Dragy
Legend
Does your religion ban you from using lead tape?
Diadem Elevate Tour
- Thread starter DiademSports
- Start date
I own VC 95 (older model) and Diadem Elevate Tour as well.
VC 95 felt rather unstable, but some small customization helped solve that.
Elevate Tour is easier to play with, especially on clay where I play 99% of my matches. It has more (free) power, and a really large sweetspot.
VC 95 on the other hand is 'quicker' thru the air, easier to manoeuvre for sure. Better on serves as well.
Both are great rackets imho.
I have the vcp97 and the vc95 and the elevate tour sounds like the perfect update. Want a larger head and more spin compared the the 95 and want a thicker beam/more power compared to the vcp. This seems like it achieves both based on the comments here
Crocodile
G.O.A.T.
No I usually use a leather grip plus lead tape and it’s the MP that I customise because I prefer the 64RA over the tour which has 67RA. To do this to 4 racquets is a lot of leather grips and lead tape, hope you understand.Does your religion ban you from using lead tape?
Dragy
Legend
I understand this... as kind of meditative and fun endeavor! Give me 4 frames, I’ll be happy to mod and match them... Well anything has it’s limitations I think.
TomTennis495
Professional
Peyote Biornsson
Rookie
My kid received his three Elevate Tours over the weekend. Remarkably, they weighed in at 333, 334, and 334 grams respectively (strung), and they swing lighter than the vCore 98s he was using previously (I'd guess swingweight to be about 320 on each of them, maybe a hair less). Beautiful frames, we are working on deciding on a string for them. Right now the leader in the clubhouse is Diadem Elite XT 18, but he may end up sticking with Solstice Black 18. The kid can easily generate his own power and hasn't seen a drrop off in power or spin with these vs. the vCores. I hope that is helpful to those of you wondering about these frames.
TennisHound
Legend
What about Diadem Power .16ga (blue string)?
Peyote Biornsson
Rookie
The kid likes it as thin as he can get it, so we are sticking with 18 til he breaks so much 18 that we need to start moving up to 17. I can't comment on the Power 16 as we've never tried it. He has Power 18 in one of his new frames and likes it OK but likes Elite XT better cuz it is crisper/stiffer. More crisper more better in his world, but in 18 it still lets him feel something good when he hits the sweet spot.
Peyote Biornsson
Rookie
I want to be fair about my response to this question: The three Elevate Tours that we have are string with Solstice Black 18 at 53 lbs (our reference string and tension), Elite XT 18 @ 53 lbs, and Solstice Power 18 @ 51 lbs respectively. They were strung by the Diadem folks and they did a great job of it, and the frames took a little less than a week getting to Seattle from Florida, probably in pretty cold conditions the whole way. My kid has been a Solstice Black 18 die hard for awhile now, but I wanted him to try some comparable Diadem strings just to see what he thought of them. When we stumbled upon Solstice Black it was by pure accident, so there wasn't much evaluation or variety in that choice. He just liked it, and it was very obviously good for his game. All that being said, he still likes the Black in the new frame, but (surprisingly to me since he tends to be very loyal to things he likes) he likes the Elite XT a bit better cuz it is a bit stiffer but still retains the playability of the Black. I believe the logic to stringing the Power at 51 vs 53 was that I had read and heard that Power was deader than Black so I wanted to give it a fair shot by going a couple of pounds looser. He likes this as well, it just isn't quite as responsive as the Elite or the Black in his opinion. There is a wild card string floating around in our stringing room, which is Pro X, which we haven't tried just yet, not sure what he will think of it as it is not shaped like the three strings currently in the frames (he is not a big spin player but recognizes that having easy access to spin is helpful) but by eveything I've heard should play similar to the Elite XT but with maybe a bit more pop. I will report in on that whenever that happens. The kid strings his own, so he chooses what to strng with. I can offer fatherly guidance, but its his tennis, not mine.
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Peyote Biornsson
Rookie
Also to be fair, the kid has a sponsorship with Diadem, and they have been great, hence our loyalty to their products. They don't force him to use anything, but everything they make that we have tried has been quality, well made stuff. For example, If y'all use ball carts, you really need to try the Diadem cart. I hate to describe a ball cart as lfe-changing, but this one is petty close to it.
Peyote Biornsson
Rookie
OK, I'm going to publicly admit to this forum that we have become Diadem homers, but we do try to remain objective about competing products by other companies. In the end, we (my son and I) want to be sure that he is using things that are best for his game, development, and fitness, no matter who makes them or where. Yes, he is using Diadem racquets, bags, strings, overgrip, ball machine balls, Premiere match balls and ball cart, and several t-shirts, but he is also using a lot of Yonex products (shoes, match clothes, overgrip), A lot of Sergio Tacchini match wear, Wilson Triniti balls, there are cases of Babolat and Tecnifibre balls sitting around here as well, Champion hoodies, a Gamma stringer, a Tennis Tutor ball machine (with a Proton on the way whenever it decides to be) and a variety of other things I can't see from this chair; my condo isn't huge so I'm surrounded by the stuff. The kid is very independent and if he decides he likes something he is very bullheaded about it, and I defer to it unless i think it is unhealthy or bad for his game/development.
