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Buy the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air if you play competitively; the Onix Graphite Z5 stays a brilliant intermediate workhorse.
Old guard versus new tech. The Onix Graphite Z5 has been a best-seller for years — widebody shape, Nomex honeycomb core, graphite face, 14mm thick. It's the paddle most UK clubs have a few of in the lost-property bin, and there's a reason: it just works.
The Selkirk Vanguard Power Air is the modern equivalent at 2-3x the price: 16mm thickness, polymer X5 core, QuadFlex carbon face, elongated shape, and that Air Dynamic Throat which genuinely does smooth out faster swings.
Who's right for what: - The Z5's widebody and large sweet spot make it ideal for an intermediate who values touch and reliability over cutting-edge spec. - The Vanguard's elongated reach and carbon face suit a competitive player who already has a developed game and wants the extra weapon.
The Nomex core in the Z5 is louder and has a different feel from modern polymer paddles — some love it, some find it harsh. If you can demo, do.
Hand-written editorial — not auto-generated. By Gary, RacketRise.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Pickleball Paddles | Pickleball Paddles |
| Sport | Pickleball | Pickleball |
| Skill Level | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Weight | 220-235g | 220-235g |
| Shape | Widebody | Elongated |
| Core | Nomex honeycomb | Polymer X5 honeycomb |
| Surface | Graphite | QuadFlex Hybrid carbon fibre |
| Grip Size | 4 1/4" | 4 1/4" |
| Core Thickness | 14mm | 16mm |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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The main differences are: Shape: Onix Graphite has Widebody vs Elongated. Core: Onix Graphite has Nomex honeycomb vs Polymer X5 honeycomb. Surface: Onix Graphite has Graphite vs QuadFlex Hybrid carbon fibre. Overall, the Onix Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle is best for intermediate players while the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Pickleball Paddle suits advanced players.
Neither is specifically designed for beginners — the Onix Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle suits intermediate players and the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Pickleball Paddle suits advanced players. Beginners may find both challenging.
The Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Pickleball Paddle (£170-220) 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 Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Pickleball Paddle can pay off.