Professional pickleball players require professional paddles for performance. But just where are Gearbox, Onix, and Selkirk pickleball paddles made?

Gearbox, Onix, and Selkirk are well-known for manufacturing and selling high-quality pickleball paddles. There is more to a pickleball paddle than the brand name.

Gearbox paddles are manufactured by the California-based company at their facility. Onix is based in Indiana; however, it manufactures its paddles in factories in Mexico and China. Finally, Selkirk paddles are manufactured in the 6000 sq. ft. facility in Idaho.

If you are like most pickleball enthusiasts, you must have wondered what a pickleball paddle is made of and what makes branded paddles stand out from the ordinary ones.

Experienced pickleball players believe that Gearbox, Onix, and Selkirk are among the top-quality paddle and other pickleball equipment manufacturers. Although most of their products are higher priced, they ensure that their products are up to the mark in terms of quality. All three manufacturers ensure you get the best bang for your buck.

The Composite Pickleball Paddle

If you have been browsing through paddles to purchase one, you must have come across the term composite. But what does composite even mean? Put into simple, bookish terms, a composite is something that is made up of multiple elements or parts. Composite pickleball paddles fit this definition like a glove.

A pickleball paddle has several components, including the face, the core, the handle, and the edge guard. When combined, these components form the traditional pickleball paddle.

The Core

There is more to a pickleball paddle than meets the eye. One of the critical components of the paddle is the core. It is covered by the face and the edge guards, but it is what gives the paddle its shape and is usually as tall as the edge guards on the sides.

The core usually comprises a honeycomb structure. Like the hexagonal cells in a honeycomb, the paddle's core also has some empty and filled cells. This is done purposely to give the paddle strength, flexibility, and balanced weight.

 There are three kinds of cores found in pickleball paddles, and knowing the difference among them will significantly impact your decision when choosing a paddle.

Nomex

Although it may sound new to some, Nomex is probably the earliest material used for making pickleball paddles. It was developed in the 1960s and was used as a critical material in firefighters' helmets. It is believed that the first composite pickleball paddles had Nomex cores in them.

If you have been an avid pickleball player, you must have used a Nomex paddle. They are the most common types of paddles and are found everywhere. The highest selling paddle from Onix, the Graphite Z5, comes with a Nomex core.

So, what is it that makes Nomex so popular?

As stated above, Nomex was not designed for pickleball initially. But the honeycomb structure of the material suited the pickleball paddles well. The material is more densely packed with smaller cells, and the increased density can impact performance in different ways.

Power

Paddles with Nomex cores are wild beasts that are challenging to tame. They are often considered monsters when it comes to strength. Players who rely solely on power when playing the game are diehard fans of Nomex core paddles.

The hardness of the material is one of the main reasons these paddles can deliver high levels of power. Even with brutal strength, the material remains lightweight. The paddles are easy to swing with high force, and they ensure to transfer the force from your arm to the ball. If you are a player who loves smashes and drives, Nomex core paddles will make your moves viscous and fast.

Control

But it is not all up and up for Nomex paddles. With a lot of power comes a lack of control. Due to the hardness and density of Nomex, any fast shot coming at you will be challenging to control, and the ball will probably bounce off randomly without giving you much control over it. As a rule of thumb, you can remember that the denser the core material, the more challenging it is to control the ball's deflection.

Noise

Another thing we cannot help but mention is the amount of noise Nomex paddles generate. They can easily be considered the loudest of the three types of cores available. In fact, they can be so loud that if your partner hits a powerful smash or a drive when standing next to you, you can expect your ears to ring for a few seconds.

Who Are Nomex Paddles For?

Paddles with Nomex cores are suited for power players. They allow you to make powerful and solid strikes. However, the power comes with compromised control over the ball.

It is recommended that beginners steer clear of Nomex paddles and look for alternatives. It is easier to pick up Nomex paddles from almost every sports store due to their popularity, but avoid falling for the temptation. Instead, go for other cores to learn how to control the ball, and then you can transition to Nomex for power. The other cores we discuss below will help you learn to control and dink better than Nomex.