Peyote Biornsson
Rookie
I can't play anymore due to busted-up old body issues, but in waving my son's Elevate Tours arund in the living room I could see myself playing with them. They feel like they would have been great serve-and-volley sticks, which was my thing back in the day. Crocodile: I had read in other posts that Diadem grip sizing was a bit wonky compared to other manufacturers, but my kid came from 4 3/8 in Yonex and went seamlessly into the same size in Diadem with no complaints (he never really says if he likes something but you know if he hates it). They feel good to me as well (same hand size). I played mostly in 5/8 or 1/2 back in the day depending on manufacturer and now it seems 3/8 is the right size for regular sized man hands these days. Go figure.
Peyote Biornsson
Rookie
The FS has something like an internal ribbing system that helps stabilize the frame and creates more of a uniform flex throughout the frame.
Peyote Biornsson
Rookie
Having not tried both the FS and non-FS I can't speak to the difference, all I can say is that my kid loves the FS Tour. But if you like the non FS they are reasonably discounted at the moment with the most popular grip sizes available (I guess you would call that a shameless plug).
Peyote Biornsson
Rookie
The FS is the newer/current model. The non-FS is the model it replaced. Same weight and balance, only difference I'm aware of is the internal FS system. Other folks on this board have commented on the non-FS and the Tennisnerd made an extensive video on it if you are interested in more info.
Ahhh I missed that distinction. I thought you were referring to the FS..
Peyote Biornsson
Rookie
The Tennisnerd did a thorough video on the FS as well. Also, the Diadem quality control is pretty amazing if anyone is considering multiples.
Peyote Biornsson
Rookie
I can only offer a comparison to the vCore 98, previous generation to current. The Elevate FS Tour is a heavier static weight (315 g vs 305g unstrung) and while our Elevate Tours came in at 333, 334, and 334g respectively strung; all of our vCores strung are about 325g, they swing lighter and more maneuverably than the vCores (I'm guessing about 320 vs 323 swingweight; I don't have a swingweight machine) No loss in power generation, similar spin. My large, strong kid had no problem trnsitioning to these; he raves about how maneuverable they are, which is pretty important for someone obsessed with adopting a more serve and volley type game. The Elevate Tour is by no means an overwhelming beast like some other racquets with "Tour" in the name, but offer way more stability and comfortable plow than most 98s.
Peyote Biornsson
Rookie
Just thought I wold offer an update to our experience with the Elevate Tour FS. My kid, who is an advanced junior player, switched to this frame recently from the Yonex Vcore 98 (previous generation to current). It has been difficult to play here of late due to poor weather, but he has gotten a lot of wall time in our condo underground garage and has gotten some indoor tennis in as well. Once he grew accustomed to leveraging the extra weight of this frame he has been playing lights out with it. It is quite stable and powerful while being controlled nd predictable at the same time, heavy-ish while being extremely maneuverable (I'd say roughly 320 SW on all three frames that we have). Amazingly the three frames we have came in at 333, 334, and 334 grams respectively strung, which is way closer than I would have expected in my wildest expectations. No extra stuff has needed to be done with any of them. So far the string of choice is the Diadem Solstice Power 18 at 51 lbs, with a close second being Elite XT 18 at 53, tied with Solstice Black 18 at 53. The Solstice Power feels slightly deader to him so he feels he likes that feeling on volleys especially, but nothing else suffers due to the deadness (it was a little too dead at 53 lbs, so we dropped it a couple lbs). So far, this switch to these frames has been extremely positive.
galapagos
Hall of Fame
there is an EU department of Diadem in Germany.
Peyote Biornsson
Rookie
I cannot speak to availability in UK specifically, but I did see something not too long ago referencing Diadem Europe. You should email or call the Pompano Beach, Florida headquarters about it. There are a lot of great, responsive people there.
Regarding swingweight for the Elevate Tour, we have three of them. They arrives strung with static weights of 334, 334, and 335 grams respectively. I do not have a swingweight machine, but in just doing airswings with these frames vs. other racquets we have around that I know the swingweights of, I'd day all three come in at about 320 SW. I know that isn't very scientific, but that's my educated feel assessment. They are incredibly maneuverable for their weight, and my son (who is the player who owns them) cannot tell the difference between them other than string. Incredibly stable frames as well. Once he naturally figured out how to the leverage the extra weight of the frames vs. say, an industry standard 305 g, he could really put some heat on the ball without swinging out of his shoes to do so.
Peyote Biornsson
Rookie
Pretty amazing consistency across both my frames and yours. It could well be that mine all come in at 324 SW as well.
TopspintheTerrible
Hall of Fame
Is that on spec? I don’t get why the Tour and the regular version have the same SW.
