Diadem Elevate Tour

lulo

Semi-Pro
Today I received my Elevate Tour. So I strung it up with Diadem Solstice 16L

Review coming from a Pro Staff 97: The grip feels flatter on the top, feels like a tecnifibre shaped grip. More muted feel than the Pro Staff. I feel like it's also less power so I might have to strung it up lower.
Any questions?
 

hypervox

Rookie
Today I received my Elevate Tour. So I strung it up with Diadem Solstice 16L

Review coming from a Pro Staff 97: The grip feels flatter on the top, feels like a tecnifibre shaped grip. More muted feel than the Pro Staff. I feel like it's also less power so I might have to strung it up lower.
Any questions?
I was having a look at these as our local suppliers got some great deals . Would like to see what you think of it with more powerful string, I'm also a ps97 user

Sent from my SM-A505F using Tapatalk
 

topspn

G.O.A.T.
You might also like to test the new Nova FS. Really nice racquet and has that level of power you’re looking for with a very nice feel. It’s tweener playability yet good level of control and even more impressive connection to the ball
 

emhtennis

Hall of Fame
I hit with the tour for about an hour a few months ago. Really enjoyed it. If I wasn't committed to Angell it would be a strong contender.

Sent from my SM-G981U using Tapatalk
 

emhtennis

Hall of Fame
The one I hit with was also strung with 16g Diadem Solstice. All of my shots had seriously fun action. Hard flatter shots still had shape, and intentional topspin was nasty parabolas.

Best part about the racket was swingweight. I think the tour is 315g, but it still felt easy to swing. Could play long matches and still have consistent swing speed and swing path.

Sent from my SM-G981U using Tapatalk
 
Review coming from a Pro Staff 97: The grip feels flatter on the top, feels like a tecnifibre shaped grip. More muted feel than the Pro Staff. I feel like it's also less power so I might have to strung it up lower.

I'm assuming your Pro Staff 97 was a NON Countervail model. Anything more muted than a CV model would lack a lot of feel afaic.
 

lulo

Semi-Pro
I'm assuming your Pro Staff 97 was a NON Countervail model. Anything more muted than a CV model would lack a lot of feel afaic.
Yes it was the non CV. I have it weight up to 362 grams though. So maybe I'll weigh up the Elevate tour also to about the same
 

lulo

Semi-Pro
I was having a look at these as our local suppliers got some great deals . Would like to see what you think of it with more powerful string, I'm also a ps97 user

Sent from my SM-A505F using Tapatalk
I'm going to restring it most likely next week with a thinner gauge poly that I've been using for a while and see how it will differ
 

BHold81

Semi-Pro
It was too muted for me. I felt really disconnected from the ball. It was solid though, and I love the 16x20 pattern. If you like muted racquets then I'd go for it.
 

Crocodile

G.O.A.T.
Great racket - I would own several if they manufactured G5s.
I believe they do have a few G5,s especially with the MP version, I have 2 of them. You may have to call Diadem direct and see what they say. I bought the MP because I wanted the 64 RA and then added some lead on under the handle with a leather grip and half lead at 9 and 3 to bring it up to 350g and 325sw.
 

Crocodile

G.O.A.T.
Really like the Diadem brand. The range has great clarity, the strings are comfortable and the colour way is fantastic.
I also like the Angells as well, both these companies are doing great things. K7 lime and green are very good.
Smaller companies with high quality products.
 

Snaab

Semi-Pro
I believe they do have a few G5,s especially with the MP version, I have 2 of them. You may have to call Diadem direct and see what they say. I bought the MP because I wanted the 64 RA and then added some lead on under the handle with a leather grip and half lead at 9 and 3 to bring it up to 350g and 325sw.
I will give them a call - didn't know that was an option now! Thanks for the info.
 

Jay Winzenz

New User
You might also like to test the new Nova FS. Really nice racquet and has that level of power you’re looking for with a very nice feel. It’s tweener playability yet good level of control and even more impressive connection to the ball
@topspn How would you compare the Nova FS with the TC100?
 

topspn

G.O.A.T.
@topspn How would you compare the Nova FS with the TC100?
Very favorably in a lot of respects of course with the Nova weighed up more. Nova has the more neutral launch angle and a smidge tighter pattern. Nova has a tighter through the court top spin and TC100 kicks more and pushes people back. I have a few really nice sticks in my bag right now and the Nova is not overshadowed by any of them. Love the feel of the stick as well with Confidential 1.30 @51lbs
 

