JOOLA Hyperion 3S Simone Jardim Review: Refined Evolution with Consistent Control

The JOOLA Hyperion line has been one of the most recognizable paddle series in pickleball, so when the Hyperion 3S Simone Jardim edition dropped in price, I knew I had to get it on the court. After spending some quality time playing with it, I can confidently say this paddle feels like a refined evolution rather than a complete reinvention—and honestly, that's a good thing.

First Impressions

Right out of the bag, the Hyperion 3S feels clean, balanced, and familiar. JOOLA sticks with their signature professional look—nothing flashy, just sharp and purposeful. The weight distribution felt comfortable immediately, not overly head-heavy, which made swinging feel natural from the very first rally. It's the kind of paddle that doesn't intimidate you.

On-Court Feel

Once on the court, the paddle really started to shine. The feel off the face is soft but connected—not mushy, not stiff. Dinks felt controlled and confident, especially at the kitchen where touch matters most. I never felt rushed or out of control when resetting balls or engaging in hand battles.

Volleys had a crisp response without feeling harsh, and during longer rallies, the paddle remained consistent and predictable—which is something I value a lot.

Spin & Shot Shaping

JOOLA's Carbon Friction Surface has always been a strong point, and the Hyperion 3S continues that trend. Spin came easily, whether I was rolling topspin drives or adding slice on returns. I didn't feel like I had to over-swing to get movement on the ball—the paddle naturally helped shape shots.

If you're someone who enjoys mixing in spin to control pace and placement, you'll feel right at home here.

Power & Control Balance

This isn't a full-on power paddle, and that's actually one of its strengths. The Hyperion 3S offers controlled power—enough pop to finish points when you step into your shots, but not so much that it punishes you for swinging freely.

Defensively, the paddle really impressed me. Blocking hard shots, soft resets, and transition zone play all felt smooth and forgiving. It gives you confidence when you're under pressure, which can be a huge difference-maker in tight games.

Who Is This Paddle For?

The JOOLA Hyperion 3S is a great fit for players who prioritize control, consistency, and spin over raw power. If you're an all-court player who values smart shot selection and touch at the net, this paddle checks a lot of boxes.

It's also a solid option for players already familiar with the Hyperion line who want something slightly more refined and user-friendly.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the JOOLA Hyperion 3S feels like JOOLA listened to player feedback and made subtle but meaningful improvements. It keeps everything people loved about the original Hyperion while smoothing out the experience and making it easier to trust your shots.

It may not be the loudest or flashiest paddle on the market, but it's consistent, dependable, and quietly effective—and sometimes that's exactly what you want in your bag.

— Salt n Pepper Pickleball