Paddle Review: JOOLA Anna Bright Scorpius 3S 14mm
by Angela Deng on Nov 20, 2024
Bottom Line:
If you are looking for power, a long handle and a large sweet spot this is the paddle for you. This paddle is “older sister” compared to the Gen 2 Scorpeus model, it has higher spin, more power, a little more pop but the same great widebody/ standard shape and 5.25in handle. You do lose a bit of control, compared to its predecessor, but gain the advantage in more aggressive shots like drives, counters and flicks with the added power and pop.
Model: Scorpius 3S 14mm
Manufacturer: JOOLA
Paddle Type: Power
Spin: Very High
Player Level: Intermediate - Advanced
Thickness: 14mm
Weight: 7.8 - 8.0oz (Mid-weight)
Surface: Raw Carbon Fiber
✅ Pros
- Fantastic spin
- Plenty of power
- Huge Sweet Spot
❌ Cons
- Pop can be hard to control
- Not USAP approved at this time
Playtesting
Power and Pop
Power is no problem with the Scorpius 3S 14mm. Sometimes I found that I had too much of it. In my play testing I did find it hard to adjust in mixed doubles where you get driven at more often that do have to adjust for that pop and power with more shortened strokes and softer hands.
Resets and blocks pop off the paddle and it is harder to get the ball to drop low over the net, but counterfold the counters are rockers and hardly come back. The propulsion core works at its highest potential with very controlled shortened swings, this movement really gives you the control over the explosive power.
Spin and Maneuverability
The wider body shape really allows you the runway to roll the ball longer and create crazy spin on those roll shots. The thinner core and the lower swingweight lets you do whatever you want at the net. My favorite shot on this paddle, and one of Anna Bright’s signature’s, is the one handed backhand flick.
Feedback and Sweetspot
If you were coming from the Gen 2 Scorpeus, the 3S model will feel slightly stiffer and more poppy. The large sweet spot is great for all shots, it just gives you more room for error which I love because who doesn’t want more forgiveness on those off shots.
Tech
The propulsion core technology, featuring a foam perimeter surrounding the honeycomb core,creates a trampoline effect that rockets the ball off the surface of the paddle for almost effortless power.
Overall Thoughts
The 14mm core thickness lets you swing easily through the ball, and the 5.25” handle paired with the flared neck provides comfortable length for all the two handed shots. The charged carbon surface and the wider shape allows for more surface area for the ball to roll across providing incredible spin potential.
This paddle is great if you play singles and women's doubles and want that power advantage. The other downside of this paddle is that is doesn't not have USPA certification at this time, but it does have UPA-A certifications, so if you're a tournament player this may be an issue for you.
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