Joola Hyperion Pro 4 Review: Is It Right for You?
Honest Impressions of the Joola Hyperion Pro 4 Paddle
Trying to find a paddle that keeps up with your game can be exhausting. I’ve been there, endlessly testing models that promise everything but deliver something else. That’s why I was skeptical but hopeful when I picked up the Joola Hyperion Pro 4. I’ve spent time with earlier Hyperion models, and the C2 was a favorite of mine for its feel and balance. The 3S didn’t suit me, but the new Pro 4? It surprised me, in a good way.
This paddle feels like Joola finally nailed the formula. Offered in both 14mm and 16mm thickness, the Pro 4 features innovations like the Propulsion Core and Tech Flex Power construction. Whether you’re someone who likes to drive the ball hard or carefully construct points with spin and placement, this paddle adapts well. It’s built for intermediate to advanced players, especially doubles-focused players who need versatility without compromising feel.
Table of Contents
- Specifications
- Performance Analysis
- Joola Hyperion Pro 4 Design and Build
- On-Court Performance
- Pros and Cons
- Player Feedback
- Why the Joola Hyperion Pro 4 Stands Out on the Court
- Comparable Paddles
- Q&A
Specifications
- Weight: 7.9 oz (14mm) / 8.1 oz (16mm)
- Dimensions: 16.5″ x 7.5″
- Thickness: 14mm or 16mm
- Material: Carbon Friction Surface + Tech Flex Power Core
- Handle Length: 5.5 inches
- Grip Circumference: 4 1/4″ standard or 4 1/8″ (Simone Edition)
Performance Analysis
- Control/Feel: 9/10 – Plush yet responsive, ideal for resets and drops.
- Power: 8.5/10 – The 14mm brings raw power; 16mm balances it with more touch.
- Spin: 9/10 – ~2200 RPMs with excellent grip on rolls and shape shots.
- Pop: 8/10 – Clean pop with just enough restraint to stay playable.
- Forgiveness: 9/10 – Edge foam expands the sweet spot noticeably.
- Maneuverability: 8.5/10 – Rounded top cuts through air fast for quick hands battles.
Joola Hyperion Pro 4 Design and Build
The Tech Flex Power (TFP) construction adds high-density foam to the throat and corners of the paddle, which increases stability and dwell time. This structural reinforcement helps reduce vibrations and improves consistency on off-center hits. It also eliminates the need to add lead tape, especially for players who typically boost stability by customizing the throat area. Combined with the Propulsion Core, the paddle gains a spring-like effect, almost like a mini trampoline, which improves both feel and acceleration off the face.
Joola nailed the construction with the Pro 4. The Tech Flex Power tech subtly distributes weight toward the throat, adding stability and boosting sweet spot coverage. The carbon friction surface adds grip without feeling overly gritty. The aerodynamic top edge makes this one of the more maneuverable elongated paddles I’ve tested.
💡 What is the Propulsion Core?
It’s JOOLA’s spring-loaded tech that helps launch the ball off the face with just enough give to maintain control — ideal for resets, counters, and drive acceleration.
It doesn’t look too flashy, but it feels like a professional weapon, exactly what you’d want if you play often or in tournaments. And yes, it’s certified by both UPA-A Pro and USAP.
Joola Hyperion Pro 4 On Court Performance
Testing was done over two weeks of match play, drills, and practice sessions focused on drives, dinks, third shot drops, hand battles, and transition resets. I compared it side by side with the Perseus Pro 4 and older Hyperion C2, and I tracked serve speed and spin rate with a speed gun and RPM measuring tool.
Control
The Hyperion Pro 4 shines when it comes to resets, dinks, and rolls. I felt confident transitioning to the kitchen, and the 16mm in particular offered the plush feel you need to drop shots right over the net with precision.
Power
If you like to hit hard, this paddle won’t hold you back. The 14mm feels explosive, the ball rockets off the face. The 16mm tones that down just enough to make it more controllable without turning down the heat too much.
Spin
Although, to the touch, the face of this paddle does not feel super gritty, Thanks to Joola’s Carbon Friction Surface, spin is excellent. I had no trouble curling topspin drives or slicing off center angles at the kitchen. One of the most consistent spin paddles I’ve tested.
