JOOLA Hyperion Pro IV review

JOOLA is back with a huge launch, completing their Pro IV series with a full range of Gen 4 paddles. I've tested all of them, and here I'll be reviewing the Hyperion model. As an elongated power paddle, it's very similar to the Perseus Pro IV but has a curved, round top that should boost aerodynamics.

I'll be scoring the JOOLA Hyperion Pro IV on power, spin, control, and more. Maybe most importantly, I'll be judging it on value too. So, is it worth the $279.95 price tag?

If you're a banger and serious about investing in your game, you'll want to check out the JOOLA Hyperion Pro IV. This is an elongated power paddle to rival the Perseus Pro IV. The only real difference is the shape of the head – the Hyperion has an "Aero Curve" top that makes it a little faster in hand battles.

JOOLA did a great job of bringing in control – you just need to adjust to the pop. You get more forgiveness than most raw power paddles like the Gearbox Pro Ultimate Power Elongated.

This paddle has serious driving power. While both models have fantastic pop at the kitchen, I find the poppier 14 mm a little too hard to control. I prefer the 16 mm because it has plenty of pop with a more cushioned feel for control and more grab for spin generation.

The Hyperion is up there with some of the best spin paddles – just below the Scorpeus Pro IV, JOOLA Agassi Pro, and Paddletek Bantam TKO-C. The "Carbon Friction Surface" grabs the ball just enough, and the extra dwell time from the 16 mm thickness really lets you lean into topspin and slice.

If you're a beginner, you might struggle with the pop here. Many intermediates will also need time to adjust their touch game. This isn't a naturally plush paddle like the PIKKL Hurricane Pro or Six Zero DBD Control. If you're patient with the Hyperion, you can still reset and dink – it just takes some finesse and touch.

At $279.99, the Hyperion Pro IV is at the top of the market price. Time will tell if the Pro IV paddles suffer from durability weaknesses like some of JOOLA's previous models.

For now, the Hyperion performs like a premium paddle and is a worthy upgrade to the JOOLA Perseus 3 and other banned JOOLA Gen 3 models. It's a good investment for power players who want a well-rounded paddle with forgiveness and speed.

This is a slick, premium-looking paddle. I like the clean matte finish and simple branding. It's professional without being flashy. It has a classic elongated shape (16.5x7.5 inches) with an elongated 5.5-inch handle. What sets this apart from the Perseus Pro IV is the trademark Hyperion "Aero Curve" head.

Let's see what other features it has.

JOOLA claims that their new TFP tech improves weight distribution and paddle flexibility. The Pro IV paddles definitely feel balanced, and the Hyperion swings easily.

It doesn't feel overly head-heavy like the original JOOLA Hyperion CFS 16. I don't feel much flex, but I do feel more control over my attacks than I usually do with this much pop.

The grit isn't like sandpaper, but this paddle can still grip the ball like any top-tier spin paddle. I can hit deep topspin serves, roll dinks, and shape cross-court drops effectively. The surface feels built into the material rather than sprayed on, which should make it more durable as it's less likely to wear down.

This is what gives JOOLA paddles their pop and power. You can feel the face load and release, especially on full swings and quick flicks. The ball doesn't just fly off the paddle with no control – it comes off with shape, and there's still that trampoline-like power when you're attacking.

This paddle rips. I have no problem putting balls away, ripping forehand drives, or attacking off the bounce. You can drive from anywhere on the court, and you don't need to swing too hard to generate force. Overheads, poaching balls at the kitchen, and baseline passing shots all have elite zip.

The 16 mm has slightly more controlled power than the 14 mm, and it's still one of the hardest-hitting paddles in the game. When I'm playing with this paddle, I have a drive-heavy third-shot strategy because it feels like I make 80% of my drives. I can put much more pressure on my opponents.

For a paddle this powerful, the control is really solid. My resets, drops, and dinks get better the more I use them.

It's still a power paddle, so you won't get that plush, buttery feel of a Selkirk LABS Project 008. However, you can play a tactical soft game with it, especially with the 16 mm version, which gives you more margin for error than the 14.

Just know that there is an adjustment period. Early in my testing, I popped a few dinks up just because I didn't dial back enough. You'll just need to be intentional about it. This paddle rewards confident, compact strokes and punishes lazy mechanics.

Both models have top-tier spin potential. I mix in power drives, spinny drops, and off-speed rollers – all of them feel sharp and consistent.

The spin makes this paddle very dangerous at the kitchen when dinking. I've even started mixing in more lobs because I know I can put enough topspin on the ball to get it over my opponent and come down and stay in the court.

If you want 10/10 spin, check out the JOOLA Agassi Pro or Scorpeus Pro IV. They have the best spin generation of the Gen 4 JOOLAs.

The Hyperion feels forgiving, especially for how much power it packs. The added foam around the edges expands the sweet spot, and I haven't found many dead zones.

When I'm stretched out on defense or off-center on attacks, the ball still bounces off the paddle the way I want. It feels like you get enough pop and power if you hit the ball anywhere on the paddle, which is rare for an elongated power paddle.

This paddle feels balanced. I never feel fatigued or dragged down, and the aerodynamic head helps you get the paddle into position quickly. It feels slightly faster than the Perseus, though not quite as whippy as something like the Engage Pro1 Hybrid.

The grip is tacky, slim, and super comfortable. I never feel like I'm losing control mid-point. If you like a thicker handle, you can easily throw an overgrip on top. For most players, though, the base grip is a win.

No early signs of wear, and the grit seems like it'll hold up over time. Still, I'm keeping an eye on this because of JOOLA's durability track record with these propulsion cores. If this holds up better than the Gen 3s, it'll be a huge long-term value win.

This is one of the fastest elongated paddles I've played with, thanks to the "Aero Curve" design. I can see myself adding a small amount of lead tape to improve the sweet spot even more, and I won't be too worried about my hand speed because the paddle comes fast out of the box.

You have the choice of a Ben Johns Hyperion or a Simone Jardim Hyperion. Ben Johns, one of the best pickleball players of all time, used to play with the Hyperion, but he now uses the Perseus.

Simone Jardim has now retired from pro pickleball, but she used to play with her signature Hyperion model. She was the women's number one from 2016 to 2020 and Ben Johns' former mixed doubles partner.

At $279.99, this is a premium buy, but it earns that price point. If you're a serious player who wants elite power and spin with a bit more forgiveness than typical power paddles, the Hyperion Pro IV delivers.

This paddle is ideal for intermediate and advanced players who want to swing big and play aggressively. If you love driving the ball, countering at the kitchen, and using spin to shape the point, the Hyperion Pro IV will fit your game.

If you struggle with pop-ups, try the 16 mm model and take time to adjust to the feel. If you need something ultra-soft, though, it's probably not the best fit. Why not check out the best control paddles and see which one appeals to you?

If the JOOLA Hyperion Pro IV isn't for you, don't worry. Here are some other paddles I recommend:

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