Two of JOOLA’s signature pros are releasing custom Perseus Pro IV pickleball paddles, each designed with colors that pay tribute to their heritage.

Chuck Taylor’s game is as unpredictable as it is strategic, a mix that’s made him a standout since JOOLA’s earliest days. His special edition Perseus Pro IV features a vibrant red, blue, and white design inspired by his Korean heritage.

On the other side of the net, Dekel Bar brings raw power and precision. A former tennis player who turned pro in pickleball in 2018, Dekel was introduced to the sport by Ben and Collin Johns. His blue-and-white Perseus Pro IV honors his Israeli roots. We sat down with both athletes to talk about what their heritage means to them, and how it inspires their game.

CHUCK TAYLOR

“I wanted to design something that connected my journey from an orphanage in Korea to competing with the world’s best on the PPA tour," said JOOLA Pro Chuck Taylor, he continued, "And now I want to see Pickleball grow even more in Korea.”

JOOLA: How did you find out about the game, and what or who finally helped you decide to give it a try? CT: I grew up around Bainbridge Island, and pickleball was part of my high school racquet sports gym class. It was the best class ever. It was years later after university that I saw pickleball again in a local rec center. The people were very welcoming and dragged me to tournaments and nationals. And I’m so grateful they did! JOOLA: Chuck, as the first athlete to ever use a JOOLA paddle in competition, how has the game changed since that point, and how have JOOLA’s paddles evolved? CT: The game has become faster, stronger, and more precise. The margins have gotten so small. I still love that first blue paddle, and I’ve been blown away by JOOLA’s innovative ability since then. They lead the industry in pushing paddle technology further. It’s insane that they have been able to redefine what a performance paddle is every time they’ve introduced a new line.

JOOLA: What makes the Perseus shape the perfect shape for the Chuck Taylor signature paddle?

CT: It was a tough decision selecting the shape, and the Perseus won because it leaned into an aggressive playstyle while still maintaining a reliable hitting zone.

JOOLA: Tell me why the colorway of this paddle is important? CT: I really wanted to design something that connected my personal journey from an orphanage in Korea to competing with the world’s best on the PPA tour. And now I really want to see Pickleball grow even more in Korea. JOOLA: Describe the pride you feel having your paddle in a signature color that matches your heritage? CT: Pickleball gave me the opportunity to go to Korea to teach and do some exhibitions, and at the same time allowed me to find my family over there. I absolutely love it there and I knew that I wanted my signature color to be in the colors of the Korean flag. Red, blue, and white are also the colors for the US, so it’s a win win. Also, I had to practice signing my birth name so many times, it was tough!

JOOLA: Where is the game going, and how can this paddle help the player as an extension of their game?

CT: This paddle has great reach, pop, and a generous sweet spot. Plus, the extended handle length is great for implementing a two-handed backhand at the kitchen.

JOOLA: What’s a common misconception people have about pickleball, and what should they know, that could help them better understand the sport?

CT: People can still view Pickleball as an unathletic leisure game. And while it can be that, it is also an extremely demanding sport. The athleticism, mental strength, and creativity needed to advance your game is part of the reason it's such an addicting sport. You can always get better in some way.

JOOLA: How has Pickleball changed your life?

CT: I’m sure every Pickleball player can relate; most all my friends are Pickleball friends! This sport has given me so much, the friendships, opportunities to travel, and having fun. Additionally, I’ve been able to find birth family connections that I didn’t know would happen otherwise. It’s been a huge part of my life.

Dekel Bar

“This color way represents home and remembering where you come from and what you represent. Something that is important to remember on and off the court." - JOOLA Pro Dekel Bar.

JOOLA: How did you find out about the game, and what or who finally helped you decide to give it a try? DB: I was good friends with the Johns family for years before starting pickleball. I used to travel for tennis with Collin and Ben and started playing pickleball while Collin and I were still competing on the tennis tour. When we were done with tennis in 2018, Ben convinced me to try pickleball and I was immediately hooked. And here we are! JOOLA: What does it mean to you to be able to have the Hebrew spelling of your name printed on the paddle? DB: It’s special to me to have my name in Hebrew, my first language. It adds uniqueness to the paddle, having it in Hebrew, an ancient and biblical language. JOOLA: What makes the Perseus shape the perfect shape for the Dekel Bar signature paddle? DB: I think the Perseus is perfect for the aggressive players looking to dictate on the court but it of course is also super solid and consistent which makes perfect for the Dekel Bar signature paddle.

JOOLA: What’s a common misconception people have about pickleball, and what should they know, that could help them better understand the sport?

DB: I think most people think pickleball is an easy game. While it’s easy to pick up and have fun right away it’s hard to master and there are many different shots and skills you need. It’s an amazing sport partly because of how hard it is as well and that no matter your level and how long you are playing there is always lots to learn.

JOOLA: How has Pickleball changed your life?

DB: Pickleball changed my life in so many ways! It's the reason I moved to the United States for pickleball. Pickleball has introduced to so many great people and livelong friends. Plus I get to play professional pickleball full time while touring the US and the world. I've also been able to be a part of different businesses like Pickleball Getaways and Pickleball 360. Pickleball has given me so much and I am excited to see what’s next and how I can continue to help grow the sport. 

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