Aluminum

Yes, it is the same dull silver metal we interact with every day! Aluminum paddles are not as commonly available as other cores, but there are still more than enough to choose from. Although not as much as Nomex paddles, they are still quite noisy. If there are noise restrictions in the area you are playing, you may want to reconsider.

Aluminum paddles are lightweight; that is what all aluminum things are, right? But when it comes to pickleball, a heavier paddle will be able to deliver more power, and this is exactly what aluminum paddles don't do.

Power

Given the lightly packed nature of aluminum, these paddles are often considered the least powerful of all. No matter how much force you put into your shot, you will almost always notice a lack of power. In fact, if you have played with other paddles, you will even notice the difference when you casually bounce a ball with the paddle while sitting alone.

But it is not about power all the time in pickleball, is it? There is something that aluminum core paddles provide that makes the sacrifice of power worthy.

Control

Every shot using an aluminum paddle might feel weaker than others, but you will have much more control over the ball. Without constantly worrying about hitting too hard, you can focus on controlling the ball. Pickleball can get a little frantic at times, leading us to panic and smash the ball uncontrollably, only to have it land out of bounds. With aluminum paddles taking pace off of the ball, you can expect them to be more forgiving in such a scenario.

Balance

Take a Nomex paddle weighing 8 ounces, and take an aluminum paddle of the same weight. You will be surprised that they will not feel that they are of the same weight, especially when swinging. The reason for this is the center of gravity. Aluminum is a lightweight material, which means that the center of gravity is focused more on the handle than on the core. This makes the paddle much easier to swing, and it will feel snugger in your hand than a Nomex paddle, even though they both weigh the same.  

To understand this better, imagine you are hammering a nail into a wall. A hammer usually has its center of gravity towards the head. This allows you to hit the nail with sufficient power. If you were to turn the hammer upside down and attempt to hammer the nail in with the handle, other than looking ridiculous, you would be lucky if you could even get the nail to budge. Aluminum paddles work similarly; they have their center of gravity towards the handle, compromising on power.

Who Are Aluminum Paddles For?

There is a reason that Aluminum paddles are not as readily available as other ones. They are not suited for everyone. Most experienced players believe that the amount of compromise you have to make for power does not justify the control they give. They are best suited for people who have nothing to do with power, such as children or some selected senior players who have limitations.

For most players, it is recommended to steer clear of aluminum paddles unless you plan to play casual dinking games instead of real pickleball.

Polymer

What is a polymer? Ok, gather up everyone, we are about to have a chemistry lesson. Just kidding!

But defined simply, "poly" stands for "many," and "mer" stands for "unit." Put it together, and you come up with a material that comprises many units of molecules strung together in a long chain. Still sounds complicated? It is plastic – polymer cores are just made of plastic.

Whether it is kids' toys, your water bottle, or packaging material, it is just polymer showing its magic. So the next time you hear of a polymer, you can safely think of plastic.

Since you have been using plastic ever since you have existed, you will know that it has some miraculous properties. It is durable, flexible, and strong among other properties. It has everything you need on a pickleball paddle. Polymer cores have become so popular that manufacturers are coming up with their own "recipes" to make signature paddle cores.

So, why is polymer so popular?

Polymer core paddles give you the best of what aluminum and Nomex offer. They are flexible, strong, and often last much longer than the other two. Most pickleball enthusiasts love polymer paddles because they allow you to add force to your shots without compromising on control.

This is not to say that the other paddles are useless or you should not use them. But for beginners and intermediate-level players, polymer paddles will be the best choice. They are an all-around choice, which makes them a popular favorite.

Most paddle manufacturers are incorporating advanced technologies into the polymer blend and kicking the use of polypropylene up a notch. For instance, Selkirk launched their "AMPED" paddle a while ago, which was composed of a secret recipe by the company. Many other manufacturers are moving in this direction to create proprietary polymer cores.

Another reason for choosing polymer paddles is the huge variety available on the market. With a diverse range, you have the freedom to choose the one with specifications that meet your requirements.

You may be held back after checking the price tags on these paddles. They can be pretty expensive, which is probably why they are so popular. People often associate quality with price. However, if you are starting out, there are several pocket-friendly options to choose from.