Crisp

Professional
Today I received my Elevate Tour. So I strung it up with Diadem Solstice 16L

Review coming from a Pro Staff 97: The grip feels flatter on the top, feels like a tecnifibre shaped grip. More muted feel than the Pro Staff. I feel like it's also less power so I might have to strung it up lower.
Any questions?
[/QUOT
Do you know if it is a palleted grip and can be made more Wilson shape?
 

swizzy

Hall of Fame
i just played with the elevate tour this morning. i am a pro staff 90 hanger on. i have three n codes that i rotate and two of the 2015 model still with plastic on the handles. i picked up a RF97 used when everyone abandoned the red and black version for the black one, and now i bought this used mint Diadem. I really enjoyed my match today which is nutty- since I only brought the Diadem to test it out during warm-up. Went on to hit with it throughout and it was super reliable and predictable with as much spin as you could want. This is my first 16 X 20 experience and it was great from the first ball, served very well and my first serve % was so high i realized a set in that i barely hit a second serve and wondered how it would do in that category. No major standouts..but couldn't find a weakness either. i might add some weight.. but i could also see just enjoying a lighter stick for once.
 

mike841

Rookie
Specs of the Elevate Tour look absolute perfect on paper.

98 sq in / 632cm
11.1 oz / 315g
8 pts HL / 315 mm
27.0 in / 68.85cm
67 RA
16 mains / 20 crosses
21.5mm Flat Beam
Foam filled
 
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Crisp

Professional
How much softer does it play? RA is a bit high for me but actual player experience would beignet resting
 

jangotango

Semi-Pro
How much softer does it play? RA is a bit high for me but actual player experience would beignet resting
I was only able to hit with my coach's Elevate Tour, which had a full bed of Babolat Addiction. It's very PS97 like, down to the way it cuts through the air. Rather than being more "flexy" like a Prestige, Youtek IG Radical, or Phantom, it's very solid but with very little vibration reaching the arm. Very Angell TC97 like, where it has easy, excellent solid feedback. Probably thanks to the foam filling.
 

emhtennis

Hall of Fame
I really liked the elevate tour. Probably would have switched to them if not already committed to my Angell TC97s.

Uniform flex, felt really stable, great spin (strung with its own solstice). And they look great too

Sent from my SM-G981U using Tapatalk
 

Regord

Rookie
Specs of the Elevate Tour look absolute perfect on paper.

98 sq in / 632cm
11.1 oz / 315g
8 pts HL / 315 mm
27.0 in / 68.85cm
67 RA
16 mains / 20 crosses
21.5mm Flat Beam
Foam filled

Is it the Elevate FS Tour or the older Tour?
Also, What is the swingweight?
 

BallBasher247

Professional
What’s the swingweight on the FS elevate tour?
Roughly 330.

By the way, how does everybody feel about their Elevate Tours here, especially compared to the regular Elevate if anyone has one? Im using a customized regular Elevate (weighted to 336g, 4g lead @3&9, 1g lead @12, 4g in buttcap, OG) and looking to pick up a backup racket; don't know whether to customize another Elevate or just get an Elevate Tour.
 

topspn

G.O.A.T.
I really liked the elevate tour. Probably would have switched to them if not already committed to my Angell TC97s.

Uniform flex, felt really stable, great spin (strung with its own solstice). And they look great too

Sent from my SM-G981U using Tapatalk
Less launch angle then TC97 though
 

BallBasher247

Professional
What is the launch angle like on the elevate tour?
Judging from my Elevate, about the same as a tight 16x19. The mains are quite open in the center but the crosses are a little denser than normal since its 16x20, which has become my favorite string pattern. Control is quite good even with more open mains; the crosses keep the sidespin in check.
 

VaMoose98

Rookie
Judging from my Elevate, about the same as a tight 16x19. The mains are quite open in the center but the crosses are a little denser than normal since its 16x20, which has become my favorite string pattern. Control is quite good even with more open mains; the crosses keep the sidespin in check.
Ok I need to try one. I love the 16x20 in my vcore 95 but want a larger head size and thicker beam. Tried the PAVS but the 16x20 pattern is so widely spaced it just feels like a regular pure aero
 

BallBasher247

Professional
Ok I need to try one. I love the 16x20 in my vcore 95 but want a larger head size and thicker beam. Tried the PAVS but the 16x20 pattern is so widely spaced it just feels like a regular pure aero
Try one, these are comfortable (foam-filled) and have great feel. Little more open in the middle 4 mains than the PAVS but the crosses are denser; nice blend of spin and control. Regular Elevate needs weight at 3 and 9 to play stable though, and the beam is a little thinner than your VCore (21.5mm beam, more similar to an H22, Blade, TF40, or Dunlop CX200 than a PAVS/PS/FX500 Tour), so this is more about control/feel than power, and it's more of a platform frame than anything. You should try the Elevate Tour with this one. Also try the Tecnifibre RS300 & 305; thicker beam (23mm)/more power, also foam filled, no need for customization on these.
 

