Table tennis, also known as ping pong, is a popular sport played by over 40 million competitive and recreational players worldwide. Choosing the right paddle is crucial for optimal performance and enjoyment of the game.
Two of the most popular table tennis paddle models on the market are the Joola Perseus and Hyperion. This article provides an in-depth comparison of the key features, playability, specifications, and pros and cons of the Joola Perseus and Hyperion paddles to help players select the right option.
Comparison Table
Feature | Perseus | Hyperion |
Blade | 7-ply Koto, Ayous, Poplar woods | 5-ply Hinoki outer |
Rubber | QuadraThane 2.15mm Tensor | Take Pro 50 2.0mm |
Weight | 85g | 82g |
Playing Style | Attacking, looping | All-round/Controlled offense |
Best For | Power, spin | Precision, feel |
Level | Intermediate, Advanced | Intermediate, Advanced |
Overview
Joola is a leading table tennis equipment manufacturer founded in 1950 in Germany. The company offers a wide range of paddles catering to beginners, intermediate, advanced and professional players. The Joola Perseus and Hyperion are two of their top-selling paddle models engineered for competitive tournament play.
The Perseus is designed as an offensive paddle best suited for power hitters looking for speed and spin. It features a 7-plywood blade construction and a Quadrathane rubber surface tuned for maximum spin and speed. In contrast, the Hyperion has a 5-ply Hinoki wood blade and Take Pro 50 rubber for precision control and feel.
While both are excellent paddles, the Hyperion focuses more on control while the Perseus emphasizes speed and spin.
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Blade Construction
The blade is the foundation of any table tennis paddle impacting power, control and feel. Both the Perseus and Hyperion use high-quality wood, but vary in their construction.
Perseus Blade
- 7-ply blade
- Offensive rating
- Koto, Ayous, Poplar wood plies
- Slightly thicker at 6.0mm
- Stiff construction optimized for speed and power
Hyperion Blade
- 5-ply blade
- All-round/Offensive rating
- Hinoki outer plies
- Slimmer at 5.7mm
- Flexible feel
The Perseus blade uses more plies and thicker wood resulting in increased power and speed. The mixed wood composition offers a well-balanced blade. In contrast, the Hyperion has a flexible Hinoki outer and fewer plies for more control and precision on touch shots. The Perseus blade gives aggressive attacking shots more force.
Rubbers
The rubber surface applied to the blade largely defines the playing characteristics of a paddle. The Perseus and Hyperion use high-end tensors tuned for different styles.
Perseus Rubber
- QuadraThane rubber top sheet
- Tuned for speed and spin
- 2.15mm thick sponge
- Offers high catapult effect
- Grippy top sheet for spin
Hyperion Rubber
- Take Pro 50 Black rubber
- Focus on control and feel
- 2.0mm sponge thickness
- Moderate catapult effect
- Softer sponge and top sheet
The Perseus rubber accentuates speed and heavy spin while the Hyperion provides a more controlled shot. The thicker sponge layer and grippy top sheet gives the Perseus explosive power on loop drives and spin shots. It caters to aggressive loopers and drivers. The Hyperion offers a more forgiving rubber for all-round play.
Weight
Paddle weight directly impacts swing speed, power and maneuverability. Heavier paddles provide more power but demand strong strokes while lighter models offer easier wrist work and control.
- Perseus weight: 85 grams
- Hyperion weight: 82 grams
The Perseus is slightly head heavier than the Hyperion. Its heavier weight adds momentum for forceful loops and drives. The Hyperion’s lighter profile gives it nimble feel and quicker reaction time suitable for touch shots. Players preferring speed can opt for the Perseus while control focussed players benefit from the Hyperion.
Handle
Both paddles feature an ergonomic flared handle suited for shakehand grip players. The wider handle lowers impact vibrations and absorbs sweat during play.