The Face

The core is the heart of a paddle, but you cannot play with a heart *pun intended*. The core needs to be covered with a different material to make the head of the paddle. There are a few options available to cover the core. When the core is combined with another material, it creates a playable surface. Let us look at the materials that can be used to make the face.

Graphite

A paddle with a graphite surface will probably be the lightest and the most majestic type. These paddles are usually higher priced. The friction from graphite allows you to add considerable spin to your shots.

Fiberglass Composites

Here we come to the term composite again. If you remember from above (and your chemistry class), composite means that it comprises different elements or parts. Fiberglass composite surface material is usually a blend of fiberglass and graphite.

Fiberglass is a strong material that ensures powerful shots. The graphite in the blend provides more control and spin to the ball.

Carbon Fiber

The carbon fiber surface is made of polycarbonate, which is a durable and long-lasting material. Due to the material's low density, you might find a compromise in shot power, but it ensures optimum control. Paddles with carbon fiber surfaces are usually the most expensive.

Remember we discussed how Nomex cores are the noisiest? Well, we had not discussed the carbon fiber surfaces until then. Combine the two, and you will surely be asking for an altercation with the law if you play in an area that has noise restrictions imposed.

However, with other cores, such as polymer or aluminum, the noise from the paddle with a carbon fiber surface should be bearable.

The Handle

Now that the core is covered with a playable surface, we are ready to play, but not without a handle. The handle on pickleball paddles is designed and installed similarly to badminton or tennis rackets. The head is completed, and the handle is then attached to it.

There is not much to consider on the handle except for its size and grip type. The length of the handle can range from 4 to 5.5 inches. There is also a variety in thickness; most paddles come with a handle circumference ranging from 4 – 4.5 inches. Depending on the size of your hands and your comfort level, you can choose whichever size suits you best.

The grip on the handle is usually made of foam but is also interchangeable. If you don't like the grip that comes with the handle, you can have it swapped for a better one. Some players prefer a thicker grip as it brings the center of gravity towards the handle due to the added weight.

The Edge Guards

This is probably the last feature you will look for in a paddle. The edge guard, as the name implies, guards the edges of the paddle. It is a protective rubber layer added to the edges of the paddle surface to keep the materials from peeling off.

When you drop your paddle, which you will more often than you expect, the edge guard protects it from serious damage. If you want to add more protection to your precious little asset, you can apply edge guard tape to the edges. However, keep in mind that this will add an ounce or two of weight to your paddle's face.

Now that we know what composite pickleball paddles are composed of, let us look at three of the most popular brands for pickleball paddles and where they manufacture their great pickleball paddles.

Gearbox Paddles

Gearbox was initially founded as a racketball equipment company in 2007. Since then, the company has grown and expanded to other racket sports, including badminton, tennis, and pickleball.

The company is based in California and was established by a racketball player Rafael Filipino. Filipino has more than 25 years of experience in the composites industry, so he understands composites inside out. Today, Rafael Filipino holds numerous patents for applying composites to rackets and paddles. The combination of his experience with composites, and the high-end skills of a racket ballplayer, led to the beginning of Gearbox.

The company initially focused only on racketball. However, seeing the trend for pickleball rise, Gearbox moved to launch a collection of pickleball paddles. One of the most widely used paddles by pros is the Gearbox G11.

The Tesla of Paddles

No, the paddle does not go from 0 to 60 in three seconds, nor does it come with self-playing abilities or regenerative brakes. But even without these technologies, Gearbox paddles are revolutionary and often considered on another level.

As you now know, pickleball paddles are composites with a honeycomb core sandwiched between playing surfaces. Different materials lead to different playing styles, with some being more biased towards power while others towards control. Carbon fiber is one of the most sought-after materials for the surface due to its stiffness and the control it offers.

However, Gearbox paddles are different. Instead of using the traditional honeycomb core, the company constructs its core with 32 carbon fiber ribs. These ribs are aligned from the upper end of the handle to the end of the paddle. The core is then covered with a carbon fiber surface and molded together under high temperatures and pressure. The process results in a paddle made entirely out of carbon fiber.

Since these paddles are one-piece, they do not require an edge guard, causing the paddles to be edgeless. The components of the paddles have been molded together, so there is no risk of breakdown or the surface coming away from the core.

