Joola Scorpeus First Look
These are the Joola Scorpeus. They come in two signature models. The Collin Johns 16mm and the Anna Bright 14mm.
These are the same paddle as the Perseus, but they are in the standard 16x8 shape rather than the elongated 16.5x7.5. After playing with them, I’m much more impressed than I thought I would be. Keep reading to find out why.
Specs:
Price: $250
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Thickness: 16mm & 14mm
Weight range: 7.8-8.2oz
Shape: Standard (16x8)
Handle length: 5.25" (I measure 5.5")
Grip circumference:
16mm: 4.25"
14mm: 4.125"
Face: Raw carbon fiber
Core: Polymer
Swing weight:
16mm: 112
14mm: 111
Spin RPM:
16mm: 1784
14mm: 1780
Warranty: 6-months
Handle length
The specs list the Scorpeus as 5.25", and I wonder if this is a mistake. If you hold up the Perseus (5.5") next to the Scorpeus, they are identical. I also added a third paddle with a 5.5" handle, the Bread & Butter Filth; it was also identical.
Perseus vs Scorpeus handle length
I even measured it, and it comes out to 5.5" inches. So I'm not entirely sure what that's all about. There's plenty of space for a two-handed backhand if that was a concern of yours.
Spin
The spin of the Scorpeus is acceptable. It isn't top-tier, but by no means is it bad. While playing games, I was never upset that it wasn't higher. For 99% of players, this will be plenty of spin.
Resets, Blocks, & Sweet Spot
The 16mm excels heavily in blocking and resets. This might be one of the best paddles I have ever used for that part of my game. I joked several times that I felt like Collin Johns during my first look. I can see why he will be using this paddle because it seems perfect for his style of play.
One of the reasons I think it excels so much is the sweet spot feels muuuuuuuuch better than the Perseus. I would put it close to the performance of the other thermoformed paddles on the market. If you're a player who relies on their touch, I think Collin Johns' 16mm will be one of the best on the market.
For the Anna Bright 14mm, you lose some touch and have to be softer with your hands, but you don't sacrifice too much touch. It feels like controllable power.
For both paddles, I recommend applying lead tape. Either at the bottom corners or on the sides. It will help the paddles feel just a tiny bit more stable and solid.
Hand speed
A massive selling point for both paddles is the hand speed. With swing weights of 112 and 111, these are some of the fastest thermoformed paddles on the market.
I was very impressed by the first few hand battles I got into with these. Combine that with a large sweet spot, and it feels like a great paddle at the net.
I did enjoy the Anna Bright 14mm more at the net because of the additional pop that it has. It felt easier to get ahead or put the ball away during a hand battle than the 16mm.
If hand speed is important to you, these are both phenomenal options.
Serves & Drives
Serves and drives were definitely more enjoyable on Anna Bright's 14mm, but I wouldn't call that surprising. For being a 16x8 paddle, I was very pleased with the power I could generate from the baseline.
It isn't effortless power like the CRBN1X 14mm, but I think you could make it relatively comparable by adding lead to the 3 and 9 positions of the paddle if you're okay sacrificing some of your hand speed.
For the Collin Johns 16mm, you will definitely notice that it does not have as much power as the other thermoformed paddles at the net.
Closing thoughts
I wasn't that impressed with the Perseus, but for whatever reason, I really like the Scorpeus. I'm shocked to say that since I never prefer the 16x8 versions of a paddle, but these are great.
They excel heavily in their large sweet spot and low swing weights. At the net, they feel incredibly fast, and they are great when you need to switch to defense. Specifically the Collin Johns 16mm.
My recommendation is that if you are a player who loves their defense, drops, dinking, and resets, look into the Collin Johns 16mm. I think it is one of the best on the market regarding defense.
If you're an offensive player who wants a paddle that will give you faster hands, a great sweet spot, and moderately good defense, Anna Bright's paddle is a great choice.
I think these strike a nice middle ground by not having absurd amounts of power that some may not want but not being a complete pillow when you want to finish the ball.
I could go to a tournament with either and compete happily.