VaMoose98

Rookie
I demoed the Elevate Tour and really liked it, but it came strung with a multi and the strings broke after two hitting sessions. Seems like a fairly open string pattern for a 16x20 which I appreciate. My shop is going to string a poly up in it for me to continue testing
 

radicalpro

New User
I'm not familiar with Diadem products but am very intrigued by the Elevate Tour based on what I've read. Can someone please help with some questions?:

- There's an Elevate Tour and Elevate FS Tour. I presume the FS version is the current model since the non-FS version is now on sale. Specs look to be the same but the non-FS is $35 cheaper. Play-wise any major difference between the two?

- What racket(s) would compare? I read it compares to the older Radicals, which would be great for me

- I read in this thread that this plays like a "tight 16x19", but I feel like I read somewhere else that it's a very open and spinny string pattern. Can someone elaborate? This is an issue I have with my current Pure Strike Tour; I feel like the launch angle is lower than my previous 16x19 frames (Vcore Pro 330, C10 Pro, IG Prestige Pro)

- Considering the rackets I just listed, is the Elevate Tour right for me? I'm 4.5 level. I generally like players' frames with solid weight and good feel. The C10 Pro and especially Prestige were underpowered though. The Vcore Pro is great, maybe my favorite racket since the Wilson 6.1 95 16x18, but I could use a slightly bigger sweetspot when playing against hard hitters (and as my game is on the decline).

Sorry for all the questions. I'd appreciate any help!
 

VaMoose98

Rookie
Just got the elevate tour demo strung up with hyper g 16 at 48 lbs. the other two racquets I am demoing are head speed pro and the ezone tour. Based on the appearance, the elevate tour has wider string spacing than either of these, and has a wider spacing than my vcore pros (current racquet). Playing a match with it today so we’ll see how it compares
 

c0ppo

New User
- I read in this thread that this plays like a "tight 16x19", but I feel like I read somewhere else that it's a very open and spinny string pattern. Can someone elaborate? This is an issue I have with my current Pure Strike Tour; I feel like the launch angle is lower than my previous 16x19 frames (Vcore Pro 330, C10 Pro, IG Prestige Pro)

No, it doesn't play like a tight 16x19. It's quite spaced out, but even with that, I have no issues with hitting flat shots. Spin is easily accessible as well, and since it's a thin frame that is foam filled, feel is really fantastic.
I simply can't compare it with another racket. Maybe with Pro Staff 97 (315gr), but Diadem is way easier to use, and more powerful.

- Considering the rackets I just listed, is the Elevate Tour right for me? I'm 4.5 level. I generally like players' frames with solid weight and good feel. The C10 Pro and especially Prestige were underpowered though. The Vcore Pro is great, maybe my favorite racket since the Wilson 6.1 95 16x18, but I could use a slightly bigger sweetspot when playing against hard hitters (and as my game is on the decline).

I've tried new Prestige Pro, I have tried Yonex Vcore Pro. Diadem is way easier to use than any of those, but still has a great feel to it. And it's way more powerful than those two.
You simply have to try it out, demo it or something. I couldn't demo it, so I've purchased it on blind faith. It's really a great frame. IMHO of course, since what racket suits someone is quite subjective.

I disagree, VC95 feels softer to me but that's subjective but I think we can say they feel nothing like each other either way.

I've used Vcore 95 2018 and new one. And I agree with you, Elevate Tour and Vcore 95 have almost nothing in common. 16x20 string pattern, but Diadem is way more open than Vcore 95. Diadem also feels a lot heavier, even though it's just a few grams of difference.
 

radicalpro

New User
No, it doesn't play like a tight 16x19. It's quite spaced out, but even with that, I have no issues with hitting flat shots. Spin is easily accessible as well, and since it's a thin frame that is foam filled, feel is really fantastic.
I simply can't compare it with another racket. Maybe with Pro Staff 97 (315gr), but Diadem is way easier to use, and more powerful.



