Has anyone tried a diadem elevate?

[StringSnapper]

And how does it compare to other racquets?
How does it compare to the ezone 98 tour?

Thanks

 

[Gee]

I demoed this week the Diadem Elevate FS 98 (and the Elevate FS 98 Tour as well).

Both feel very comfortable but I prefer the softer flex of the E FS 98 as I am more used to that level of stiffness. Similar flex like the Wilson Ultra Tour and Angell TC95 16x19 63RA. I would say it even feels a little softer than both my TC95 and UT but maybe they all will feel similar if I put a leather grip with one overgrip like I used to. I played the E FS 98 with the stock base grip and two overgrips that dampens the feel a bit more.

According other reviews I read it seems to play like a Head Radical MP and Wilson Blade. Only the E FS 98 has a better feel/touch because the fully foam filled frame and bit more versatile 16x20 string pattern.

In stock condition the E FS 98 felt a bit too anemic compared to my TC95 but with 4 grams at 10 and 2 and a second overgrip it really came alive. Especially I served great with the E FS 98 after this customization.

I would expect the weight of the E FS 98 Tour fitted my game better but unfortunately I got exemple with a pretty low swingweight and even after 4 grams of lead at 10 and 2 and a second overgrip it didn't feel right to me. Feels more like the flex of a Pro Staff or Angell TC97.

 

[Gee]

Into the Diadem Sports Rackets thread you can read a detailed comparison between the Blade v7 and Elevate 98 from @BallBasher247.

 

[StringSnapper]

Thanks. I havent actually tried a blade, but it sounds like a slightly better blade. How does the blade compare to the ezone tour 98 2020?

 

[Crocodile]

The Diadem Elevate MP is s very good racquet. It is foam filled right throughout the racquet and to me felt more comfortable and arm friendly than the Yonex E Zone 98. Little bit of customisation and it’s an excellent racquet, it sort of reminds me of the Tecnifibre TF 40 315 but perhaps a bit more lively. Haven’t hit with the update FS version or the tour. The blade has much more weight in the head and to me is a little bit more erratic because of the weight. The blade has a nice feel though.

 

[BallBasher247]

Into the Diadem Sports Rackets thread you can read a detailed comparison between the Blade v7 and Elevate 98 from @BallBasher247.

Just saw this, thanks for mentioning that post. I was just about to write the Elevate off as a frame that just doesn't work for my game but as I was taking all my lead off it, I decided to ball it up and stuff it under the buttcap, then I threw on a gram of lead split between 10 and 2. Racket came out to 335g and 32.2cm, down from 32.8cm. Racket swings way nicer than before and doesn't feel like a log on my 1HBH anymore. Just doing some volleys against the wall tells me it still feels really stable even though it's whippy. I think I may have hit the jackpot on wt/bal for my game, we'll see as I test it in the coming days. I hope it works cuz I don't wanna buy more rackets and my Ultra Pros are a bit hard to use when it's humid and I'm sweating buckets.

 

[Gee]

Just saw this, thanks for mentioning that post. I was just about to write the Elevate off as a frame that just doesn't work for my game but as I was taking all my lead off it, I decided to ball it up and stuff it under the buttcap, then I threw on a gram of lead split between 10 and 2. Racket came out to 335g and 32.2cm, down from 32.8cm. Racket swings way nicer than before and doesn't feel like a log on my 1HBH anymore. Just doing some volleys against the wall tells me it still feels really stable even though it's whippy. I think I may have hit the jackpot on wt/bal for my game, we'll see as I test it in the coming days. I hope it works cuz I don't wanna buy more rackets and my Ultra Pros are a bit hard to use when it's humid and I'm sweating buckets.

That lower balance (nearby 32 cm) seems a lot better to me as well.

The Elevate FS feels stable enough at volleys when I demoed it in stock condition.

Still a bit too light to me but after I added 4 grams of lead at 10 and 2 and an extra overgrip everything clicked with my strokes a lot better. Especially my serves.
After these customizations the total of that demo became 342 grams and a 32.6 cm balance (Flash 17 and a rubber band at the top of the handle included).

The Elevates seem to sell like hot cakes at the moment here in my country (the Netherlands) as they were out of stock when I wanted to order 2 Elevates last week. I am still waiting for the new stock and then I hope I can choose a pair with a nice solid swingweight (about 295-300) as I want to customize them to strung specs something like 32cm balance 345 grams total and a 330 SW. At least I would replace them with a leather grip (plus an overgrip of course) and a rubberband at the top of the handle and few grams of lead at 10 and 2 if possible (as that seems to work very well with my serves often).

 

[BallBasher247]

That lower balance (nearby 32 cm) seems a lot better to me as well.

The Elevate FS feels stable enough at volleys when I demoed it in stock condition.

