Paddle Review: JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16

JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 Swift Paddle Review

The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 is a pickleball paddle that’s good for all skill levels, from beginners who are getting better to experienced players. It gives you a good mix of power, accuracy (control and spin), and overall performance.

This paddle is heavier and designed for a professional player (Ben Johns is ranked #1 in the world!). It’s a good choice if you want to improve your game at all parts of the court (all-court match).

This paddle was tested extensively to see if it was as good as it was said to be and worth the price tag. They liked it so much, they ranked it the best pickleball paddle! Read more to find out why.

Paddle Specification

Pros 

• This paddle gives you a sense of stability and control when you hold it, making it easier to hit the ball accurately.
• The paddle lets you put a lot of spin on the ball (over 1500 RPMs!), which can help you deceive your opponent and make your shots harder to return.
• The handle is a bit longer than usual, making it more comfortable to use with two hands for powerful shots.
• Even though it’s a well-balanced paddle, it also packs a punch. You can hit the ball harder than you might expect.
• A pickleball paddle with this much power and control has never been seen before.
• Even though the handle is longer, it’s still easy to use and doesn’t punish you as much for minor mistakes in your swing.

Cons

• This paddle is heavier and feels even more so because the weight is concentrated at the top (head-heavy). This can be tiring to use, especially for players with wrist issues or beginners.
• The extra weight in the head can make it harder to swing quickly for backhand volleys, which are quick hits close to the net.
• The white grip shows dirt more easily than darker colors, so you might need to clean it more often.

JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 Swift Quick Overview

This JOOLA paddle is great for players of all skill levels who want to improve their game. Whether you’re a beginner getting better, an intermediate player, or even a pro like Ben Johns (the best!), this paddle can help you beat your opponents more often.

It’s a good all-around paddle. You can use it for any kind of shot in pickleball, from soft drops to powerful groundstrokes. It might feel powerful at first, but the real strength of this paddle is how accurate you can be with your shots.

The paddle found it easy to place shots accurately, even when under pressure. They were also impressed with the spin they could generate on serves and powerful forehands. It even gave them the confidence to try more backhand shots, which came out with a nice pop.

The Joola Vision CGS Paddle is a serious investment, but if you’re dedicated to elevating your game, it might be worth the price tag. It’s slightly heavier than some options, but this extra weight translates to improved stability, accuracy, spin, and power.

Design and Feel

The JOOLA Hyperion looked impressive right from the start. The high-quality materials and careful design were clear.

The black and white color scheme might be a bit simple, but it’s also sleek and elegant. With Ben Johns’s name prominently displayed, you can’t help but feel like you’re holding the paddle of a champion. Maybe it’s just a mental boost, but this paddle inspired confidence on the court.

While some people complain about the ribbed grip, it felt great in my hands. Even in scorching Phoenix heat (over 100 degrees Fahrenheit!), there was no slipping. The size was perfect, and I could have played for hours without any discomfort.

The weight is often mentioned as a downside. Strangely, I didn’t notice it at first. However, during the next session, I felt the weight slowing down my reflexes during fast rallies and returns.

Once I got into the swing of things, the feeling of confidence and stability from the paddle outweighed the weight issue. My shots were landing perfectly, and my touch game was on fire. It became clear why JOOLA designed the paddle this way – the stability helps with precise shots even when the weight might take some getting used to.

Features

This paddle is designed to boost the performance of all players, from beginners to pros. Let’s see how the tech behind the Hyperion translates to your game.

Textured Carbon Surface

The Hyperion features a unique carbon friction surface (CFS) built directly into the paddle face. JOOLA claims this generates more power and spin, even on hard shots. During testing, the paddle did deliver impressive spin, allowing for aggressive topspin serves.

Unlike some paddles with textured surfaces glued on, the Hyperion’s texture is built-in for better durability. These glued textures can wear down quickly, but the Hyperion’s built-in texture seems promising after a month of regular play. Long-term testing will continue to see if this holds.

Large Sweet Spot for Control

JOOLA is one of the first brands to use foam around the paddle’s edge. This, combined with a thick core, creates a larger sweet spot. This sweet spot is the area on the paddle where shots feel powerful and controlled. The extra foam and core do make the head heavy, but during testing, the paddle felt stable and produced consistent, accurate shots.

Curved Head for Maneuverability

The “Aero-Curve” design adds a slight aerodynamic curve to the head. This aims to reduce drag and increase swing speed. While not as aerodynamic as some other paddles, the curved head helped offset the head heaviness and provided enough maneuverability for fast volleys at the net.

Carbon Handle for Comfort and Stability

The carbon handle is designed to be strong and absorbs shock, balancing the power of the head and smoothing out your play. The tester found the handle to be the best part of the paddle, with a natural feel unlike any other.

