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Lately, I’ve been deep in testing Gen 3 paddles—full of new materials, bold shapes, and fresh tech. But in the process, I’ve overlooked the tried-and-true Gen 2 staples: thermoformed builds, polypropylene cores, carbon fiber faces, and wrapped edge guards.
That changed with two recent play tests—the Versix Vector XL Pro and now the Onix Hype X Pro. Both stick to the Gen 2 formula and come in at impressively low price points. At just $120, the Hype X Pro is the most affordable paddle I’ve tested in the past year—and surprisingly, I really liked it.
A review tells you how a paddle played for us. The paddle quiz tells you which three fit you, scored on the same lab data.
After several weeks of play, I’m giving it a solid 4.25 out of 5 balls. Read on to see why it might be the budget-friendly performer you’re looking for.
- Raw Carbon Fiber Face
- Reactive Honeycomb Core
- Patented Carbon Fiber Power Frame
- Patented ThermoFused™ Technology
- Expanded Sweet Spot
A solid no-nonsense paddle that’s well-built, easy on the arm and fun to play.
- Best at: Control and touch, plus fast hands at the kitchen
- Tradeoff: Below-average power. Don’t expect effortless putaways or explosive drives
- Best for: Beginners who want to skip the bargain-bin starter paddle, and rec players who win with placement
- Price: $119.99
Pros and cons
- Pro: excellent control and a generous sweet spot
- Pro: fast and reactive in kitchen exchanges
- Pro: spin is surprisingly good for a budget paddle
- Pro: well-built and easy on the arm
- Con: below-average power
- Con: the thin 4 1/8″ handle may not suit larger hands
New Pickleball Union subscribers often ask us whether their paddle is what’s holding them back. If control is your game, this one won’t be. For more picks by level, see our beginner and intermediate paddle guides.
Ten questions, three paddles matched to how you play, scored on lab data.
Video Review
By The Numbers
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 16.5″ |
| Width | 7.5″ |
| Core Thickness | 14 mm |
| Grip Length | 5.5″ |
| Grip Circumference | 4.125″ |
| Weight (as tested) | 7.8 oz |
| Marketed Weight Range | 7.75 – 8.25 oz |
| Colorways | 3 |
| Price | $119.99 |
Nuts And Bolts
- Elongated shape
- Thermoformed
- Reactive polypropylene honeycomb core
- Raw Carbon Fiber textured surface
- Carbon fiber frame wrap
- Perforated, tennis-style tacky grip
- USAP certified
What Onix Had to Say
According to Onix, the Hype X Pro was designed with input from engineers and competitive players to offer high performance at an accessible price. It’s aimed at players from beginners to intermediates ready to move beyond beginner paddles without spending top dollar.
The T700 raw carbon fiber face is tailored for those who prioritize control and precision over power. Its sibling paddle, the Hype X, features a composite face for a bit more pop and costs $30 less.
First Impressions
Out of the box, the Hype X Pro has a clean, sleek look with its black surface and handle, minimalist branding, and a striking ombré orange edge guard wrapping the top of the paddle. It’s also available in blue and lime green ombré colorways for players who want a bit more flair.
In hand, the paddle felt impressively light. The extended handle featured a perforated, tacky grip that felt secure, though the 4 1/8” circumference and thinner wrap aren’t quite my preference. The surface grit was average—nothing special. But after a few air swings, the paddle’s quickness and agility stood out. I was already starting to draw comparisons to the Versix Vector XL Pro I tested not long ago.
Game On…The Play Testing
When I first brought the Hype X Pro to one of my regular rec sessions, I’ll admit—I was a little skeptical. This group plays hard. We’re talking 3.5 to 4.5-level players, and things can get pretty competitive. I wasn’t sure if a lower-priced Gen 2 paddle would hold up.
Surprisingly, there was zero adjustment period. Within 45 minutes, I felt right at home with it. While it definitely lacked high-end power, I’ve been shifting my game lately to focus more on finesse and control—less about blasting winners, more about smart placement and patient setup. This paddle fit that mindset nicely.
Key Takeaways After Multiple Sessions
After three more solid sessions that same week, here’s what really stood out:
- Power: Below average, but still adequate for most shots. Don’t expect effortless putaways or explosive drives.
- Hands Speed: This is where it shined. The paddle’s lightweight feel and even balance made it fast and reactive during firefight rallies at the kitchen.
- Control & Touch: Excellent. The sweet spot felt generous, allowing me to confidently place dinks, cross-court angles, and two-handed backhands with precision.
- Spin: Surprisingly good. Despite its average surface grit, the paddle generated plenty of spin—likely helped by the core’s responsiveness.
- Grip: The tackiness was solid, but the thin 4 1/8” handle just didn’t suit my larger hands. Some extra padding or an overgrip would go a long way here.
Long-Term Impressions: All-Court Consistency
Over the next three weeks, I kept it in rotation and found it to be a reliable all-court performer. The combo of the elongated shape and responsive core made mishits more forgiving, and the paddle continued to feel quick and maneuverable.
That said, the 14mm core did show its limits. I was still missing the extra pop I rely on for topspin serves and deep drives from the baseline. But once I accepted its strengths—control, agility, and consistency—I was able to adjust and lean into those attributes. Its quick swing speed and low twist weight gave me confidence in fast exchanges, even if it wasn’t built for raw power.