Still a bit too light to me but after I added 4 grams of lead at 10 and 2 and an extra overgrip everything clicked with my strokes a lot better. Especially my serves.
After these customizations the total of that demo became 342 grams and a 32.6 cm balance (Flash 17 and a rubber band at the top of the handle included).

The Elevates seem to sell like hot cakes at the moment here in my country (the Netherlands) as they were out of stock when I wanted to order 2 Elevates last week. I am still waiting for the new stock and then I hope I can choose a pair with a nice solid swingweight (about 295-300) as I want to customize them to strung specs something like 32cm balance 345 grams total and a 330 SW. At least I would replace them with a leather grip (plus an overgrip of course) and a rubberband at the top of the handle and few grams of lead at 10 and 2 if possible (as that seems to work very well with my serves often).

Yup. Didn't understand the importance of balance point until I got my UPs weighted up and really started grooving with em. Still dialed in with em but I need something with a bit more for free in the heat. With the Elevate's natural Blade-like balance, I'd play very "on-and-off" with it–some days I'd hit incredible serves and forehands with it, and others I'd be a complete mess. The BH always felt sluggish, and with almost 4 grams of lead @ 3 & 9 and a gram @ 12, the racket was TOO powerful. I tried a second OG on it which got me to your specs (342g, 32.6cm) but it was still too HH for me. When I was messing with it yesterday, I tried that gram of lead I mentioned at 12, split between 11 and 1, and split between 10 and 2. The 10 and 2 feels the best on this racket. BTW I've got the OG Elevate, which seems to have less weight at the top of the hoop than the FS. Seems to me like these don't need much weight, just a little help at 10 and 2. Racket feels nearly as stable with just that gram as it did with all that weight at 3, 9 and 12.

If you get rackets with a ≥295SW, you might only need leather + OG. That'd put it at 335-340g and ~32cm. Try it both this way and at 345g; the extra static weight might work if you use ~350g rackets but these seem to be fine with the minimum weight needed to fit your playing style.

 

[TopspintheTerrible]

That lower balance (nearby 32 cm) seems a lot better to me as well.

The Elevate FS feels stable enough at volleys when I demoed it in stock condition.

Still a bit too light to me but after I added 4 grams of lead at 10 and 2 and an extra overgrip everything clicked with my strokes a lot better. Especially my serves.
After these customizations the total of that demo became 342 grams and a 32.6 cm balance (Flash 17 and a rubber band at the top of the handle included).

The Elevates seem to sell like hot cakes at the moment here in my country (the Netherlands) as they were out of stock when I wanted to order 2 Elevates last week. I am still waiting for the new stock and then I hope I can choose a pair with a nice solid swingweight (about 295-300) as I want to customize them to strung specs something like 32cm balance 345 grams total and a 330 SW. At least I would replace them with a leather grip (plus an overgrip of course) and a rubberband at the top of the handle and few grams of lead at 10 and 2 if possible (as that seems to work very well with my serves often).

FYI Diadem sells directly in Europe now. They seem to have Elevates in stock.

Diadem EU

 

[BallBasher247]

Just had a morning practice session for my college team, tested the Elevate pretty good. Right off the bat, the racket is way easier to swing than before, really maneuverable coming from a ~335SW Ultra Pro. It's also way less powerful than before (and less powerful than the weighted UP) which took me about 20 minutes to get used to. I didn't like the lower weight as much on drills, but when I played points, I was noticeably more effective. I was able to force more errors out of my opponents than with my UPs. I don't like it as much on returns and I still have to get used to the racket on serve but overall, positive first impressions from the retooled Elevate. Considering adding another half a gram at 10 and 2 for a little more stability/plow but I probably won't cuz the stability is still pretty good and the extra whip is nice. Will be comparing it to the demos I just got (ET/VC95 & 98) over the next week.

 

[DuraWrangler]

I bought one a while back and I have loved it. I feel like all of my shots are really solid. I know it's not the racket, it's the player but I have been playing a lot better since I got this racket 2 months ago. Serves, shot placement, keeping points going longer. Again, it's probably not all the racket, but I feel a lot more confident playing with the Elevate FS than what I was switching from (Head 360+ speed mp).

 

[Gee]

That lower balance (nearby 32 cm) seems a lot better to me as well.

The Elevate FS feels stable enough at volleys when I demoed it in stock condition.

Still a bit too light to me but after I added 4 grams of lead at 10 and 2 and an extra overgrip everything clicked with my strokes a lot better. Especially my serves.
After these customizations the total of that demo became 342 grams and a 32.6 cm balance (Flash 17 and a rubber band at the top of the handle included).

