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JOOLA Ben Johns Essentials for casual newcomers; Onix Graphite Z5 for intermediates who prize touch and reliability.
A budget JOOLA against a long-serving classic. The JOOLA Ben Johns Essentials is £40 and pitched at all levels. The Onix Graphite Z5 is £60-80, intermediate-rated, 220-235g, widebody shape, Nomex honeycomb core, graphite face, 4 1/4 inch grip, 14mm thick.
The Onix Z5 has been a UK club staple for years. The widebody shape gives a generous sweet spot, and the graphite face delivers reliable touch and feel that intermediate players appreciate for dinks and resets. It's heavier than newer carbon paddles, and the design now looks dated against modern elongated shapes, but the fundamentals still hold up.
The JOOLA Ben Johns Essentials at £40 is the budget play. You get JOOLA's name and a paddle competent enough to learn on, but you won't get the touch the Z5's Nomex and graphite combination delivers.
Hand-written editorial — not auto-generated. By Gary, RacketRise.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Pickleball Paddles | Pickleball Paddles |
| Sport | Pickleball | Pickleball |
| Skill Level | Beginner | Intermediate |
| Weight | — | 220-235g |
| Shape | Standard | Widebody |
| Core | Polymer honeycomb | Nomex honeycomb |
| Surface | Composite | Graphite |
| Grip Size | — | 4 1/4" |
| Core Thickness | — | 14mm |
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| Cons |
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The main differences are: Shape: JOOLA Ben has Standard vs Widebody. Core: JOOLA Ben has Polymer honeycomb vs Nomex honeycomb. Surface: JOOLA Ben has Composite vs Graphite. Overall, the JOOLA Ben Johns Essentials Pickleball Paddle is best for beginners while the Onix Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle suits intermediate players.
The JOOLA Ben Johns Essentials Pickleball Paddle is the better choice for beginners thanks to its forgiving design and accessible price point. The Onix Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle is aimed at intermediate players and may be more demanding to use effectively.
The Onix Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle (£60-80) costs more than the JOOLA Ben Johns Essentials Pickleball Paddle (£40). 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.