Brooks Hyperion 2 vs New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5

The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 and the Brooks Hyperion 2 represent two different philosophies within the daily trainer space. The Rebel, once seen as a lightweight performance trainer, has shifted toward a softer, higher-stacked daily trainer with broader appeal—more cushioned, more comfortable, but less exciting than previous versions. In contrast, the Hyperion 2 sticks to the roots of the lightweight, lower-stack, more traditional trainer niche. It's way lighter, firmer, and tuned for runners who value ground feel and precision over plushness. The Rebel v5 is noticeably softer underfoot, with more give and a more relaxed, forgiving ride.