ONIX Z5 Graphite vs Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16
Both paddles are scored using the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model. Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
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Quick answer
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 wins this matchup for most players: it takes power, spin, control and forgiveness on Paddle DNA against the ONIX Z5 Graphite, which costs $70.
Power
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16
95 vs 73
Spin
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16
91 vs 62
Control
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16
84 vs 76
Forgiveness
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16
88 vs 82
Hand speed
102 vs 118 kg·cm² swing weight
Value
$70 at IQ 73.6 vs $332.99 at IQ 87.1
Overall pick: Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 · $332.99 · IQ 87.1
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 73Power95
- 76Control84
- 62Spin91
- 82Forgiveness88
- 84Sweet spot89
- 70Stability92
- 88Maneuverability66
- 80Pop90
- 70Touch80
- 74Consistency85
- 44Swing weight82
- 62Twist weight92
- 70Launch angle58
- 56Plow through93
- 74Softness72
ONIX Z5 Graphite vs Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 specs
Every spec side by side. Highlighted values are the better of the two where one is objectively better.
| Spec | ONIX Z5 Graphite | Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $70 — better | $332.99 |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 73.6 | 87.1 — better |
| Weight(oz) | 7.8 | 8.25 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 11 | 16 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 102 | 118 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 5.5 | 7.2 — better |
| Shape | widebody | elongated |
| Face length(in) | 15.5 | 16.5 |
| Face width(in) | 8.1 | 7.45 |
| Handle length(in) | 5 | 5.8 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4.25 | 4.25 |
| Surface | Graphite composite | Multistrata T700 carbon with InfiniGrit |
| Core material | Nomex honeycomb | BoomCore PureFoam with EVA Power Ring |
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.
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 verdict
The highest power score in the database, and the twist weight (7.2) to back it up. The MOI tuning system lets you dial the balance, but nothing turns a 118 swing weight into a fast-hands paddle.
The verdict
Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is swing weight: Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 scores 82 against 44 for ONIX Z5 Graphite — a 38-point gap. They are effectively level on softness, so those traits should not decide the purchase. ONIX Z5 Graphite is $262.99 cheaper at $70.
Swing weight
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 leads by 38 points (82 vs 44).
Plow through
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 leads by 37 points (93 vs 56).
Twist weight
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 leads by 30 points (92 vs 62).
Spin
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 leads by 29 points (91 vs 62).
Which one is right for your level?
Each call below re-weights the Paddle DNA traits that matter at that level, so the winner can differ from the overall pick.
Beginner
New to 3.0 — still building a consistent contact point
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 is the clearer pick at this level — twist weight 92 vs 62, stability 92 vs 70, consistency 85 vs 74. Twist weight 7.2 keeps the face steadier on off-centre contact.
- Twist weight
- Stability
- Consistency
Intermediate
3.0–3.9 — playing organised rec and early tournaments
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 is the clearer pick at this level — spin 91 vs 62, power 95 vs 73, control 84 vs 76. At 118 kg·cm² swing weight it stays quick enough for hands battles.
- Spin
- Power
- Control
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 is the clearer pick at this level — plow through 93 vs 56, spin 91 vs 62, power 95 vs 73. Swing weight 118 kg·cm² is what carries that through contact.
- Plow through
- Spin
- Power
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 is the clearer pick at this level — twist weight 92 vs 62, forgiveness 88 vs 82. Its 16 mm BoomCore PureFoam with EVA Power Ring core at 8.25 oz is the softer, lower-shock build of the two.
- Twist weight
- Forgiveness
Which one should you buy?
ONIX Z5 Graphite
Take ONIX Z5 Graphite if you want maneuverability (+22), launch angle (+12). Its swing weight of 102 kg·cm² and 11 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the ONIX Z5 Graphite review →Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16
Take Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 if you want swing weight (+38), plow through (+37), twist weight (+30). Its swing weight of 118 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 review →ONIX Z5 Graphite vs Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 FAQ
- Which is better, the ONIX Z5 Graphite or the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16?
- Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (87.1 vs 73.6), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — swing weight — Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 leads by 38 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- ONIX Z5 Graphite, at 102 kg·cm² swing weight against 118 for Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16. 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 Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16?
- Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 scores 95 for power against 73 for ONIX Z5 Graphite. That comes from a 16 mm BoomCore PureFoam with EVA Power Ring core swinging at 118 kg·cm² — mass behind the ball, not face material.
- Which one gives more control and touch?
- Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 at 84 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?
- Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 scores 91 for spin off its Multistrata T700 carbon with InfiniGrit face, against 62 for the Graphite composite face on ONIX Z5 Graphite. In practice a 29-point gap is noticeable on third-shot drives.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16, with the higher forgiveness score (88 vs 82). Its 7.2 twist weight against 5.5 is what drives it — higher twist weight means the face rotates less when you miss the middle.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- ONIX Z5 Graphite costs $70, $262.99 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. Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16: 16 mm BoomCore PureFoam with EVA Power Ring core with a Multistrata T700 carbon with InfiniGrit face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16, at 5.8 in of handle against 5 in. Anything under 5.25 in forces you to choke the bottom hand onto the face bevel, which Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 avoids.
- Which one is better for beginners?
- Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 is the safer first paddle here: forgiveness 88 and sweet spot 89 mean fewer mishits while your contact point is still inconsistent. ONIX Z5 Graphite rewards a repeatable swing and can feel less stable before that.
- Which is lighter in the hand?
- ONIX Z5 Graphite at 7.8 oz against 8.25 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (102 vs 118) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the ONIX Z5 Graphite to the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 leads on swing weight by 38 points; everything else is within 37 points. At $70 vs $332.99, 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.
Guides featuring these paddles
Still deciding? These buying guides put ONIX Z5 Graphite and Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 in context against the rest of the database.
Read the full reviews: ONIX Z5 Graphite and Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.