The JOOLA Scorpeus is one of the brand’s top paddles, and I was eager to test it against the Perseus and Hyperion. Most of the attention is focused on those models, while the Scorpeus often flies under the radar. However, I had heard from several players that it might be a hidden gem.

After testing the 16 mm Collin Johns signature version, here is my honest review. (Anna Bright’s signature paddle is the 14 mm version.)

Buy or pass?

Buy if:
✅ You’re a defensive player: This paddle excels on blocks and resets, making it perfect for defensive play.
✅ You prioritize your touch game: One of the best control paddles I played with in 2024.
✅ You play doubles: Ideal for doubles, especially if you pair with an aggressive player.

Pass if:
❌ You need power: This is a control paddle with minimal power—for more power, try the Bread & Butter Filth.
❌ You want lots of spin: There are better spin paddles, like the Legacy Pro.
❌ You’re on a budget: At $250, this is pricey—for a top paddle under $100, check out the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash.

Attribute	Specification
Paddle Weight	7.8 oz (14 mm paddle) / 8 oz (16 mm paddle)
Paddle Length	16″
Paddle Width	8″
Handle Length	5 ¼”
Grip Circumference	4 ¼”
Paddle Face Material	Carbon friction surface
Core Material	Reactive polymer honeycomb
Core Thickness	14 mm or 16 mm (0.55″ or 0.63″)
Sweet Spot	Medium

Review Summary

The JOOLA Scorpeus is a top-tier control paddle designed for defensive play. The JOOLA Perseus didn’t impress me, but the Scorpeus’ speed and stability caught me off guard. It suits Collin Johns’ defensive style well, as it’s one of the fastest paddles I’ve tested.

The square design provides a larger sweet spot and more forgiveness on off-center shots, though I still prefer the elongated shape of the Perseus. At 8 ounces 0.5 ounces lighter than the JOOLA Hyperion it is extremely fast at the kitchen line. Instead of struggling to keep up, I found myself anticipating quick volleys, which was a major advantage.

The most notable aspect is theJOOLA Scorpeus supremacy in control. Long dink rallies and third-shot drops feel comfortable, and blocking hard drives is simple due to the paddle’s stability. However, it lacks spin and power, similar to the Perseus. Putaways lack depth compared to power paddles like the CRBN-2X Power Series or the Legacy Pro, and shots such as volleys, serves, and drives don’t feel as aggressive.

One of my complaints was its occasional poppiness. Some of my dinks and drops sailed too far, leading to easy putaways for my opponent, despite my control-focused playstyle. While this poppiness is common in thermoformed paddles, it still caught me off guard given the JOOLA Scorpeus control-oriented design.

If you’re looking for power and high spin, the Scorpeus isn’t for you. However, defensive players who value stability and control will appreciate its large sweet spot and quick handling. It plays similarly to the Perseus but with slightly less power and more forgiveness.

Pros	Cons
Super lightweight, making it quick and agile at the kitchen	Can feel too poppy for a control paddle
Extremely stable, enhancing performance on blocks and resets	Volleys and drives tend to lack depth
Larger sweet spot compared to the Perseus, thanks to its square shape	Lacks power for effective putaways

Features

The CFS 14 is used by Anna Bright, while the CFS 16—the one I tested—is used by Collin Johns. The JOOLA Scorpeus is available in 14 mm and 16 mm models.

Since introducing the Ben Johns Hyperion in 2022 and establishing standards for paddle technology, JOOLA has been a leading brand in pickleball. But now that the sport is changing so quickly, JOOLA is up against strong rivals. Their Perseus update to the Hyperion disappointed me a little, especially with regard to forgiving and spin. How does the Scorpeus stack up, then?

Fully Encased Carbon Frame

Because the JOOLA Scorpeus is unibody, the carbon fiber supports the paddle for increased stability and longevity by extending into the handle. This feature was absent from the Hyperion, which resulted in breakage complaints. Nowadays, this kind of construction is used in the majority of high-end paddles, including those that are more affordable.

Hyperfoam Edge Wall

In order to improve the sweet spot and give shots more stability, JOOLA was one of the first companies to introduce foam inside the paddle’s outside rim. In contrast to the Hyperion, I thought the Perseus and Scorpeus had smaller sweet spots. It’s probable that some forgiveness was lost in order to reduce the weight to 8.0 oz. Still, the Scorpeus is a positive move because it’s sweet spot is bigger than Perseus’.

Lower Weight

The JOOLA Scorpeus weighs only 8.0 oz with a swing weight of 112, which is among the lowest in its class. Many thermoformed paddles with carbon fiber and foam injection typically weigh 8.2 oz or more. This allows it to be far more agile without sacrificing stability compared to the head-heavy Hyperion

Thermoformed Construction

Power and control are typically combined in thermoformed paddles, but they also have a stiffer feel and a poppy face that can be difficult for beginners and early intermediates to get used to. Although it leans more toward control than power, the Scorpeus still has that iconic thermoformed pop, which makes it a compelling choice for defensive players.

