Thx for the great review JJ! I have been playing with the MOD for the past few weeks and agree that it’s almost identical to the Gen 3, which obviously has exceptional power, but not sure it’s the best all-court paddle for what you sacrifice in control. (I still have more confidence in my CRBN 3X) Will also be interesting to see how the lawsuit plays out!
Good catch. I forgot to differentiate like I did in my original Magnus video. One thing I was not able to do this time around was tear down the grip on the 16. One thing I noticed last time was that the 16 mm had a lot of “foam” or “padding” under the grip. Once it was removed it felt similar to the 14. Wonder if the Mod and the 3s are the same as the original gen 3’s.
Very good question. I think it’s been less of an issue because less pro’s use it. Joola sponsors all the top pros so it’s more visible. However, the way they did their foam core has someone saved them from this controversy as USAP did ban 3-4 paddles for this technology, yet gearbox had no issues.
because it wasnt designed to core crush like the gen 3 did to get more power. The rule is that you cannot design a paddle that alters its core on purpose
@@HoujixfulThis is a correct statement, however, I’m assuming you are referring to the “breaking in” period for the gen 3. The gearbox gets hotter the more you use it just like the gen 3’s, Vatic oni. Gearbox layered the foam more throughout their core versus the perimeter being the main distribution of foam like the gen 3’s. Although core crushing does cause more power, that is not where I would say the gen 3’s get their power. Joolas were known for this in their gen 2’s and it’s more a quality control issue which is bad for a 280 dollar paddle.
Luv this paddle..and yes your correct it feels exactly like the Gen3..now some of my fellow members in my club are complaining about this paddle and feel that i shouldn't be allowed to play with this paddle..best paddle in the market for sure but won't recommend it for beginners or even intermediate players, too much power and you have to have a good touch to use this weapon, I meant paddle..
Completely agree. Best paddle on the market if you know how to use it, or it’s also great for those who can’t generate their own power. Beginners that can’t control the ball and swing for the fences can seriously injure someone with this paddle.
@@JJPickleballI personally don't think it should be legal. It puts everyone that doesn't have one at a disadvantage in the speed/power aspect. You could argue that anyone can buy one but you shouldn't have to. Plus, some people can't afford a $300 paddle. Why not just work on form and technique so that you get more power naturally versus the trampoline like effect of this paddle.
@@robedwards6926 Guess what happens when you have strong form and technique with one of these? It's very powerful but highly controllable. The only people I hear complaining about these are 3.5 and below players.
I understand that the pop is very good on the Mod 14mm. However, is that manageable to block very fast drive? FYI, i'm using the engage Pro1 and it is pretty good to block fast drive from good banger who are using Gen3 or the Gearbox pro power. I think I still can manage more pop from the engage pro1 but i'm wondering if the Mod 14mm will be a bit too much
I personally don’t have too much of an issue with this. Especially if you are used to a pro1. However, if you are sensitive to more pop and are happy with your Pro1 doesn’t seem like you may need to upgrade. That is a very good paddle. Best bet is try to find a demo before purchasing
@@JJPickleballthank you for the information. the Pro1 is pretty good in terms of power and pop as well as control so my son is stealing it. Also, i believe i still can manage / prefer a bit more power and pop than the Pro1 which is why I'm looking for other choices rather than getting another pro1.
@@BenMartin-f5v geez, I guess u are playing in a lower level. For higher level player (4.0+), we can have a very low power drive with a lot of top spin which is why the gen 3 16mm is so good. This means that the ball will just go over the net and you have to block it around the waist line so there are no more room to aim lower.
The Gen 3’s foam core is the main difference in feel. On top of the added power. I personally love the Gen 3 feel but it’s definitely unique from other paddles. Give it a try!
VERY different. I had a Hyperion C2 16mm and it’s a control paddle with less feel and a smaller sweet spot than the Mod TA-15. And obviously a lot less power than the Mod.
IMO, it's legal at UPA because they pay UPA to make it legal. UPA is going to eliminate smaller brands so they can make more money with bigger paddle companies. USAP is still a joke.
Correct. However this paddle is USAP approved. The Gen3’s are the UPA-A paddles. Selkirk did just take a big stand against the UPA-A calling for more transparency, better testing, lower fees to keep small brands, and for them to be a non profit and not a for profit business. This next year will be interesting with these lawsuits and new organizations.