Pop
You get pop without sacrificing feel. Punch volleys and flicks felt clean and crisp, especially in hands battles. It’s not a trampoline, and that’s a good thing for consistent play.
Forgiveness
With the new edge foam and propulsion core, even slightly off-center hits stayed in play. This was a big improvement over older Hyperion models like the 3S, which punished mishits more harshly.
Maneuverability
The paddle feels quicker than you’d expect. The rounded top helps whip through the hitting zone faster, which is perfect for reflex volleys and counters.
Hyperion Pro 4 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent power-control blend
- Expanded sweet spot with edge foam
- Great for two-handed shots (5.5″ handle)
- Top-tier spin potential
- Simone Edition offers better grip fit for smaller hands
Cons:
- Return depth may suffer without customization
- 14mm version can be hard to control for less experienced players
- Not ideal for pure singles players needing max plow-through
- Premium Price Point – One of the most expensive paddles on the market.
Player Feedback
Several high-level players who tested both the Perseus and Hyperion said the Pro 4 felt like a pre-weighted 3S, but with more forgiveness. One player told me, “I didn’t even need to tape it. It was ready for tournament play out of the box.”
At my own club, a few players who loved the C2 but wanted more control switched to the 16mm Pro 4 and haven’t looked back.
Who Might Not Like the Hyperion Pro 4?
If you rely on ultra-soft touch paddles, or prefer widebody shapes for max forgiveness, this one may feel slightly demanding. It’s designed for active players who create their own power and want feedback on every shot.
Comparable Paddles
- Joola Perseus Pro 4: Slightly more stable and plow-heavy, great for singles and counterpunching.
- Joola Scorpius: More forgiving and wide-bodied, better for defense-focused players.
- Joola Hyperion C2: Firmer feel and hotter off the face, less forgiving than Pro 4.
- Engage Pursuit Pro1 Innovation: Offers more tailored options via two thicknesses (12.7mm and 15.2mm). The thinner version is more explosive, while the thicker offers elite level forgiveness. Great for topspin attackers and all-court players alike.
- Proton Project Flamingo: A spin monster with excellent power and surprising forgiveness. The 15mm Velocity Core keeps things stable, while the grit-laden face bites into the ball for heavy RPMs. Ideal for aggressive baseliners who don’t want to give up touch.
Q&A
Yes, the Carbon Friction Surface and responsive face give this paddle top-tier spin. I averaged around 2200 RPM in testing.
If you want raw power and are confident in your control, go for 14mm. If you want more forgiveness and soft game performance, 16mm is better.
It’s better suited for intermediate to advanced players due to its power and responsiveness. Beginners might find the 14mm version a little hard to tame.
The Pro 4 adds edge foam and TFP technology for more forgiveness and feel, while the C2 hits a little hotter off the face but with less control.
No, the performance is the same. It just comes with a smaller grip (4 1/8″) for players who prefer a narrower handle.
Where to Buy the JOOLA Hyperion Pro 4
The JOOLA Hyperion Pro 4 paddle is available for purchase at JustPaddles, where it is priced at $279.95. Check Price and Availability at JustPaddles.com
Why the Joola Hyperion Pro 4 Stands Out on the Court
If you’re someone who swings big and plays fast, especially in doubles, the Joola Hyperion Pro 4 gives you the tools to dictate play. It’s not quite as stable as the Perseus, nor as forgiving as the Scorpius, but it’s arguably the best all-around elongated paddle in Joola’s current lineup.
If you’ve ever walked off the court wondering if it was you or your paddle holding you back, the Hyperion Pro 4 might be your answer. It’s rare to find a paddle that doesn’t force trade-offs, one that delivers power without losing touch, and spin without sacrificing control. Whether you’re grinding through tournament play or chasing improvement at open play, this paddle rewards smart, confident play. It’s more than just an upgrade; it’s a confidence booster. And for me, that says everything. If you’re still on the fence, try it side by side with what you’re currently using; the difference might surprise you. It wasn’t just a test paddle; it has become my go-to choice when games got tight and wins mattered most. For me, that speaks louder than specs or spin rates ever could.
Have You Played With the Joola Hyperion Pro 4?
Drop your thoughts, questions, or comparisons in the comments below. Your feedback helps other players find the right paddle for their style.
