JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16MM Review
The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16MM paddle is the signature paddle of world #1 pickleball player, Ben Johns. Designed in partnership with JOOLA, this paddle aims to provide top-tier performance across all areas of the game. This review delves into the features and technologies that make this paddle a popular choice for competitive players. We will analyze its construction, materials, and on-court performance to determine if it lives up to the hype and whether it's the right paddle for your game.
From its carbon friction surface to its hyperfoam edge wall, the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16MM is packed with features designed to enhance power, control, and spin. Whether you are a seasoned tournament player or an intermediate player looking to improve, understanding the nuances of this paddle can help you make an informed decision. Join us as we explore its design, specifications, and real-world playability.
Product Overview & Key Specifications
The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16MM is engineered for players seeking a paddle that offers a balance of power, control, and spin. Its key features include the AERO-CURVE head shape, Hyperfoam Edge Wall, Carbon Friction Surface (CFS), and Reactive Honeycomb Polymer Core. These technologies work in concert to provide a high-performance paddle that meets the demands of competitive play.
The paddle's design focuses on maximizing the consistency of bounce and feel necessary for every shot, while also providing enhanced spin and power. The elongated handle is designed for players who utilize two-handed backhands, providing a comfortable and secure grip. The CX- Forged Handle offers additional flex for increased power and comfort.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Face Material | Carbon Friction Surface (CFS) |
| Design Feature | AERO-CURVE head curvature |
| Approval | USAPA Approved |
| Core Thickness | 16mm |
| Weight | 8.4oz (Avg.) |
| Paddle Length | 16.5in |
| Paddle Width | 7.5in |
| Grip Length | 5.5in |
| Grip Circumference | 4.25in |
| Core Material | Reactive Honeycomb Polymer Core |
| Handle Material | CX-Forged Handle |
| Grip Type | Sure-Grip Elongated Handle |
These specifications highlight the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16MM's focus on delivering a well-rounded performance. Its features cater to players seeking a competitive edge through advanced materials and thoughtful design.
Advanced Construction & Materials
The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16MM stands out due to its innovative use of materials and construction techniques. The combination of the Carbon Friction Surface (CFS), Hyperfoam Edge Wall, and Reactive Honeycomb Polymer Core creates a paddle that excels in power, control, and spin generation. Let’s delve into the specifics of these features:
Carbon Friction Surface (CFS)
The Carbon Friction Surface (CFS) technology utilizes an advanced, durable, and long-lasting Carbon-Flex5 textured surface. This surface is designed to harness raw power while providing maximum spin. The textured surface grips the ball upon contact, allowing players to impart significant spin on their shots.
- Enhanced Spin: The textured surface allows for greater spin generation on serves, dinks, and drives.
- Increased Durability: The Carbon-Flex5 material is designed to withstand the rigors of frequent play.
- Consistent Performance: The surface provides a reliable and predictable response on every shot.
Hyperfoam Edge Wall
The Hyperfoam Edge Wall is a specialized foam injected into the perimeter of the paddle. This feature adds weight and stability to the paddle, increasing the sweet spot for consistent edge-to-edge performance. By expanding the sweet spot, players can maintain better control and power, even on off-center hits.
- Expanded Sweet Spot: The Hyperfoam Edge Wall increases the area of optimal contact on the paddle face.
- Enhanced Stability: The added weight and stability improve the paddle’s resistance to twisting during impact.
- Consistent Performance: The edge-to-edge consistency ensures a reliable response across the entire paddle face.
Reactive Honeycomb Polymer Core
The Reactive Honeycomb Polymer Core is specially tuned for high-level players to maximize the consistency of the bounce and feel necessary for every shot. This core material provides a responsive and predictable bounce, allowing players to accurately control the ball and execute a variety of shots with precision.
- Responsive Feel: The honeycomb polymer core provides excellent feedback, allowing players to feel the ball on the paddle.
- Consistent Bounce: The core material ensures a reliable and predictable bounce on every shot.
- Optimized Performance: The core is designed to meet the demands of high-level play, enhancing both control and power.
AERO-CURVE Technology
The AERO-CURVE Pro-proven, unique head curvature creates less drag and increases swing speed. This leading edge design provides more shot control, and enhanced accuracy, making this paddle a top choice for pickleball enthusiasts.
- Increase Swing Speed: The AERO-CURVE technology reduces drag allowing a faster swing.
- More Control: Provides the player with more control of the paddle for increased accuracy.
Design & Ergonomics
Beyond its cutting-edge materials, the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16MM places a significant emphasis on design and ergonomics to ensure a comfortable and effective playing experience. The paddle's shape, handle design, and weight distribution all contribute to its overall feel and performance on the court.
Sleek, Modern Aesthetics
The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16MM features a sleek and modern design that reflects its high-performance capabilities. The paddle’s graphics are subtle yet stylish, with a clean and professional appearance. The carbon fiber surface adds a touch of sophistication, while the overall shape is designed to optimize aerodynamics and swing speed.
Ergonomic Handle
The paddle features a Sure-Grip Elongated Handle, designed for optimal hold performance and increased shock absorption. The perforated, anti-slip ridge grip ensures a secure and comfortable hold, even during intense play. The elongated design is particularly beneficial for players who utilize two-handed backhands, providing ample space for a comfortable grip.
- Comfortable Grip: The handle is designed to fit comfortably in the hand, reducing fatigue and enhancing control.
- Enhanced Shock Absorption: The grip material helps absorb shock, reducing strain on the wrist and elbow.
- Secure Hold: The anti-slip ridge grip ensures a firm and reliable hold, even in sweaty conditions.
