As a newbie I have no experience with paddle construction and this is the 1st upper end paddle I have had a chance to feel and touch. I have 3 other Onix paddles, the Graphite Z5, Voyager Pro and React that I will initially compare this with and write a 1st impression about. Upper end for me at the moment just means it's more expensive than your average paddle tipping the scales at retail $139.99. Does more expensive mean better play. If I buy more expensive golf clubs my game should better attitude... I suspect not and probably more important to know how to play before spending this kind of loot on a paddle. That being said I tend to want the paddle I am going to learn on to be a good one, it's a personal preference.
First thing you notice is how much thicker this paddle is compared to others, in fact I haven't see another paddle with this kind of girth in all of my research. Thing is it is still as light as other medium weight paddles (7.8 - 8.2 oz). It has an iridescent checker board almost hologram face to it. That is part of the TeXtreme carbon fiber fabric that makes up the face coating. This paddle has a polypropylene honeycomb core one of many different core options in paddles today. More to come on that. The handle is not round it's octagonal and initially feels a little awkward in the hand. I immediately noticed this when I picked it up and had to look at another paddle to see what was up. I am not sure that adds anything other than a design cue and may detract or enhance play based on what other racket sports you come from. For me, not sure yet, the edged feel does offer some enhanced grip and after holding it for a bit settles into certain areas of the hand. That gives me a reference point in my hand each time I pick it up which may introduce some placement consistency.
I am interested to see if the face coating has any impact on how the ball travels. I've noticed for me that years of racket ball play has introduced a bit of spin to my pickleball (PB) game, not really a desired trait during normal play but it is cool :). It's almost a tacky feeling without being sticky for better response and feel. Onix claims this offers pinpoint shot control and who doesn't want that. Onix also indicates that this polypropylene core has increased thickness for better touch to absorb shock while still delivering baseline power. I am a hard hitter from my RB days and find myself trying to "rip" or "bang" so anything that helps absorb some of that unnecessary power is good for me. Outbreak features a wide body shape, at (15 1/2" x 8 1/8") it offers increased paddle size and a very large sweet spot.
All in all this is a very well made paddle, it feels strong, it sounds dense and it looks cool. At first glance it looks a little intimidating but once you pick it up it becomes obvious a lot of thought went into the research and development for it's design.
Stay tuned for my review of how this paddle responds on the court.
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