Onix Z5 Graphite
$89.99
About the Onix Z5 Graphite
The Onix Z5 Graphite is a widebody pickleball paddle with a graphite face over a 14mm core. It weighs about 7.5–8.2 oz, with a 5" grip. Listed price: $89.99.
Listed play style: balanced.
Where to buy: Onix direct and Amazon.
Where to buy
| Retailer | Price | Availability | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onix | $89.99 | In stock | Buy on Onix (opens in a new tab) |
| Amazon | $89.99 | Check Amazon | Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Prices may vary — confirm the current price on the retailer’s site. We may earn a commission on some of these links at no extra cost to you; Amazon links do not pay us a commission.
Pickle's Take
14mm core, graphite face. Wide-body forgiveness for off-center hits. Best for players looking for a do-it-all paddle without a sharp learning curve.
- PickleSwaps editorial team
Pickle's 5-axis score
Based on published specs, ranked against all 320 paddles we cover. 0–10 per axis.
- Power
- 1.2 / 10
- Hand speed
- 8.5 / 10
- Forgiveness
- 9.0 / 10
- Touch
- 3.0 / 10
- Spin
- 1.4 / 10
Bottom 4% of catalog on power
Top 20% of catalog on hand speed
Above the catalog median on forgiveness
Below the catalog median on touch
Bottom 9% of catalog on spin
The Onix Z5 Graphite in our database
Its length (15.5 in) is shorter than all of the 15 other 14–15 mm widebody paddles in our database.
Where it sits
| Spec | Z5 Graphite | Position | Compared with (our database) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 7.85 oz (midpoint of 7.5–8.2 oz) | lighter than 47% (7% same) | 15 other 14–15 mm widebody paddles |
| Length | 15.5 in | shorter than all | 15 other 14–15 mm widebody paddles |
| Handle length | 5 in | shorter than 94% | 16 other 14–15 mm widebody paddles |
| Weight within Onix | 7.85 oz | 2nd lightest (tied) | 8 paddles from Onix |
Approval record
- USA Pickleball:
- On the approved list, listed as “Onix Sports Graphite Z5”. Date added on the list: Dec 5, 2011.
- UPA-A:
- No matching entry found on the approved list.
Checked: USA Pickleball Nov 3, 2026; UPA-A Oct 3, 2026. Current status only.
Closest by measured specs
Head Gravity Team EX: 0.05 oz heavier, same core, same shape, 0.25 in longer, $5 cheaper
Onix Evoke Pro: 0.2 oz heavier, 13 mm core (1 mm thinner), same shape, $10 more
Volair Shift WB 14mm: 0.2 oz heavier, same core, same shape, 0.5 in longer, $15 more
Nettie The Classic: 0.1 oz heavier, 13 mm core (1 mm thinner), same shape, 0.25 in longer, similar listed price
Should you buy the Onix Z5 Graphite?
Best for
Beginner-to-casual doubles; classic Nomex and graphite widebody, dependable all-court learning over modern spin.
Read Pickle's full breakdown
Who should buy the Z5 Graphite
Buy it if you're a new or casual player who wants the paddle that defined the category - a proven, dependable, do-it-all graphite paddle thousands learned on. The Nomex core gives a crisp, lively pop with surprising depth without a full swing, and the widebody face is forgiving and generous. A no-overthinking classic for rec and family play.
Who should skip it
Skip it if spin or modern feel is your priority. The Nomex core and smooth graphite face are older tech - spin is only serviceable and leans on technique, and the feel is firmer and less grippy than today's raw-carbon paddles. Competitive 3.5+ players will out-grow it next to a modern carbon paddle at a similar price.
The main tradeoff
It's a classic, which means it's older tech. The Nomex and graphite build is crisp and dependable but grips and deadens less than modern raw carbon - you trade cutting-edge spin and touch for a proven, familiar feel.
Is it worth it?
At $89.99 you pay a little for the name and the legacy, and the modern $100 carbon paddles arguably out-spec it. But as a dependable, widely available first paddle that simply works for rec play, the Z5 remains a reasonable, low-risk buy.
Closest alternatives
Description written June 28, 2026
