When talking about the Ben Johns Pickleball Paddle with friends and fellow Pickleballers you might pause for a second to ask whether you’re talking about the new Ben Johns JOOLA Hyperion CAS Paddle or the original Franklin Ben Johns Signature 16mm Pickleball Paddle.
Well, in this article we’re going to review both of the Ben Johns paddles, the Franklin and the new JOOLA paddles.
The JOOLA Ben Johns Pickleball Paddle
Ben Johns has been the dominant figure in pickleball in recent years. This is the guy to watch, emulate, and (try to) imitate. Among the best paddles on the market, especially for the price, his Franklin signature paddle has been a mainstay across the country. Players of all levels have enjoyed using this paddle. It is clear to me that Ben’s involvement with the design of the paddle played a pivotal role in its success, which is why this move to JOOLA is so significant for the sport.The world’s best male pickleball player, Ben Johns, who was sponsored by Franklin for the past three years and played with his Ben Johns Signature Pickleball Paddle, has switched paddle sponsors and has officially signed a new deal with JOOLA beginning April 1, 2022.
Why Did Ben Johns Choose JOOLA?
Among the many factors, including the fact that he grew up playing table tennis which has affected how he plays some of his Pickleball shots, the prospect of partnering with JOOLA to increase the sport’s global presence appeared to excite him. Table tennis is a hugely popular sport in Asia, where JOOLA has a significant presence. Ben is excited about the prospect of expanding Pickleball globally; he thinks that it could take off quickly in Asia, and around the world in general.
He also explained how the high-tech industry of table tennis, which has been around much longer than pickleball, contributed to his decision. Ben has switched from a traditional poly-core fiberglass face to a poly-core carbon fiber paddle face, and he chose JOOLA because they were trusted, experienced, and knowledgeable.
This change in facing material makes it possible to impart more spin to the ball and is forgiving if the ball misses the sweet spot.
Ben Johns JOOLA Hyperion CAS Pickleball Paddle Features
The Carbon Abrasion Surface (CAS) on Ben John’s Hyperion CAS Pickleball paddle provides a unique, textured surface with increased spin.
Designed with a Response Honeycomb Polymer Core, it has a generous sweet spot and reduced vibration.
Furthermore, the paddle also features a hyperfoam wall, an aero-curve, and an elongated handle.
Lets take a closer look at the features of the Ben Johns JOOLA Hyperion CAS Pickleball Paddle:
CARBON ABRASION SURFACE
JOOLA’s CAS technology creates a high-spin surface with a textured surface created through a multi-step, abrasion sandblasting process.
AERO-CURVE
This head curvature has been proven to create less drag and increase swing speed.
Combining multiple composite materials in a strategic layering process, this provides outstanding control and feel.
EDGE-SHIELD PROTECTION
The paddle core is strengthened with enhanced edge guard protection to help prevent the surface from delaminating.
RESPONSE HONEYCOMB POLYMER CORE
A generous sweet spot, reduced vibration, and exceptional feedback, feel, and control make this paddle the ideal dinker, blocker, or driver.
SURE-GRIP ELONGATED HANDLE
Perforated, anti-slip ridge grips create an optimum hold with increased shock absorption. This is a great two-handed paddle.
Specifications
- Average Weight: 8.3oz
- Paddle Length: 16.5in
- Paddle Width: 7.5in
- Grip Circumference: 4.25in
- Grip Length: 5.5in
- USAPA-approved
Hyperion, the Titan God of the Sun in Greek mythology, is the name of Ben’s new paddle.
Let us know what you think of this new paddle sponsorship for Ben Johns in the comments below. How do you feel about another new paddle brand entering the pickleball market?
Let us know your thoughts on the new JOOLA Ben Johns Pickleball paddle, if you have purchased and tested it. How’s the power and control?
The Franklin Ben Johns Pickleball Paddle
This is a power paddle that has a consistent touch that can also be used for the short game.
With the Franklin Ben Johns Signature Pickleball Paddle, serious players can easily cover the whole court with an intuitive, efficient paddle that is adaptable. As a USAPA-approved paddle for competitive and tournament play, this paddle offers everything you need to improve your game.
Franklin’s MaxGrit™ Technology
Franklin’s MaxGrit™ textured surface technology offers maximum spin and reduced vibration in this premium quality paddle. The MaxGrit™ surface material reaches new heights by offering the highest texture levels permitted by USAPA, and is designed to provide incredible traction on the surface of the ball so that the ball will spin more easily, allowing for precise, controlled play.
16mm Thick Core
In line with other thick fiberglass paddles, the 16mm thick core has a lot of pop, yet the core helps spread out the impact and makes the sweet spot a bit larger while reducing vibrations.
This paddle is great because you can reach out to some balls you might not normally be able to get, and then you can hit those shots with power.
Long Handle
Players can also play double-handed backhands and enjoy shot options with more extension to the contact point with the long handle and overall length of the Franklin Ben Johns Pickleball paddle. It flexes more to provide an extra degree of speed on your shots.
Paddle Weight
The Ben Johns Signature Pickleball Paddle weighs on average 8.1 ounces, making it slightly heavier than the average paddle. This heavier paddle generates more power with less player effort.
The paddle has a four-and-a-half inch medium grip circumference with a thick padded grip to reduce vibrations. Ben usually uses a 16mm thick core, but it is also available in 13mm. The paddle weighs 7.7 ounces with a 13mm core.
Specifications
- Average Weight: 8.1 ounces
- Paddle Length: 16.5 inches
- Paddle Width: 7.3 inches
- Grip Circumference: 4.5 inches
- Grip Length: 5.5 inches
- Paddle Thickness 16mm
- USAPA-approved
Conclusion
It’s not our job to help you choose between the new JOOLA Ben Johns Pickleball paddle or the Franklin Ben Johns Pickleball paddle. We’ve given you all the facts about both paddles and then it’s up to you to decide which paddle will suit you best. What we can say is that we can highly recommend both of these Ben Johns Signature Pickleball paddles!
If you want to take your Pickleball game to the next level, read our article where we give you details on all the Pickleball equipment and accessories you’ll need to improve your game.