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Buy the Scorpeus CFS 16 for modern spin-led play, otherwise the Onix Z5 remains a forgiving widebody classic.
Two credible mid-tier paddles with different design philosophies. The JOOLA Scorpeus CFS 16 sits in proper performance territory with JOOLA's CFS surface treatment and 16mm core thickness, aimed at intermediate-plus players who want spin and control. It's a more modern build philosophy than the Onix.
The Onix Graphite Z5 is genuinely a classic. Best-selling for years, the widebody shape gives a noticeably larger sweet spot than elongated paddles, and the graphite face delivers a soft, predictable response. At 220-235g with Nomex honeycomb core, 14mm thickness and 4 1/4" grip, it's a touch heavier than newer carbon paddles but that mass helps stability on volleys. Onix don't deny the design is dated compared with newer carbon-faced rivals.
Buy the Scorpeus CFS 16 if you want a modern paddle with carbon-grade spin generation and you're comfortable with a stiffer 16mm feel. Buy the Onix Z5 if you value forgiveness on volleys and a softer touch on dinks, especially if you're an older recreational player or you've tried thinner paddles and disliked them.
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 | Carbon Friction Surface | Graphite |
| Grip Size | — | 4 1/4" |
| Core Thickness | 16mm | 14mm |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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The main differences are: Shape: JOOLA Scorpeus has Standard vs Widebody. Core: JOOLA Scorpeus has Polymer honeycomb vs Nomex honeycomb. Surface: JOOLA Scorpeus has Carbon Friction Surface vs Graphite. Overall, the JOOLA Scorpeus CFS 16 Pickleball Paddle is best for intermediate players while the Onix Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle suits intermediate players.
Neither is specifically designed for beginners — the JOOLA Scorpeus CFS 16 Pickleball Paddle suits intermediate players and the Onix Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle suits intermediate players. Beginners may find both challenging.
The JOOLA Scorpeus CFS 16 Pickleball Paddle (£140) 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 intermediate players, the extra investment in the JOOLA Scorpeus CFS 16 Pickleball Paddle can pay off.