Onix
Onix Malice DB Raw Carbon
Control players who want a softer, damped feel
$269.99at Onix Pickleball
Ratings Head to Head
Onix Malice DB Raw CarbonPaddletek Bantam EXL-C
Power78.5
Control9.58
Spin8.58.5
Sweet spot108
Research score8.88.3
Which Suits Your Game?
| Player type | Onix Malice DB Raw Carbon | Paddletek Bantam EXL-C |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | 9.2 | 8.1 |
| Touch players | 9.2 | 8.2 |
| Power hitters | 8.3 | 8.3 |
| Spin players | 8.6 | 8.4 |
Weighted from the four ratings. How these are weighted
Key Differences
- The biggest gap is sweet spot: the Onix Malice DB Raw Carbon rates 10 to the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C’s 8.
- On power, the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C is ahead: 8.5 vs 7.
- The Onix Malice DB Raw Carbon also leads on control, 9.5 to 8.
- They tie on spin (8.5).
- Core thickness: 16 mm (14 mm version also available) for the Onix Malice DB Raw Carbon against 12.7 mm or 14.3 mm (scored at 12.7 mm) for the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C. The thinner Paddletek Bantam EXL-C should give more pop; thicker cores lean toward control.
- Weight: the Onix Malice DB Raw Carbon is the heavier of the two, by about 0.2 oz on average.
- Price: the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C costs less at each brand’s own store.
- Tournament play: only the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C is on the USA Pickleball approved list.
The Verdict
Pick the Onix Malice DB Raw Carbon if you want more control, a bigger sweet spot and more weight behind the ball, especially if you’re a beginner or a touch player.
Go with the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C if you want more power, a lighter feel and a lower price.
Specs Side by Side
| Spec | Onix Malice DB Raw Carbon | Paddletek Bantam EXL-C |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 7.8–8.2 oz | 7.6–8.0 oz |
| Shape | Standard | Standard |
| Length | 16 in | 15.625 in |
| Width | 8 in | 7.75 in |
| Core thickness | 16 mm (14 mm version also available) | 12.7 mm or 14.3 mm (scored at 12.7 mm) |
| Core | Polypropylene honeycomb | Bantam QRT (Quick Response Technology) polymer core |
| Face | Raw carbon fiber | PT-700 unidirectional raw carbon fiber (Toray 700) |
| Handle length | 5 in | 5.25 in |
| Grip size | 4.25 in | Not published by Paddletek |
| Price | $269.99 | $199.99 |
| USA Pickleball approved | Not listed | Yes |
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 Onix Malice DB Raw Carbon or the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C?
On our spec-based scale the Onix Malice DB Raw Carbon scores higher (8.8 vs 8.3). By player type, the Onix Malice DB Raw Carbon suits beginners, touch players and spin players better.
Which has more power, the Onix Malice DB Raw Carbon or the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C?
The Paddletek Bantam EXL-C rates higher for power on our scale (8.5 vs 7).
Which is better for beginners, the Onix Malice DB Raw Carbon or the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C?
The Onix Malice DB Raw Carbon scores higher for beginners (9.2 vs 8.1), mainly from its sweet spot and control ratings.
Are the Onix Malice DB Raw Carbon and Paddletek Bantam EXL-C approved for tournament play?
Only the Paddletek Bantam EXL-C is on the USA Pickleball approved paddle list.
More Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Onix Malice DB Raw Carbon vs JOOLA Scorpeus Pro V
- Onix Malice DB Raw Carbon vs Selkirk LUXX Control Air with InfiniGrit (Epic)
- Onix Malice DB Raw Carbon vs Onix Malice Raw Carbon
- Onix Malice DB Raw Carbon vs Onix Hype X Pro Raw Carbon
- Onix Malice DB Raw Carbon vs Onix Lucent RC
- Paddletek Bantam EXL-C vs Selkirk AMPED Pro Air Epic
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Line up to four paddles side by side on the same research scale.