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Quick verdict

Main split: Forgiveness-leaning (Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle - Blue) vs Soft feel-leaning (Aero).

Based on available specs; some data is missing.

Some specs are missing; comparisons may be limited.

Decision shortcuts

If you want softer feel, start with Aero (thicker core).

If you want pop-leaning response, start with Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle - Blue (thinner core).

If you want forgiveness, start with Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle - Blue (wider face).

Best-for highlights

Aero
Soft feel-leaningReach-leaningSpin-friendly
Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle - Blue
Pop-leaningForgiveness-leaning

Key differences

  • Thickness: Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle - Blue is thinner by 4mm (12 mm vs 16 mm) — often feels firmer and more pop-leaning.
  • Length: Aero is longer by 25mm (16.5 in (419 mm) vs 15.5 in (394 mm)) — adds reach and leverage.
  • Width: Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle - Blue is wider by 15mm (8.1 in (206 mm) vs 7.5 in (191 mm)) — usually offers a bigger sweet spot.
  • Grip circumference: Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle - Blue is smaller by 6mm (4.02 in (102 mm) vs 4.25 in (108 mm)) — affects comfort and grip feel.
  • Core material: HoldTEK Polymer Core vs Nomex
  • Face material: Raw Carbon Fiber vs Graphite
Tradeoffs

Pop vs soft feel: Thinner cores tend to feel firmer and pop-leaning; thicker cores lean softer.

Aero – 16mm
Price$140
Weight8 oz
Thickness16 mm
CoreHoldTEK Polymer Core
Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle - Blue – 12mm
Price$139
Weight7.9 oz
Thickness12 mm
CoreNomex

These paddles differ in price, thickness, dimensions, grip and materials.

Price:$139 – $140
Thickness:12mm – 16mm
Core:HoldTEK Polymer Core vs Nomex
Different
--No data
Showing 8 meaningful differences

Differences of ≥5g weight, ≥1mm thickness, ≥$20 price, or any material change

Pricing

Prices from Australian retailers. Range reflects different colorways and retailers.

Minimum priceDifferent
Aero – 16mm
$140.00
Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle - Blue – 12mm
$139.00
Maximum priceDifferent
$46 range
Aero – 16mm
$185.00
Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle - Blue – 12mm
$139.00

Thickness

ThicknessDifferent
4mm range
Aero – 16mm
16 mm
Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle - Blue – 12mm
12 mm

Dimensions

LengthDifferent
Aero – 16mm
16.5 in (419 mm)
Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle - Blue – 12mm
15.5 in (394 mm)
WidthDifferent
Aero – 16mm
7.5 in (191 mm)
Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle - Blue – 12mm
8.1 in (206 mm)

Grip

Grip circumferenceDifferent
Aero – 16mm
4.25 in (108 mm)
Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle - Blue – 12mm
4.02 in (102 mm)

Materials

Core materialDifferent
Aero – 16mm
HoldTEK Polymer Core
Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle - Blue – 12mm
Nomex
Face materialDifferent
Aero – 16mm
Raw Carbon Fiber
Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle - Blue – 12mm
Graphite
How we detect differences

We highlight specs as "different" when they exceed these thresholds:

  • Weight: 0.2 oz (5g) or more difference
  • Thickness: 1mm or more difference
  • Price: $20 or more difference
  • Materials: Any difference in core or face material