konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
I've been playing with these 2 rackets since January 2022. I'm writing a review about each one and I'd like to know what else you member would like me to mention. Maybe I forgot to mention something.
Diadem Nova FS 100
From the baseline:
The Nova is a great "tweener" frame. The string pattern is quite closed in the center mains. It offers easy depth with good control. I rarely
overhit with this racket. It's not very fast through the air, so I have to prepare early. When I begin my take back with the strings facing down, by
the time I get to the contact point, even if I don't have the racket face closed, the spin is there. A few grams at 9 and 3 o'clock seem to
make this racket even better.
Pros
+ significant sweet-spot
+ easy depth without overshooting concerns
+ medium-to-low launch angle
+ painless volleying with good control
+ easy access to spin with the contact point from weist height
+ different string gauges played very well
+ easy to execute backhand slices and approach slices
+ helps me learn new shots (for example, two-handed backhands)
Cons
- a bit hollow feel without the added weight at 9 and 3 o'clock with some thin strings
- finding short angles with my one-handed backhand
- coping with low balls between the service and baseline area (always easier to hit cross court)
Conclusions:
I'm very satisfied with the Diadem Nova FS 100. A few issues I've had were immediately solved with a few grams added on the sides.
I feel that most of the issues I experience have to do with my level and not from the racket itself.
Plenty of room for customaziation for more advanced players.
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Diadem Elevate FS 98
From the baseline:
Since I'm new to the sport and completely self-taught, the 98 sq inch head size is still demanding to me. On the forehand side, as soon as I've added a few grams at 9 and 3 o'clock I
got a more resposive feedback from the stringbed and got more self-confidence. Any added weight at 12 o'clocks made it too powerful.
Pros
+ fast through the air
+ confident one-handed backhands
+ precision on backhand slices with a swingpath going across my body (racketface pointing down at the end of the motion)
+ painless volleying with good control
+ easy access to spin from everywhere
+ copes well with low-balls either on the run or between the service and baseline area
+ 1.25+ gauge strings seem to play better overall than 1.20-
+ the feel of the thin boxy beam on the backhands
Cons
- not forgiving in stock form (to me)
- straight forehands with neutral racket face will shoot the ball long
- high launch angle with thin strings on flat forehands with neutral racket face
Conclusions:
On the forehand side I have to swing fast and with a close racket face, otherwise the racket feels too powerful and several straight shots will sail long (no issues on
cross court flat forehands). I play way better with it at 23-24kg full-bed with 1.25+ gauge strings, than at 22kg.
Diadem Nova FS 100
From the baseline:
The Nova is a great "tweener" frame. The string pattern is quite closed in the center mains. It offers easy depth with good control. I rarely
overhit with this racket. It's not very fast through the air, so I have to prepare early. When I begin my take back with the strings facing down, by
the time I get to the contact point, even if I don't have the racket face closed, the spin is there. A few grams at 9 and 3 o'clock seem to
make this racket even better.
Pros
+ significant sweet-spot
+ easy depth without overshooting concerns
+ medium-to-low launch angle
+ painless volleying with good control
+ easy access to spin with the contact point from weist height
+ different string gauges played very well
+ easy to execute backhand slices and approach slices
+ helps me learn new shots (for example, two-handed backhands)
Cons
- a bit hollow feel without the added weight at 9 and 3 o'clock with some thin strings
- finding short angles with my one-handed backhand
- coping with low balls between the service and baseline area (always easier to hit cross court)
Conclusions:
I'm very satisfied with the Diadem Nova FS 100. A few issues I've had were immediately solved with a few grams added on the sides.
I feel that most of the issues I experience have to do with my level and not from the racket itself.
Plenty of room for customaziation for more advanced players.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Diadem Elevate FS 98
From the baseline:
Since I'm new to the sport and completely self-taught, the 98 sq inch head size is still demanding to me. On the forehand side, as soon as I've added a few grams at 9 and 3 o'clock I
got a more resposive feedback from the stringbed and got more self-confidence. Any added weight at 12 o'clocks made it too powerful.
Pros
+ fast through the air
+ confident one-handed backhands
+ precision on backhand slices with a swingpath going across my body (racketface pointing down at the end of the motion)
+ painless volleying with good control
+ easy access to spin from everywhere
+ copes well with low-balls either on the run or between the service and baseline area
+ 1.25+ gauge strings seem to play better overall than 1.20-
+ the feel of the thin boxy beam on the backhands
Cons
- not forgiving in stock form (to me)
- straight forehands with neutral racket face will shoot the ball long
- high launch angle with thin strings on flat forehands with neutral racket face
Conclusions:
On the forehand side I have to swing fast and with a close racket face, otherwise the racket feels too powerful and several straight shots will sail long (no issues on
cross court flat forehands). I play way better with it at 23-24kg full-bed with 1.25+ gauge strings, than at 22kg.
