JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 16 vs Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16

The verdict

Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is softness: JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 16 scores 84 against 72 for Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 — a 12-point gap. They are effectively level on forgiveness, swing weight, launch angle, so those traits should not decide the purchase. JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 16 is $52.99000000000001 cheaper at $280.

• Softness

  JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 16 leads by 12 points (84 vs 72).

• Touch

  JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 16 leads by 10 points (90 vs 80).

• Control

  JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 16 leads by 9 points (93 vs 84).

• Consistency

  JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 16 leads by 7 points (92 vs 85).

Which one is right for your level?

Each call below re-weights the Paddle DNA traits that matter at that level, so the winner can differ from the overall pick.

Which one should you buy?

JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 16 vs Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 FAQ

Which is better, the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 16 or the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16?

JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 16 carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (88.3 vs 87.1), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — softness — JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 16 leads by 12 points.

Which one is faster at the kitchen line?

Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Both swing at 118 kg·cm², and swing weight is the single best predictor of hand speed in fast exchanges.

Which paddle has more power, the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 16 or the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16?

Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 scores 95 for power against 90 for JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 16. That comes from a 16 mm BoomCore PureFoam with EVA Power Ring core swinging at 118 kg·cm² — mass behind the ball, not face material.

Which one gives more control and touch?

JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 16 at 93 versus 84. Its 16 mm core holds the ball on the face slightly longer, which is what makes resets and dinks land shorter.

Which paddle spins the ball more?

JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 16 scores 93 for spin off its Raw Toray T700 carbon face, against 91 for the Multistrata T700 carbon with InfiniGrit face on Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16. In practice a 2-point gap is small enough that technique matters more.

Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?

Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16, with the higher forgiveness score (88 vs 85). Its 7.2 twist weight against 6.5 is what drives it — higher twist weight means the face rotates less when you miss the middle.

Is the price difference worth it?

JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 16 costs $280, $52.99000000000001 less. Whether that gap is worth closing depends on whether you actually use the traits it trades away — check the head-to-head DNA bars above before paying up.

Do they use the same core and face?

JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 16: 16 mm Gen 4 foam-injected polymer core with a Raw Toray T700 carbon face. Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16: 16 mm BoomCore PureFoam with EVA Power Ring core with a Multistrata T700 carbon with InfiniGrit face.

Which is better for a two-handed backhand?

Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16, at 5.8 in of handle against 5.5 in. Anything under 5.25 in forces you to choke the bottom hand onto the face bevel, which Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 avoids.

Which one is better for beginners?

Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 is the safer first paddle here: forgiveness 88 and sweet spot 89 mean fewer mishits while your contact point is still inconsistent. JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 16 rewards a repeatable swing and can feel less stable before that.

Which is lighter in the hand?

Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 at 8.25 oz against 8.3 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight is identical at 118 kg·cm², so they will feel the same mid-rally.

Is it worth upgrading from the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 to the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 16?

Only if you need what it actually adds. JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 16 leads on softness by 12 points; everything else is within 10 points. At $280 vs $332.99, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.

Also worth comparing

Head-to-heads that share DNA with this matchup — useful if you're still deciding between shapes, cores or price tiers.

• Perseus Pro IV 16 vs CRBN-1X
• Perseus Pro IV 16 vs Coral Pro
• Perseus Pro IV 16 vs Pro Ultimate Elongated 16
• Perseus Pro IV 16 vs OMNI 16

• Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 vs Ultré Power 2
• Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 vs 1X TruFoam Power
• Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 vs Hyperion Pro V 16
• Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 vs Labs 008 Project 16

Top alternatives to both

Paddles that beat one of these two on a specific trait or on price.

Read the full reviews: JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 16 and Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.