The Elevates seem to sell like hot cakes at the moment here in my country (the Netherlands) as they were out of stock when I wanted to order 2 Elevates last week. I am still waiting for the new stock and then I hope I can choose a pair with a nice solid swingweight (about 295-300) as I want to customize them to strung specs something like 32cm balance 345 grams total and a 330 SW. At least I would replace them with a leather grip (plus an overgrip of course) and a rubberband at the top of the handle and few grams of lead at 10 and 2 if possible (as that seems to work very well with my serves often).

Tonight I received an email from my reseller with the unstrung specs of 5 Elevate FS 98 frames in my grip size he just got in stock:

1. 309.1 31.9 291.5
2. 310.7 31.8 291.5
3. 309.1 31.7 286.0
4. 305.2 31.8 284.5
5. 307.2 31.7 284.5

I'ĺl choose frame 1 and 2. Then I'll customize them further till I feel it is just right to me. First I'll replace them with a leather grip and add a bit of lead at 10 and 2.

However I am still a bit undecided about which string gauge to choose. I had Diadem Flash 1.20 in my demo that felt pretty comfortable with good feel/touch but maybe the 1.30 version will give me a little more control and no added weight needed into the hoop as well.

 

[Gee]

Yup. Didn't understand the importance of balance point until I got my UPs weighted up and really started grooving with em. Still dialed in with em but I need something with a bit more for free in the heat. With the Elevate's natural Blade-like balance, I'd play very "on-and-off" with it–some days I'd hit incredible serves and forehands with it, and others I'd be a complete mess. The BH always felt sluggish, and with almost 4 grams of lead @ 3 & 9 and a gram @ 12, the racket was TOO powerful. I tried a second OG on it which got me to your specs (342g, 32.6cm) but it was still too HH for me. When I was messing with it yesterday, I tried that gram of lead I mentioned at 12, split between 11 and 1, and split between 10 and 2. The 10 and 2 feels the best on this racket. BTW I've got the OG Elevate, which seems to have less weight at the top of the hoop than the FS. Seems to me like these don't need much weight, just a little help at 10 and 2. Racket feels nearly as stable with just that gram as it did with all that weight at 3, 9 and 12.

If you get rackets with a ≥295SW, you might only need leather + OG. That'd put it at 335-340g and ~32cm. Try it both this way and at 345g; the extra static weight might work if you use ~350g rackets but these seem to be fine with the minimum weight needed to fit your playing style.

How did you lower the balance to 32 cm?

Yesterday I just received my 2 EFS (strung with Diadem Flash 17 at 23/kg) with the following specs:
Frame #1 unstrung: 309.1 grams 31.9 cm balance 291.5 SW / strung: 324.7 grams 32.8 cm balance 320.5 SW
Frame #2 unstrung: 310.7 grams 31.8 cm 291.5 SW / strung: 326.2 grams 32.7 cm balance 320.5 SW

Now I would like to customize them to about 345 grams - 330 SW with a balance at 32 cm (strung).

First I replaced the standard grip with a leather grip in order to lower the balance. Together with an overgrip, rubber band at the top of the handle and a Diadem dampener the total weight of my frame #2 is now 334 grams strung.

However I was really disappointed that the standard grip seems to be as heavy as my Oehms leather grip (23 grams). Now I need to add a lot of lead (about 10 grams) at the bare handle as well. Besides that I also want to beef up the swingweight a bit by adding ca 4 grams at 10 and 2.

What is the best way to add lead around the handle? Spread like wrapping a grip or a few layers at the very bottom of the handle (towards the edge of the buttcap)? The latter manner will lower the balance more but I guess it'll create a more noticable bulge in your grip.

 

[BallBasher247]

How did you lower the balance to 32 cm?

Yesterday I just received my 2 EFS (strung with Diadem Flash 17 at 23/kg) with the following specs:
Frame #1 unstrung: 309.1 grams 31.9 cm balance 291.5 SW / strung: 324.7 grams 32.8 cm balance 320.5 SW
Frame #2 unstrung: 310.7 grams 31.8 cm 291.5 SW / strung: 326.2 grams 32.7 cm balance 320.5 SW

Now I would like to customize them to about 345 grams - 330 SW with a balance at 32 cm (strung).

First I replaced the standard grip with a leather grip in order to lower the balance. Together with an overgrip, rubber band at the top of the handle and a Diadem dampener the total weight of my frame #2 is now 334 grams strung.

However I was really disappointed that the standard grip seems to be as heavy as my Oehms leather grip (23 grams). Now I need to add a lot of lead (about 10 grams) at the bare handle as well. Besides that I also want to beef up the swingweight a bit by adding ca 4 grams at 10 and 2.

What is the best way to add lead around the handle? Spread like wrapping a grip or a few layers at the very bottom of the handle (towards the edge of the buttcap)? The latter manner will lower the balance more but I guess it'll create a more noticable bulge in your grip.