@@JJPickleball Oops. :) Thanks. UPA/PPA will do whatever is best for them. They haven't changed in four years. USAP needs to be more transparent too and get their group together. For a pickleball non-profit, the CEO makes around $800K, I'm pretty sure. Thanks again.
@@Mr.DJones High CEO pay can make sense for non profits, especially if you are trying to find someone with expertise running a company you need to be able to at least not be too big a haircut on what they would make in a for profit business, otherwise you can't attract talented people.
@@JJPickleball Not the Gen 3 paddles, the 3S paddles are UPA-A approved. By the guidelines that the UPA recently published the Gen 3 paddles wouldn't pass their spin and deflection tests. It's more stringent testing than USAP.
@@kabob21 I would like to believe this. Lastly, the issue the comment above has is the price tag associated with the approval. Could lead to only the big brands being used on tour pricing out competition. Also, we have heard of these testing, but the 3s is the only paddle the UPA-A has approved and that is arguably one of the most controversial paddles on the market to some. The upcoming ripple will likely change that, but the UPA-A being a for profit organization and the timing is raising some red flags. Time will tell.
My guess is no. The only reason this is USPA approved is because it’s the original. Not saying it won’t happen, but I believe this will be the only Gen 3 paddle from Joola that USPA can’t delist. The UPA did just approve a Gen 3s Hyperion that came out Friday. I’ve been hitting the Perseus in the Gen 3s and it’s virtually the same. I’m sure there is a Gen 4 paddle in the works for them but we likely won’t see that for another 6-12 months
Joola Mod Ta-15 is definitely 10-15 percent bigger in regards to sweet spot. I loved my time with the TKO-C. Reviewed it awhile back, but I had to put lead on the throat to help with forgiveness. The Mod being thermoformed and having foam just gives it a huge leg up on sweet spot over the gen 1 paddletek core. Both great paddles though.
Ultimate has a little less power than the propower. With that I think the power levels are fairly similar. Sweet spot on the Joola is a little more forgiving. Both great options.
The paddle I got core crushed/delaminated after 2 weeks of play. During that time, it continued to get hotter and hotter until it was uncontrollable. This is a well documented problem from many players online. Joola will only replace one paddle and will not honor a return on the replacement. Their other Gen 3 paddles were banned shortly after they sold them and now the Mod Tech paddle only lasts a few weeks. I would not recommend this paddle or Joola as a company.
Joola admitted to intentionally shipping slightly core crushed paddles. Legal core crushed paddles where the cores were not yet fully compromised. I can confirm the Gen 3s is said to not ship this way and the cores ship in tact. Shady business practice but if you are worried about this I would go with a 3s.
Dunno folks! Why?? Well all of us cannot smack the heck out of a pickleball. I am a senior intermediate player, never played racket sports. I even tried the gearbox. Same thing. I am power deficient and so are the seniors in my rec club. BUT this paddle is so much better than the gearbox which lacked control but this one now gives me sufficient albeit not tremendous power. It just plays great for me and others in my club that I let try it. I know I can get to 4.0 with this paddle. Folks cannot believe how much better I am playing now.
If it’s made the same wouldn’t be surprised if longevity is still an issue and we see significant amount of paddles core crush within the 1st month. Which for a $280 paddle is a shit investment
Not sure your level. However, our group has at least 5 people using Gen3 and most are pretty good banger. What I learn is that you can always have 1 (or half) step back from the kitchen line and block their shot. With that, I'm very good to counter it and they using don't drive to me. However, I have a relatively fast hand and I'm not using a heavy swing weight paddle (Engage Pro1).
@@pkcheng5556This is great advice. The woman on tour actually do this to give them that extra millisecond. If these paddles stay hot it will probably become necessary on the mens side to.
USAP and UPA is corrupt and that's why the nonsense is happening. Gen 3 and Mod shouldn't be legal... it's not good for the sport in the long run... Gearbox Pro should be illegal as well.... if they allow it... then all manufacturers should have the same consistency in approval.
@@orangemike802 UPA definitely had some major question marks. I think USAP got themselves in trouble and tried to correct their mistake with power paddles. The issue is the lawsuit but they I think are trying to limit the power. They should’ve been more proactive and this would’ve never happened and no lawsuit from Joola.
