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Onix Graphite Z5 for regular intermediate players; Diadem Icon v2 as a sensible budget starter or backup paddle.
Surprising matchup, this. The Diadem Icon v2 lands at around 45 pounds and is an entry-level paddle from a brand that knows what it is doing further up the range. The Onix Graphite Z5 is a venerable widebody at 60 to 80 pounds with a 14mm Nomex honeycomb core, graphite face and 220 to 235 gram swing weight. The Z5 is the more capable paddle, no contest, but the price gap is enough to give the Diadem a fighting chance for casual players. Buy the Onix Graphite Z5 if you are an intermediate player who already plays weekly and wants a paddle with a generous sweet spot and proper touch on dinks. Otherwise go for the Diadem Icon v2, which is a perfectly reasonable starter paddle for someone who plays once a fortnight or is buying a backup. Do not expect Z5-level feel from the Icon v2, but it will not embarrass you at the kitchen line either.
Hand-written editorial — not auto-generated. By Gary, RacketRise.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Pickleball Paddles | Pickleball Paddles |
| Sport | Pickleball | Pickleball |
| Skill Level | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Weight | — | 220-235g |
| Shape | Standard | Widebody |
| Core | Polymer honeycomb | Nomex honeycomb |
| Surface | — | Graphite |
| Grip Size | — | 4 1/4" |
| Core Thickness | — | 14mm |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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The main differences are: Shape: Diadem Icon has Standard vs Widebody. Core: Diadem Icon has Polymer honeycomb vs Nomex honeycomb. Overall, the Diadem Icon v2 Pickleball Paddle is best for intermediate players while the Onix Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle suits intermediate players.
Neither is specifically designed for beginners — the Diadem Icon v2 Pickleball Paddle suits intermediate players and the Onix Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle suits intermediate players. Beginners may find both challenging.
The Onix Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle (£60-80) costs more than the Diadem Icon v2 Pickleball Paddle (£45). Whether the premium is worth it depends on your skill level — if you are intermediate players, the extra investment in the Onix Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle can pay off.