Review: Onix Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle

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Hey Pickle People!

Here is a review I should have written a long time ago, but I haven't gotten around to it and it is the Onix Z5 Graphite. This was my first Onix brand paddle and actually my first Nomex core paddle. I have been using this paddle for the last year or so and have played a decent amount of games with this guy. I got the Blue Mod graphic, i’m not a huge fan of the older design, but in terms of performance I really enjoy this paddle as one of the premier power paddles for its weight and price range.

Onix Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle - Mod Blue

Escalade Sports

Head

The first thing that many people notice if they have played pickle ball before is the sound and feel of the head striking the ball. This is a Normex core paddle, so it is more of a solid feeling paddle head and not as “soft feeling” as a non-Normex honeycomb core Bantam or a Selkirk AMPED series. The one big positive is that you really feel the power when the ball hits the sweet spot of this paddle, there really isn’t another core that will give you the same feeling. The sound and the “pop” feeling is a little addicting, so be sure not to get too into only thing to hit kill shot winners all the time. I did notice that the sweet spot didn’t seem as big on this paddle face and I’m not sure if it is the edge guard or just the head design, but that is something to keep in mind. Some people also don’t like the lack of feel from the paddle in terms of a close game, but I didn’t really feel big hinderance in the short game.

Handle

I really love the handle and feel of this paddle. It feels much more connected and one singular piece (almost like holding a sword) than the other paddles I’ve used. I also think the handle is a little more ergonomic that some of the other paddles I’ve used and I think that's because the paddle overall is a little thinner and Onix was able to shape the handle a little better than come of the the other composite paddles. Now this is a middle/heavier weight paddle and I have had some of my friends complain that it is a little heavy. If you do have the arm/wrist strength I think it is a definite keeper for the price.

Overall Impressions/Specs

• Great power from the sweet spot

• Ergonomic handle feel

• Feels solid throughout the head to the handle

Overall this paddle is very interesting in the fact that it really is one of the only Normex Core paddles that is extremely popular in this price range (many people are more for other material honey comb). I feel like nothing around this price can come that close to the amount of power and feel of the “Sweet spot” on this paddle making it one of the premier paddles in terms of power shots. I love the handle and the build quality, but I do see that as a whole, it is not as refined all throughout the court as some of the other paddles. In conclusion, I think this is a great paddle, but definitely for certain players that have the arm strength and the power play style that can accommodate this paddle to the fullest.

Similar Paddles:

Specs:

• Technical Specifications

• Weight Average: 7.9 ounces

• Weight Range: 7.5 – 8.2 ounces

• Grip Circumference: 4 1/4" (Medium) Actual grip sizes may vary up to 1/8".

• Grip Tack: Medium Grip Style: Perforated cushion grip

• Grip Manufacturer: Onix

• Grip Length: 5”

• Paddle Length: 15 1/2”

• Paddle Width: 8-1/8”

• Paddle Face: Graphite

• Core Material: Nomex honeycomb

• Edge Guard: ¼” overlapping paddle face

• Manufacturer: Onix Sports (formerly S-Type Sports)

Here is the Amazon link if you wanted to check the paddle out!

Onix Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle - Mod Blue

Escalade Sports

Buy on Amazon

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