ONIX Evoke Premier vs ONIX Z5 Graphite
Upgrade path question: is the Premier worth it over the paddle most rec players already own? Both paddles measured on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA test. ONIX Evoke Premier takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 83Power73
- 84Control76
- 78Spin62
- 84Forgiveness82
- 85Sweet spot84
- 83Stability70
- 76Maneuverability88
- 82Pop80
- 80Touch70
- 82Consistency74
- 68Swing weight44
- 80Twist weight62
- 60Launch angle70
- 78Plow through56
- 78Softness74
Specs
| $180 | Price | $70 |
|---|---|---|
| 16 mm | Core | 11 mm |
| 8.2 oz | Weight | 7.8 oz |
| 113 | Swing weight | 102 |
| 6.4 | Twist weight | 5.5 |
| standard | Shape | widebody |
| Textured carbon | Surface | Graphite composite |
| 5 in | Handle | 5 in |
ONIX Evoke Premier verdict
An underrated standard-shape all-rounder. It rewards players who make clean contact in the middle of the face and does nothing badly.
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 swing weight: ONIX Evoke Premier scores 68 against 44 for ONIX Z5 Graphite — a 24-point gap. They are effectively level on forgiveness, pop, sweet spot, so those traits should not decide the purchase. ONIX Z5 Graphite is $110 cheaper at $70.
Swing weight
ONIX Evoke Premier leads by 24 points (68 vs 44).
Plow through
ONIX Evoke Premier leads by 22 points (78 vs 56).
Twist weight
ONIX Evoke Premier leads by 18 points (80 vs 62).
Spin
ONIX Evoke Premier leads by 16 points (78 vs 62).
Which one should you buy?
ONIX Evoke Premier
Take ONIX Evoke Premier if you want swing weight (+24), plow through (+22), twist weight (+18). Its swing weight of 113 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the ONIX Evoke Premier review →ONIX Z5 Graphite
Take ONIX Z5 Graphite if you want maneuverability (+12), launch angle (+10). Its swing weight of 102 kg·cm² and 11 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the ONIX Z5 Graphite review →ONIX Evoke Premier vs ONIX Z5 Graphite FAQ
- Which is better, the ONIX Evoke Premier or the ONIX Z5 Graphite?
- ONIX Evoke Premier carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (81.7 vs 73.6), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — swing weight — ONIX Evoke Premier leads by 24 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- ONIX Z5 Graphite, at 102 kg·cm² swing weight against 113 for ONIX Evoke Premier. 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, $110 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 Evoke Premier: 16 mm Precision polymer core with a Textured carbon 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.
- Evoke Premier vs V7 Hybrid
- Evoke Premier vs Ruby
- Evoke Premier vs Loco 16mm Standard
- Evoke Premier vs Loco 16mm Hybrid
- 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: ONIX Evoke Premier and ONIX Z5 Graphite. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.