Carbon-Charged Surface

With their carbon friction surface (CFS) on the Hyperion, JOOLA transformed pickleball paddles and added spin potential that changed the game. A “carbon-charged surface” has now been added to strengthen durability. Although this gives the paddle more pop, I think it might also be decreasing total spin. Surprisingly, considering their improvements in material science, the Perseus and Scorpeus both produce less spin than the Hyperion.

Performance

Performance Attribute	Rating
Power	10/10
Control	8/10
Spin	8.5/10
Forgiveness	9/10
Weighting	9/10
Grip	10/10
Durability	9/10
Aerodynamics	7/10

Scorpeus CFS 16 – Performance Breakdown

Power – 7/10

The force of the Scorpeus makes it obvious that it is a defensive paddle. It can be annoying if you depend on offensive play, but I had trouble finishing points and making putaways. I had the impression that I was in never-ending rallies during a drill game; this was wonderful for defense but not so much for controlling the ball. A doubles player who enjoys setting up their partner more than hitting outright winners would benefit most from this paddle. Collin Johns and Ben Johns play just like that. The 14 mm version would be a better choice if you want a little more pop.

Control – 10/10

The JOOLA Scorpeus really comes into its own here. Its greatest strength is control, which makes it clear why Collin Johns likes it as a weapon. It felt natural to block, reset, and place bullets precisely. The paddle’s reactivity on dinks and drops makes it perfect for a patient, strategic player, yet it’s light and solid enough to manage quick exchanges near the net. This paddle will not let you down if control is more important to you than power.

Spin – 8/10

The JOOLA Scorpeus spin is acceptable but not exceptional. Even though I could move the ball around a little, I wasn’t able to get as much topspin on serves and drives as I can with paddles like the Legacy Pro or the CRBN-2X Power Series. Most players find it OK, but if spin plays a significant role in your game, there are better solutions available.

Forgiveness – 8.5/10

Because of its square form and greater surface area, I thought the JOOLA Scorpeus was a little more forgiving than the Perseus. I was more confident in my blocks and resets, and mishits were less frequent. It’s still not the most forgiving paddle available, though. Although accuracy is rewarded because it was created with skilled players in mind, off-center shots could still cost you.

Weighting – 9/10

By making the Scorpeus lighter than the Hyperion, JOOLA made a wise choice. Because it weighs 8.0 oz, it feels more manageable and facilitates quick reactions in hectic situations. Control and accuracy shots are also made easier by the lighter feel. If more stability is required, there is ample opportunity for skilled players to customize using lead tape.

Grip – 9/10

The grip is one of the main advantages over the Hyperion. The white grip of the Hyperion had a ribbed texture that many players disliked since it was uncomfortable and became dirty easily. Now that it has a smooth gray grip, the JOOLA Scorpeus feels much better in the hand and should last longer.

Durability – 10/10

JOOLA continues to build high-quality, durable paddles, and the JOOLA Scorpeus is no exception. The edge guard feels strong, and the paddle itself has a solid, well-constructed feel. Based on my experience with JOOLA paddles, I expect this one to last longer than most.

Aerodynamics – 9/10

The combination of its lighter weight and rounded top shape makes the Scorpeus quicker through the air. I was able to generate extra swing speed, which helped compensate for the lack of natural power and spin. The added speed gave me more confidence in fast exchanges, making hand battles at the net much easier.

Paddle Comparison

Paddle	Best For	Price
JOOLA Scorpeus	Defensive, control play	$250
JOOLA Perseus	Balanced control/power	$250
JOOLA Hyperion	More power, less speed	$250
Legacy Pro	High spin, aggressive play	$220
CRBN-2X Power Series	Power, spin, putaways	$230
Vatic Pro Flash	Budget-friendly control	$140
Bread & Butter Filth	Power-focused gameplay	$165

Pricing

The JOOLA Scorpeus comes in at $250, matching the price of the Perseus. That puts it among the most expensive paddles on the market. With so many high-quality paddles available for much less, is the Scorpeus still worth the premium price tag?

Value for Money

Paddles priced between $150 and $200, such as the Vatic Pro Flash ($139.99), likely provide comparable control at a lesser price. But for the right player, I continue to think the Scorpeus is worth the price.

With its sturdy build, steady feel, and lightweight flexibility, this paddle is designed for elite competition. Additionally, one of the best defenders in professional pickleball, Collin Johns, prefers it as his paddle.

The Scorpeus is a worthwhile investment if you’re a skilled player searching for a defensive control paddle and you have the money. However, bear in mind that paying for the Collin Johns signature model accounts for a percentage of the cost.

Bottom Line

For intermediate to advanced players who like a defensive, control-heavy style of play, the Scorpeus is a great choice. This is especially true for players who team with an aggressive doubles partner.

This isn’t the greatest option, though, if you have trouble with mishits or depend a lot on spin. For more spin-friendly choices, take into account the CRBN-1X Power Series or Legacy Pro.

💰 Better budget alternatives:

• Volair Mach 1 ($140) – Balanced control and power
• Vatic Pro Flash ($140) – High-level control at a lower price
• Bread & Butter Filth ($165) – Solid mix of control and spin