Lately I've been going by feel more than specs when customizing; my Elevate originally had 3.5g between 3 & 9, .75g at 12, and .75g between 5 & 7 (5g total), all of which got redistributed under the buttcap along with a 2g weight I already had in there. Then I added 1g between 10 & 2 and stopped. Racket feels exactly how I want it now. Sure enough, the racket was 335g and just over 32cm.

I'd take the rubber band off, it's dead weight. Instead, throw some lead, putty, or coins under the buttcap until you like the balance–probably 5-7g worth. Weight there has the biggest effect on the balance since it's at one polar end of the racket, and it's easier than putting it under the base grip, so that's the best place to put it. I will warn you that these can become rocket launchers with too much hoop lead though...even when I reduced the lead to 2.5g at 3 & 9 and .75g at 12 it was still a bit too powerful. I'd start with 2g between 10 and 2, then go from there depending on the stability/plow. This all should get you to around 343g strung with about a 31.7-32cm balance. Again, don't mind the numbers too much, just customize it to where you like how it swings and plays.

 

[time410s]

Only thing I don't like is that the twistweight feels high and also all their rackets a little head heavy and hard to counter balance without bringing overall weight up too much.

Trying to get used to it because their rackets and QC otherwise are so good!

Anyone else think the TW is a little high? Just like uncustomize-ably high in some ways. I like my sticks with more handle heavy balance at this weight and more weight around the top and bottom vs the sides. But the foam prob is why it's so high tw but it's nice on Volleys for this reason.

Some people will love them as they are but they leave little room for weighting as you like in the head especially.

 

[Gee]

Lately I've been going by feel more than specs when customizing; my Elevate originally had 3.5g between 3 & 9, .75g at 12, and .75g between 5 & 7 (5g total), all of which got redistributed under the buttcap along with a 2g weight I already had in there. Then I added 1g between 10 & 2 and stopped. Racket feels exactly how I want it now. Sure enough, the racket was 335g and just over 32cm.

I'd take the rubber band off, it's dead weight. Instead, throw some lead, putty, or coins under the buttcap until you like the balance–probably 5-7g worth. Weight there has the biggest effect on the balance since it's at one polar end of the racket, and it's easier than putting it under the base grip, so that's the best place to put it. I will warn you that these can become rocket launchers with too much hoop lead though...even when I reduced the lead to 2.5g at 3 & 9 and .75g at 12 it was still a bit too powerful. I'd start with 2g between 10 and 2, then go from there depending on the stability/plow. This all should get you to around 343g strung with about a 31.7-32cm balance. Again, don't mind the numbers too much, just customize it to where you like how it swings and plays.

I already tried all euro coins but only the 2 and 5 euro cents fit under the butt cap. Both weigh only 4 grams.

 

[time410s]

I already tried all euro coins but only the 2 and 5 euro cents fit under the butt cap. Both weigh only 4 grams.

Is packing the handle with lead going to get more weight? Probably just a few grams at most but how about some tape in the handle?

I've been asking them to make a custom racket for me with less foam or less dense foam or no foam on the 3 and 9 area of the head.

 

[Gee]

Is packing the handle with lead going to get more weight? Probably just a few grams at most but how about some tape in the handle?

I've been asking them to make a custom racket for me with less foam or less dense foam or no foam on the 3 and 9 area of the head.

Do you mean adding lead within the hairpin or around the grip handle? The whole frame is foam filled so I would only be able to try the latter option if possible.

 

[time410s]

Do you mean adding lead within the hairpin or around the grip handle? The whole frame is foam filled so I would only be able to try the latter option if possible.

Right I'm acknowledging that the racket is already totally stuffed. So yes, around the handle mold. I haven't tried with these but I generally think tape sticks poorly to the PU molded handles.

This is my gripe with Diadem is that it's already kinda heavy and very little room to customize because of this and the fact the insides are stuffed with foam already.

But if you like the racket as it is, I'm sure you'll be very very happy.

 

[time410s]

Is packing the handle with lead going to get more weight? Probably just a few grams at most but how about some tape in the handle?

I've been asking them to make a custom racket for me with less foam or less dense foam or no foam on the 3 and 9 area of the head.

And for packing the handle I meant in the same area you're trying to put coins. Maybe you'd get a little more weight trying the same with lead tape but perhaps not enough.

 

[BallBasher247]

Only thing I don't like is that the twistweight feels high and also all their rackets a little head heavy and hard to counter balance without bringing overall weight up too much.

Trying to get used to it because their rackets and QC otherwise are so good!

Anyone else think the TW is a little high? Just like uncustomize-ably high in some ways. I like my sticks with more handle heavy balance at this weight and more weight around the top and bottom vs the sides. But the foam prob is why it's so high tw but it's nice on Volleys for this reason.

