Onix Z5 Graphite vs HEAD Radical Elite — Best Budget Pickleball Paddle

Updated September 2025

If you’ve been around or engulfed in the sport of pickleball in any meaningful way, chances are you’ve seen both the Onix Z5 Graphite and the HEAD Radical Elite. These two paddles sit in the same price tier, often under $100, and they have become staples for beginners and casual players who want something reliable without breaking the bank.

But which one deserves your money in 2025? That’s what we’ll sort out here. We’ll break down the specs, how each paddle feels on court, and who should pick which one. If you’re standing at the paddle aisle at Dick’s or scrolling through Amazon right now, this comparison will help you avoid second guessing.

Why Budget Paddles Still Matter

It’s easy to get caught up in the buzz about raw carbon faces, thermoforming, and foam injected walls, but not every player needs a $250+ pro stick. Beginners especially benefit from budget paddles with wide faces, forgiving sweet spots, and manageable weights. Both the Z5 and Radical Elite deliver exactly that.

The question isn’t whether they’re good enough, it’s which one fits your style better.

Spec Breakdown: Z5 vs Radical Elite

The specs tell the first part of the story.

• Onix Z5 Graphite
  • Weight: ~7.5–8.2 oz
  • Grip size: ~4.25”
  • Face: Graphite
  • Core: Nomex honeycomb
  • Shape: Widebody classic
• HEAD Radical Elite
  • Weight: ~8.0–8.1 oz
  • Grip size: ~4.25”
  • Face: Graphite hitting surface
  • Core: Optimized Tubular Construction (OTC) polymer
  • Shape: More rounded, slightly elongated

On paper, the Radical Elite comes in a little heavier with a softer polymer core, while the Z5 runs a bit lighter but stiffer thanks to the Nomex build. That difference alone sets up the control vs pop dynamic between them.

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Playing with the Onix Z5

Ask almost any longtime pickleball player and they’ll tell you the Z5 is everywhere for a reason. Its widebody shape and lightweight feel make it forgiving and easy to maneuver. Beginners love it because you don’t need perfect mechanics to make solid contact, and rec players stick with it because it just works.

The trade off is that the Nomex core can feel stiff and a little noisy. Drives have pop, but if you mishit, you’ll feel it in your wrist or elbow more than with softer paddles. Still, at this price point, the Z5 remains one of the most consistent entry level options.

Best for: players who want speed, pop, and a paddle that feels light in hand battles.

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Playing with the HEAD Radical Elite

The Radical Elite takes a different approach. It leans heavier, which gives you a bit more stability on blocks and resets. The polymer core softens the feel compared to the Z5, making it friendlier for players who already have wrist or elbow concerns.

Where the Radical Elite shines is at the kitchen. Dinks feel cushioned, resets are smoother, and you can slow the game down with confidence. On the flip side, it doesn’t generate quite as much raw power as the Z5, so finishing points may require more swing speed.

Best for: players who want comfort, control, and a smoother feel in longer rallies.

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Side by Side: Key Differences

• Power: Z5 has more pop off the face; Radical Elite is steadier but softer.
• Control: Radical Elite wins for resets and dinks; Z5 can feel jumpy in touch play.
• Weight: Z5 is lighter and quicker; Radical Elite adds stability with extra ounces.
• Durability: Both hold up well for under $100, but the Z5’s Nomex edge guard can chip faster.
• Sound: Z5 is loud, Radical Elite is quieter, something the neighborhood may care about depending on where you play.

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Choosing by Playstyle

If you’re a newer player who values quick swings and wants to feel some pop in your shots, the Onix Z5 Graphite is the better pick. It’s forgiving, maneuverable, and still one of the most popular paddles in the world for beginners.

If you’re a control first player or someone who struggles with joint discomfort, the HEAD Radical Elite makes more sense. Its softer polymer core offers comfort without feeling dead, and its added weight provides stability when the pace picks up.

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Budget Value Verdict

It’s not about one paddle being universally better, it’s about which one gives you more confidence in your game.

• Pick the Onix Z5 if you want liveliness, quick hands, and a proven widebody design.
• Pick the Radical Elite if you prefer control, stability, and a slightly softer feel.

Either way, both paddles are excellent entry points under $100, and they hold their resale value well if you upgrade later.

TL:DR

The Onix Z5 Graphite and HEAD Radical Elite are both budget legends. One brings liveliness and quick hands, the other steadiness and comfort. Whichever you choose, you’ll have a paddle that has been tested by thousands of players before you and continues to be a reliable option for under $100.

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Where to Buy

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FAQ: Onix Z5 Graphite vs HEAD Radical Elite