The company has incorporated multiple technologies when it comes to designing its paddles. Gearbox can alter the mechanics of the paddles by using different varieties and patterns of carbon fiber. The filaments of the material are laid down in different directions to change their property. This means that the paddle with the same material can be more power or control-oriented.

Since the paddles do not have multiple layers, they are thin. Carbon fiber is known for its stiffness and prevents the paddles from bending or deforming. This ensures proper control over your game, as you can hit the ball with more precision.

Gearbox is considered the Tesla of paddles because the company has incorporated technologies to make its paddles stand out from the rest. Other companies cannot copy their paddles because Filipinos have acquired patents for many of the company's technologies.  

The Gearbox Paddle Lineup

All Gearbox paddles have been approved by the United States of America Pickleball Association (USAPA) for all kinds of play, including official tournaments.

Gearbox has a long line of paddles, and one has to appreciate how they have kept the names of their simple and easy to decipher and remember.

Original Lineup

Their original lineup of paddles had three different categories, called Seven, Eight, and Nine, each corresponding to the weight of the paddles, 7 oz, 8 oz, and 9 oz. Why is there no six, you ask? I was too afraid to be there because it was seven 8 nine.

The G2 Paddle

The G2 is a single-piece paddle that comprises a honeycomb core with carbon and glass fiber. The material is not glued together but rather molded together in high-temperature and pressure environments. It thus comes out as a single-piece paddle.

The G7 Paddle

The G7 is a sibling to the G2. It has a similar shape, weight, and size. But it comes with a more advanced core as compared to the traditional honeycomb core found on the G2.

The G11 Paddle

This is the flagship paddle of the company. It has stirred the most waves in different media. It weighs 7.8 ounces, has a solid span composition, and is made for touch.

A Brief Review of Gearbox Paddles

Gearbox Originals: Seven, Eight, Nine

These three paddles are largely identical. The only thing differentiating them is weight. This classification makes it easy for the player to choose between the paddles since they only have to consider the weight. The company provides options to make these paddles suitable for your playing style.

Each of these three paddles comes in two grip sizes, which are 3 5/8 inches and 3 15/16 inches. You will need to ensure that you select the best one according to your hand size and the one that feels most comfortable when you hold it.  

Considering most of the paddles around, the Seven might feel a little lightweight, while Nine might feel slightly heavy. The Nine paddle attracts players who are power hitters and tennis players who like to play pickleball as well. For an average player, Eight and Seven will be best suited.

Gearbox G2

The Gearbox G2 is one of the older paddles, so it does not have the texture and material to deliver as much spin as some of the modern paddles available. When it comes to biting, it can be outperformed by most paddles.

The G2 also weighs 7.8 ounces and has a long handle of 5 inches. The grip size is medium at 3 7/8 inches. Overall, it is a sturdy paddle that is more suited for power than control and spin.

Gearbox G7

The G7 shares a lot with the G2, except for the core. It has a more advanced core, which comprises layers of composite materials laid out to form a ribbed and chamber design. The paddle is molded, so the frame, core, and face are all one unit. It is the core of the G7 that sets it apart from other paddles and gives it its uniqueness. The paddle delivers more power, control, and spin as compared to the G2.

Gearbox G11

The G11 is the paddle that seems to attract the most attention. It is one of the most popular paddles in the game today. Several users claim that this paddle's feel, grip, and playability make it unique. Many find that the single-piece design and the materials used on this paddle ensure minimal vibration flows through the paddle into your hand.

If you are one of those players who are sick and frustrated with losing points because of the ball landing on the edge guard, the G11 ensures there is nothing but the paddle face that will hit the ball. Every paddle has a sweet spot that propels the ball with maximum force. The G11 has a huge sweet spot, and it covers almost the entire face of the paddle.

Gearbox claims that the unibody design does not require any protection on the edges. But many users find the paddle wearing down along the edge lines. However, this wear and tear is primarily cosmetic and does not have any significant impact on the performance of the paddle.

Onix Paddles

Onix Sports is based in Evansville, Indiana. The company started its journey in 2005 and is owned by Escalade Sports. Onix is one of the forty well-known sporting equipment brands owned by Escalade. The Onix division is dedicated to everything pickleball. They manufacture paddles, nets, balls, and other equipment. Onix paddles have made a mark across the US due to their increased popularity in USAPA tournaments.

