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Achieving success in sport is not easy and definitely unachievable if the athlete does not have the right equipment. Pickleball is a sport that relies heavily on the best paddle and this is what differentiates good players from great players.
Onix is committed to developing innovative paddles using technology that allows one to play at peak performance. Self-proclaimed pickleball fanatics, Onix is committed to growing the sport of pickleball with top-of-the-line products. This is a job that they take very seriously.
Founded in 2005, their mission has been to deliver sports equipment with advanced technologies and features that raise the bar. Onix paddles are designed by the players, for the players, and that makes the difference. Their engineers continually develop new products through on-going research and development that take the pickleball playing community to the next level. This is why Onix is considered the best in pickleball.
The innovative technology that Onix has developed over the past decade enables players to execute harder smashes, have better control over the ball and have lightning quick responses. As in every sport training and hard work are most important but an Onix Composite Z5 paddle can take one’s game to the top tier. Onixpickleball paddles are considered to be one of the best paddles on the market and are regularly seen being used by professional pickleball players at tournaments around the globe.
The Onix Composite Z5 Pickleball Paddle is one of the company’s bestsellers and its hallmark and easily recognizable Z logo is a very common sight on courts.
What We Liked
- Great for all skill levels
- Great control
- Perfect weight
What We Didn’t Like
- Not advisable for players with tennis elbow
- Noisy
Pros of the Onix Composite Z5 Pickleball Paddle
For all skill levels :
The market is abuzz with several unique and elongated paddles but players still prefer the simplicity of the old wide body shape and beginners find the larger wider hitting surface easier to play with especially as they are starting out. But this doesn’t take away from the fact that the Onix Z5 is one of the most widely used paddles by professional pickleball champions as well. If you are looking for a durable and quality paddle that can be used from the time you start playing until you turn professional then the Onix Z5 is the paddle for you.
Strengths :
The Onix Z5 paddle is made with a Fusion Core technology that combines two popular cores. A polypropylene base and a precisely placed Nomex core. This helps in creating stability and structure and provided unmatched control while power hitting the ball with accuracy and increased velocity.
Ideal Weight :
A heavy-weight fiberglass paddle, the Onix Z5 weighs between 8.4-8.7 ounces. It is this extra weight that is a good option for players who need some extra power to hit shots from the baseline. This also helps in boosting their overhead smashes and hard passing shots. The inserted Nomex core optimizes the weight distribution that results in the sweet spot that pickleball players crave for.
Size :
The Onix Z5 has a wide body shape and the width of this oversized paddle helps beginners to better their game. Professionals swear by the sweet spot that they get as a result of the wide-bodied shape.
Specifications :
The Onix Z5 has a medium size grip (4 ¼ inches) and comes in eight different colors one can choose from- Blue, Black, Yellow, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red. The size of the Z5 paddle is 15 3/4 inches long and 8 1/ inches wide. It has a cushion grip and a tennis style paddle handle that is 5 inches. It has a Nomex honeycomb core that provides excellent power at the same time maintains control.
Warranty:
The Onix Z5 is backed with a limited period manufacturer warranty. This warranty covers any defects in the workmanship of the paddle and is for a specified time period which is 1 year from the time of purchase. However, this warranty policy does not cover any modifications made to the original design, grip altered to suit oneself and wear and tear due to daily use. It also does not cover damage caused by weather, fading or getting scratches on the face of the paddle. Small indentations (less than an inch in diameter) are also not covered. A non-transferable warranty that only caters to the original purchaser.
Cons of the Onix Composite Z5 Pickleball Paddle
Weight :
Many players feel that at 8.5+ ounces this paddle is too heavy especially for those with tennis elbow or similar sport-related injuries. It is heavier than the graphite paddle and though it has more power it tells on the fitness of the player.
Power :
With all this extra power comes the loss of control. The player tends to lose control over the ball and how to correctly maneuver it. The combination of the Nomex core and the graphite face makes the ball bounce off the paddle very unpredictably.
Noise :
The Onix composite Z5 is a very noisy paddle owing to the fact that there is no noise dampening technology applied. This is the case with all Nomex paddles.
Look :
If looking suave on the court is part of your persona then you will be disappointed as the Onix Z5 is not that great looking a paddle. Even though it has the Z5 model number on it a lot is lacking in terms of good looks. The manufacturers could have left out information such as the phone number, website which is printed on the paddle.
Conclusion
Onix pickleball paddles are considered some of the best paddles on the market and the Z5 Composite paddle has the price and the quality aligned just right. This paddle is ideal for players at any level and Onix Z5 is endorsed and designed by National Champion Steve Wong. The classic shape, quality, build and solid feel of the paddle makes it a good match for all-around players from beginners to professional levels. While this is not a cheap paddle by any means, it seems reasonable if you are serious about playing pickleball and if you are looking at a paddle to last for years. Also check our ONIX Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle Review