JOOLA Essentials 16 vs ONIX Z5 Graphite
The two paddles beginners most often compare before their first real purchase. Both paddles measured on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA test. JOOLA Essentials 16 takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 74Power73
- 89Control76
- 78Spin62
- 91Forgiveness82
- 92Sweet spot84
- 79Stability70
- 84Maneuverability88
- 76Pop80
- 82Touch70
- 86Consistency74
- 46Swing weight44
- 71Twist weight62
- 66Launch angle70
- 62Plow through56
- 88Softness74
Specs
| $89 | Price | $70 |
|---|---|---|
| 16 mm | Core | 11 mm |
| 7.9 oz | Weight | 7.8 oz |
| 108 | Swing weight | 102 |
| 5.8 | Twist weight | 5.5 |
| standard | Shape | widebody |
| Textured fiberglass | Surface | Graphite composite |
| 5 in | Handle | 5 in |
JOOLA Essentials 16 verdict
The widest measured sweet spot in our sub-$100 test group. Mishits off the top third still clear the net, which is exactly what a new player needs while their contact point is inconsistent.
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 spin: JOOLA Essentials 16 scores 78 against 62 for ONIX Z5 Graphite — a 16-point gap. They are effectively level on swing weight, power, so those traits should not decide the purchase. ONIX Z5 Graphite is $19 cheaper at $70.
Spin
JOOLA Essentials 16 leads by 16 points (78 vs 62).
Softness
JOOLA Essentials 16 leads by 14 points (88 vs 74).
Control
JOOLA Essentials 16 leads by 13 points (89 vs 76).
Touch
JOOLA Essentials 16 leads by 12 points (82 vs 70).
Which one should you buy?
JOOLA Essentials 16
Take JOOLA Essentials 16 if you want spin (+16), softness (+14), control (+13). Its swing weight of 108 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the JOOLA Essentials 16 review →ONIX Z5 Graphite
Take ONIX Z5 Graphite if you want maneuverability (+4), pop (+4), launch angle (+4). Its swing weight of 102 kg·cm² and 11 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the ONIX Z5 Graphite review →JOOLA Essentials 16 vs ONIX Z5 Graphite FAQ
- Which is better, the JOOLA Essentials 16 or the ONIX Z5 Graphite?
- JOOLA Essentials 16 carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (82.2 vs 73.6), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — spin — JOOLA Essentials 16 leads by 16 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- ONIX Z5 Graphite, at 102 kg·cm² swing weight against 108 for JOOLA Essentials 16. Lower swing weight is the single best predictor of hand speed in fast exchanges.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- ONIX Z5 Graphite costs $70, $19 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?
- JOOLA Essentials 16: 16 mm Polypropylene honeycomb core with a Textured fiberglass face. ONIX Z5 Graphite: 11 mm Nomex honeycomb core with a Graphite composite face.
Also worth comparing
Head-to-heads that share DNA with this matchup — useful if you're still deciding between shapes, cores or price tiers.
- Essentials 16 vs Encore Pro EX
- Essentials 16 vs Prism Flash
- Essentials 16 vs Signature Carbon STR
- Essentials 16 vs SLK Evo Hybrid 2.0
- Z5 Graphite vs Ben Johns Signature Pro
- Z5 Graphite vs SLK Evo Hybrid 2.0
- Z5 Graphite vs Signature Carbon STR
- Z5 Graphite vs Prism Flash
Top alternatives to both
Paddles that beat one of these two on a specific trait or on price.
Read the full reviews: JOOLA Essentials 16 and ONIX Z5 Graphite. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.