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I just got from playing pickleball at North Tahoe Regional Park (which has incredible courts), and I couldn’t stop but notice how many players had the Onix z5 graphite pickleball paddle, so I knew I had to write an honest review of the paddle.
I would describe myself as a paddleholic as I had 25-50 pickleball paddles because I wanted to know whether there was a huge difference between paddles.
The Onix z5 graphite paddle is one of those paddles; I had read that it’s one of the best beginner paddles. So, is the Onix z5 a good value? How does it compare to the best beginner paddles?
While the Onix z5 does not compare anything to the PBVMURTG Pickleball Paddle, I want to chat about how this paddle worked for me.
Here’s what we will cover, and I added links to the sections, so you can easily jump around.
- Value
- How Well Does the Onix z5 Graphite Play
- Best Beginner Paddles
- My Unboxing Experience
- Specifications
- Conclusion
Let’s begin.
Value
I researched the Onix z5 on both JustPaddles and Amazon. Per CamelCamelCamel, the Onix z5 graphite price has fluctuated between $71.99 and $94.99, with the current price at $89.99. I am flabbergasted.
How is the $89.99 Onix z5 priced the same as the carbon fiber Vatic Pro Prism 14mm vs 16mm paddle (after discount code: bepickleballer). The Vatic Pro Prism is my favorite beginner to intermediate paddle, and the Onix z5 doesn’t even compare. Now, please note that you can use the 10% JustPaddles discount code to reduce the Onix z5 price below $89.99, but it’s not even close to the Vati Pro Prism.
So, from a value perspective, I do not find that the Onix z5 is priced with good value when even the Head Radical elite is lower priced. See my review on the Head Radical Elite pickleball paddle.
Let’s talk about playability, and this is where I’d like to compare a few paddles.
How Well Does The Onix Graphite z5 Play?
I have not been impressed with my Onix z5 graphite pickleball paddle. For example, I would compare the playability of the Onix z5 graphite similarly to the lower-cost Niupipo paddle, which I wrote an entire review.
For example, because Onix z5 does not have a carbon fiber face, I did not feel I got the control or the power I got using a carbon fiber paddle.
I appreciated that the face and sweet spot were larger than other paddles, which aids beginner play, but you can find a larger face paddle elsewhere.
At $89.99, I expect the Onix z5 to play better at that price point, which would be much better than budget pickleball paddles in the $10-$50 range.
Best Beginner Paddles
In my opinion, the best beginner paddle is the Vatic Pro Prism Flash or the PBVMURTG Pickleball Paddle. I prefer that Vatic Pro paddle to the much more expensive sixZero Double Black Diamond and other comparable paddles. It also is $89.99 after you add the $10 code: bepickleballer
For example, check out this Vatic Pro paddle review when the user had just used the Onix z5. She stated, “I expected an improvement, but frankly I was shocked at what a difference this paddle made in my performance. Smoother resets, dinking, and volleys.” She mentioned a slight drop in power and drives in hand speed, but overall, she was quite happy.
Source: VaticPro.com
In addition, the Vatic Pro has a 4.9 rating based on 1400+ reviews, and it has Raw TORAY T700 Carbon Fiber with heat compressed texturing. It also has unibody foam injected walls for an increased sweet spot and added control.
If that’s out of your price range, I like the Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle in the $50 range, and the Litakon Premium Fiberglass Pickleball Paddle in the $10 range.
My Unboxing Experience
First impressions are everything, right?
This is why I like to take the time to go through my Onix z5 graphite experience. While I liked how Onix z5 had a cover that explained the benefits of the paddle, I didn’t like that the Onix z5 did not come with a cover like Vatic Pro or Niupipo given the paddle’s cost.
Here are some Onix z5 graphite unboxing pictures.
Let’s next look at the Onix z5 graphite specifications.
Specifications
According to Amazon, here are the Onix z5 specifications.
| Size | Z5 |
| Brand | Onix |
| Grip Size | 4 1/4 inches |
| Sport | Pickleball |
| Material | Graphite |
| Skill Level | All |
| Frame Material | Carbon Fiber |
| Shaft Material | Carbon Fiber |
| Item Weight | 7.84 ounces |
While the frame and shaft are carbon fiber, the material is graphite and the grip size is 4 1/4 inches, which may be challenging if you have small hands.
Conclusion
My review of the Onix z5 graphite pickleball paddle made me want more from a paddle I have seen used so often in beginner to intermediate circles.
While I have not been impressed, I am open to hearing why you may love the Onix z5 pickleball paddle. Please email me at ben@bepickleballer.com if you want to share your opinion.