Weight & Balance
The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16MM has an average weight of 8.4oz, which is considered to be in the mid-range for pickleball paddles. This weight provides a good balance of power and control, allowing players to generate sufficient force while maintaining accuracy. The paddle's weight distribution is carefully calibrated to ensure a balanced feel, preventing it from feeling too head-heavy or handle- heavy.
- Balanced Feel: The paddle’s weight is evenly distributed, providing a comfortable and controlled feel.
- Enhanced Maneuverability: The mid-range weight allows for quick and easy maneuvering, facilitating fast reactions and precise shot placement.
- Optimized Power: The weight provides sufficient mass to generate power without sacrificing control.
On-Court Performance
The true test of any pickleball paddle lies in its performance on the court. The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16MM is designed to excel in various aspects of the game, including serving, dinking, driving, and volleying. Its advanced materials and thoughtful design contribute to its overall playability and effectiveness.
Enhanced Control & Spin
The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16MM offers exceptional control and spin capabilities, thanks to its Carbon Friction Surface (CFS) and Reactive Honeycomb Polymer Core. The textured surface of the CFS allows players to generate significant spin on their serves and dinks, making it easier to control the ball and place it accurately. The Reactive Honeycomb Polymer Core provides a consistent and responsive bounce, enhancing control and precision.
| Shot Type | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Serves & Drives | Increased spin potential and power, enabling aggressive and effective serves and drives. |
| Dinks | Precise control and spin, allowing for accurate and strategic dinking. |
| Volleys | Enhanced control and stability, facilitating quick and accurate volleys at the net. |
| Overheads | Provides the player with the ability to have full control over power and accuracy. |
Power & Consistency
The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16MM strikes a good balance between power and consistency. While it may not offer the same raw power as some heavier paddles, it provides sufficient force for aggressive drives and overheads. Its consistency stems from its balanced weight distribution, expanded sweet spot, and responsive core material, allowing players to execute shots with confidence and accuracy.
| Performance Metric | Rating (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Power | 9 |
| Control | 9 |
| Spin | 9.5 |
| Forgiveness | 8.5 |
| Overall Performance | 9 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent spin potential
- Good power and control
- Comfortable grip
- Exceptional control and precision
- Large sweet spot for consistent performance
- Comfortable and ergonomic handle
- Provides all-around play
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- May be too expensive for beginner players
- Those who don't use the two-handed grip may not benefit from the handle.
How It Compares to Other Premium Pickleball Paddles
When compared to other premium pickleball paddles, the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16MM stands out due to its unique combination of advanced materials, thoughtful design, and balanced performance. While some paddles may excel in specific areas, such as power or control, the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16MM offers a more well-rounded playing experience.
| Feature | JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16MM | Other Premium Paddles |
|---|---|---|
| Face Material | Carbon Friction Surface (CFS) | Various composites or pure carbon fiber |
| Core Material | Reactive Honeycomb Polymer Core | Polymer honeycomb,Nomex |
| Design | Balanced with AERO-Curve Technology | Power-focused or control-oriented designs |
| Grip | Sure-Grip Elongated Handle | Various grip styles and materials |
| Performance | Balance of power, control, and spin | Emphasis on power or control |
| Approval | USAPA Approved | Usually USAPA Approved |
| Price | Premium Pricing Reflects Features | Range from Mid to High-End Pricing |
The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16MM is a strong contender for players who value a well-rounded paddle that offers a balance of power, control, and spin. Its advanced materials and thoughtful design make it a top choice for competitive players seeking a high-performance paddle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of player is this paddle best for?
The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16MM is designed for intermediate to advanced players looking for a balance of power, control, and spin. It is suitable for all court positions and playing styles.
Is the elongated handle suitable for one-handed backhands?
While the elongated handle is designed for two-handed backhands, it can also be used comfortably with one-handed backhands. However, players who primarily use one-handed backhands may prefer a shorter handle.
How durable is the Carbon Friction Surface (CFS)?
The Carbon Friction Surface (CFS) is designed to be durable and long-lasting, withstanding the rigors of frequent play. However, like all paddle surfaces, it is subject to wear and tear over time.
What is the warranty on the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16MM paddle?
The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16MM paddle typically comes with a limited manufacturer's warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. The duration and specific terms of the warranty may vary, so it's advisable to check the warranty information provided by JOOLA or the retailer from whom you purchase the paddle.
Is this paddle USAPA approved for tournament play?
Yes, the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16MM is USAPA approved, making it legal for sanctioned tournament play. However, always check the latest USAPA guidelines to ensure compliance.
Expert Tips
To get the most out of the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16MM, consider the following expert tips:
- Experiment with different grip styles to find what works best for your game.
- Practice generating spin on your serves and dinks to enhance your control and accuracy.
- Focus on maintaining a balanced stance and quick footwork to maximize your mobility and reaction time.
- Keep your paddle clean for improved performance
Final Verdict
The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16MM is a high-performance pickleball paddle that offers a balance of power, control, and spin. Its advanced materials, thoughtful design, and balanced performance make it a top choice for competitive players seeking a competitive edge.
While its premium price may be a barrier for some players, the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16MM's exceptional performance and durability make it a worthwhile investment for serious pickleball enthusiasts. Its overall playability, comfort, and responsiveness make it a standout in the crowded field of premium pickleball paddles.
For players who prioritize a well-rounded paddle that excels in all aspects of the game, the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16MM is an excellent choice. Its advanced technologies and thoughtful design make it a top contender for the title of best overall pickleball paddle.
Purchase Information
The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16MM is available now for $294.00. Elevate your game by experiencing the power, control, and spin this premium pickleball paddle has to offer.
Buy Now - $294.00