ONIX Z5 Graphite vs VERSIX Strike 4F
Both paddles are scored using the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model. ONIX Z5 Graphite takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
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Quick answer
ONIX Z5 Graphite wins this matchup for most players: it takes power, spin and control on Paddle DNA against the VERSIX Strike 4F, which costs $15.
Power
73 vs 66
Spin
62 vs 52
Control
76 vs 72
Forgiveness
Too close to call
82 vs 80
Hand speed
96 vs 102 kg·cm² swing weight
Value
$15 at IQ 69.7 vs $70 at IQ 73.6
Overall pick: ONIX Z5 Graphite · $70 · IQ 73.6
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 73Power66
- 76Control72
- 62Spin52
- 82Forgiveness80
- 84Sweet spot78
- 70Stability62
- 88Maneuverability94
- 80Pop84
- 70Touch70
- 74Consistency70
- 44Swing weight40
- 62Twist weight60
- 70Launch angle72
- 56Plow through48
- 74Softness72
ONIX Z5 Graphite vs VERSIX Strike 4F specs
Every spec side by side. Highlighted values are the better of the two where one is objectively better.
| Spec | ONIX Z5 Graphite | VERSIX Strike 4F |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $70 | $15 — better |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 73.6 — better | 69.7 |
| Weight(oz) | 7.8 | 7.3 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 11 | 10 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 102 | 96 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 5.5 — better | 5.4 |
| Shape | widebody | standard |
| Face length(in) | 15.5 | 15.4 |
| Face width(in) | 8.1 | 7.75 |
| Handle length(in) | 5 | 5.1 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4.25 | 4.125 |
| Surface | Graphite composite | Glass fiber composite |
| Core material | Nomex honeycomb | Polypropylene honeycomb |
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.
VERSIX Strike 4F verdict
At $15 this is a loaner-bin paddle done properly: light, poppy and durable enough for a season of open play. Nobody should keep playing with it once they can consistently dink.
The verdict
Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is spin: ONIX Z5 Graphite scores 62 against 52 for VERSIX Strike 4F — a 10-point gap. They are effectively level on forgiveness, twist weight, launch angle, so those traits should not decide the purchase. VERSIX Strike 4F is $55 cheaper at $15.
Spin
ONIX Z5 Graphite leads by 10 points (62 vs 52).
Stability
ONIX Z5 Graphite leads by 8 points (70 vs 62).
Plow through
ONIX Z5 Graphite leads by 8 points (56 vs 48).
Power
ONIX Z5 Graphite leads by 7 points (73 vs 66).
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
ONIX Z5 Graphite
ONIX Z5 Graphite is a narrow pick at this level — sweet spot 84 vs 78, stability 70 vs 62, consistency 74 vs 70. Twist weight 5.5 keeps the face steadier on off-centre contact.
- Sweet spot
- Stability
- Consistency
Intermediate
3.0–3.9 — playing organised rec and early tournaments
ONIX Z5 Graphite
ONIX Z5 Graphite is a narrow pick at this level — spin 62 vs 52, power 73 vs 66, control 76 vs 72. At 102 kg·cm² swing weight it stays quick enough for hands battles.
- Spin
- Power
- Control
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
ONIX Z5 Graphite
ONIX Z5 Graphite is a narrow pick at this level — spin 62 vs 52, power 73 vs 66, plow through 56 vs 48. Swing weight 102 kg·cm² is what carries that through contact.
- Spin
- Power
- Plow through
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
ONIX Z5 Graphite
ONIX Z5 Graphite is a narrow pick at this level — softness 74 vs 72, forgiveness 82 vs 80, twist weight 62 vs 60. Its 11 mm Nomex honeycomb core at 7.8 oz is the softer, lower-shock build of the two.
- Softness
- Forgiveness
- Twist weight
Which one should you buy?
VERSIX Strike 4F
Take VERSIX Strike 4F if you want maneuverability (+6), pop (+4). Its swing weight of 96 kg·cm² and 10 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the VERSIX Strike 4F review →ONIX Z5 Graphite
Take ONIX Z5 Graphite if you want spin (+10), stability (+8), plow through (+8). Its swing weight of 102 kg·cm² and 11 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the ONIX Z5 Graphite review →VERSIX Strike 4F vs ONIX Z5 Graphite FAQ
- Which is better, the VERSIX Strike 4F or the ONIX Z5 Graphite?
- ONIX Z5 Graphite carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (73.6 vs 69.7), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — spin — ONIX Z5 Graphite leads by 10 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- VERSIX Strike 4F, at 96 kg·cm² swing weight against 102 for ONIX Z5 Graphite. Lower swing weight is the single best predictor of hand speed in fast exchanges.
- Which paddle has more power, the VERSIX Strike 4F or the ONIX Z5 Graphite?
- ONIX Z5 Graphite scores 73 for power against 66 for VERSIX Strike 4F. That comes from an 11 mm Nomex honeycomb core swinging at 102 kg·cm² — mass behind the ball, not face material.
- Which one gives more control and touch?
- ONIX Z5 Graphite at 76 versus 72. Its 11 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?
- ONIX Z5 Graphite scores 62 for spin off its Graphite composite face, against 52 for the Glass fiber composite face on VERSIX Strike 4F. In practice a 10-point gap is noticeable on third-shot drives.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- ONIX Z5 Graphite, with the higher forgiveness score (82 vs 80). Its 5.5 twist weight against 5.4 is what drives it — higher twist weight means the face rotates less when you miss the middle.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- VERSIX Strike 4F costs $15, $55 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?
- VERSIX Strike 4F: 10 mm Polypropylene honeycomb core with a Glass fiber composite face. ONIX Z5 Graphite: 11 mm Nomex honeycomb core with a Graphite composite face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- VERSIX Strike 4F, at 5.1 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?
- ONIX Z5 Graphite is the safer first paddle here: forgiveness 82 and sweet spot 84 mean fewer mishits while your contact point is still inconsistent. VERSIX Strike 4F rewards a repeatable swing and can feel less stable before that.
- Which is lighter in the hand?
- VERSIX Strike 4F at 7.3 oz against 7.8 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (96 vs 102) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the VERSIX Strike 4F to the ONIX Z5 Graphite?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. ONIX Z5 Graphite leads on spin by 10 points; everything else is within 8 points. At $15 vs $70, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
This matchup is a spin vs pop decision
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Read the full reviews: ONIX Z5 Graphite and VERSIX Strike 4F. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.