Some people will love them as they are but they leave little room for weighting as you like in the head especially.

I take it you're talking about the standard Elevate. What's your usual strung weight/balance for your other rackets?

Twistweight (weight @ 3&9) on these frames is moderate, and swingweight is usually around 320, so adding around 6-7g of weight under the buttcap and getting this frame to 330g static or above and under a 32.5cm strung balance will get you a whippy racket.

I already tried all euro coins but only the 2 and 5 euro cents fit under the butt cap. Both weigh only 4 grams.

Do they weigh 4 grams a piece or 4 grams together?

You'll probably want to fold about 5 grams of lead and stuff it under the buttcap then. You can tape some weight to the underside of the buttcap since it's indented, and sit the rest on top of the foam.

 

[Gee]

Do they weigh 4 grams a piece or 4 grams together?

A piece.

You'll probably want to fold about 5 grams of lead and stuff it under the buttcap then. You can tape some weight to the underside of the buttcap since it's indented, and sit the rest on top of the foam.

I'll see if I can add a few more grams by that way.

 

[time410s]

I take it you're talking about the standard Elevate. What's your usual strung weight/balance for your other rackets?

Twistweight (weight @ 3&9) on these frames is moderate, and swingweight is usually around 320, so adding around 6-7g of weight under the buttcap and getting this frame to 330g static or above and under a 32.5cm strung balance will get you a whippy racket.

Do they weigh 4 grams a piece or 4 grams together?

You'll probably want to fold about 5 grams of lead and stuff it under the buttcap then. You can tape some weight to the underside of the buttcap since it's indented, and sit the rest on top of the foam.

I'm talking about all of them. They all are subject to the same characteristics in this way.

I'm a little different. I have several rackets all about 12oz and 9-11pts HL but I use extended length frames exclusively. Currently liking my vcore and ezone 98+ the best these days and it's been the way for a while. Did have custom elevates made for me at 27.5 and that was somewhat unwieldy. Using the nova plus right now. Feels playable and ok but just not quite how I want but in the mood to try and make it work. I did add about 4g worth of weight right in the area under the trap door so that maybe helps a little. If I could somehow, I'd loooove to remove about 10 grams in the head in general especially around the 3/9.

Just to know what it feels like. Then work backwards from there to some middle ground maybe.

 

[BallBasher247]

And for packing the handle I meant in the same area you're trying to put coins. Maybe you'd get a little more weight trying the same with lead tape but perhaps not enough.

I stuffed 7 grams under the handle of mine. It's possible with lead/tungsten tape.

 

[BallBasher247]

I'm talking about all of them. They all are subject to the same characteristics in this way.

I'm a little different. I have several rackets all about 12oz and 9-11pts HL but I use extended length frames exclusively. Currently liking my vcore and ezone 98+ the best these days and it's been the way for a while. Did have custom elevates made for me at 27.5 and that was somewhat unwieldy. Using the nova plus right now. Feels playable and ok but just not quite how I want but in the mood to try and make it work. I did add about 4g worth of weight right in the area under the trap door so that maybe helps a little. If I could somehow, I'd loooove to remove about 10 grams in the head in general especially around the 3/9.

Just to know what it feels like. Then work backwards from there to some middle ground maybe.

Oh, weren't you @Jay Sean on these forums before? In that case, we've talked about this stuff before. I think the Elevate has too much weight in the lower hoop, like from 4 and 8 downward, for extended play. As much as I like the racket idk why they went for a more even balance if they weren't gonna do a high SW like the Blade...with strings and the extended length the Elevate would have a ~34cm balance/3-4pts HL before mods. The EZ/VC are lighter in the lower hoop and easier to swing while still having similar effective mass (plow) through the ball. In other words, I'm saying the weight distribution on the Elevate is too centralized, especially if you extend it. If there was less weight at 3&9 that could help, but there really needs to be less weight in the lower hoop and more in the handle.

I did a little experimenting with weight distribution between my UPs when I was customizing them; one of them was way off spec and badly underweight in the throat/lower hoop/upper handle and the other was fine. When I first matched them to the same weight/balance I noticed that the off spec UP swung way faster and was easier to generate spin with—in fact, too easy—because the middle of the racket lacked mass. So I added lead along the entire throat, under the base grip near the top of the handle, and at 6, and the racket started to swing normally like the other UP. I doubled the lead in those locations just to see how it'd swing, and it became a log that was hard to hit anything other than flat with. That taught me that weight and even balance aren't as important as weight distribution.

I personally don't do extended stuff but a lot of people in the holic forum have been raving about PK's extended frames like the Q+ 5X Pro and 7G. There's also this company called TenX that does 27.5" rackets (they now do normal 27" stuff too); their XCalibre (either the 300g or 315g) could be right up your alley, and their prices are REALLY good.