- Perseus handle: Straight with slight concave shaping
- Hyperion handle: Anatomic with pronounced concave indent
The Perseus handle has a simpler straight design with a mild palm fitting shape. The Hyperion handle uses a deeply scooped indent for improved ergonomics and comfort. Players with hand pain may find the Hyperion grip accommodates their grip better.
Playing Style Suitability
Determining suitability based on playing style is key for choosing the right paddle. Below is an overview:
Perseus
- Ideal for power loopers and drivers
- Aggressive attacking style
- Favors speed and heavy spin shots
- Powerful shots from mid to far distance
Hyperion
- Suited to all-round and controlled offensive play
- Precision placement over pure power
- Touch shots, drop shots, blocks, chops
- Close to mid-distance all-round play
The Perseus matches players using fast loop drives, counter hits and power topspins. Its speed and spin strengths complement an offensive playing strategy. The Hyperion suits tactically smart all-rounders mixing control with focused offense. Its balance of speed, spin and control equips players for smart shot variety.
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Performance Ratings
Joola classifies paddles based on performance ratings from 1 to 10 for key attributes. This provides an objective measure for comparison.
Attribute | Perseus | Hyperion |
Speed Rating | 9 | 8 |
Spin Rating | 9 | 8 |
Control Rating | 7 | 8 |
The ratings confirm the Perseus paddles strengths in speed and spin which are 1 level higher than the Hyperion. The Hyperion edges out with slightly better control, by 1 point. The performance ratings align with the paddles’ optimized design focus areas.
Pros And Cons
Analyzing the advantages and limitations provides a balanced perspective.
Perseus Pros
- Powerful spin and speed for offensive play
- Great for looping and driving
- High-tension QuadraThane rubber for performance
- 7-ply blade offers sturdiness
- Thick 2.15mm sponge for extra catapult
Perseus Cons
- Not ideal for touch shots or blocks
- Higher learning curve for control
- Less forgiving rubber surface
- Heavier weight demanding strong strokes
Hyperion Pros
- Well-rounded for all-play styles
- Take Pro 50 rubber provides control and feel
- Lighter weight allows quick reaction shots
- Hinoki wood gives consistent speed
- Improved handle shape for comfort
Hyperion Cons
- Graphics tend to fade quicker
- Less power on hard loop drives
- Only moderate spin generation
- Slow loops require good timing
- Low throw angle rubber needs closed racket angle
While the Perseus excels in power and spin, it requires skill to control its speed. The Hyperion is easier to command, but aggressive loopers may find it slower. The Perseus favors a more dynamic attacking game while the Hyperion encourages controlled placement and smart blocks.
Also watch this review of Hyperion!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
There is no definitive answer as each paddle suits different playing styles. For aggressive power loopers, the Perseus is better with its speed and spin optimized design. The Hyperion is a smarter choice for all-round players focused on control and precision.
The key differences are the Perseus emphasizes speed and spin with a 7-ply blade and Tensor rubber. The Hyperion focuses control with a 5-ply Hinoki wood blade and softer Take Pro 50 rubber. The Perseus excels on power shots while the Hyperion offers finesse.
No, the Perseus uses a conventional layered wood construction, not thermoforming which uses extreme heat to mold the blade in a hydraulic press. Thermoforming can offer more consistent results but traditional layered blades provide the classic feel many players prefer. The Hyperion also uses standard wood pressing.
US National champion Ben Johns is sponsored by Joola and uses a customized version of the Perseus Pro blade and tensor rubbers on his forehand and backhand. His blade is even faster for his power smashing game. The stock Perseus shares similar DNA with his custom paddle.
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Conclusion
The Joola Perseus and Hyperion are both premium paddles crafted for competitive and tournament play. While the Perseus stands out in speed and spin capabilities, the Hyperion offers a more controlled and balanced option.
Players seeking an offensive weapon for looping and topspin drives find an ideal match in the Perseus. For those valuing control and precision, the Hyperion provides a smart alternative focused on placement and feel. Consider playing style, strengths and level of experience when choosing between these paddles.
With outstanding performance and quality, you can be confident finding your match within the Joola Perseus and Hyperion range.