Peyote Biornsson
Rookie
Just a guess but I suspect that the reason is to provide a relatively similar playing experience between the two types; a different strokes for different folks kind of thing. Some people are better suited to wield the extra weight of the Tour and others are not. My kid plays the Tour and loves it, but he is a big kid who can leverage the weight effectively; he appreciates the low SW on a heavy-ish frame for the maneuverability while retaining the stability and plow through the weight provides. The regular likely provides a similar experience with less static weight = less fatigue (albeit a bit less stability and plow).
Tennisist
Professional
Yes, that is exactly the issue. I bought the Regular seeking not so much the softness, but was hoping for a lighter swing weight. And turns out, it is not. I was also thinking of getting the Light, but my back-of-the-napkin calculations end up at the same number. This kind of negates all the advantages of having the Light (== fast) version. Does anybody here own the Light, and have they measured the actual swing weight? I am very curious to see the actual measurements on the Light Elevate.
Peyote Biornsson
Rookie
I have an Elevate Lite that I use as a coaching racquet. I'd say just from air swinging between the Tour and the Lite that they have roughly the same SW. Have you looked into the Nova line? One of them might be closer to what you are after. The Nova Lite is very nice; just sayin'. Same foam filling and internal stability structure.
TopspintheTerrible
Hall of Fame
I don’t know why Diadem doesn’t just include SW on the spec list. There’s not a huge difference between the specs of the Tour and regular version (apart from stiffness but it’s foam filled anyways) so you’d think the SW would at least be 5pts more on the Tour.
TopspintheTerrible
Hall of Fame
Maybe shoot them an email and they can give you more precise info.
Peyote Biornsson
Rookie
While I appreciate that perspective, my kid is very happy that the SW is what it is on the Tour. Not often that one can find a Tour-grade frame that is right out of the box stable, maneuverable and overall playable without going at it with lead tape and fishing weights. I have found the Diadem guys to be very agreeable and helpful and I bet you could get them to customize the Elevate frame of your choice to the specs you want.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
My regular Elevate FS came in a hair lower in SW - 291 unstrung, 304.5 grams and 319 balance. So barely off spec, very easy to mod. The QC is really nice on these Diadems. Far better than a Tecnifibire RS which I believe is a comparable frame.
I actually think this frame swings pretty fast. I had it at 327 SW and added a little more lead to try 332. Just fine tuning things now, but Im currently at 336/332 SW and 323 balance.
I actually think this frame swings pretty fast. I had it at 327 SW and added a little more lead to try 332. Just fine tuning things now, but Im currently at 336/332 SW and 323 balance.
TopspintheTerrible
Hall of Fame
I might give that a shot then when I start demoing racquets, thanks. I’m not a huge fan of customization.
Peyote Biornsson
Rookie
Another thing you could do if you want a lighter SW without a lot of effort is to put a couple of fishing weights wrapped in cotton balls in the trap door on the handle to tailweight it. Probably wouldn't take much weight to get it done. Haven't opened the door on ours so I don't know what is in there given the foam filling.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
that doesnt lighten SW. it increases it by a very small amount.
Peyote Biornsson
Rookie
Both my fishing weight suggestion and the comment that followed it are irrelevant to this discussion as I just opened the trap door on a Tour and it is foam filled inside the handle. I apologize for any confusion my suggestion caused.
TopspintheTerrible
Hall of Fame
I think I remember somebody saying they put a screw in the foam to tailweight it.
Peyote Biornsson
Rookie
I remember seeing that as well and from what I just saw inside, that looks feasible.
5point5
Hall of Fame
I would rather shake Djokovic's hand than hold a Diadem racket.
BallBasher247
Professional
Peyote Biornsson
Rookie
Just ordered three more of these for my kid, giving him a total of six. Tournament season is close at hand, as is college. I personally at his age never really needed more than four, but he breaks more strings than I did. Great frames; I'm watching him do things with these I can't really explain and they are a great fit for him. All tree new ones are being strung at HQ with Diadem Solstice Power @ 53 full beds.
Curtennis
Hall of Fame
Just received an elevate and elevate tour, both the previous generation model.
Swingweight for standard: 292.1
Swingweight for the tour 294.3
Static was bang on wjth the standard at 305
Tour was a little low at 311. Doesn’t really bother me as it’s still pretty darn close and gives room to play with customization up top if I want to try and make that swing weight more tourish.
Going to string with some toroline.
Swingweight for standard: 292.1
Swingweight for the tour 294.3
Static was bang on wjth the standard at 305
Tour was a little low at 311. Doesn’t really bother me as it’s still pretty darn close and gives room to play with customization up top if I want to try and make that swing weight more tourish.
Going to string with some toroline.
Peyote Biornsson
Rookie
Out of curioity, how did the swingweight measure on the Tour strung? Best I can really do is airswing it vs. frames I know the swingweight of, which is less than scientific. Thanks in advance. I know there are rube golberg methods to figure it out, but some of us don't have the patience for that sort of thing.
Curtennis
Hall of Fame
I’ll let you know once I pick out the exact string and get it done. I usually see the swing weight increase from 22-32 points depending on thickness and exact string. Still surprised in stock form it’s only 2.2 pts higher than the standard.
the hang and time method really only works for matching your racquets together. I wouldn’t trust the SW number it generates.