 

[time410s]

Oh, weren't you @Jay Sean on these forums before? In that case, we've talked about this stuff before. I think the Elevate has too much weight in the lower hoop, like from 4 and 8 downward, for extended play. As much as I like the racket idk why they went for a more even balance if they weren't gonna do a high SW like the Blade...with strings and the extended length the Elevate would have a ~34cm balance/3-4pts HL before mods. The EZ/VC are lighter in the lower hoop and easier to swing while still having similar effective mass (plow) through the ball. In other words, I'm saying the weight distribution on the Elevate is too centralized, especially if you extend it. If there was less weight at 3&9 that could help, but there really needs to be less weight in the lower hoop and more in the handle.

I did a little experimenting with weight distribution between my UPs when I was customizing them; one of them was way off spec and badly underweight in the throat/lower hoop/upper handle and the other was fine. When I first matched them to the same weight/balance I noticed that the off spec UP swung way faster and was easier to generate spin with—in fact, too easy—because the middle of the racket lacked mass. So I added lead along the entire throat, under the base grip near the top of the handle, and at 6, and the racket started to swing normally like the other UP. I doubled the lead in those locations just to see how it'd swing, and it became a log that was hard to hit anything other than flat with. That taught me that weight and even balance aren't as important as weight distribution.

I personally don't do extended stuff but a lot of people in the holic forum have been raving about PK's extended frames like the Q+ 5X Pro and 7G. There's also this company called TenX that does 27.5" rackets (they now do normal 27" stuff too); their XCalibre (either the 300g or 315g) could be right up your alley, and their prices are REALLY good.

Lol check my posts about my recent tenx experience. It's turned a few people away from the company permanently.

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/whats-in-my-handle.704356/#post-15583408

 

[BallBasher247]

Lol check my posts about my recent tenx experience. It's turned a few people away from the company permanently.

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/whats-in-my-handle.704356/#post-15583408

Dang that's bad. I definitely won't buy from them. Guess QC worse than Wilson's exists...

It night be worth it to invest in an Angell Custom if you want an extended players frame around.....maybe something like the TC97 16x19?

 

[time410s]

Dang that's bad. I definitely won't buy from them. Guess QC worse than Wilson's exists...

It night be worth it to invest in an Angell Custom if you want an extended players frame around.....maybe something like the TC97 16x19?

I went with Dahcor since the paint jobs are not customizable and I'm just more intrigued by them anyhow. I'll be doing a review on my YouTube time410s of this and other things. Dahcor racket probably arriving in about a month.

Glad I could steer you away. They really don't deserve the business if that's how the racket and service is, in my opinion. Almost felt obligated to share.

 

[Gee]

I stuffed 7 grams under the handle of mine. It's possible with lead/tungsten tape.

What leadtape did you use and how did you fold it so that it fits under the trapdoor?

 

[flyfshrmn98]

Push a couple nails into the foam under the trap door if you want to add more weight that you can get from blue tack. This pic is from the original elevate, but the FS version has even denser foam to hold them better

cheap diesel close to me

 

[Gee]

Push a couple nails into the foam under the trap door if you want to add more weight that you can get from blue tack. This pic is from the original elevate, but the FS version has even denser foam to hold them better

cheap diesel close to me

Thanks. That seems even easier to do and more secure than adding lead. Can you just push them into the foam and you don't need to hammer? Also to remove again if possible?

 

[topspn]

Thanks. That seems even easier to do and more secure than adding lead. Can you just push them into the foam and you don't need to hammer? Also to remove again if possible?

Even better than nail use screws. Just screw them in and they'll grab to the foam better. To remove just unscrew

 

[flyfshrmn98]

Thanks. That seems even easier to do and more secure than adding lead. Can you just push them into the foam and you don't need to hammer? Also to remove again if possible?

Yes they just push in and pull out with very small amount of force. Screws would be good too

 

[time410s]

I forget to consider stabbing things into the foam. Way to think outside the box.

 

[Gee]

Push a couple nails into the foam under the trap door if you want to add more weight that you can get from blue tack. This pic is from the original elevate, but the FS version has even denser foam to hold them better

cheap diesel close to me

Even better than nail use screws. Just screw them in and they'll grab to the foam better. To remove just unscrew

I took the challenge and I did it!

 

[topspn]

I took the challenge and I did it!

Which elevate are you playing?

 

[Gee]

Which elevate are you playing?

The standard Elevate FS 98.
Before I purchased my 2 FS98s I demoed both the standard and Tour FS version. Though in stock condition it is a bit too light to my taste the lower flex (64RA) of the standard FS feels so much better to me (and more like my TC95 16m 63RA).

