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Onix Z5 for traditional punch on a budget; Selkirk SLK Halo for softer, more modern control feel.
Two solid intermediate paddles in the £60-90 bracket, but they target different players. The Onix Graphite Z5 is 220-235g, widebody, Nomex honeycomb core, graphite face at 14mm. Widebody plus Nomex honeycomb means a big, vocal sweet spot — you hear when you've middled it. The Z5 has been the default UK club paddle for years.
Nomex isn't soft, mind. It's louder and stiffer than newer polymer cores, and Onix flag the paddle as heavier and dated next to modern carbon offerings.
The Selkirk SLK Halo at £90 is the all-skills frame and Selkirk's modern feel is generally quieter, plusher and a touch more controlled — closer to what newer players expect after watching pro footage online.
Neither is wrong. The Z5 is value, the Halo is finesse.
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 | Widebody | — |
| Core | Nomex honeycomb | Polymer honeycomb |
| Surface | Graphite | Carbon |
| Grip Size | 4 1/4" | — |
| Core Thickness | 14mm | — |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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The main differences are: Core: Onix Graphite has Nomex honeycomb vs Polymer honeycomb. Surface: Onix Graphite has Graphite vs Carbon. Overall, the Onix Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle is best for intermediate players while the Selkirk SLK Halo Pickleball Paddle suits intermediate players.
Neither is specifically designed for beginners — the Onix Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle suits intermediate players and the Selkirk SLK Halo Pickleball Paddle suits intermediate players. Beginners may find both challenging.
The Selkirk SLK Halo Pickleball Paddle (£90) 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 Selkirk SLK Halo Pickleball Paddle can pay off.