Onix Z5 Graphite

What it is

The classic budget paddle. Graphite face, Nomex honeycomb core, widebody shape, 11mm thickness. The Onix Z5 has been the entry-level pickleball paddle for nearly a decade and it's still the cheapest paddle on this list with a real brand behind it. Some HK sports retailers stock it directly, which is rare for any paddle in this guide.

It's old tech in every dimension that matters in 2026 (no thermoforming, no raw carbon, no foam edge), and that's the point. It's the paddle you buy when you're not sure you'll stick with the sport.

How it plays

The Z5 is loud. Nomex honeycomb cores have a famously sharp pop that announces itself across the court, which is part of why most modern paddles moved to polymer cores years ago. Players around you will notice. Control (8.5) is the surprising strength: the widebody shape and 11mm core combine for a stable feel on dinks despite the dated tech.

Spin (4) is where the paddle falls apart against any modern competitor. A graphite face simply cannot grip the ball the way raw carbon can. Drive a topspin shot with a Z5 and a Vatic Prism Flash side by side and the difference is immediate. Power (6) is also limited; the thin core and lack of thermoform pop mean drives require real arm work.

Durability is OK at 7. Comfort is 8.3, which is the other surprise: the dampening from the older polymer core makes it less harsh on the wrist than newer thin power paddles, even though long sessions on the thin 11mm get fatiguing.

Build and specs

7.5 oz stock, 4 1/4'' grip, 11mm Nomex honeycomb core, widebody shape, graphite face. The lightest paddle in this batch by some margin, which makes it forgiving for slower swing tempos and casual players. USAPA approved.

Where it fits

First-paddle, budget, kids-or-casual-adult tier. The right buyer is the curious starter who wants to try pickleball without committing to a HK$800 thermoformed paddle. At HK$380 to HK$500 (and walk-in availability at some HK retailers), it's a low-stakes entry point.

If you've already played 10 sessions, the Z5 is dated. You'll outgrow it within 6 months of regular play. A Vatic Prism Flash or Friday Fever for HK$300 more is a meaningfully better paddle and worth the upgrade.

Bottom line

Buy it for one reason: you want to try pickleball without committing real money. If that's you, the Z5 is a legitimate cheap entry. If you're already past the trial phase, skip it and step up to a modern thermoformed paddle. The HK retail walk-in convenience is genuinely the biggest selling point now.