 

[TopspintheTerrible]

The standard Elevate FS 98.
Before I purchased my 2 FS98s I demoed both the standard and Tour FS version. Though in stock condition it is a bit too light to my taste the lower flex (64RA) of the standard FS feels so much better to me (and more like my TC95 16m 63RA).

Did you feel the Tour version was playable in stock form? Diadem doesn’t list the SW but it seems it will be in the 325-330 range based on the specs of the regular Elevate.

 

[Gee]

Did you feel the Tour version was playable in stock form? Diadem doesn’t list the SW but it seems it will be in the 325-330 range based on the specs of the regular Elevate.

Actually the Tour version I demoed had a pretty low swingweight of 317 whereas the standard FS98 had a 321 SW (strung with Flash 17). Even after I added 4 grams at 10 and 2 it didn't feel right to me. Just too stiff to me. The FS Tour has a more pronounced crisper feedback than the standard version. Similar comparison like the feel of the Angell TC97 vs TC95 63RA.

However the Diadem Elevate FS98 has a more comfortable feel and it feels arm friendlier as well than my Angells.

I just asked my tennis shop for frames a bit higher swingweight but unfortunately they only had frames with a lower swingweight (< 285) in stock. That's why he ordered 5 more EFS with a higher swingweight and measured them so that I could choose 2 (closely matched) frames with a 291.5 SW (320.5 SW strung with Flash 17) from these ones.

So the swingweights of the Diadem rackets still seem to vary a little bit unfortunately.

 

[TopspintheTerrible]

Actually the Tour version I demoed had a pretty low swingweight of 317 whereas the standard FS98 had a 321 SW (strung with Flash 17). Even after I added 4 grams at 10 and 2 it didn't feel right to me. Just too stiff to me. The FS Tour has a more pronounced crisper feedback than the standard version. Similar comparison like the feel of the Angell TC97 vs TC95 63RA.

However the Diadem Elevate FS98 has a more comfortable feel and it feels arm friendlier as well than my Angells.

I just asked my tennis shop for frames a bit higher swingweight but unfortunately they only had frames with a lower swingweight (< 285) in stock. That's why he ordered 5 more EFS with a higher swingweight and measured them so that I could choose 2 (closely matched) frames with a 291.5 SW (320.5 SW strung with Flash 17) from these ones.

So the swingweights of the Diadem rackets still seem to vary a little bit unfortunately.

Weird, you would think the Elevate Tour would have a higher SW than the regular version. Maybe your demo was unfortunately under spec though. Thanks for the info

 

[time410s]

Weird, you would think the Elevate Tour would have a higher SW than the regular version. Maybe your demo was unfortunately under spec though. Thanks for the info

Isn't the tour more HL? Should be higher anyway I thought...

 

[TopspintheTerrible]

Isn't the tour more HL? Should be higher anyway I thought...

Tour is 8pts HL & the regular Elevate is 7pts HL. (Unstrung)

 

[topspn]

Actually the Tour version I demoed had a pretty low swingweight of 317 whereas the standard FS98 had a 321 SW (strung with Flash 17). Even after I added 4 grams at 10 and 2 it didn't feel right to me. Just too stiff to me. The FS Tour has a more pronounced crisper feedback than the standard version. Similar comparison like the feel of the Angell TC97 vs TC95 63RA.

However the Diadem Elevate FS98 has a more comfortable feel and it feels arm friendlier as well than my Angells.

I just asked my tennis shop for frames a bit higher swingweight but unfortunately they only had frames with a lower swingweight (< 285) in stock. That's why he ordered 5 more EFS with a higher swingweight and measured them so that I could choose 2 (closely matched) frames with a 291.5 SW (320.5 SW strung with Flash 17) from these ones.

So the swingweights of the Diadem rackets still seem to vary a little bit unfortunately.

So neither elevate or tour would have the dictating power of TC95 but with 16x20 less launch, more control and better directional control?

 

[Gee]

So neither elevate or tour would have the dictating power of TC95 but with 16x20 less launch, more control and better directional control?

I think I still need more time with my new Elevate FSs (and with my desired specs) in order to give a fair comparison between these ones. Besides My TC95 (that I bought used) has a pretty high swingweight.

With the Elevate FS 98 demo that I customized with 4 grams at 10 and 2 and an extra overgrip, rubber band and a dampener (342 grams in total) I served equally well as with my TC95. Similar power and control. Just a little easier to accelerate because of the slightly lower weight and swingweight.

It is also a little more forgiving than the TC95 especially during defending situations.

After a few more hitting sessions with my EFS98 I'll let you know my experiences.

 

[jdx2112]

Curious how the FS 98 compares to the Gravity Tour, another fairly balanced 305 racquet.

