Paddle Review: JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS

Intro

Wow, JOOLA! If you have been hiding under a rock the past few months, let me introduce to you the newest big pickleball paddle dealer in the market, JOOLA. They just dropped 12 pickleball paddles and signed Ben Johns. JOOLA knows how to make an entrance.

The question on my mind from the day I heard about the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm paddle (save 32% with our employee discount "thedink") was "If it is good enough for Ben, is it good enough for me?"

As a former tennis player, my biggest fear is not being able to hit that delicious topspin on the pickleball. Imagine my worst nightmare coming true when I found out CRBNs were banned until a solution could be put in place. That path brought me to the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm.

As I opened the box, my first impression was: wow, I really paid $219.95 for a pickleball paddle. After the shock wore off, I put the paddle in my hand and felt a ribbed grip that was decently tacky. The surface felt and sounded gritty as I did my standard fingernails-on-a-paddle test. My paddle came in at 8.5 oz, and it is head heavy.

If you have problems with heavier paddles, this is not the paddle for you. For me, I like head heavy and heavier paddles in general.

Many 16mm paddles come with a grip circumference of 4.375 in, so when I saw the Hyperion CFS 16mm came with a smaller grip of 4.25 in, I was pumped. Are my hands small or do I just like how nimble a smaller grip feels in my hands? We may never know, but the smaller grip is an underrated feature of the Hyperion.

All my observations have come after a month of playing four times per week, which included one tournament.

As NBC Sports has covered, pickleball's explosive growth has produced a flood of new paddles at all price points, and it's easy to lose track of what actually performs. This review focuses on one that genuinely stands out. The sport now boasts thousands of pickleball tournaments around the United States, two professional tours, and one professional league.

JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm Paddle Review: Control 5/5

The combination of the Reactive Honeycomb Polymer Core, the Carbon Friction Surface, and the Hyperfoam Edgewall make the control on this paddle mind blowing. The feel I had for my dinks was better than any paddle I have used.

The Hyperfoam Edgewall makes a difference when blocking and dinking, as it lessened the effect of my mishits. As I mentioned before, it seems it takes a few hours of hitting before the Hyperfoam Edgewall is fully activated.

Was this all in my mind? I have heard other people experiencing the same thing, but we all might be crazy.

Placement of drives, dinks, and serves is bolstered greatly by the Carbon Friction Surface. It lets you grip the ball a little longer and place the ball where you want.

A huge difference I noticed between the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm and the CRBN1 16mm is how effortlessly it is to block fast drives. Just getting the paddle out and on the drive was allowing me to place the ball where I wanted without the paddle being compromised.

If you want to sharpen your kitchen touch further, our guide to 2 essential pickleball techniques you're missing at the kitchen line pairs perfectly with what this paddle enables.

Power 5/5

For a 16mm paddle, this is 100% a 5 in power. The very first time I brought the Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm on the court, I hit 5 serves in a row out. I wasn't used to having this much power with a thicker paddle.

You just don't need the same amount of effort you think you need when hitting with this one. Now, this isn't going to be a rocket ship paddle for you, but for a 16mm paddle, it packs a punch.

The Hyperfoam Edge Wall performs well here as it expands the sweet spot almost to the edge of the paddle. I noticed only the slightest drop in power as I hit closer to the edge.

One thing to note is it seems the Hyperfoam Edge Wall takes a few hours to fully break in. I noticed the sweet spot expanded after about 4 hours of hitting.

Get the 16mm Hyperion paddle for $169.96 with code "thedink" (a $80 savings). Use code "thedink" to save 38%.

How the Carbon Friction Surface Generates JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm Paddle Spin

The amount of spin that the Carbon Friction Surface produces using the Carbon-Flex5 technology is the best I have tried. I have used the Gen2 CRBN paddles, but not the ultra-illegal Gen3 CRBN paddles.

JOOLA describes the surface as a Carbon-Flex5 textured surface that gives raw power and maximizes spin. The surface feels gritty when running my hand over it, but not as gritty as the CRBNs.

I was able to generate the most spin I have ever had on my serves and drives. My backhand slices were spinning just as well. My forehand and backhand rolls had extra bite, letting me attack from below the net lower and lower.

My one concern is if the surface will last as the paddle is used to maintain that world-class spin. After a month of use, I do not see any dropoff.

Topspin is one of the most powerful weapons at every level. Our guide on mastering pickleball topspin covers the 5 most common mistakes and how to fix them, a great companion read for anyone putting the Hyperion through its paces.