@@JJPickleball amen to that. They should have never approved paddles upfront without proper testing. How are they being consistent now by approving the Mod TA-15? Very inconsistent behavior. Gearbox too should be delisted for the sake of consistency to protect the integrity of the sport. Shameful times.
@@orangemike802 the gearbox is within the parameters. Is it good for the game probably not but at least the paddle is hard to control and doesn’t have the best sweet spot. The Joola does feel like cheating. Everything is great about it. Sweet spot included. USAP delisted the Vatic oni, the Ronbus 16 (the 14 apparently is fine and is releasing soon), and all the gen 3’s. The mod-TA is “legal” because the initial paddle sent in did pass and usap claimed the released paddles were different. So USAP has to allow the original paddle that passed in, or they will definitely be bankrupt by this lawsuit against Joola. Especially as a non profit. Versus UPA which is currently for profit at the moment.
I had the Gen 3 paddle but decided to change it with the Mod TA-15. Glad to hear there is not much difference but this one is legal to use.
Biggest perk of the paddle! New gen 3 video is coming out in an hour as well.
thanks for your review. I just ordered a Mod TA-15 paddle.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thx for the great review JJ! I have been playing with the MOD for the past few weeks and agree that it’s almost identical to the Gen 3, which obviously has exceptional power, but not sure it’s the best all-court paddle for what you sacrifice in control. (I still have more confidence in my CRBN 3X) Will also be interesting to see how the lawsuit plays out!
Definitely a power paddle. Definitely fun to play with. Thanks for the comment!
Which do you prefer , the Ronbus Ripple or the Joola Mod TA-15 ?
Personally I like the Joola mod but that is because of shape. If the R3 shape comes out for the Ripple I would likely make the switch.
Btw, the 14mm Mod has a 4.125" handle while the 16mm has the 4.25"
Good catch. I forgot to differentiate like I did in my original Magnus video. One thing I was not able to do this time around was tear down the grip on the 16. One thing I noticed last time was that the 16 mm had a lot of “foam” or “padding” under the grip. Once it was removed it felt similar to the 14. Wonder if the Mod and the 3s are the same as the original gen 3’s.
@@JJPickleball Mod has a different handle than the Gen 3 and the same handle as the 3S
How is the gearbox pro power legal? Why isn't anyone asking that
Very good question. I think it’s been less of an issue because less pro’s use it. Joola sponsors all the top pros so it’s more visible. However, the way they did their foam core has someone saved them from this controversy as USAP did ban 3-4 paddles for this technology, yet gearbox had no issues.
because it wasnt designed to core crush like the gen 3 did to get more power. The rule is that you cannot design a paddle that alters its core on purpose
@@HoujixfulThis is a correct statement, however, I’m assuming you are referring to the “breaking in” period for the gen 3. The gearbox gets hotter the more you use it just like the gen 3’s, Vatic oni. Gearbox layered the foam more throughout their core versus the perimeter being the main distribution of foam like the gen 3’s. Although core crushing does cause more power, that is not where I would say the gen 3’s get their power. Joolas were known for this in their gen 2’s and it’s more a quality control issue which is bad for a 280 dollar paddle.
All because Made in China😂
Luv this paddle..and yes your correct it feels exactly like the Gen3..now some of my fellow members in my club are complaining about this paddle and feel that i shouldn't be allowed to play with this paddle..best paddle in the market for sure but won't recommend it for beginners or even intermediate players, too much power and you have to have a good touch to use this weapon, I meant paddle..
Completely agree. Best paddle on the market if you know how to use it, or it’s also great for those who can’t generate their own power. Beginners that can’t control the ball and swing for the fences can seriously injure someone with this paddle.
@@JJPickleballI personally don't think it should be legal. It puts everyone that doesn't have one at a disadvantage in the speed/power aspect. You could argue that anyone can buy one but you shouldn't have to. Plus, some people can't afford a $300 paddle.
Why not just work on form and technique so that you get more power naturally versus the trampoline like effect of this paddle.
@@robedwards6926 Guess what happens when you have strong form and technique with one of these? It's very powerful but highly controllable. The only people I hear complaining about these are 3.5 and below players.
Tell the grumblers to suck eggs, it's USAP approved so if they have complaints, send them to USAP.