Overview

Onix raises the standards for almost every other premium quality paddle manufacturer on the market. The company works around the mission of providing high-quality equipment equipped with many advanced features. All paddles are designed and manufactured after extensive research and engineering by the company. The performance of Onix paddles, thanks to their advanced design and innovative technology, takes the sport of pickleball to a different level.

Onix carries out most of its pickleball paddle manufacturing in Mexico and China. The company is planning to move all its manufacturing to China in the near future.

A Few Technologies

The Ribtec Core

The Ribtec core is the flagship technology on Onix's product line. A carbon rib structure is used in this premium technology to ensure optimal stability and structure for the paddles. Two faces are joined in such a way to provide excellent control and increased velocity and precision, among other benefits.

The Fusion Core

The Fusion Core technology comprises a polypropylene foundation with a Nomex inlay molded into a single piece. This amazing fusion aids in the enhancement of power and provides outstanding control. It features one of the best sweet spots of any pickleball paddle on the market, and it has a tremendous pop as well.

The Polypropylene Honeycomb Core

With greater thickness, polypropylene technology provides exceptional power, a superb touch, and an exhilarating pop, among other benefits. This technology is common among five different series and over 23 paddles from the company.

The Nomex Honeycomb Core

Nomex Honeycomb Core is a high-performance, precision- and control-oriented core. Even though it is not as sophisticated as the core technologies listed above, it is still a delight for players who are just starting out on their pickleball adventure.

A Few Popular Onix Paddles

Onix has become a brand that is most commonly attached to the sport of pickleball. Numerous paddles are being manufactured and shipped around the whole globe. Here are a few Onix paddles that are worth a shot.

The Onix Z5

Is it really a surprise that this paddle is the first on this list? The Onix Z5 is such a popular paddle that it is usually the first choice of every player and even the critics. The paddle comes with excellent quality and a competitive price, making it the most well-known paddle in the Onix lineup. The paddle comprises a Nomex core and is available with an optional composite and graphite surface.

The Onix Z5 features a well-balanced design, ensuring great control and power delivery. With a width of just over eight inches, the paddle has a big sweet spot. It weighs between 7.5 and 8.02 ounces and is suitable for players who prefer middle and heavy paddles. The Z5 is well-reputed, and you will often find professionals using them in tournaments.

The Onix Outbreak

There is no discussion on paddle precision without bringing the Outbreak into the conversation. The paddle is equipped with a unique TeXtreme technology, ensuring matchless accuracy. The paddle is made using carbon fiber, similar to the one on tennis rackets, making it one of the toughest paddles. Even with all that strength and sturdiness, the Outbreak does not feel too heavy.

It is built for players who prefer middle to heavy paddles. But the main focus is the amount of control and power you can deliver with this paddle. The core is polymer, which makes handling return shots easy. In addition to its mesmerizing appearance, the paddle has an excellent grip and a five-inch handle that fits snugly into a hand of any size, allowing the player to have maximum control on the court.  

The Onix Evoke Pro

There aren't many paddles that can compete with the Evoke Pro in terms of spin. Onix Evoke provides flexibility with its polymer core and high-level touch. It has an excellent grip, which is ideal for smashes and edgy strokes. A large sweet spot and intuitive design ensure that your shots fall precisely where you need them to.

The paddle has a medium grip and feels comfortable in the hands of all sizes. It lies in the heavy category with a weight of close to eight ounces. Most users prefer the slightly longer grip, which helps them with maneuverability.

The Onix Subzero

The brand that once launched a paddle called Inferno has also launched the Subzero. This paddle used cutting-edge technologies and was geared for exceptional control and dinking. It is one of the few paddles with the Ribtec Core and comprises a carbon-reinforced rib. The graphite surface combined with the carbon core makes the Sub Zero unstoppable.

The paddle lies in the light and middleweight segment. It has long been a favorite of players who love to drink more than they love to smash. However, the core and design of the paddle ensure that power delivery is also top-notch, allowing you to serve as deep as you like. It features a long, five-inch handle, which allows it to deliver supreme power.

