What Paddle Does John Lucian Goins Use? (2026)

John Lucian Goins plays the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus 3S (16mm) — the same Gen-3 propulsion-core shape his idol-turned-rival Ben Johns made famous. The teenager from Bradenton, Florida signed with JOOLA in January 2025 and rode that setup all the way to the 2026 Pickleball World Championships men’s singles title, beating Jack Sock in the final. Here’s his paddle, his game, and whether it fits yours. — Jason Regan, Regan Family Pickleball

What paddle does John Lucian Goins use?

Goins swings the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus 3S, 16mm. It’s a control-leaning, foam-walled Gen-3 paddle built for spin and a soft, repeatable reset — the thicker 16mm core favors touch and stability over raw power, which suits a singles player who wins with placement rather than brute pace. It’s the same Perseus family Ben Johns plays, so if you like the idea of the Johns setup, Goins is proof the shape works in younger, faster hands too.

How Goins plays — and who the paddle suits

At 17, Goins is one of the most promising singles players on tour. An avid chess player, he builds patient, cat-and-mouse points and keeps opponents guessing — a style that first made headlines when he upset top-seeded Ben Johns at the Cape Coral Open, and that peaked with his Worlds singles crown. The 16mm Perseus 3S rewards exactly that game: control, spin and consistency over a power-first swing. If you’re a strategic player who’d rather out-rally than out-hit, this is a paddle worth a look. Prefer more pop? A 14mm version of the same shape trades some control for speed.

Want to play like Goins for less?

Signature Gen-3 paddles sit at the premium end. For a cheaper way into the same control-and-spin style, see the budget-friendly alternatives we break down on the pros’ paddles hub, and read the full 2026 Worlds recap to see the run that put him on the map.