I understand that the pop is very good on the Mod 14mm. However, is that manageable to block very fast drive? FYI, i'm using the engage Pro1 and it is pretty good to block fast drive from good banger who are using Gen3 or the Gearbox pro power. I think I still can manage more pop from the engage pro1 but i'm wondering if the Mod 14mm will be a bit too much
I personally don’t have too much of an issue with this. Especially if you are used to a pro1. However, if you are sensitive to more pop and are happy with your Pro1 doesn’t seem like you may need to upgrade. That is a very good paddle. Best bet is try to find a demo before purchasing
@@JJPickleballthank you for the information. the Pro1 is pretty good in terms of power and pop as well as control so my son is stealing it. Also, i believe i still can manage / prefer a bit more power and pop than the Pro1 which is why I'm looking for other choices rather than getting another pro1.
Just aim lower lol
@@BenMartin-f5v geez, I guess u are playing in a lower level. For higher level player (4.0+), we can have a very low power drive with a lot of top spin which is why the gen 3 16mm is so good. This means that the ball will just go over the net and you have to block it around the waist line so there are no more room to aim lower.
@@pkcheng5556 I’m pro. I play 5.0+
I love the Hyperion 2C - feels good on the baseline and at the kitchen. Will the Gen 3 feel a lot different to me?
The Gen 3’s foam core is the main difference in feel. On top of the added power. I personally love the Gen 3 feel but it’s definitely unique from other paddles. Give it a try!
VERY different. I had a Hyperion C2 16mm and it’s a control paddle with less feel and a smaller sweet spot than the Mod TA-15. And obviously a lot less power than the Mod.
IMO, it's legal at UPA because they pay UPA to make it legal. UPA is going to eliminate smaller brands so they can make more money with bigger paddle companies. USAP is still a joke.
Correct. However this paddle is USAP approved. The Gen3’s are the UPA-A paddles. Selkirk did just take a big stand against the UPA-A calling for more transparency, better testing, lower fees to keep small brands, and for them to be a non profit and not a for profit business. This next year will be interesting with these lawsuits and new organizations.
@@JJPickleball Oops. :) Thanks. UPA/PPA will do whatever is best for them. They haven't changed in four years. USAP needs to be more transparent too and get their group together. For a pickleball non-profit, the CEO makes around $800K, I'm pretty sure. Thanks again.
@@Mr.DJones High CEO pay can make sense for non profits, especially if you are trying to find someone with expertise running a company you need to be able to at least not be too big a haircut on what they would make in a for profit business, otherwise you can't attract talented people.
@@JJPickleball Not the Gen 3 paddles, the 3S paddles are UPA-A approved. By the guidelines that the UPA recently published the Gen 3 paddles wouldn't pass their spin and deflection tests. It's more stringent testing than USAP.
@@kabob21 I would like to believe this. Lastly, the issue the comment above has is the price tag associated with the approval. Could lead to only the big brands being used on tour pricing out competition. Also, we have heard of these testing, but the 3s is the only paddle the UPA-A has approved and that is arguably one of the most controversial paddles on the market to some. The upcoming ripple will likely change that, but the UPA-A being a for profit organization and the timing is raising some red flags. Time will tell.
Is Joola going to release a Mod TA with a Hyperion shape? Also, is there a Gen 4 in the pipeline?
My guess is no. The only reason this is USPA approved is because it’s the original. Not saying it won’t happen, but I believe this will be the only Gen 3 paddle from Joola that USPA can’t delist. The UPA did just approve a Gen 3s Hyperion that came out Friday. I’ve been hitting the Perseus in the Gen 3s and it’s virtually the same. I’m sure there is a Gen 4 paddle in the works for them but we likely won’t see that for another 6-12 months
Did u know the sweet spot size difference between the mod 14mm and the paddletek tko-c 12.7mm? Thanks
Joola Mod Ta-15 is definitely 10-15 percent bigger in regards to sweet spot. I loved my time with the TKO-C. Reviewed it awhile back, but I had to put lead on the throat to help with forgiveness. The Mod being thermoformed and having foam just gives it a huge leg up on sweet spot over the gen 1 paddletek core. Both great paddles though.
@@JJPickleball great, your information is very helpful
Against the gearbox ultimate how do they compare ?
Ultimate has a little less power than the propower. With that I think the power levels are fairly similar. Sweet spot on the Joola is a little more forgiving. Both great options.
@@JJPickleball thank you for the quick response! I currently play with propower and i been told this paddle is a similar choice
@@YesSir-hk9ysit very much is. Propower has a little more power. The mod Ta is definitely close though. But it has a much better sweet spot.
