Diadem Warrior Pickleball Paddle vs JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm Pickleball Paddle — Pickleball Paddles Comparison UK 2026

Our Take

Buy the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion for proven spin tech, otherwise the Diadem Warrior is competent but unremarkable.

The Diadem Warrior at £110 is a respectable mid-range paddle from a brand better known in tennis. The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm at £75-100 is the signature paddle of the world number one, with Reactive Honeycomb polymer core, Carbon Friction Surface, elongated shape, 215-230g.

What to actually weigh:

The Hyperion's Carbon Friction Surface is genuinely effective for spin — it's why Ben Johns plays with it.
Elongated shape extends reach for poaches and overheads but means a smaller sweet spot — fine if your strike zone is consistent.
16mm thickness gives controlled, slightly stiffer feel — better for advanced touch shots, less forgiving on resets.
The Diadem Warrior is solidly built but lacks the Hyperion's spin-specific tech.
The Hyperion is actually cheaper at £75-100 — rare for a signature paddle.

If you want the paddle the world's best player actually uses, with proven spin and a manageable price, the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion is the obvious pick. The Diadem Warrior is competent but offers no specific advantage to justify the extra spend.

Hand-written editorial — not auto-generated. By Gary, RacketRise.

Quick Verdict

JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm Pickleball Paddle is £23 cheaper — better if budget is a priority.
Diadem Warrior Pickleball Paddle is best for intermediate players.
JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm Pickleball Paddle is best for intermediate players.
Shape: Diadem Warrior has Standard vs Elongated.
Core: Diadem Warrior has Polymer honeycomb vs Reactive Honeycomb polymer.

Product	Diadem Diadem Warrior Pickleball Paddle 4.3 £110	JOOLA JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm Pickleball Paddle 4.5 £75-100
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	Step up in feel and materials over the Icon Works for all-court intermediate players Lower-priced alternative to top-tier carbon paddles	Ben Johns signature paddle Excellent spin and control Carbon fibre face
Cons	Niche brand in the UK, limited stockists Not the spin numbers of raw-carbon flagships	Mid-range price point 16mm may feel stiff to some
	Check Price →View Details	Check Price →View Details

Which Should You Buy?

Buy the Diadem Warrior Pickleball Paddleif…

✓You are intermediate players
✓Step up in feel and materials over the Icon
✓Works for all-court intermediate players
✓Lower-priced alternative to top-tier carbon paddles

Check Price — £110→Full Review

Buy the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm Pickleball Paddleif…

✓You are intermediate players
✓Budget is a consideration — it is £23 cheaper
✓Ben Johns signature paddle
✓Excellent spin and control
✓Carbon fibre face

Check Price — £75-100→Full Review

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Diadem Warrior Pickleball Paddle and the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm Pickleball Paddle?

The main differences are: Shape: Diadem Warrior has Standard vs Elongated. Core: Diadem Warrior has Polymer honeycomb vs Reactive Honeycomb polymer. Overall, the Diadem Warrior Pickleball Paddle is best for intermediate players while the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm Pickleball Paddle suits intermediate players.

Which is better for beginners, the Diadem Warrior Pickleball Paddle or the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm Pickleball Paddle?

Neither is specifically designed for beginners — the Diadem Warrior Pickleball Paddle suits intermediate players and the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm Pickleball Paddle suits intermediate players. Beginners may find both challenging.

Is the Diadem Warrior Pickleball Paddle worth the extra cost over the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm Pickleball Paddle?

The Diadem Warrior Pickleball Paddle (£110) costs more than the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm Pickleball Paddle (£75-100). Whether the premium is worth it depends on your skill level — if you are intermediate players, the extra investment in the Diadem Warrior Pickleball Paddle can pay off.

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Product

Diadem

Diadem Warrior Pickleball Paddle

4.3

£110

JOOLA

JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm Pickleball Paddle

4.5

£75-100