Foam-core paddles are having a moment. Meet the JOOLA POWER FX.

Foam-core pickleball paddles are making waves, promising a new combination of power, control, and feel. But what makes them different from traditional paddles, and can they actually improve your game?

We break down the technology, get the inside scoop from our CityPickle coaches, and introduce one of the newest paddles on the scene: the JOOLA Perseus POWER FX.

First, a little paddle science.

Most traditional pickleball paddles have a polypropylene honeycomb core. That's a lightweight plastic structure made up of tiny hexagonal cells, sandwiched between the paddle's two hitting surfaces.

Full-foam paddles replace that honeycomb structure with foam, changing how the paddle feels and responds when it makes contact with the ball.

Different construction. Different feel. Potentially a different game.

So, what makes foam different?

For some players, it's all about feel. Foam-core construction can change how the ball responds off the paddle face, with potential benefits for control, spin, and shot placement.

Chase Stokes, General Manager of CityPickle Times Square, is already a convert.

"I switched over to foam paddles because the paddle feels more responsive. When I am hitting resets in the transition zone the full foam core creates a longer dwell time allowing me to control the spin and placement and overall helping my accuracy."

That dwell time Chase mentions? It's the brief moment the ball stays in contact with the paddle. For Chase, that extra sense of connection makes a difference when placing shots and controlling resets.

And when he's not analyzing paddle technology, he's putting it to work. 

Meet the JOOLA Perseus POWER FX

One of the newest arrivals in the foam-core category is the JOOLA Perseus POWER FX, the brand's first full-foam pickleball paddle.

The POWER FX combines JOOLA's patented propulsion core technology with EPP foam, designed to deliver power with less effort while maintaining a responsive feel.

Think of it like a trampoline: the paddle's construction is designed to create a spring-like response when the ball makes contact.

Add a textured surface for spin and an elongated 16mm Perseus shape for extra reach, and you've got a paddle with plenty going on beneath the surface.

But enough about the engineering. How does it actually play?

Josh Gartman, CityPickle's VP of Curriculum and Coaching Development, is particularly impressed by its speed and value.

"My favorite thing is the balance of kitchen hand speed and value. It’s exceptionally fast in hand battles at the net with noticeable pop, and getting JOOLA’s full-foam technology at the $180 price point makes it a super accessible power upgrade."

Is a foam-core paddle right for you?

Here's where things get interesting. Just because a paddle is packed with new technology doesn't mean it's the right fit for every player.

Josh sees the POWER FX as a particularly good option for players with some experience under their belts.

"I’d recommend it primarily to intermediate to advanced players. Because it’s JOOLA’s new full-foam build, it plays stiff, crisp, and high-pop right off the face. Beginners might find it a bit too lively or fast to control when trying to drop or reset the ball."

In other words, that extra pop can be an advantage when you know how to use it. If you're still working on consistency and control, a more forgiving paddle might be your better match.

Foam-core paddles may be having their moment, but your trusty honeycomb paddle isn't suddenly obsolete.

The best paddle isn't necessarily the newest. It's the one that works for your game.

And there's only one way to find out.

Try it for yourself. Join us for JOOLA Paddle Demo Day at CityPickle Times Square on Friday, November 13, from 11 AM–5 PM. Test different paddles and find your perfect match, at no additional cost.