I've tried new Prestige Pro, I have tried Yonex Vcore Pro. Diadem is way easier to use than any of those, but still has a great feel to it. And it's way more powerful than those two.
You simply have to try it out, demo it or something. I couldn't demo it, so I've purchased it on blind faith. It's really a great frame. IMHO of course, since what racket suits someone is quite subjective.



I've used Vcore 95 2018 and new one. And I agree with you, Elevate Tour and Vcore 95 have almost nothing in common. 16x20 string pattern, but Diadem is way more open than Vcore 95. Diadem also feels a lot heavier, even though it's just a few grams of difference.
Thanks! I'll definitely have to try it out.
 

BallBasher247

Professional
I'm not familiar with Diadem products but am very intrigued by the Elevate Tour based on what I've read. Can someone please help with some questions?:

- There's an Elevate Tour and Elevate FS Tour. I presume the FS version is the current model since the non-FS version is now on sale. Specs look to be the same but the non-FS is $35 cheaper. Play-wise any major difference between the two?

- What racket(s) would compare? I read it compares to the older Radicals, which would be great for me

- I read in this thread that this plays like a "tight 16x19", but I feel like I read somewhere else that it's a very open and spinny string pattern. Can someone elaborate? This is an issue I have with my current Pure Strike Tour; I feel like the launch angle is lower than my previous 16x19 frames (Vcore Pro 330, C10 Pro, IG Prestige Pro)

- Considering the rackets I just listed, is the Elevate Tour right for me? I'm 4.5 level. I generally like players' frames with solid weight and good feel. The C10 Pro and especially Prestige were underpowered though. The Vcore Pro is great, maybe my favorite racket since the Wilson 6.1 95 16x18, but I could use a slightly bigger sweetspot when playing against hard hitters (and as my game is on the decline).

Sorry for all the questions. I'd appreciate any help!
Someone already replied to this, but this should clarify each point you've made:
-The FS Elevate/Elevate Tour are the 2020 updated versions of the previous Elevate/Elevate Tour from 2018 and 2019 respectively. FS stands for "flex stabilization" which is a ribbed carbon structure at certain points in the frame, in conjunction with the foam filling the racket already has. The FS Elevate Tour feels about the same as the OG one, but from what I've heard, the regular FS Elevate has a slightly smoother feel than the OG.

- This racket is a lot like a modern version of older Radicals, with the difference being that these are true 98"² where all the Radicals IG and before were 95"². But out of today's options, similar rackets would be the Head G360+ Radicals (MP and Pro), Wilson Blade 98 v7, Dunlop CX200, and maybe this new Prince Synergy 98; it could also be seen as a TF40 alternative with 16 mains and easier spin/depth. I wouldn't compare this to any of Babolat's 98's or an EZone/VCore 98 which are more modern and powerful; this racket has some free power but it's still lower-mid power like the other ones I mentioned. More powerful than the VCP, Prestige, and C10 Pro you mentioned, but less powerful than the PST with its almost tweener-like power level.

- The "tight 16x19" reference was me; I said that to try and explain how this 16x20 plays a little different than a typical 16x19. The extra cross does lower the launch angle slightly compared to most 16x19s and improves the directional control/predictability on most shots, even with the open mains, but those open mains let this racket produce some serious topspin, and the launch angle is pretty high on shots where you brush over the ball rather than hit through it. A tight 16x19 on a 95"² racket (like the CX200 Tour or Prestige Pro) or a 16x19 that's super dense in the center (like the Radicals this year) will be more precise/less spinny than this 16x20, but overall the 16x20 is somewhere between a typical 16x19 and a dense one in terms of control. If you have topspin stroke mechanics, launch angle will be slightly higher than a C10 Pro or VCP97 330. When you drive through the ball, launch angle should be more similar. Your Babolat PST string pattern is a lot like Pro Staffs/16x18 Phantoms where the mains are tight and crosses are open. The Elevate is the opposite of that: open mains, tight crosses.

-If you like solid weight and good feel the Elevate Tour or a weighted up regular Elevate is a great choice. The Tour comes with a 330 SW out of the box so it's got nice heft, and both Elevates have great feel, right up there with the Phantoms IMO. The only dampening agent they have is the foam filling ("impact shield") and neither Elevate is stiff, so these are super comfortable too. Sweet spot is large for 98"² racket on the Elevate Tour; with some lead at 3 and 9 the Elevate has an equally large sweet spot. Just to note, the Elevate Tour is 67RA unstrung (~64 strung) and the reg. Elevate is 64RA (~61 strung), so if you want a little more plushness, add some weight to the regular one, but if you want a little more crispness go for the Tour.
 
