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JOOLA Hyperion CFS 16mm for committed players; Franklin X-40 if you just want an affordable starter paddle.
These two paddles tell you which side of the pickleball price fence you sit on. The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS is a 16mm, elongated paddle weighing 215 to 230 grams with a Reactive Honeycomb polymer core and Carbon Friction Surface, endorsed by the world number one and built to actually back that up with bite on third-shot drops. The Franklin X-40 Performance is a 35-pound entry-level paddle aimed at total beginners and casual players. There is no contest on materials, but there is a real conversation on intent. Buy the JOOLA Hyperion CFS 16mm if you have played twenty-plus sessions and want a paddle that will reward your improving technique with proper spin and a bigger sweet spot. Otherwise go for the Franklin X-40 Performance, especially if you are introducing the family to pickleball or just want a basic paddle to keep in the boot of the car for impromptu games on holiday courts.
Hand-written editorial — not auto-generated. By Gary, RacketRise.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Pickleball Paddles | Pickleball Paddles |
| Sport | Pickleball | Pickleball |
| Skill Level | Beginner | Intermediate |
| Weight | — | 215-230g |
| Shape | Standard | Elongated |
| Core | Polymer honeycomb | Reactive Honeycomb polymer |
| Surface | Fibreglass | 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: Franklin X-40 has Standard vs Elongated. Core: Franklin X-40 has Polymer honeycomb vs Reactive Honeycomb polymer. Surface: Franklin X-40 has Fibreglass vs Carbon Friction Surface. Overall, the Franklin X-40 Performance Pickleball Paddle is best for beginners while the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm Pickleball Paddle suits intermediate players.
The Franklin X-40 Performance Pickleball Paddle is the better choice for beginners thanks to its forgiving design and accessible price point. The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm Pickleball Paddle is aimed at intermediate players and may be more demanding to use effectively.
The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm Pickleball Paddle (£75-100) costs more than the Franklin X-40 Performance Pickleball Paddle (£35). 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.