ONIX Malice DB Raw Carbon Review
Quick Specifications
- Weight
- 7.8–8.2 oz
- Length
- 16 in
- Width
- 8 in
- Grip length
- 5 in
- Grip circumference
- 4.25 in
- Core thickness
- 16 mm (14 mm version also available)
- Core material
- Polypropylene honeycomb
- Surface material
- Raw carbon fiber
- Shape
- Standard
- Balance
- Swing and twist weight not published by ONIX
- USA Pickleball status
- ONIX says it meets USA Pickleball requirements. We couldn't find a "Malice DB Raw Carbon" entry on the approved list (it shows the Malice DB 14 and 16 and the Malice 14 and 16 Raw Carbon), so confirm the exact model before sanctioned play.
Specifications come from the manufacturer; our sources are listed with each review. Research scores follow our editorial policy. Always confirm USA Pickleball approval on the official list before tournament play.
Our Review
Power
On our spec-based scale it rates 7.25 for power: the compact 16 in shape and 16 mm core favor control over pace; ONIX says the double-bridge insert adds power, but that isn't a published spec our scale can measure.
Control
A 16 mm core, raw carbon face and standard 16 in shape point to strong control (9.5 on our scale). ONIX recommends the 16 mm version for maximum control.
Spin
Its raw carbon fiber face gives it a spin rating of 8.75. ONIX says the raw carbon texture adds traction on the ball; it doesn't name a separate branded texture, so it scores as a standard textured surface on our scale.
Sweet spot
An 8 in wide face and 16 mm core give it a sweet-spot rating of 10, the top of our scale.
Maneuverability
At 7.8–8.2 oz it sits in the midweight range. ONIX doesn't publish a swing weight.
Stability
ONIX says the carbon fiber Power Frame wraps the whole paddle for strength, and the double-bridge rubber insert and foam-filled handle reduce vibration. It doesn't publish twist weight.
Build quality
The Malice DB has ONIX's carbon fiber Power Frame, but its product page doesn't mention the ThermoFused process listed for the Malice Raw Carbon, so we don't add the construction points our scale gives thermoformed paddles. ONIX covers it with a one-year limited warranty.
Feel
As of September 2026, ONIX's website shows an average of 4.8 out of 5 from 8 ratings. Customers on ONIX's site praise its responsiveness, control and the spin from the raw carbon face; one owner of several Malice paddles says they wear out and scuff more quickly than other paddles. With so few reviews there isn't a consistent pattern, so we haven't adjusted any rating.
Who Is This Paddle For?
- Control-first players who want a damped, comfortable feel
- Players who want the biggest, most forgiving face
- Players who prefer a paddle with no edge guard
- Players who want more power should consider the Praxis
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Top sweet-spot rating (10) and strong control (9.5) on our scale
- Double-bridge rubber insert that ONIX says reduces vibration
- Choice of 14 mm or 16 mm
- 4.8 out of 5 from 8 ratings on ONIX's site
Cons
- Highest price in this ONIX group ($269.99)
- Not found on the USA Pickleball list under this exact name
- One-year warranty, shorter than some rivals
- One customer reports faster wear and scuffing
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Malice DB Raw Carbon score lower than the Malice Raw Carbon?
The two share dimensions, weight and face, but only the Malice Raw Carbon's product page lists ONIX's ThermoFused construction. Our scale only scores published specs, so the DB doesn't get those construction points.
How does the 14 mm version score?
On our scale the 14 mm version rates 8 power, 8.75 control, 8.75 spin and 9.75 sweet spot, for a research score of 8.8.
Is the ONIX Malice DB Raw Carbon tournament legal?
ONIX says it meets USA Pickleball requirements. We couldn't find a "Malice DB Raw Carbon" entry on the approved list (it shows the Malice DB 14 and 16 and the Malice 14 and 16 Raw Carbon), so confirm the exact model before sanctioned play.
Final Summary
Best features
The top sweet-spot rating on our scale from an 8 in wide face, with strong control and a damped double-bridge throat.
Potential drawbacks
The highest price in the group, an unconfirmed approved-list entry and a one-year warranty.
Ideal player
A control-first player who wants a large, comfortable raw carbon face and doesn't mind paying for the double-bridge design.
Not sold? Compare it with the alternatives below or use our paddle comparison tool.
Paddle Alternatives
Comparable paddles worth a look if this one isn't quite right.
ONIX
9.3/10ONIX Adapt Max
Elongated raw-carbon paddle with a textured spin surface