What Plays Like a Generation 3 JOOLA Paddle

With the latest JOOLA paddles being removed from the USA Pickleball's approved list, lots of players are wondering what they can do with their Gen3 paddles and which paddles have similar playability. We're here to help out with both questions.

If you haven't heard, USA Pickleball de-listed JOOLA's newest paddles from its approved list, which means if you're playing in a USAP-sanctioned event, you won't be able to use a JOOLA Gen 3 paddle. If you purchased a new JOOLA Generation 3 paddle from Total Pickleball (now known as Pickleball Warehouse), you have the option to return it to us for a full refund or store credit, but that might leave you wondering what to play with now. We wanted to put together a list of similar high-quality paddle options to consider.

Comparable Paddles to the JOOLA Gen 3s

Alternatives to Generation 3 Scorpeus, Perseus, Magnus and Hyperion paddles

So the good news for players making a switch from the Gen 3s, is that there are several other paddles that utilize the same design, materials and construction.

Whether you prefer the compact shape of the Scorpeus or the elongated performance of the Perseus, Magnus and Hyperion, all of the paddles on this list are very similar to the Gen 3 family of paddle's power, control, spin potential and shape.

However, the configuration of the materials are not quite the same. Or in other words, none of the paddles on the list features a floating, or "framed" core, which seems to be the main point of contention with the Gen 3s. As a result we want to apprise players that although the overall performance will be pretty spot on, the feel and sound will not be precisely the same.

Any of us here who had a chance to extensively play with the Gen 3 Alphas (the protoype version) and the officially released paddles, agree on three things. Firstly, we all like their performance. Secondly, we unanimously feel the Generation 3's were not as powerful, relative to the new Gearbox Pro Elongated paddles. Thirdly, is the lower pitched thud the Generation 3 paddles produce at contact of the ball, as opposed to the staccato thwack most other paddles create.

List of Similar Paddles

De-Listed Paddles	Similar Options
Generation 3 Scorpeus - Anna Bright Scorpeus 3 - Collin Johns Scorpeus 3	Previous JOOLA Anna Bright Scorpeus 14
	Previous JOOLA Colin Johns Scorpeus 16
	Volair Mach 2 Forza 14mm or 16mm
	CRBN 2X Power Series 14mm or 16mm
Generation 3 Perseus, Magnus and Hyperion - Ben Johns Perseus 3 - Tyson McGuffin Magnus 3 - Ben Johns Hyperion 3 - Simone Jardim Hyperion 3	Previous JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus 14 and 16
	JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion C2 14 and 16
	JOOLA Simone Jardim Hyperion C2 14 and 16
	Gearbox Pro Control Elongated
	Gearbox Pro Power Elongated
	CRBN 3X Power Series 14mm or 16mm
	Six Zero Double Black Diamond Infinity
	Six Zero Black Diamond Infinity

In Conclusion

It does not appear the JOOLA Generation 3 paddles are going to be approved by USAP anytime soon, but that just means they cannot be used for official/sanctioned tournament play. Considering the circumstances, we felt that it was important to share what paddles would give players a similar experience on court.

Pickleball Warehouse wants to players who purchased any of these JOOLA Generation 3 paddles from us to know they qualify for a full refund or store credit.

We strive to match players with suitable paddles. We don't just sell paddles, we love pickleball! Our staff tests and plays with every paddle and most of the products featured on the site.

This gives us insight, as far as shared similarities and differences, between paddles. We hope this helps narrow the search for a good alternative to the JOOLA Generation 3 paddles, if you decide to send yours back.