How It Stacks Up
| Category | Onix Hype X Pro | Comparable Paddles | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | Average power | Franklin FS Tour (lightweight), Holbrook Mav Pro Power 2.0, Bread & Butter Filth | Similar Gen 2 feel; for more power, consider Versix Vector XL Pro (+$10, provisional only) |
| Spin | Above average | Diadem Warrior BluCore, Stinger MC3 | Not as much spin as Vector XL Pro or Holbrook Aero T Metallic |
| Control/Touch | Very good control, large sweet spot | Versix Vector XL Pro, Diadem Warrior BluCore, Diadem Warrior V2, Bread & Butter Shogun | Strong category for this paddle; competes well with higher-priced options |
Power
In terms of power, the Hype X Pro plays similarly to other Gen 2 paddles like the Franklin FS Tour (lightweight), Holbrook Mav Pro Power 2.0, and Bread & Butter Filth—solid but nothing explosive.
If you’re looking for more pop, the Versix Vector XL Pro offers noticeably better power and spin for just $10 more, though it’s currently only USA Pickleball provisionally approved.
Spin
Spin performance is above average—better than most budget paddles—but not quite on par with spin-heavy paddles like the Vector XL Pro or Holbrook Aero T Metallic. It’s more comparable to the Diadem Warrior BluCore and the Stinger MC3.
That said, aside from the value-priced Vector, most of those competitors will cost you quite a bit more, with the Stinger MC3 coming in at a reasonable $160.
Control & Touch
This is where the Hype X Pro really shines. Control, stability, and touch are excellent, thanks in part to the generous sweet spot. It holds its own alongside paddles like the Vector XL Pro, Diadem Warrior BluCore, Diadem Warrior V2, and Bread & Butter Shogun—strong company for a paddle at this price point.
Onix Hype X vs Hype X Pro: which should you buy?
Onix sells two versions of this paddle, and a lot of shoppers mix them up. They share the same shape, 14mm core, weight range and USA Pickleball approval. The difference is the face: the Hype X Pro has a raw carbon fiber face, and the Hype X has a composite face that, per Onix, gives a bit more pop and costs $30 less.
| Hype X Pro | Hype X | |
|---|---|---|
| Face | Raw carbon fiber | Composite |
| List price | $119.99 | $89.99 |
| Core | 14mm polypropylene honeycomb | 14mm |
| Shape | Elongated, tennis-style handle | Elongated, tennis-style handle |
| Weight | 7.75 to 8.25 oz | 7.75 to 8.25 oz |
| USA Pickleball approved | Yes | Yes |
Our take: spend the extra $30 on the Pro. Raw carbon is what gives it the control and spin our tester liked, and composite faces are an older, lesser technology at this point. More on face materials: what is the best material for pickleball paddles.
The Final Score
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Design / Build | 🎾🎾🎾🎾 2/3 |
| Grip | 🎾🎾🎾🎾 1/4 |
| Control | 🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾 |
| Spin | 🎾🎾🎾🎾 1/4 |
| Power | 🎾🎾🎾 3/4 |
| Price / Value | 🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾 |
| Overall Rating | 🎾🎾🎾🎾 1/4 |
After several weeks of testing, I’d say the Hype X Pro is a great fit for beginners who want to skip the bargain-bin starter paddle, budget-conscious rec players, or anyone ready to upgrade from that entry-level Amazon or Target paddle. At $120, it also makes an ideal “guest paddle” for intermediate or advanced players to keep in their bag—lightweight, all-court friendly, and easy to swing.
It’s well-built, easy on the arm, and genuinely fun to play with during casual sessions. While it comes with a one-year warranty for workmanship and manufacturing defects, it’s worth noting that Onix doesn’t offer a trial period like Versix does with the Vector XL Pro. Still, for the price, it’s a solid no-nonsense paddle that punches above its weight.
Onix Hype X Pro FAQs
Is the Onix Hype X Pro good for beginners?
Yes. Our tester called it a great fit for beginners who want to skip the bargain-bin starter paddle: forgiving, easy on the arm and strong on control. See our best paddles for beginners for more options.
What is the difference between the Onix Hype X and Hype X Pro?
Both are 14mm, elongated, 7.75 to 8.25 oz and USA Pickleball approved. The Hype X Pro has a raw carbon fiber face and lists for $119.99. The Hype X has a composite face and lists for $89.99. We recommend the Pro.
Is the Onix Hype X Pro USA Pickleball approved?
Yes. Onix lists both the Hype X and the Hype X Pro as USA Pickleball approved for tournament play.
Does the Onix Hype X Pro have good power?
Not much. Our tester rated power below average but adequate for most shots. Don’t expect effortless putaways or explosive drives.
Does the Onix Hype X Pro have good spin?
Surprisingly good for a budget paddle. Spin was above average, though not on par with spin-focused paddles. See our best paddles for spin.
How big is the Onix Hype X Pro handle?
The grip is 5.5 inches long with a 4 1/8 inch circumference. That thin handle may feel small for players with larger hands.
What should I buy if I want more power than the Hype X Pro?
Our tester pointed to the Versix Vector XL Pro for noticeably more power and spin at about $10 more. Not sure what fits you? Try our paddle quiz.
Pickle on my friends, pickle on…
