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Buy the Onix Z5 if you want a forgiving widebody classic, otherwise the JOOLA Solaire offers more spin for similar money.
Two solid mid-tier paddles, but they suit very different players. The JOOLA Solaire CFS 14 at £65 is built around CFS (Carbon Friction Surface) tech for spin generation, with a 14mm core that gives a slightly punchier feel. The Onix Graphite Z5 at £60-80 is the genre-defining widebody — a Nomex honeycomb core wrapped in a graphite face, weighing 220-235g.
What actually matters here:
If you're an intermediate who wants forgiveness and a known quantity, the Z5 still earns its keep. If spin and a more modern feel matter, the Solaire is the smarter buy at £65.
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 | 14mm | 14mm |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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The main differences are: Shape: JOOLA Solaire has Standard vs Widebody. Core: JOOLA Solaire has Polymer honeycomb vs Nomex honeycomb. Surface: JOOLA Solaire has Carbon Friction Surface vs Graphite. Overall, the JOOLA Solaire CFS 14 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 Solaire CFS 14 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 JOOLA Solaire CFS 14 Pickleball Paddle (£65). 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.