Head Radical Elite vs Onix Z5 Graphite

    Head Radical Elite 8.1oz 13mm pickleball paddle — Fiberglass face

    Head

    Radical Elite

    $79.95

    Shop on Amazon →
    Onix Z5 Graphite 7.5oz 14mm pickleball paddle — Graphite face

    Onix

    Z5 Graphite

    $89.99

    Shop Onix →

    Pickle's 5-axis score

    Spec-grounded, quartile-ranked across the 322-paddle catalog. Diff highlighted when one paddle leads by 0.5+ points.

    Head Radical EliteOnix Z5 Graphite
    Power — Head +4.7
    6.0 vs 1.3
    Hand speed — Onix +4.4
    4.2 vs 8.6
    Forgiveness — even
    10.0 vs 10.0
    Touch — Onix +2.5
    2.0 vs 4.5
    Spin — even
    1.7 vs 1.7

    Close call — here's the tiebreaker

    Both paddles target balanced players — the choice comes down to feel and price.

    Side-by-side specs

    Weight

    8.1–8.1 oz7.5–8.2 oz

    Shape

    WidebodyWidebody

    Core thickness

    13mm14mm

    Core material

    Polypropylene honeycombNomex honeycomb

    Face material

    FiberglassGraphite

    Handle length

    5.25"5"

    Price

    $79.95$89.99

    What the spec differences mean

    • Weight. Head Radical Elite is listed at 8.1 oz; Onix Z5 Graphite at 7.5–8.2 oz. At the low end of each listed range, the Onix Z5 Graphite is 0.6 oz lighter. How paddle weights compare across our catalog
    • Core thickness. Head Radical Elite has a 13mm core; Onix Z5 Graphite has a 14mm core, so the Onix Z5 Graphite core is 1mm thicker. What core thickness changes
    • Length and width. Head Radical Elite measures 16" × 7.88"; Onix Z5 Graphite measures 15.5" × 8.13". The Head Radical Elite is 0.5" longer. Paddle shapes and the size rule
    • Handle length. Head Radical Elite has a 5.25" handle; Onix Z5 Graphite has a 5" handle, so the Head Radical Elite handle is 0.25" longer. What grip length changes
    • Face material. Head Radical Elite lists its face as Fiberglass; Onix Z5 Graphite lists Graphite. Paddle face materials explained
    • Core material. Head Radical Elite lists its core as Polypropylene honeycomb; Onix Z5 Graphite lists Nomex honeycomb. Paddle core materials explained

    Who each paddle is for

    Head Radical Elite

    Best for advanced power players (4.0+) who can manage a hot face who play with a balanced two-handed/one-handed mix. The widebody profile gives you a generous sweet spot, the 13mm core delivers high pop with a tighter touch window, and the fiberglass face emphasizes pop over spin.

    Playing style: balanced

    Onix Z5 Graphite

    Best for intermediate players (3.5-4.5) looking for a balanced upgrade who play with a balanced two-handed/one-handed mix. The widebody profile gives you a generous sweet spot, the 14mm core balances pop and control, and the face surface keeps spin honest without overdoing it.

    Playing style: balanced

    Pickle's verdict

    Both are great. Pick by playstyle, not specs.

    Pick the Head Radical Elite if…

    • ✓you want a hot face for put-aways
    • ✓you want a generous sweet spot

    Pick the Onix Z5 Graphite if…

    • ✓you want a generous sweet spot
    Shop on Amazon Radical Elite →Shop Onix Z5 Graphite →

    More matchups with the Head Radical Elite

    More matchups with the Onix Z5 Graphite

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