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radicalpro

New User
Someone already replied to this, but this should clarify each point you've made:
-The FS Elevate/Elevate Tour are the 2020 updated versions of the previous Elevate/Elevate Tour from 2018 and 2019 respectively. FS stands for "flex stabilization" which is a ribbed carbon structure at certain points in the frame, in conjunction with the foam filling the racket already has. The FS Elevate Tour feels about the same as the OG one, but from what I've heard, the regular FS Elevate has a slightly smoother feel than the OG.

- This racket is a lot like a modern version of older Radicals, with the difference being that these are true 98"² where all the Radicals IG and before were 95"². But out of today's options, similar rackets would be the Head G360+ Radicals (MP and Pro), Wilson Blade 98 v7, Dunlop CX200, and maybe this new Prince Synergy 98; it could also be seen as a TF40 alternative with 16 mains and easier spin/depth. I wouldn't compare this to any of Babolat's 98's or an EZone/VCore 98 which are more modern and powerful; this racket has some free power but it's still lower-mid power like the other ones I mentioned. More powerful than the VCP, Prestige, and C10 Pro you mentioned, but less powerful than the PST with its almost tweener-like power level.

- The "tight 16x19" reference was me; I said that to try and explain how this 16x20 plays a little different than a typical 16x19. The extra cross does lower the launch angle slightly compared to most 16x19s and improves the directional control/predictability on most shots, even with the open mains, but those open mains let this racket produce some serious topspin, and the launch angle is pretty high on shots where you brush over the ball rather than hit through it. A tight 16x19 on a 95"² racket (like the CX200 Tour or Prestige Pro) or a 16x19 that's super dense in the center (like the Radicals this year) will be more precise/less spinny than this 16x20, but overall the 16x20 is somewhere between a typical 16x19 and a dense one in terms of control. If you have topspin stroke mechanics, launch angle will be slightly higher than a C10 Pro or VCP97 330. When you drive through the ball, launch angle should be more similar. Your Babolat PST string pattern is a lot like Pro Staffs/16x18 Phantoms where the mains are tight and crosses are open. The Elevate is the opposite of that: open mains, tight crosses.

-If you like solid weight and good feel the Elevate Tour or a weighted up regular Elevate is a great choice. The Tour comes with a 330 SW out of the box so it's got nice heft, and both Elevates have great feel, right up there with the Phantoms IMO. The only dampening agent they have is the foam filling ("impact shield") and neither Elevate is stiff, so these are super comfortable too. Sweet spot is large for 98"² racket on the Elevate Tour; with some lead at 3 and 9 the Elevate has an equally large sweet spot. Just to note, the Elevate Tour is 67RA unstrung (~64 strung) and the reg. Elevate is 64RA (~61 strung), so if you want a little more plushness, add some weight to the regular one, but if you want a little more crispness go for the Tour.
Awesome, thanks for the detailed response! I'll keep my eyes open for an Elevate Tour.
 

VaMoose98

Rookie
Just played a singles match with the elevate tour and wow I am impressed! The feel and touch from this racquet is incredible. And it has a ton of spin when you want it. The launch angle is a little lower than some 16x19 but I feel like I got more spin from this one than other 98s. Very nice stick.
 
Would anybody be able to give an estimate on twist weight or vibration frequency? I am more interested in the Elevate for the lower ra.
 

Tennisist

Professional
Elevate Tour (gen2), strung with poly: 325 sw / 12 tw
Elevate Tour (gen2), strung with multi: 324 sw / 11 tw

Measurements for Twistweight came out low. But in play, it is more stable than those numbers indicate.
 

c0ppo

New User
Those numbers surprise me.
ET is really stable and plush. Regular elevate isn't as stable, at least that was my impression.
 

blai212

Hall of Fame
felt like strings break really really fast in this frame due to the super open pattern...anybody else feel this way too?
 

c0ppo

New User
felt like strings break really really fast in this frame due to the super open pattern...anybody else feel this way too?

I broke just one set of strings out of 5. But I'm not a big string breaker, and my game lacks spin. I'm more of a flat hitter, so take that into consideration.
 
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