable and predictable | More dynamic and responsive |
| Shapes | Perseus, Scorpeus, Hyperion and others | Perseus, Scorpeus, Hyperion, Kosmos and others |
| 14mm / 16mm options | Yes | Yes, depending on model |
| Best for | Players who already like the Pro IV feel | Players looking for a more refined response |
The important point is that Pro V is more of an evolution than a complete replacement for Pro IV.
How flex and KineticFrame actually affect a paddle
This is probably the most important part of the Pro IV vs Pro V conversation.
The Pro IV already has flex built into its design. The throat inserts allow the paddle to flex during impact, which can contribute to the feel and dwell time players experience.
The Pro V takes that idea further with KineticFrame.
Instead of simply trying to make the paddle flex more, JOOLA redesigned the structure to control where and how that flex happens. JOOLA describes KineticFrame as a system designed to flex with intention and recover naturally, with the paddle head moving more parallel to its original position.
Why does that matter?
Because when a pickleball hits your paddle, the ball is in contact with the surface for an extremely short amount of time. That contact can be thought of as dwell time.
A little more controlled interaction with the ball can affect how the paddle feels during dinks, resets, counters and spin shots.
But I would not say that flex automatically creates spin.
Spin still comes from a combination of your swing path, paddle angle, contact point, swing speed and the paddle's surface. What the paddle can do is influence how that contact feels and how much control you have over it.
That is where I think the Pro V becomes interesting.
The Pro IV already gives you a very good controlled feel. The Pro V is trying to make that response more precise and repeatable.
That difference may be noticeable to an experienced player.
For a newer player, it may be much harder to tell.
A new shape in the Pro V family: the JOOLA Kosmos
One of the most interesting additions to the JOOLA Pro V lineup is the JOOLA Kosmos.
The Kosmos is a hybrid shape that sits between the elongated Perseus and the standard Scorpeus. JOOLA describes it as combining the reach of the Perseus with the maneuverability of the Scorpeus. It is available in both 14mm and 16mm versions.
And I have an easy way of explaining it to players:
If the Perseus and Scorpeus got married and had a baby, the baby would be the Kosmos.
It is designed for players who want some of the reach of an elongated paddle without going completely in that direction.
That can make the Kosmos an interesting middle ground for players who want to drive from the baseline, counter at the kitchen and still have a paddle that feels manageable during fast exchanges.
If you are currently deciding between an elongated paddle and a standard shape, the Kosmos is definitely worth trying.
Why the JOOLA Pro IV is still a great paddle
This is where I think some paddle reviews go wrong.
A new model comes out and suddenly everyone acts like the previous model is obsolete.
That is not how pickleball paddles work.
The JOOLA Pro IV is still a very capable paddle, and JOOLA continues to position the Pro IV around control, consistency and reliable contact. Its TechFlex Power technology is designed to help distribute weight and improve stability and forgiveness.
If you already own a Pro IV and you like the way it feels, there is no reason to replace it just because Pro V exists.
In fact, if your Pro IV is helping you play better and you are comfortable with it, I would rather see you spend the money on court time and coaching.
Your paddle did not wake up one morning and decide to retire.
Pro IV vs Pro V for dinking and resets
If your game is built around dinking, resets and controlling the kitchen, I would not automatically choose Pro V simply because it is newer.
The Pro IV already provides a controlled, stable feel that many players will appreciate.
The Pro V may appeal more to players who want a little more responsiveness from the paddle and are sensitive to how the paddle behaves through contact.
For advanced players, small differences in feel can become important.
For recreational players, the difference may be much less significant.
And honestly, if you are struggling with your resets, the paddle probably isn't the whole problem.
Unfortunately, JOOLA has not figured out how to put coaching lessons inside the handle yet. I'm still waiting. If you want to actually fix your resets, book a lesson with Coach Alex instead.
Pro IV vs Pro V for drives and attacking play
This is another area where I would avoid saying that Pro V is simply "more powerful."
JOOLA's own paddle comparison can show very similar power ratings between comparable Pro IV and Pro V models. The change is more about how the energy and flex are delivered than simply turning up the power.
That can be useful for players who want to attack while maintaining control.
If you already have good mechanics and can generate your own power, the more refined response of Pro V may be something you appreciate.
If you are looking for a paddle to magically give you a bigger drive, however, I would not expect Pro V to suddenly add 20 points to your DUPR.
Unfortunately, JOOLA hasn't figured out that part yet either.
Coach Alex's JOOLA Pro V choice
My current personal paddle is the JOOLA Hyperion Pro V 14mm.
I use a customized grip and customized weights, so my setup is very much my own. That is important because the paddle that works best for me may not be the paddle that works best for you.
I like the combination of the Hyperion shape and the 14mm construction, along with the way the Pro V responds during fast exchanges and attacking play.
But rather than telling every player, "This is the one you need," I would rather help you find the paddle that fits your game. Book a lesson with Coach Alex and we can figure it out together.
That is one of the reasons we carry multiple shapes, weights and generations of paddles at HISPORTS.
Should you upgrade from Pro IV to Pro V?
Here is how I would look at it.
Consider upgrading to Pro V if:
You already have good paddle skills and can notice differences in feel.
You want a more refined and responsive paddle.
You are interested in KineticFrame technology.
You are looking for a different shape, including the new Kosmos hybrid.
Your current Pro IV feels like it is missing something in your game.
You simply want to try the newest JOOLA technology.
Stay with Pro IV if:
You already love the way your Pro IV feels.
You are playing well and don't see a specific weakness.
You are more concerned with value than having the newest model.
You are still developing your technique.
You would rather spend the money on lessons, clinics or more time on the court.
There is nothing wrong with staying with the Pro IV.
In fact, if you are happy with your paddle, that may be the smartest decision.
The best way to decide? Try both.
This is something we strongly recommend at HISPORTS.
Paddle technology is difficult to understand completely from a website description. You can read about KineticFrame, TechFlex Power, dwell time, swing weight and paddle shapes all day, but eventually you need to put the paddle in your hand and hit a pickleball.
Our HISPORTS Paddle & Racquet Demo Program lets you try an available paddle for $10 for up to five days. If you purchase a paddle from HISPORTS, the $10 demo fee is refunded. A $150 credit card security deposit is also required, and demos are subject to availability.
That makes it much easier to compare something like a Pro IV and Pro V on your own court, with your own swing and against the players you normally play with.
You can explore the HISPORTS pickleball paddle collection or learn more about the HISPORTS Demo Program.
Final verdict: Pro IV or Pro V?
If you already own a JOOLA Pro IV, I would not tell you that you need to upgrade.
The Pro IV is still an excellent paddle.
But if you are looking for a new paddle, the JOOLA Pro V is worth serious consideration. KineticFrame is a meaningful change to the paddle's construction, and the new Kosmos shape gives players another option between the Perseus and Scorpeus profiles.
For me, the Pro V is an evolution of what JOOLA was already doing well with Pro IV.
The real question is not:
"Which paddle is newer?"
It is:
"Which paddle feels better for my game?"
That is the paddle I would choose. And if you want help finding yours, book a lesson with Coach Alex.