The Onix React

The React is overflowing with innovation and technology. It makes the traditional paddles manufacturing process look outdated. The React has a sturdy graphite and carbon fiber composite surface, which allows it to deliver an almost perfect combination of power and speed. The React uses the fusion core, which is made of polypropylene, but with Nomex added to the sweet spot area. The names and polypropylene combination enhance durability, control, and touch.

The paddle weighs in the range of eight ounces. With its heavyweight, no one can doubt that the React is built to deliver power. It has a shorter handle than many others, which can prove to be a challenge when it comes to maneuverability.

Selkirk Paddles

Another paddle brand that is commonly seen in Selkirk. The company, Selkirk Sport, is located in Hayden, Idaho. It began its journey in 2013 and launched its first pickleball paddle in 2014. The company makes all its paddles in the 6000 sq. ft. facility in Idaho.

Selkirk paddles are equipped with advanced technologies and are extremely popular all across the country. They have become a favorite for professional and recreational players alike. Selkirk paddles stand out among competitors thanks to the excellent quality materials used and the high-end manufacturing processes applied.

The company has been in the pickleball business since 2014, but it really grabbed attention when it launched the AMPed series of paddles in 2017. For this series, Selkirk pushed its technologies to the limit. With state-of-the-art core materials and unique face materials, everything seemed to build on their range of premium paddles.

The AMPed series comprises six paddles, out of which five are light or middleweight. Most of the middleweight AMPed paddles were released in 2017. However, seeing the success of the series, the company added lightweight paddles during the following year.

Even though they are premium quality and highly priced, Selkirk paddles have become a well-renowned name over the last few years.

A significant portion of Selkirk's success comes from racketball and tennis players who have decided to switch their interests and take a dig at pickleball. The brand's flagship series, AMPed, has always been a favorite option for these players. The advanced core present in these paddles attracts attention from players of all levels, whether they are newbies, intermediates, or pros.

A Few Selkirk Paddles

The Selkirk Epic AMPed

The Epic boasts a new design encased in a conventional framework, featuring the latest technologies. It has a long handle that offers a pleasant feel to it. Its broad face supplements the edges, and the paddles feature a big sweet spot. This paddle is ideal for players who like paddles with heavy heads. Overall, the paddle offers all-around capability with minimum noise and vibration.

The paddle features an advanced X5 core and an innovative FiberFlex face. It is built to deliver power and control. The Epic will make your game easier if you struggle with rally returns. There are several options available for the Epic, and you can choose from light or medium weight and between thin or standard grip sizes.

 The Selkirk S2

The S2 flaunts the largest surface area among the entire AMPed series. It offers incredible levels of versatility. The paddle has a wide face and a large sweet spot to ensure that connections with the ball are always flawless and smooth. The FiberFlex technology for the face and an innovative core give you great control, letting you land your shots where you plan to.

The paddle is better suited for advanced-level players and professionals. It is a little on the heavier side, with a weight of around eight ounces. Due to its larger face and contact area, the handle is shorter than other paddles in the AMPed series. But the paddles come with an option of medium or lightweight and thin or standard grips.

The Selkirk Prime Epic

The Prime Epic, perhaps Selkirk's most affordable option, made it to this list due to its low price. Still, nothing can take away from the high-level control it provides. The paddle has an X4 Core and provides good balance and control like other AMPed models. However, it lacks premium features. Nevertheless, the paddle has a strong grip and enables you to grab wins in any game.

The paddle falls in the lightweight category and is well-suited for newbies and intermediates. It features a long handle, which makes maneuverability easier. It is affordable and can help you react to fast drives and smashes coming your way.

The Selkirk Maxima AMPed

The Maxima is one of the most aesthetically appealing and powerful paddles in the AMPed series. It is well-suited for intermediates who have a sense of control over the game. The paddle ensures maximum versatility, and with its long face, it greatly improves your reach. Most users believe that this paddle can take on and return all kinds of shots coming their way. The handle provides an excellent grip thanks to its reasonably sized handle.  

The paddle has a length of 17 inches, making it one of the longest paddles on the market. It flaunts the X5 core technology along with a far-reaching face. It is excellent for return volleys and rallies. Like other AMPed paddles, you can choose weight and grip to your liking.