Research-based review Unless labelled otherwise, paddle and gear verdicts are research-based - compiled from specs, expert reviews and player feedback. Our editor plays racket sports regularly (mostly padel).

Gamma Mirage Review (UK 2026): Mid-Tier All-Court Pick

By Rob Griffiths11 September 2026 · 5 min read

Editorial review

Gamma Mirage Review (UK 2026)

Balanced elongated mid-tier paddle for 3.0-3.5 all-court players

Quietly competent mid-tier all-court paddle from a 50-year racquet-sports brand.

Strengths

Balanced elongated shape - good across all shot types
Quiet, controlled polymer-core feel
Solid build quality with Gamma's racquet-sports heritage

Watch outs

Modest spin generation vs textured carbon paddles
Power output behind 2026 thermoformed flagship paddles
UK retail narrower than the bigger brands

Check current price

Core Polymer honeycomb
Face Fibreglass composite
Weight 7.8 - 8.2 oz
Shape Elongated (7.5 in × 16 in)
UK price £80 - £100
USAPA approved Yes

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Gamma is the kind of brand that doesn't have a single tournament-tier marquee paddle but consistently produces solid mid-tier picks. The Mirage is the company's elongated all-court frame - polymer core, fibreglass face, balanced weight distribution - aimed at intermediate UK players who want a paddle to grow into rather than out of.

Overview - what the Mirage actually is

The Mirage is a 16-inch elongated composite paddle with a polymer honeycomb core and a textured fibreglass face. Both materials are mature - polymer cores have dominated mid-tier paddles since 2020, and fibreglass faces deliver more pop than the older Nomex-or-graphite alternatives. The paddle sits at 7.8-8.2 oz, which is comfortable for most adult players and avoids the fatigue you get from heavier thermoformed carbon paddles at the same price.

Gamma's pedigree matters here. The brand has 50+ years in tennis (and 20+ in pickleball under the same parent) and the build quality reflects that. The Mirage feels tighter than other £80-100 paddles - no rattle in the handle, no creak at the edge guard, consistent weight across the run.

How does it play?

The play summary: balanced. The Mirage doesn't excel at one thing but handles everything competently:

Dinks and resets are clean - polymer core gives enough dwell time, the elongated shape provides leverage. Good touch at the kitchen.
Drives from the baseline are usable but not powerful. You'll feel the gap to thermoformed carbon paddles (Selkirk Power Air, JOOLA Hyperion) for raw drive pace.
Spin generation is the weakest area. The fibreglass face holds the ball briefly but the grit is modest by 2026 standards. Topspin third-shot drops work; aggressive spin-loaded counter-attacks don't.
Sweet spot is reasonable for an elongated paddle - not as wide as the Onix Z5 but more forgiving than the JOOLA Perseus.
Arm fatigue across a 90-minute session is low - the polymer core dampens shock well.

Specifications

Gamma Mirage specifications

Length: 16 inches (40.6 cm)
Width: 7.5 inches (19.1 cm)
Weight: 7.8 - 8.2 oz (221-232 g)
Core: Polymer honeycomb
Face: Fibreglass composite (textured)
Grip circumference: 4 1/8 inches (10.5 cm)
Grip length: 5 inches
USAPA approved: Yes
Edge guard: Yes

Who is the Gamma Mirage right for?

Best for

3.0-3.5 all-court players upgrading from a starter paddle

Players who've outgrown an Onix Z5 or Decathlon Perfly and want a paddle that suits multiple play styles. Balanced feel works equally well for dinkers and drivers. Good multi-season investment at £80-100.

Skip if

Tournament 4.0+ players or heavy-spin specialists

Spin generation lags newer thermoformed paddles. Tournament players targeting 4.0+ ratings will outgrow the Mirage's power ceiling. Heavy-topspin players prefer Selkirk SLK Halo or JOOLA Hyperion.

How does it compare to alternatives?

	Gamma Mirage	Onix Z5	Selkirk SLK Halo
Shape	Elongated	Wide-body	Elongated
Face	Fibreglass	Composite	Carbon (thin)
Best for	All-court	Control	All-court
Power tier	Modest	Modest	Moderate
Spin tier	Modest	Modest	Good

Where to buy in the UK

UK retail for the Gamma Mirage is more niche than the Onix Z5 tier - Pure Racket Sport is the main UK stockist at £85-99 typical. Amazon UK has intermittent stock at £80-95. Decathlon UK doesn't currently carry the Mirage. For end-of-season discounts check Pure Racket Sport's Black Friday and January sales (15-25% off typical).

Weighing the Mirage against other options? Our best pickleball paddles UK guide sets out our current picks at entry, mid and premium price tiers.

Frequently asked questions

Gamma Mirage or Onix Z5 - which should I buy?

If you want the most forgiving sweet spot for off-centre hits, choose the Onix Z5 (wide-body shape). If you want the better reach for serves and baseline drives, choose the Mirage (elongated shape). At £80-90 both are similar value; the choice is shape preference.

Is the Mirage suitable for tournament play?

USAPA-approved and tournament-legal - yes. Whether it's competitive at tournament level - depends on your level. Up to 3.5 USAPA / LTA ratings the Mirage holds up. From 4.0 upward you'll want more power and spin (Selkirk Power Air, JOOLA Perseus, or thermoformed carbon equivalents).

How long does a Gamma Mirage last?

Typical UK regular play (2-3 sessions per week): 18-24 months before the fibreglass face's texture dulls and spin generation drops. Polymer core itself stays in shape for 24-36 months. Edge guard adhesive is the typical failure point - watch for lifting around the head.

Is the Mirage too heavy for my child or smaller adult?

At 7.8-8.2 oz it's standard weight. For children under 12 or smaller adults (under 5'4") consider a lighter youth paddle (Gamma also makes the Element youth line at 6.5-7.0 oz). Pre-teens upgrading from a wooden starter paddle will find the Mirage manageable from age 13-14 typically.

What's the grip size and can I add an overgrip?

Stock grip circumference is 4 1/8 inches - quite small for many UK adult hands. A standard tennis overgrip (Tourna Grip, Yonex Super Grap) adds about 1/8 inch and improves the fit considerably. Most UK players we know add an overgrip to the Mirage as standard.

What's the warranty?

Gamma offers a 6-month manufacturer warranty against defects in materials and workmanship via their UK distributor. Edge-guard separation and face delamination are typically covered; cosmetic wear is not. Keep your receipt - Pure Racket Sport requires it for the warranty claim.

Check current Gamma Mirage price

Pure Racket Sport is the main UK stockist; Amazon UK has intermittent stock at similar prices.

Check price