JOOLA Essentials (Review 2024): Is This Paddle Worth The Money?

This is my in-depth review of the JOOLA Essentials Pickleball Paddle.

After spending a few weeks playing with the JOOLA Essentials, I’m really excited to share my experience with you. JOOLA has a solid reputation for making great paddles, so I was curious to see if this one would live up to the hype.

If you’re wondering…

• How the paddle actually performs 
• What players didn’t like about the paddle
• The Pros & Cons of the JOOLA Essentials
• How it stacks up against similar paddles
• Where to find the best deals for it

Then you are in the right place.

Let’s get started…

JOOLA Essentials – specification

Paddle Weight	8.2 oz
Paddle Length	15.5”
Paddle Width	7.9”
Handle Length	4.75”
Grip Circumference	4.00”
Face Material	Fiberglass Surface
Core Material	Polymer Honeycomb core
Color	Black and Blue
Sweet Spot	Large

Pros & Cons:

Performance of JOOLA Essentials:

Power: 7/10

The JOOLA Essentials Paddle scores a solid 7/10 in power. While it might not give you that explosive hit right off the bat, it strikes a nice balance between control and power. With a bit of effort, I found I could generate decent power on my serves and drives, making it versatile enough for various shots.

What Stands Out:

• Surprisingly Solid: I was genuinely impressed by how consistent this paddle feels. My serves had a nice little pop, and I could hit deep passing shots without feeling worn out. It’s nice to know you can rely on it during crucial moments.
• Precision at the Net: What really caught my attention was the control during those fast exchanges at the net. Even when I swung hard, my volleys stayed low and precise, which kept my opponents guessing and on their toes.

Potential Drawbacks:

• Not for Power Smashers: If you love launching explosive overheads, the JOOLA Essentials might feel a bit lacking. It doesn’t deliver the punch for those big hits, and generating decent power takes more effort, especially in longer matches. If you want more power, consider the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash or Head Radical Elite. 

Control: 7/10

I’d rate the JOOLA Essentials paddle a solid 7 out of 10 for control. While it may not match the precision of higher-end paddles, it helped me win many long dinking rallies.

The lightweight design allows for quick reactions at the net, perfect for beginners. Drop shots took some adjustment, but with practice, I found my rhythm.
Overall, if you’re looking for a paddle that balances control and ease of use, the JOOLA Essentials is a great choice for building your skills.

Forgiveness: 8.5/10

I really appreciate the forgiveness of the JOOLA Essentials paddle. With its large sweet spot, I found it super helpful for touch shots, drops, and dinks. Even when I didn’t hit perfectly, my serves and volleys felt solid, which boosted my confidence.

The paddle has a great balance thanks to its middle weight, which adds to its forgiving nature while still delivering solid power. I’ve tried a lot of paddles, and the JOOLA Essentials really stands out, especially for beginners. It lets you focus on your game without the stress of frequent mishits.

For anyone just starting out, this level of forgiveness is a game-changer. If you’re looking to improve your skills and enjoy the game more, the JOOLA Essentials is definitely worth a try!

Spin: 7/10

The JOOLA Essentials Paddle gets a solid 7/10 for spin. While it’s not in the same league as high-end paddles, it offers pretty reliable spin for its price. With a bit of focus, I was able to add some nice topspin and backspin, especially on serves and dinks.

What Stands Out:

Surprisingly Good Spin: For the price, I was pleasantly surprised by how much spin I could generate. It’s not going to replace paddles like the CRBN-2X Power Series or Legacy Pro, but it definitely holds its own in most situations.

Control at the Net: Where this paddle really shines is in those quick net exchanges. I could keep my volleys low with just the right amount of spin, which gave my opponents a lot of trouble. Great for working on those finesse shots.

Potential Drawbacks:

Not for Spin Fanatics: If you’re all about heavy topspin or extreme spin this paddle might not be a good choice for you. Paddles like the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash or Onix Z5 Graphite will serve you better. Cause, getting the most spin from it requires some techniques & Efforts.

Grip: 8/10

When it comes to the grip on the JOOLA Essentials, I was pleasantly surprised. It’s one of those paddles that just feels good in your hand from the start. Even during some seriously hot test sessions—think over 100ºF—the grip stayed comfortable and didn’t slip, even when my hands were sweaty.

That’s a big deal because I’ve had paddles in the past that just couldn’t keep up once things got slippery.

Another thing I liked was how the grip felt durable without being bulky. It’s not too thick, so I still had great control for quick net exchanges and two-handed backhands. It’s not flashy or packed with fancy tech, but it gets the job done, and sometimes that’s all you need.

If you’re a player who really sweats or plays in hot weather, you might eventually want to throw on an overgrip, just to add a little extra comfort or customization. But overall, I didn’t feel the need for one right away, which speaks volumes about how well it holds up. For a paddle in this price range, the grip is definitely a win.

Durability: 8/10

From my experience, the JOOLA Essentials paddle holds up well for everyday play. You’ll find it feels solid in your hands, and the edge guard is really useful, especially if, like me, you sometimes hit the ground a bit too hard when learning.

Now, don’t expect it to last forever—if you’re looking for a paddle that’s built like a tank, something like the Gearbox CX14E would be better. After a while, you’ll probably notice some surface wear if you’re playing frequently. I did after a few months.
But for the price, it does the job. If you’re not ready to spend big bucks but still want something reliable, I’d say the JOOLA Essentials is a good choice. It gives you decent durability without making you feel like you’ve overspent.

Weight: 8/10

The JOOLA Essentials paddle hits a good balance with its weight. At around 7.8 ounces, it’s light enough for you to move quickly in kitchen exchanges while still feeling sturdy when you need to drive the ball with precision.

What I Love:

• Quick Hands: The lightweight build really shines during fast-paced volleys and dinks. It gives you that extra speed when reacting to shots up at the net, helping you stay on top of quick exchanges.
• Less Fatigue: This paddle’s weight is perfect for keeping you on the court longer. I noticed my arm stayed fresher through longer games, which meant I could keep my energy up in those tight matches.

The Drawbacks:

• Power Shots: While I love the control this paddle offers, I did notice a drop in power, especially when trying to put away smashes or hit those deep drives. If you’re like me and enjoy ending points with a strong, decisive shot, you might find yourself wishing for just a little more weight behind the ball. It’s not a dealbreaker, but sometimes it feels like I have to work a bit harder to really get that satisfying pop on my power shots. 

Bottom Line ( JOOLA Essentials Review )

If you’re new to pickleball, the JOOLA Essential is a paddle you should definitely consider. JOOLA is an elite brand, trusted by pros like Ben Johns and Anna Bright, and the Essential features the same technology found in their high-end paddles.

With over (350+) positive reviews on Amazon, it’s clear this paddle works for beginners. I found it easy to control, lightweight, and perfect for longer play sessions. Plus, you can add some nice spin to your shots, which is a great confidence booster.

JOOLA has been featured on major media sites, and it’s well-deserved recognition for a brand that combines quality with affordability. If you want to elevate your game while having fun, I highly recommend giving the JOOLA Essential a try. You won’t regret it!

Highly Recommended…

Sample Buyer Review:

“Played for a month on a borrowed Prince raquet I got used to. Bought this raquet on a whim and immedietly took to it. Feel like I can put spin on the ball fairly easily and it grabs nicely (tennis and ping pong background). Playing daily for 6 weeks now and am anxious to get good enough to consider buying another Joola raquet. Compared to other raquets in this price range, I am very pleased with my purchas….Read more.

---