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Buy the Icon v2 for casual play, otherwise the Hyperion CFS earns its price for intermediate competitive pickleball.
Both are credible options but they're aimed at different stages of a pickleball journey. The Diadem Icon v2 sits firmly in entry-territory pricing and works as a knockabout paddle for casual park sessions or LTA-club come-and-try days. It's not the paddle you want when your dink-heavy third shot drop becomes a real weapon.
The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm is genuinely a different tool. The elongated shape pushes reach and the 16mm Reactive Honeycomb core provides a softer, more controlled response than thinner 13mm beginner paddles. JOOLA's Carbon Friction Surface is where the real spin advantage comes from. At 215-230g it sits in a sweet spot for attacking topspin rolls.
Buy the Icon v2 if you've played fewer than twenty sessions or you're buying a back-up. Buy the Hyperion if you're an intermediate stepping into 3.5+ tournament play and you've started to value spin and reach over forgiveness. The 16mm thickness will feel stiff at first; that's the trade for control.
Hand-written editorial — not auto-generated. By Gary, RacketRise.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Pickleball Paddles | Pickleball Paddles |
| Sport | Pickleball | Pickleball |
| Skill Level | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Weight | — | 215-230g |
| Shape | Standard | Elongated |
| Core | Polymer honeycomb | Reactive Honeycomb polymer |
| Surface | — | Carbon Friction Surface |
| Grip Size | — | 4 1/4" |
| Core Thickness | — | 16mm |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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The main differences are: Shape: Diadem Icon has Standard vs Elongated. Core: Diadem Icon has Polymer honeycomb vs Reactive Honeycomb polymer. Overall, the Diadem Icon v2 Pickleball Paddle is best for intermediate players while the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm Pickleball Paddle suits intermediate players.
Neither is specifically designed for beginners — the Diadem Icon v2 Pickleball Paddle suits intermediate players and the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm Pickleball Paddle suits intermediate players. Beginners may find both challenging.
The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm Pickleball Paddle (£75-100) costs more than the Diadem Icon v2 Pickleball Paddle (£45). Whether the premium is worth it depends on your skill level — if you are intermediate players, the extra investment in the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm Pickleball Paddle can pay off.