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JOOLA Premium for ambitious intermediates with budget; Onix Graphite Z5 still hard to beat for value and feel.
Worth thinking carefully about this one. The Onix Graphite Z5 is a 220 to 235 gram widebody classic with a 14mm Nomex honeycomb core and graphite face, around 60 to 80 pounds, and it has earned its reputation for touch and a generous sweet spot. The JOOLA Premium Pickleball Paddle sits in a different bracket at 150 to 200 pounds and lines up with JOOLA's more recent technology rollouts. Buy the JOOLA Premium if you are already an intermediate-plus player chasing the latest construction methods and a paddle that will see you through tournaments. Otherwise go for the Onix Graphite Z5 and pocket the difference. For most UK players still building consistency on third-shot drops and resets, the Z5 is more paddle than they can fully use, and the JOOLA's premium materials will go to waste. Old does not mean bad in pickleball, and the Z5 is a lesson in that principle.
Hand-written editorial — not auto-generated. By Gary, RacketRise.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Pickleball Paddles | Pickleball Paddles |
| Sport | Pickleball | Pickleball |
| Skill Level | Advanced | Intermediate |
| Weight | — | 220-235g |
| Shape | — | Widebody |
| Core | Polymer honeycomb | Nomex honeycomb |
| Surface | Carbon | Graphite |
| Grip Size | — | 4 1/4" |
| Core Thickness | — | 14mm |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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The main differences are: Core: JOOLA Premium has Polymer honeycomb vs Nomex honeycomb. Surface: JOOLA Premium has Carbon vs Graphite. Overall, the JOOLA Premium Pickleball Paddle is best for advanced players while the Onix Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle suits intermediate players.
Neither is specifically designed for beginners — the JOOLA Premium Pickleball Paddle suits advanced players and the Onix Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle suits intermediate players. Beginners may find both challenging.
The JOOLA Premium Pickleball Paddle (£150-200) costs more than the Onix Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle (£60-80). Whether the premium is worth it depends on your skill level — if you are advanced players, the extra investment in the JOOLA Premium Pickleball Paddle can pay off.