JOOLA 3S Review - Did JOOLA Get it Right?

Summary

The video reviews the new Yola 3S paddles, highlighting their improvements over previous models. The Yola 3S incorporates updated propulsion core technology, making it more durable and less prone to breaking than its predecessors. Despite being slightly less powerful, the 3S models offer better balance between power and control. The paddles have undergone significant changes in design, particularly in foam core technology, ensuring greater longevity. However, they are only approved by the UPA but not USAP, limiting their use in certain tournaments. Overall, the reviewer recommends the Yola 3S for its performance and durability.

Takeaways

• 🔧 Yola's new 3s paddles feature updated propulsion core technology and are some of their best paddles yet.
• 🚫 The 3s paddles are only approved by the UPAA and can't be used in USAP-sanctioned tournaments.
• 🛠️ Unlike the previous Gen 3 paddles, the new 3s models do not have compressed cores, making them less powerful but more durable.
• 📉 The 3s paddles are more muted in Firepower compared to the Gen 3s and Mod TA15, but still fall in the power category.
• 📊 Performance metrics show that the Perseus model offers more power with full swings, while the Scorpius is more control-oriented with a wider sweet spot.
• 📦 X-ray analysis reveals that the new 3s paddles have fewer crushed cells in the core, suggesting better durability compared to previous models.
• 💥 The 3s models have a slightly deeper and more muted feel than other paddles, due to the foam in the core, but provide good sweet spot coverage.
• 🎯 The Perseus 3s paddle has a higher swing weight, offering more leverage but less maneuverability, while the Scorpius has a higher twist weight for better control.
• 🏓 The 3s paddles have a break-in period where they loosen up slightly, but they remain less powerful than the previous Gen 3 models even after breaking in.
• 🔒 Despite their limitations in USAP tournaments, the 3s paddles are a strong option for power paddle users, especially for non-USAP events, and come with a 6-month warranty.

Q & A

What is the main difference between the Yola 3s paddles and the original Gen 3s?

The Yola 3s paddles no longer use a compressed core like the original Gen 3s, which makes them less powerful but likely more durable. The compression in the Gen 3s caused crushed core cells that contributed to breakage, which has been improved in the 3s models.

Why were the original Yola Gen 3 paddles delisted by the USAP?

The original Yola Gen 3 paddles were delisted by the USAP due to a technicality related to similarity testing, which led to a lawsuit. This resulted in their ban from USAP-sanctioned tournaments.

What are the four models of the Yola 3s paddle, and how do they differ?

The four models of the Yola 3s paddle are the Perseus, Scorpus, Magnus, and Hyperion. They differ in shape, handle length, and swing weight. For instance, the Perseus is more versatile with an elongated shape, the Scorpus has a wider sweet spot, the Magnus has a shorter handle, and the Hyperion has a lighter swing weight.

What is the significance of the UPAA certification for the Yola 3s paddles?

The Yola 3s paddles are certified by the UPAA, meaning they can be used in PPA events but are not allowed in USAP-sanctioned tournaments. However, this is not a major concern for most players since USAP-sanctioned events make up only about 10% of all tournaments.

How do the Yola 3s paddles compare in terms of power to the Gen 3s and the Mod TA15?

The Yola 3s paddles are less powerful than the Gen 3s and the Mod TA15, scoring just under 90 in power compared to the 95-96 range of the Gen 3s and the Mod. Despite this, the 3s models still fall into the category of power paddles.

What is the role of crushed cells in the durability of the paddle cores?

Crushed cells, which are deformed core cells caused by the compression process in the Gen 3 paddles, compromise structural integrity and contribute to paddle breakage. The Yola 3s paddles have fewer crushed cells due to the removal of the compression process, making them more durable.

What is the break-in period for the Yola 3s paddles, and how does it affect performance?

The Yola 3s paddles have a break-in period during which they loosen up and become slightly more powerful. However, even after break-in, they are still expected to be less powerful than a brand-new Gen 3 or Mod TA15.

What advantages do the Scorpus model of the Yola 3s paddles offer?

The Scorpus model has a wider sweet spot and higher twist weight, making it more forgiving and control-oriented compared to the Perseus. It's better suited for punch volleys and kitchen play, though it still offers plenty of power.

Why does the reviewer prefer the Scorpus model over other Yola 3s paddles?

The reviewer prefers the Scorpus model because of its balance between power and control, as well as its wider sweet spot, which provides more forgiveness compared to the elongated shapes of the other models like the Perseus.

What issues did the original Gen 3 and Mod TA15 paddles face in terms of durability?

The original Gen 3 and Mod TA15 paddles had issues with breakage due to the compression of the core during manufacturing, which caused crushed cells that compromised the paddle’s durability. Heavy hitters were especially prone to breaking these paddles.