Hey guys, it’s Kip. I’ve got a brand new paddle to review, and I’m very excited about this one: the new Joola Hyperion 3S. This is the 16mm version. I have both the 14mm and the 16mm versions, but I believe the 16mm will suit my game a little more. We all know what Joola has been through, with some self-inflicted wounds, so I’m excited to see if they got it right.
Paddle Specifications
Let me run through some of the attributes here:
- Dimensions: 16 by 7.5 inches
- Grip length: 5.5 inches
- Circumference: 4.25 inches
The paddle feels really good in hand. It’s 8 oz and has a nice, even balance—not head-heavy at all, which is super cool. It’s equipped with a 16mm poly core and Joolas well-known charged carbon surface. They’ve been using that technology for a while now. It also features the propulsion core, something we’ve heard about for a bit. Let’s dive into that core and discuss some of the components.
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Core and Construction
This paddle has a 16mm core with a honeycomb structure made of normal polypropylene, featuring 8mm cells—pretty standard for most pickleball paddles. Around the edges, you’ve got the EVA foam, part of the Gen 2 thermoforming process, which is also pretty standard in paddle tech these days. But what sets the propulsion core apart is this softer inner foam made of polyethylene, which flexes a bit, allowing the core to move and add more power. It’s designed to give the ball a little extra pop, and the further out toward the edge of the paddle, the more flex and power you’ll get.
The sweet spot on this paddle should flex beautifully, providing optimal performance across the entire face—even on off-center hits. That’s something I’m really looking forward to testing out (below).
First Impressions on the Court
After some time on the court with the Joola Hyperion 3S, I’m really impressed. The paddle has a nice combination of power and control. It took me a few shots to dial in, but once I did, I started hitting some really good ones. The accuracy and spin on this paddle are impressive, and I’ve even managed to knock down a few cones during practice. That’s always a good sign!
The paddle has good feedback, and you can hear the sound it makes on impact—it’s got that satisfying “pop.” The sweet spot feels large, and even when I didn’t hit the center perfectly, I still got a decent shot off. It’s safe to say that Joola did a good job here.
Post-Game Thoughts
After spending the last few weeks getting to know the new Joola Hyperion 3S, 16mm version. I like this paddle a lot. Let me run through the key attributes:
- Power: My average service speed is typically 48-50 mph, but with this paddle, I was consistently hitting at 52.6 mph. That’s really incredible. The propulsion core delivers on its promise, adding a ton of power without much effort.
- Control & Accuracy: This is where the paddle really surprised me. Despite all the power, the control and accuracy are top-notch. You can go after your shots with confidence, and the paddle’s consistency means fewer mishits.
- Spin: The spin potential is way above average. You can really get creative with topspin, slices, and everything in between. I’m not usually a big spin player, but this paddle makes it fun to experiment.
- Defense to Offense Transition: I didn’t add any weight to the paddle, just played it as-is, and it was quick at the net. Even in fast exchanges, the ball popped off the face with enough speed to stay competitive.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, I’m really impressed with this paddle. There’s not much I don’t like about it. If I had to nitpick, the only two concerns would be:
- The price—it retails for $279.95, which is definitely on the high side.
- Durability—like with most paddles using these newer core technologies, I’m curious to see how long it lasts.
But those are small issues. Overall, I think Joola got it right with this paddle. I’m eager to hear from others who have tried it, but for me, this one could easily make it into my bag. It just fits my game so well with its rounded edges and longer grip.
As always, leave me a comment if you’ve tried the Hyperion 3S or any other Joola paddles. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Thanks for reading, and remember—get out there and play some pickleball!
Is it approved by USPA though?