Touch and Spin: JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm Paddle Rating 5/5

Every touch shot felt dialed in. The Carbon-Flex5 textured surface delivered the most consistent topspin I have hit across all of my paddles.

I was able to generate the most spin I have ever had on my serves and drives. My forehand and backhand rolls had extra bite, letting me attack from below the net lower and lower.

Aesthetic: 4/5

I love black paddles, so they get all of their points for just keeping it minimalist black with their logo. If you haven't played with a carbon surface before, don't be alarmed by the remains of the ball being left in your paddle.

After every hitting session, you will add little pieces of pickleball into the grooves of the carbon. After hitting with the Ben Johns Hyperion for a month, I have not noticed any defects in the paint.

Final Conclusion: JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm Review: 19/20

JOOLA Pickleball has made a huge splash, and they are not going anywhere. I loved playing with the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm (use code "thedink" to save 15%), and so far it is my permanent replacement for my CRBN1.

I found my drives to be powerful and dipping nicely with topspin. At the kitchen, I found my resets a breeze and my dinks precise.

Time will tell if the paddle surface can maintain the spin after a lot of use.

Should you get the Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm? If you are in the market for a new paddle, then you need to try this one out, as it is that special. If you are currently happy with your paddle, then keep this one on your radar and try your friend's if you get a chance.

This paddle gives you everything you want in spin, control, and power. It was designed by JOOLA and Ben Johns, so it is not a surprise that it does everything well.

Buy this paddle if you want one of the best high-end paddles on the market that will enhance every aspect of your game. For context on where JOOLA fits in the broader pro paddle landscape, check out our live 2026 pro paddle deals tracker to stay current on what the pros are playing.

I am excited by new pickleball manufacturers entering the fray, and I can't wait to see what JOOLA brings to us in the future.

Specs - Pricing

The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm has a retail price of $219.95. This is not a bargain-bin paddle, and it is not a mid-tier paddle. This paddle offers elite spin, great control, and some of the best power I have felt on a 16mm paddle.

The overall quality of the paddle warrants a higher price point (use our employee code "thedink" to get the paddle for $169.96 here).

The Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm paddle is built to fit any player. If you need spin, control, and power wrapped in a nice package, then this is your paddle.

Full Specs

Materials: Carbon Friction Surface + Reactive Polymer Honeycomb Core

Thickness: 16mm

Weight: 238 g / 8.4 oz

Length: 419 mm / 16.5 in

Width: 190.5 mm / 7.5 in

Grip Length: 140 mm / 5.5 in

Grip Circumference: 108 mm / 4.25 in

If you want to understand how paddle shape and thickness affect your game, our deep dive on paddle shapes explained breaks down exactly what 14mm vs 16mm really means for your play style.

If power-focused drives are your game, pair this paddle with a look at how to hit a heavy topspin drive in pickleball to maximize the Hyperion's capabilities.

Tennis players making the switch will want to read our breakdown of common mistakes tennis players make when transitioning to pickleball before relying too heavily on topspin from the start.

For a detailed guide on maintaining your new investment, check out how to keep your pickleball paddle in peak condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm paddle different from other 16mm paddles?

The Hyperion CFS 16mm stands apart through its combination of the Carbon Friction Surface, the Reactive Honeycomb Polymer Core, and the Hyperfoam Edgewall. These three technologies work together to expand the sweet spot, increase spin, and deliver a level of control that most 16mm paddles simply do not offer.

Is the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm paddle good for intermediate players?

Yes, the Hyperion CFS 16mm is well suited for intermediate players looking to elevate every aspect of their game. The Hyperfoam Edgewall forgives mishits, and the Carbon Friction Surface helps players generate topspin even while still developing their technique.

How long does the Carbon Friction Surface last on the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm paddle?

After a full month of playing four times per week, including tournament play, there was no noticeable dropoff in spin performance from the Carbon Friction Surface. Long-term durability will depend on how frequently you play and how the paddle is stored and maintained.

Is the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm paddle too heavy for most players?

At 8.4 oz with a head-heavy balance, the Hyperion CFS 16mm is on the heavier end of the 16mm paddle category. Players who prefer lightweight, fast-swinging paddles may find the feel demanding, but those who enjoy a head-heavy setup will appreciate the stability it delivers on power shots and blocks.

Does the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm paddle work well for topspin-focused players?

Absolutely. The Carbon-Flex5 textured Carbon Friction Surface is one of the best topspin-generating surfaces available in any pickleball paddle. Former tennis players and spin-focused players will find the Hyperion CFS 16mm allows them to generate the bite and ball movement they crave at the highest level.