Overview
You are standing on the court and the sun is beating down on the back of your neck and you are looking for a pink pickleball paddle that doesn't play like a toy bought at a drugstore. The game is loud.
The plastic ball makes that hollow thwack sound that drives the neighbors crazy, but to you, it sounds like Saturday. You aren't here to look pretty, though the paddle might. You are here because the week was long and you need to hit something.
Most people show up with equipment that fights them. They swing, the paddle wobbles, the ball dies into the net, and they blame the wind. It’s usually not the wind. It’s the cheap piece of composite in their hand. The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CAS 13.5 is the answer to the wobble.
It is a dense, serious slab of engineering designed for people who want the ball to go where they aim it. It feels heavy in a good way, like a hammer or a stiff drink.
⚖️ Weight: Average 8.2oz – Solid, hefty, stable.
📏 Length: 16.5 inches – Elongated for reach.
🤝 Handle: 5.5 inches – Room for two hands.
🌪️ Surface: Carbon Abrasion (Sand-blasted) – Gritty.
🧱 Core: Response Honeycomb – Vibrates less.
✅ Approval: USAPA Listed – Tournament ready.
The Reality of Friction
Let's talk about the surface. They call it the Carbon Abrasion Surface (CAS). That’s a fancy way of saying they sand-blasted the face until it felt like a sidewalk.
"You don't play the game on paper. You play it on asphalt and grit."
(Image of the paddle surface texture close-up)
When you slice the ball with this paddle, it stays sliced. The texture grabs the plastic and spins it. This isn't magic. It's friction. If you are trying to hit a dink that drops dead over the net, you need that friction. Smooth paddles let the ball slide off like rain on a windshield. This thing holds on for that split second you need to control the shot. <affiliate link>
The Handle and The Reach
The handle is long. 5.5 inches. This matters. If you used to play tennis, you have a two-handed backhand. Most paddles run out of room and your pinky finger ends up hanging off the edge, grasping at air.
(Image of the elongated handle showing grip length)
With the Hyperion CAS, you have real estate. You can grip it with both hands and drive the ball. The grip itself has ridges. It absorbs the sweat. It doesn't slip when the score is 10-10 and your palms are wet. The "Aero-Curve" at the head is supposed to cut drag. Maybe it does. What you will notice is that despite being a substantial paddle, it moves through the air without feeling like you are swinging a frying pan.
The Core of the Matter
Inside, there is a honeycomb polymer core. It’s a hybrid-ply technology.
"The tool shouldn't be the reason you missed. That's on you."
This is designed to stop the vibration from traveling up your arm and turning your elbow into a knot of pain. It creates a large sweet spot. When you hit the ball off-center—and you will hit the ball off-center—the paddle forgives you. It still sends the ball over. It feels solid, not tinny. It gives you a "pop" that tells you exactly how hard you hit it. <affiliate link>
The Honest Breakdown
Nothing is perfect. Not you, not the game, and not this paddle.
Pros:
The Spin: The sand-blasted surface is legitimate. You can curve the ball.
The Reach: The 16.5-inch length lets you dig out low balls that usually get past you.
The Power: It’s 13.5mm thick, which is on the thinner side for power, but the weight (8.2oz) gives it plow-through.
The Build: It feels durable. The edge guard is reinforced so it doesn't crack when you scrape the court.
Cons:
The Weight: At 8.2oz, it is not a feather. If you have a weak wrist, you will feel it after three games.
The Head Heaviness: Because it is long, the weight sits at the top. It takes a minute to get used to the swing weight.
(Image of the paddle edge guard and profile)
The Verdict
You can keep buying cheap paddles that chip and rattle. You can keep wondering why your shots sail long. Or you can get a tool that was built for the job. The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CAS 13.5 isn't going to play the game for you, but it will stop getting in your way. It is a solid, gritty, heavy-hitting piece of gear.
If you are tired of the ball slipping and sliding, take a look at this. It handles the sweat, the noise, and the grind. <affiliate link>
Grab the pink pickleball paddle (or whatever color you choose) that actually works.
FAQ
1. Is this actually a "pink pickleball paddle"? It’s mostly dark with violet/pink hues. It satisfies the pink pickleball paddle search without looking like a stick of bubblegum.
2. Is it too heavy for a beginner? Maybe. At 8.2oz, it’s hefty. If you have weak wrists, you’ll feel the drag; if you want power, you’ll love the weight.
3. Why is the surface rough? To grab the ball. The "Carbon Abrasion" grit creates friction for spin. Smooth paddles are for amateurs; this is for players.
4. Can I use two hands on the backhand? Yes. The 5.5-inch handle is long enough for two hands. No more pinky fingers hanging off the edge.
5. Does it have a sweet spot? A big one. The honeycomb core dampens the vibration, so off-center hits don't jar your teeth loose.
6. Is it worth the money? If you play once a year, no. If you play to win and are tired of cheap gear failing you, absolutely.
