The Engineering
The Perseus CFS's defining feature is its raw carbon face: the T700 carbon fiber layer is left unpainted rather than covered in a graphic wrap, which leaves the weave's natural texture exposed. That texture matters functionally, not just visually — a grittier, unpainted surface creates more friction against the ball on contact, which is the mechanical basis for the extra spin raw-carbon paddles are consistently reported to generate compared to painted faces.
At 16mm, the core is thicker than power-oriented paddles like the Selkirk Vanguard's 13mm, which trades some of that paddle's livelier pop for a longer dwell time — the ball stays on the face fractionally longer, giving more room to redirect pace and control placement. That tradeoff is exactly what you'd expect from a paddle built around Ben Johns' game, which is defined more by consistency and net control than raw power.
The standard shape (as opposed to an elongated one) keeps the sweet spot larger and more centered than the Selkirk or CRBN paddles on this site, which is the other half of why this paddle is positioned as a touch-first, rather than power-first, option.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Raw carbon face is a genuine spin mechanism, not just a cosmetic finish
- Pro: 16mm core and standard shape combine for a notably forgiving, control-oriented feel
- Pro: USA Pickleball approved and tournament-legal
- Pro: One of the most widely reviewed and consistently well-regarded signature paddles on the market
- Con: Less raw power than elongated, thinner-core paddles built for pace
- Con: Price varies meaningfully by colorway and retailer, more so than some competitors
- Con: Standard shape gives up the extra reach an elongated paddle offers at the net
Who It's For
Likely a good fit: players who prioritize touch, dinking and net control over raw power, and anyone who wants a genuinely forgiving core without stepping down to a beginner-tier paddle.
Probably not the first buy: players specifically chasing maximum power or extra reach — see our Selkirk Vanguard review or CRBN 1X review for elongated, power-leaning alternatives.
How It Compares
| Model | Face/Shape | Core | Category | Weight | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus CFS 16mm | Raw T700 carbon fiber | 16mm | Standard | ~8.0 oz | $160–230 |
| Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta | Carbon fiber / Fiberflex fiberglass hybrid | 13mm | Elongated | 7.7–8.1 oz | ~$250 |
| CRBN 1X Power Series | Raw T700 carbon fiber | 14mm or 16mm | Elongated | 7.8–8.1 oz | ~$230 |
Specs above are drawn from each brand's published listings at the time of writing. Manufacturers update models and pricing regularly — confirm current specs on the retailer page before buying.
