HEAD Radical PRO EX15 2026 Pickleball Paddle vs Onix Z5 Graphite Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle with

By Glen · Last updated 2026-09-27 · Researched from published specs, USA Pickleball rules and verified owner reviews, not play-tested by us · How we pick

The Onix Z5 Graphite Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle with Cushion is about half the price of the HEAD Radical PRO EX15 2026 Pickleball Paddle (under $100 vs under $200). Choose the HEAD Radical PRO EX15 2026 Pickleball Paddle if you want more stability against hard hitters, you want extra reach, you want the more premium build; choose the Onix Z5 Graphite Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle with Cushion if you want to spend less, you want faster hands or less load on your arm.

Specs side by side

SpecHEAD Radical PRO EX15 2026 Pickleball PaddleOnix Z5 Graphite Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle with Cushion
BudgetUnder $200Under $100
Listed weight8.5 oz7.85 oz
Core thickness15 mmNot stated
ShapeelongatedNot stated
Facecarbon fibercarbon fiber
Core materialpolymer honeycombpolymer honeycomb
ThermoformedNot statedNot stated
USA Pickleball approvalNot statedClaimed

From each Amazon listing. "Not stated" means the listing does not say.

What actually differs?

  • The Onix Z5 Graphite Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle with Cushion is about half the price of the HEAD Radical PRO EX15 2026 Pickleball Paddle (under $100 vs under $200).
  • The HEAD Radical PRO EX15 2026 Pickleball Paddle is 0.65 oz heavier by listing (8.5 vs 7.85 oz): a little more stability and plow-through, a little slower at the kitchen, and a little more load on the arm.

Which should you buy?

Choose the HEAD Radical PRO EX15 2026 Pickleball Paddle if you want more stability against hard hitters, you want extra reach, you want the more premium build.

Choose the Onix Z5 Graphite Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle with Cushion if you want to spend less, you want faster hands or less load on your arm.

Weight class: heavy vs mid. Not sure what you need? The paddle weight calculator and core thickness calculator answer that in under a minute. We have not play-tested either paddle; this comparison is researched from listings and verified owner reviews.

Other paddles to consider

Budget tiers come from the last listed Amazon price; Amazon shows the current price.

More comparisons with these paddles

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Frequently asked questions

Which is better, the HEAD Radical PRO EX15 2026 Pickleball Paddle or the Onix Z5 Graphite Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle with Cushion?

Neither is better for everyone. Choose the HEAD Radical PRO EX15 2026 Pickleball Paddle if you want more stability against hard hitters, you want extra reach, you want the more premium build. Choose the Onix Z5 Graphite Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle with Cushion if you want to spend less, you want faster hands or less load on your arm. Check both against your ideal weight with the paddle weight calculator before deciding, because fit matters more than brand.

Which is heavier, the HEAD Radical PRO EX15 2026 Pickleball Paddle or the Onix Z5 Graphite Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle with Cushion?

By their listings, the HEAD Radical PRO EX15 2026 Pickleball Paddle weighs 8.5 oz and the Onix Z5 Graphite Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle with Cushion weighs 7.85 oz. Individual paddles vary slightly from stated weights. Heavier paddles add stability and power but load the elbow and shoulder more.

This is researched general guidance, not professional advice. Specs and prices come from manufacturer listings and change often; confirm details on the product page before buying.