The paddle I got core crushed/delaminated after 2 weeks of play. During that time, it continued to get hotter and hotter until it was uncontrollable. This is a well documented problem from many players online. Joola will only replace one paddle and will not honor a return on the replacement. Their other Gen 3 paddles were banned shortly after they sold them and now the Mod Tech paddle only lasts a few weeks. I would not recommend this paddle or Joola as a company.
Joola admitted to intentionally shipping slightly core crushed paddles. Legal core crushed paddles where the cores were not yet fully compromised. I can confirm the Gen 3s is said to not ship this way and the cores ship in tact. Shady business practice but if you are worried about this I would go with a 3s.
Dunno folks! Why?? Well all of us cannot smack the heck out of a pickleball. I am a senior intermediate player, never played racket sports. I even tried the gearbox. Same thing. I am power deficient and so are the seniors in my rec club. BUT this paddle is so much better than the gearbox which lacked control but this one now gives me sufficient albeit not tremendous power. It just plays great for me and others in my club that I let try it. I know I can get to 4.0 with this paddle. Folks cannot believe how much better I am playing now.
Love to hear that! Zane is a big advocate for this argument as well!
If it’s made the same wouldn’t be surprised if longevity is still an issue and we see significant amount of paddles core crush within the 1st month. Which for a $280 paddle is a shit investment
Completely agree. Joola can’t seem to get away from that issue the last 2 years.
Yes, but it has a 6 month warranty, so there’s a chance to get a few more months out of your investment 😂.
@@DanBlake3rd I think they have 12 months warranty if you reregister it with Joola. Please correct me if i was wrong
Sucks when even an old lady can body bag you with this paddle 😂
Very true 😂
If they can, you need to up your skills. I've yet to see a 3.5 or below player using one of these with enough power to have difficulty countering.
This paddle has too much power and it's always young heavy hitters using it. So annoying.
That is a fair assessment. Can get scary when they are doing full windups and not knowing where the ball is going.
Not sure your level. However, our group has at least 5 people using Gen3 and most are pretty good banger. What I learn is that you can always have 1 (or half) step back from the kitchen line and block their shot. With that, I'm very good to counter it and they using don't drive to me. However, I have a relatively fast hand and I'm not using a heavy swing weight paddle (Engage Pro1).
This will be the trend to go for pickleball
@@pkcheng5556This is great advice. The woman on tour actually do this to give them that extra millisecond. If these paddles stay hot it will probably become necessary on the mens side to.
@@victor1102looking like it. Unless they make the ball softer.
Ain't no way it's legit...
U can hurt someone with this...
A total cannon
Crazy how it is approved, and yes it can be very scary being on the receiving end of this paddle.
1st
USAP and UPA is corrupt and that's why the nonsense is happening. Gen 3 and Mod shouldn't be legal... it's not good for the sport in the long run... Gearbox Pro should be illegal as well.... if they allow it... then all manufacturers should have the same consistency in approval.
@@orangemike802 UPA definitely had some major question marks. I think USAP got themselves in trouble and tried to correct their mistake with power paddles. The issue is the lawsuit but they I think are trying to limit the power. They should’ve been more proactive and this would’ve never happened and no lawsuit from Joola.
@@JJPickleball amen to that. They should have never approved paddles upfront without proper testing. How are they being consistent now by approving the Mod TA-15? Very inconsistent behavior. Gearbox too should be delisted for the sake of consistency to protect the integrity of the sport. Shameful times.
@@orangemike802 the gearbox is within the parameters. Is it good for the game probably not but at least the paddle is hard to control and doesn’t have the best sweet spot. The Joola does feel like cheating. Everything is great about it. Sweet spot included. USAP delisted the Vatic oni, the Ronbus 16 (the 14 apparently is fine and is releasing soon), and all the gen 3’s. The mod-TA is “legal” because the initial paddle sent in did pass and usap claimed the released paddles were different. So USAP has to allow the original paddle that passed in, or they will definitely be bankrupt by this lawsuit against Joola. Especially as a non profit. Versus UPA which is currently for profit at the moment.
Probably semi legal lol
Legal for now! Very fun paddle.
These paddles and Gearbox Pro Power are ruining the game!!!!!
Starting to agree with you more and more. I mention this in a rant in my upcoming ripple review.