 

[Tennisist]

They are very different. Gravity Tour is 100" head. It has an awkward balance, and swings awkwardly for me. Feel - nothing special. Power - low. Control - average/poor. Plough - missing.

Elevate FS is better in every respect. Very good feel to begin with. Plough is much higher --> weight of shot is much better. Balance was awkward for me at first. I corrected it to 8 pt, and now it is perfect. Much better stability in heavy hitting. Much more solid in serving and taking the ball from the air. The only problem: mine has SW=327 (higher than Elevate Tour). This creates problems for my whippy style. When the game gets very fast, I have to put this racquet down.

 

[BallBasher247]

Just had a long hitting session yesterday, hit with a bunch of rackets (Elevate, Ultra Pro 16x19, VCore 95 & 98, Extreme Tour). Didn't hit with the Elevate too much since it needs new strings and one of the grommets broke so it needs new grommets. I took some weight off of one of the UPs so it's now at 334g strung with a 31.9cm balance (337g/32cm w/dampener) and a high 320s SW. It's easier to use as expected, but only felt right with the dampener....I was getting a twinge in my elbow without it. Part of that could be the strings; it's strung with Confidential 1.25 that's got about 8 hours of play on it and the strings feel super mushy, almost like Hyper-G when it gets used. Oh well. Dampener it is.

This session solidified my feelings about the demos. Didn't like either of the VCores; the 95 felt like I was hitting with an old dead rubber band that's about to crack and the 98 felt like a trampoline. The ET was nice though; if the demo was strung with a shaped poly it'd be right up my alley, but I don't think it's as nice as my Elevate.

I think I still need more time with my new Elevate FSs (and with my desired specs) in order to give a fair comparison between these ones. Besides My TC95 (that I bought used) has a pretty high swingweight.

With the Elevate FS 98 demo that I customized with 4 grams at 10 and 2 and an extra overgrip, rubber band and a dampener (342 grams in total) I served equally well as with my TC95. Similar power and control. Just a little easier to accelerate because of the slightly lower weight and swingweight.

It is also a little more forgiving than the TC95 especially during defending situations.

After a few more hitting sessions with my EFS98 I'll let you know my experiences.

No wonder you wanted a lot of lead on your Elevate. Those TC95s are hefty...

 

[Gee]

No wonder you wanted a lot of lead on your Elevate. Those TC95s are hefty...

I customized my Elevate FS with only 2 (in stead of 4) grams at 10 and 2 as you suggested. I also screwed 2 screws (8 grams) into the foam under the trapdoor.

This week I only hit a few times against the wall and practiced my serves on the court (due to lack of serious hitting partners this vacation period).

First impression: rock solid! The stringbed only still felt a bit stiff as it was still fresh and not enough broken in yet.
The second hitting session time it already felt a little better into this respect but my serves still hadn't the same power as with my demo with 4 grams at 10 and 2 or with my TC95.

My TC95 16m still feels a little bit heavier and more powerful. However my TC95 has a little heavier thicker gauge string (Triax 1.28) whereas my Elevate has a Flash 1.20 stringbed.

Tonight I'm gonna play with my team mates that would be a more serious test. Maybe then the strings will be broken in more as well.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

I customized my Elevate FS with only 2 (in stead of 4) grams at 10 and 2 as you suggested. I also screwed 2 screws (8 grams) into the foam under the trapdoor.

This week I only hit a few times against the wall and practiced my serves on the court (due to lack of serious hitting partners this vacation period).

First impression: rock solid! The stringbed only still felt a bit stiff as it was still fresh and not enough broken in yet.
The second hitting session time it already felt a little better into this respect but my serves still hadn't the same power as with my demo with 4 grams at 10 and 2 or with my TC95.

My TC95 16m still feels a little bit heavier and more powerful. However my TC95 has a little heavier thicker gauge string (Triax 1.28) whereas my Elevate has a Flash 1.20 stringbed.

Tonight I'm gonna play with my team mates that would be a more serious test. Maybe then the strings will be broken in more as well.

Keep us posted. I'm considering getting an Elevate FS98 and tried to read up on people's impressions... so really appreciate yours and those of the others here. Hope the racquet only gets better and better.

 

[jdx2112]

Keep us posted. I'm considering getting an Elevate FS98 and tried to read up on people's impressions... so really appreciate yours and those of the others here. Hope the racquet only gets better and better.

I've hit with it a few times this week, no mods, and I can see how the racquet is lacking in some power, or really weight of shot. I play with the Gravity Tour and side-by-side with overgrip and dampener, both come in at 330g. But clearly the weight is more in the lower half of the hoop with the Elevate. I may play around iwth some added weight, but not much.

Other than that, it's a nice racquet. Pretty quick through the air and a nice feel on contact. I just notice my shots are little light.