Extended Grip

The elongated, anti-slip handle felt comfortable and secure, even in sweaty conditions thanks to its perforated and ridged design. The extra length provided a good grip for two-handed backhands. While some dislike the white color, the tester prioritized performance over looks.

Performance

Here’s a breakdown of how the JOOLA Hyperion performed in various aspects of the game:

Power

The weighted head delivers on power. You can hit the ball hard and get that extra zip when needed. However, some players mention a “popping” effect, where the ball can go higher than intended, especially on softer shots like digs and drops. This can be a disadvantage against skilled players. While it takes some getting used to, it’s not a major dealbreaker.

Control

Control is the Hyperion’s strongest feature. My attention was caught by the pinpoint accuracy of all types of shots, from dinks to tricky baseline drops. This precise control outweighs the occasional “pop” from the paddle.

Spin

The paddle generates impressive spin, especially on topspin serves and powerful drives. It might not have the most extreme spin compared to some other paddles, but it’s still very good. Long-term testing will reveal how well the built-in carbon surface maintains its spin generation.

Forgiveness

Despite the elongated grip reducing the apparent sweet spot size, the Hyperion offers a surprisingly forgiving feel. Mishits were infrequent, and the weight provided a lot of stability.

Weight

The main criticism of the Hyperion is its weight (8.4 oz), with most of it concentrated in the head. While the weight wasn’t a major issue at first, it became more noticeable during faster rallies. As compared to using a lighter paddle, the paddle felt slower to react.

This was especially true against quicker opponents or those with strong drives. The weight might also affect maneuverability for some players, particularly in fast exchanges at the net. Additionally, adding weight with lead tape is likely impractical due to the already head-heavy design.

Grip

The ridged grip is disliked by many online users, however they found it to be comfortable and secure. It held up well in hot weather with no slipping. The white color might show dirt easily, but performance is prioritized here. If you find the grip uncomfortable, you can always use an overgrip.

Durability

The paddle is built with high-quality materials, resulting in a very solid and durable construction. The thick edge guard protects the paddle, and the carbon surface and handle seem built to last.

Considering JOOLA Ben John? Here is What You Need to Know

The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion is a high-performance paddle built for players who want to take their game to the next level. It offers a great combination of power, control, spin, and durability. However, the weight and price tag might be dealbreakers for some.

Here are some additional things to consider:

• Your skill level: If you’re a beginner, a lighter paddle might be a better option.
• Your playing style: If you prefer a fast-paced, aggressive game, the weight might not be an issue.
• Your budget: This is a premium paddle with a premium price tag.

If you’re a serious player looking for a top-of-the-line paddle that will give you an edge on the court, the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion is worth considering. However, if you’re on a budget or just starting out, you might be better off with a lighter, more affordable option.

Is JOOLA Ben Jhon Hyperion Worth It?

There’s no doubt this is a well-designed, premium paddle. You’re getting high-quality materials, innovative technology throughout, and impressive durability. The textured surface and handle can withstand regular play, lasting as your skills improve.

But the real question is: is it worth the price?

Here’s why the JOOLA Hyperion might be a good investment:

• Strong all-court performance: Compared to other expensive paddles, the Hyperion excels in all areas of the court.
• More forgiving: Unlike many paddles in this price range, the Hyperion is forgiving for beginners and intermediate players, making it a good choice for developing your skills.

If you’re serious about improving your game and are looking for a paddle that will last, the Hyperion could be a smart investment.

Should You Buy JOOLA Ben Jhon Hyperion CFS 16 Swift?

The Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 Swift paddle is a lighter version of the original Hyperion, designed for players who found the original a bit too heavy.

Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

• Weight: Lighter than the original Hyperion, making it easier to swing and potentially improving reaction times.
• Power and Spin: Still packs a punch and offers good spin generation for control and sharp shots.
• Forgiveness: More forgiving than other elongated paddles, minimizing mishits.
• Feel: Some reviewers found it less plush and comfortable compared to the original Hyperion.
• Value: May not be the most budget-friendly option, and the JOOLA Vision paddle is a lighter, softer alternative at a lower price point (if weight and extra power aren’t priorities).

Your Playing Style and Skill Level:

• Beginners or intermediate players: The weight might still be an issue. Consider a lighter paddle.
• Fast-paced, aggressive players: The lighter weight could be a benefit.

If you tried the original Hyperion and found it heavy, and you prioritize power and spin in a lighter package, the Swift could be a good fit.

If weight is a major concern, you prefer a softer feel, or you’re on a budget, consider the JOOLA Vision or other lighter paddles.

Ultimately, trying the Swift out in person (if possible) is the best way to see if it feels right for you.

Final Thought

The Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 Swift offers a compelling option for pickleball players seeking a lighter alternative to the original Hyperion without sacrificing too much power and spin. It boasts forgiveness and maneuverability, but consider your playing style and budget before taking the plunge. If weight was a hurdle with the original Hyperion, the Swift is worth a swing.

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