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

By Rob Griffiths3 July 2026 · 6 min read
Editorial review

Gamma Mirage Review (UK 2026)

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

4.0 / 5
★★★★★ ★★★★★ Highly recommended

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

  • Sweet spot & forgiveness 4.0
  • Power 3.6
  • Control & touch 4.3
  • Spin generation 3.5
  • Build & durability 4.3
  • Value for money 4.2

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
£89.99 typical UK street price
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

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 MirageOnix Z5Selkirk SLK Halo
ShapeElongatedWide-bodyElongated
FaceFibreglassCompositeCarbon (thin)
Best forAll-courtControlAll-court
Power tierModestModestModerate
Spin tierModestModestGood

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).

Frequently asked questions

Q01Gamma 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.
Q02Is 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).
Q03How 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.
Q04Is 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.
Q05What'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.
Q06What'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.