First Impressions: Unboxing and First Try-On
When the paddle arrived, the first thing that struck me was its striking design — the “Green Forest” graphic is vivid and feels high-end. The paddle has a solid weight to it (in the 7.8-8.0 oz range), which suggests it’s built for serious play rather than just casual dinks. The handle is elongated with a plush grip wrap, and there’s a free neoprene cover included, which feels like a thoughtful bonus. On first use, it delivers a satisfying “pop” on contact, and the sweet spot is generous — I could tell early on that this is more than just a decorative paddle.
Key takeaways at first session: good balance of power and control; textured carbon face helps with spin; grip feels comfortable and helps reduce vibration; premium build — you feel the quality.
What I Loved Most (The Pros)
- Power + Control Blend
The paddle uses T700 carbon fibre faces with a 16 mm honeycomb core, which gives both impact power and a plush feel. Harder shots are crisp, while softer touch shots still feel responsive. 4Joy Paddles - Large Forgiving Sweet Spot
The paddle’s face is fairly wide and long (≈ 16.3 in length × 7.45 in width), which helps when you’re slightly off-centre. It picks up mishits better than smaller paddles. 4Joy Paddles - Comfortable Grip & Shock Absorption
The elongated handle and the softer EVA material under the grip wrap help reduce the vibration that travels up the arm. Players who’ve had elbow or shoulder discomfort report this helps. 4Joy Paddles - Tournament-Legal & High-Quality Finish
The paddle is USA Pickleball (USAP) approved. The edges are integrated (thermoformed foam injected), and the carbon fibre face feels durable. 4Joy Paddles+1 - Aesthetic & Extras
The “Green Forest” design is eye-catching. It comes with a neoprene cover for protection and feels like a premium product pairing performance with style. 4Joy Paddles
What Could Be Improved (The Cons)
- Weight for Some Players
At about 7.8-8.0 oz, some might find it a bit heavy for long sessions or fast wrist work. If you prefer lighter paddles for quick exchanges, this may feel a bit eight-inch. 4Joy Paddles - Less Ideal for Beginners or Flick Shots
Because of its power and density, beginners might find it less forgiving on touch shots or quick reaction flicks. There’s a bit of a learning curve to get used to its feedback. - Price
It’s premium-priced. For players who don’t play often or just want something casual, this might feel like overkill. - Grip Size / Handle Length
While the elongated handle is great for two-handed shots, players who prefer shorter handles or one-handed play may find it less comfortable.
How to Use / Styling (in the Sporting Sense)
- All-round Play
Great for players who alternate between power drives, dinks and defensive blocks. Use it when you want something reliable in all situations. - Tournaments
Because it’s USAP approved and built for consistency, this paddle works well for competitive settings where both regulation compliance and performance matter. - Training
Use it for drills, especially ones requiring spin and control. The carbon face and textured surface assist with spin generation on serves and return shots. - Partner Match & Mixed Doubles
It pairs well with a lighter paddle if you tend to share shots: you take the power side; your partner take the touch side.
Care Tips
- Keep the neoprene cover on when not in use to protect the paddle’s surface from scratches and dings.
- Avoid leaving the paddle in extreme heat (car boot in summer, etc.) — carbon fibre and adhesives can degrade.
- Clean gently with a damp cloth; avoid harsh cleaners that could damage the textured surface.
- Store flat or hung by handle in a way that doesn’t warp the face or edge.
- Inspect edging over time — thermoformed edges are good, but impacts can wear them down.
Verdict
The 4Joy Green Forest Premio Series Paddle is a top-tier paddle for anyone serious about pickleball. It delivers excellent performance in power, spin, and control, wrapped in a premium build and beautiful design. If you play frequently, care about feel and consistency, and want a paddle that looks as good as it plays, this is a superb choice.
It might feel a bit heavy for lighter wrist play or beginners, and it is an investment, but for what you get, it’s worth it if you demand more from your paddle.
Product Link: 4Joy Green Forest Premio Pickleball Paddle on Amazon
