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.
| 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 |
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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Both paddles feature an ergonomic flared handle suited for shakehand grip players. The wider handle lowers impact vibrations and absorbs sweat during play.
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.
Determining suitability based on playing style is key for choosing the right paddle. Below is an overview:
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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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.
Analyzing the advantages and limitations provides a balanced perspective.
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!
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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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.
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