Dan’s Take
On our scale these two are dead even: 7 power, 9.5 control, 8.5 spin and 10 for sweet spot on both, with the same standard shape and 16 mm thickness. JOOLA adds carbon and an EVA foam edge wall to its polypropylene (PP) core; the Malice DB is plain honeycomb under a raw carbon face, with a slightly shorter handle.
The Scorpeus has 4.3 out of 5 from 90+ ratings on JOOLA's site. As of October 2026 the Malice DB has only 5+ on Onix's, too early to lean on, and we couldn't find this exact model on the USA Pickleball list. Pick the Scorpeus for confirmed approval and a track record, the Malice DB if you want the usually lower price.
By Dan · Based on each brand’s published specs and buyer ratings, October 2026. We don’t play-test paddles.
Onix
Onix Malice DB Raw Carbon
Control players who want a softer, damped feel
Ratings Head to Head
Which Suits Your Game?
| Player type | JOOLA Scorpeus Pro V | Onix Malice DB Raw Carbon |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | 9.2 | 9.2 |
| Touch players | 9.2 | 9.2 |
| Power hitters | 8.3 | 8.3 |
| Spin players | 8.6 | 8.6 |
Weighted from the four ratings. How these are weighted
Key Differences
- They tie on power (7), control (9.5), spin (8.5) and sweet spot (10).
- Price: the Onix Malice DB Raw Carbon costs less at each brand’s own store.
- Tournament play: only the JOOLA Scorpeus Pro V is on the USA Pickleball approved list.
The Verdict
Pick the JOOLA Scorpeus Pro V if you want tournament approval.
Pick the Onix Malice DB Raw Carbon if you want a lower price.
Specs Side by Side
| Spec | JOOLA Scorpeus Pro V | Onix Malice DB Raw Carbon |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 8.2 oz (16 mm) | 7.8–8.2 oz |
| Shape | Standard | Standard |
| Length | 16 in | 16 in |
| Width | 8 in | 8 in |
| Core thickness | 16 mm (14 mm version also available) | 16 mm (14 mm version also available) |
| Core | Polypropylene (PP) core + carbon fiber (CF) + EVA foam (Propulsion Core, Hyperfoam Edge Wall) | Polypropylene honeycomb |
| Face | Textured carbon fiber | Raw carbon fiber |
| Handle length | 5.25 in | 5 in |
| Grip size | 4.25 in (16 mm) or 4.125 in (14 mm) | 4.25 in |
| Price | $299.95 | $269.99 |
| USA Pickleball approved | Yes | Not listed |
Specs as published by each manufacturer. Prices are checked daily on each brand’s own store; the checkout price is final.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, the JOOLA Scorpeus Pro V or the Onix Malice DB Raw Carbon?
On our spec-based scale they tie at 8.8.
Which has more power, the JOOLA Scorpeus Pro V or the Onix Malice DB Raw Carbon?
They rate the same for power on our scale (7).
Which is better for beginners, the JOOLA Scorpeus Pro V or the Onix Malice DB Raw Carbon?
They score the same for beginners on our weighted scale (9.2).
Are the JOOLA Scorpeus Pro V and Onix Malice DB Raw Carbon approved for tournament play?
Only the JOOLA Scorpeus Pro V is on the USA Pickleball approved paddle list.
More Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JOOLA Scorpeus Pro V vs Onix Malice Raw Carbon
- JOOLA Scorpeus Pro V vs Selkirk LUXX Control Air with InfiniGrit (Epic)
- JOOLA Scorpeus Pro V vs JOOLA Kosmos Pro V
- JOOLA Scorpeus Pro V vs JOOLA Hyperion Pro V
- JOOLA Scorpeus Pro V vs JOOLA Perseus Pro V
- Onix Malice DB Raw Carbon vs Selkirk LUXX Control Air with InfiniGrit (Epic)
Next Step
Compare More Paddles
Line up to four paddles side by side on the same research scale.