In my last review regarding the Onix Voyager Pro I had mentioned that I had initially started that game with a paddle that I had to put down after only one game. Well the React was that paddle. Before I go into my review please remember that this is a subjective opinion and by no means should take away from what Onix had done with this paddle as they do with all of their paddles. Build a wonderful product that is regarded as some of the best paddles in the sport. I have nothing bad to say about the paddle but it didn't react well to my play at all. This is exactly why I wanted to start this site. These differences can't be known by looking at the paddle or reading about the paddle. Truth be told when I started researching my eye was drawn to this paddle. It's cool looking, it's got very a new Nomex core technology and I was anxious to see how sweet that spot was... I also like how the ball may fade into the bright yellow paddle face creating a diversion of sorts to my opponents.
As with any company trying to remain diverse and innovative, Onix is no different. Creating a number of paddles in different flavors or construction, material and design are all part of building a better mouse trap and it keeps the company relevant, it keeps customers coming back for newer products and hopefully in the mix they make that one product that goes viral. Nothing wrong with any of that. For me this paddle was too "bright" like sitting in front a good set of speakers with the treble turned up too high. My play resulted in the ball releasing from the paddle with too much energy which I believe came from the Nomex insert. I can't tell without breaking into the paddle if that insert is solid but I suspect the continuous surface area is what causes that ball reflection to be so brittle. I couldn't dial my swing back or finesse the shot and found that the ball was travelling well beyond where I would expect it too from hitting with the same consistency I have been. I only played one game and unfortunately had to put it down. That's the bad news, the good news is I think this might be the right kind of paddle for someone who hits with much more finesse or who maybe doesn't swing as hard or even a very new player to any racket/paddle sport. New to the motion and the sport may very well lead to some benefits from the paddles over responsiveness if you are bring habits with you. My wife for example doesn't hit the ball very hard and has a little trouble with any other serve than the underhand volley ball serve. This paddle with it's little extra kick could very well help with a lower cross court type serve. No I am not suggesting this paddle is better for females in anyway shape or form or that I am suggesting women play a softer game and need help from the paddle.
Other than that the paddle is constructed well with a tennis handle that is more round than octagonal. This is a medium weight paddle and my finger dink test would conclude that this paddle is going to be the loudest of the set of 4 I have next to the graphite Z5 which I hope to play with today. It has a gritty like surface and my shortened play with it would suggest that it could be a very good short game paddle. Meaning it requires very little effort to generate ball response and that might be good up at the net. Like with any equipment the more you play with it the better you understand the physics of it. Since we are newbies and I am looking for the "easiest" place to begin, this paddle is certainly a contender but I am recommending that be the case if you haven't played another racket or paddle sport. Then I believe this might be too responsive for most.
I do welcome comments or other players feedback if you have played with this paddle and experienced a different kind of play.
Comments