# TLDR Review: "Ben Johns Pickleball Set"

*Published: 2025-12-28 | Updated: 2025-12-28 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/"ben-johns-pickleball-set"*

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## Product: "Ben Johns Pickleball Set"
**Brand:** JOOLA

## Pros
- The paddles feel good during play and deliver a satisfying performance, especially for beginners.
- The paddle material, reinforced fiberglass with honeycomb polypropylene, offers promising durability.
- The included JOOLA pickleball bag is a nice touch for carrying and storage.
- The overall set includes everything needed to get started: 2 paddles and 4 balls.
- One paddle in the set is consistently reported to be in good condition.

## Cons
- One paddle may have a slight surface bump—quality control seems inconsistent, allowing defects to slip through.
- There is a very strong plastic smell that lingers and can cause headaches, which some users found intolerable.
- Serious durability issues reported: one user's paddle handle broke in half after less than three sessions of play.
- Grip can become loose and unusable after the handle damage.
- The outdoor balls included reportedly broke after only a few games.
- Not certified for US Pickleball Association (USAPA) competition, limiting use for tournament players.
- Returns can be complicated because some problems are only noticed after use.

## Bottom Line

If you’re a casual or beginner player looking for a set that *feels good* and includes everything to start playing, this JOOLA Ben Johns Pickleball Set might work for you. However, be mindful of its inconsistent quality control, possible unpleasant smell, and questionable durability—especially if you plan on playing regularly or competitively. Serious players might want to consider other paddles with better certification and more reliable build. For those looking for higher durability and official tournament certification, you might want to explore other brands designed specifically for competitive use.

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| The paddles feel good during play and deliver a satisfying performance, especially for beginners. | One paddle may have a slight surface bump—quality control seems inconsistent, allowing defects to slip through. |
| The paddle material, reinforced fiberglass with honeycomb polypropylene, offers promising durability. | There is a very strong plastic smell that lingers and can cause headaches, which some users found intolerable. |
| The included JOOLA pickleball bag is a nice touch for carrying and storage. | Serious durability issues reported: one user's paddle handle broke in half after less than three sessions of play. |
| The overall set includes everything needed to get started: 2 paddles and 4 balls. | Grip can become loose and unusable after the handle damage. |
| One paddle in the set is consistently reported to be in good condition. | The outdoor balls included reportedly broke after only a few games. |
|  | Not certified for US Pickleball Association (USAPA) competition, limiting use for tournament players. |
|  | Returns can be complicated because some problems are only noticed after use. |

## Current Prices

| Retailer | Price | Availability |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| Target | $79.99  | In Stock |

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*About this review: We pulled together findings from professional and user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.*