Engage Encore Pro EX vs ONIX Z5 Graphite
Both paddles measured on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA test. Engage Encore Pro EX takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
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Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 70Power73
- 88Control76
- 74Spin62
- 89Forgiveness82
- 90Sweet spot84
- 80Stability70
- 84Maneuverability88
- 66Pop80
- 86Touch70
- 85Consistency74
- 50Swing weight44
- 74Twist weight62
- 68Launch angle70
- 60Plow through56
- 90Softness74
Specs
| $130 | Price | $70 |
|---|---|---|
| 16 mm | Core | 11 mm |
| 7.8 oz | Weight | 7.8 oz |
| 105 | Swing weight | 102 |
| 5.9 | Twist weight | 5.5 |
| standard | Shape | widebody |
| Fiberglass composite | Surface | Graphite composite |
| 5 in | Handle | 5 in |
Engage Encore Pro EX verdict
A soft, light, extremely forgiving paddle that has quietly become the default recommendation for players over 60.
ONIX Z5 Graphite verdict
The paddle that introduced a generation to pickleball. It is fast and cheap, but the thin Nomex core is loud and dated next to modern polymer builds.
The verdict
Measured on the same 15-trait test, the clearest separation is touch: Engage Encore Pro EX scores 86 against 70 for ONIX Z5 Graphite — a 16-point gap. They are effectively level on power, launch angle, so those traits should not decide the purchase. ONIX Z5 Graphite is $60 cheaper at $70.
Touch
Engage Encore Pro EX leads by 16 points (86 vs 70).
Softness
Engage Encore Pro EX leads by 16 points (90 vs 74).
Pop
ONIX Z5 Graphite leads by 14 points (80 vs 66).
Control
Engage Encore Pro EX leads by 12 points (88 vs 76).
Which one should you buy?
ONIX Z5 Graphite
Take ONIX Z5 Graphite if you want pop (+14), maneuverability (+4). Its swing weight of 102 kg·cm² and 11 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the ONIX Z5 Graphite review →Engage Encore Pro EX
Take Engage Encore Pro EX if you want touch (+16), softness (+16), control (+12). Its swing weight of 105 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Engage Encore Pro EX review →ONIX Z5 Graphite vs Engage Encore Pro EX FAQ
- Which is better, the ONIX Z5 Graphite or the Engage Encore Pro EX?
- Engage Encore Pro EX carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (80.9 vs 73.6), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — touch — Engage Encore Pro EX leads by 16 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- ONIX Z5 Graphite, at 102 kg·cm² swing weight against 105 for Engage Encore Pro EX. Lower swing weight is the single best predictor of hand speed in fast exchanges.
- Which paddle has more power, the ONIX Z5 Graphite or the Engage Encore Pro EX?
- ONIX Z5 Graphite measures 73 on power against 70 for Engage Encore Pro EX. That comes from a 11 mm Nomex honeycomb core swinging at 102 kg·cm² — mass behind the ball, not face material.
- Which one gives more control and touch?
- Engage Encore Pro EX at 88 versus 76. Its 16 mm core holds the ball on the face slightly longer, which is what makes resets and dinks land shorter.
- Which paddle spins the ball more?
- Engage Encore Pro EX scores 74 for spin off its Fiberglass composite face, against 62 for the Graphite composite face on ONIX Z5 Graphite. In practice a 12-point gap is noticeable on third-shot drives.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- Engage Encore Pro EX, with 5.9 twist weight against 5.5. Higher twist weight means the face rotates less when you miss the middle, and Engage Encore Pro EX carries the higher forgiveness score (89) as a result.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- ONIX Z5 Graphite costs $70, $60 less. Whether that gap is worth closing depends on whether you actually use the traits it trades away — check the head-to-head DNA bars above before paying up.
- Do they use the same core and face?
- ONIX Z5 Graphite: 11 mm Nomex honeycomb core with a Graphite composite face. Engage Encore Pro EX: 16 mm Control core core with a Fiberglass composite face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- ONIX Z5 Graphite, at 5 in of handle against 5 in. Anything under 5.25 in forces you to choke the bottom hand onto the face bevel.
- Which one is better for beginners?
- Engage Encore Pro EX is the safer first paddle here: forgiveness 89 and sweet spot 90 mean fewer mishits while your contact point is still inconsistent. ONIX Z5 Graphite rewards a repeatable swing and can feel unstable before that.
- Which is lighter in the hand?
- ONIX Z5 Graphite at 7.8 oz against 7.8 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (102 vs 105) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the ONIX Z5 Graphite to the Engage Encore Pro EX?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Engage Encore Pro EX leads on touch by 16 points; everything else is within 16 points. At $70 vs $130, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
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Top alternatives to both
Paddles that beat one of these two on a specific trait or on price.
Read the full reviews: Engage Encore Pro EX and ONIX Z5 Graphite. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.