Pickleball is a great sport to enjoy with friends but is even more enjoyable when you use the ideal pickleball paddle. One of the best options I have come across is the ONIX Graphite Z5, a paddle that emphasizes just how important comfort can be when on the court.
Appearance
At first glance, the ONIX Graphite Z5 is one of the sportier options on the market. It is a midsize option designed to be used by players of all genders and physical builds. The actual product dimensions come in at 18 x 11 x 3 in. and the paddle weighs around 8 oz., making it easy to use on the court.
An oft-touted feature of this paddle is the graphite face and tennis racket handle. Graphite is considered one of the best options for a paddle because it creates medium spin, allows for an even spread of force, and is quite maneuverable. In my experience, it also adds some extra pop while playing which is great for better preparing and enacting popular hits.
Finally, I enjoyed the sheer number of colors the ONIX Graphite Z5 is available in. This is obviously a minor feature, but it was great to see that I could get a paddle in literally every color of the rainbow if I so desired. I tried out a blue one, but it is also possible to get red, green, yellow, pink, purple, orange, and many others.
Specifications
The actual specs of a racket are essential for amateurs and pros alike. A racket can look pretty, but you won’t use it if you don’t feel comfortable with how it feels in your hand.
As mentioned before, the ONIX Graphite Z5 has a graphite face and tennis racket handle. The body shape is quite wide, and the interior features a Nomex Honeycomb Core. I prefer graphite as a surface material because of its flexibility and maneuverability, but it also reduces how much the ball “sticks” to the paddle when striking.
The tennis racket handle is comfortable to hold and helps reduce how often you get blisters on your hands and fingers while playing. The handle is about 4.5 in., which gives enough room for a sturdy grip, even if you have large hands. The actual face of the paddle is also quite wide, coming in at 8.3 in. Whether you are just practicing or engage in a serious match, this should be enough space for solid hits and a few trick shots.
Finally, there is the Nomex Honeycomb Core. This refers to the pattern embedded in the face, which includes many even hexagons. The company claims the core provides power while helping players maintain control, and I believe them. It was so easy to maneuver my shots and dominate on the court with this model.
Pros and Cons
As with any other paddle, the ONIX Graphite Z5 has some pros and cons that need mentioning. When it comes to the positives, there are many.
Unfortunately, there are also some cons to be considered. In general, I did not like the following.
Pros
- Great control and flexibility
- Available in multiple colors
- Wide paddle face
- Adequate gripping space
Cons
- The handle is slippery
- Only one side features texture
- Expensive
I was a bit disappointed to open the box with my paddle and discover only one side had the Nomex Honeycomb Core. The pictures and description made it sound like both sides had the extra grip.
Conclusion
Overall, the ONIX Graphite Z5 is an excellent, if expensive, paddle. It works great for beginners and experts alike and packs enough power to wow the crowd – or your opponents.
That marks the end of this review. All in all, the Z5 is an excellent paddle that provides lots of power and comfort so if you have the money to spend, this is a solid widebody option.
