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Diadem does it again – they suck me in with a cool looking paddle boasting some unique features and a decent price point (on sale, that is.) What really caught my eye with this very colorful, boldly designed and edgeless paddle was the 26 holes in the face of it! And oh yeah, it isn’t approved for USAP tournament play. Essentially a concept paddle as Diadem defines it, but good for rec play. I was excited to be testing a prototype on the market.
Less than 24 hours after getting it, I took it for a spin. The quieter pop caught me off guard, and its unique blend of power and control left me unsure—was it good or not? After two games and letting others try it, I set it aside, buried in my paddle bag. But I pulled it out again two weeks ago.
Long story short, after much more play, I’m giving this paddle a 4 out of 5 balls rating—with an asterisk. Keep reading for the details behind my rating.
RP2 Grit Coating: Combines grit paint with PU coating for lasting spin.
EVA Foam Core: Delivers a soft feel, with a balanced mix of power and control.
Edgeless Design: Molded carbon fiber for durability and a smooth, edgeless look.
By The Numbers
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 16.4” |
| Width | 7.4” |
| Core Thickness | 16 mm |
| Grip Length | 5.3” |
| Grip Circumference | 4.125” |
| Weight | 8.02 oz (marketed as 8.0) |
| Hole Count | 26 holes; 13 per side |
| Color Choices | 2 (blue, gray/mint) |
| Price | $110 (ongoing sale, regular $225) |
Nuts And Bolts
- EVA foam core (a dense foam sheet)
- RP2 Grit face – grit paint and polyurethane coating combined
- Upgraded octagonal small-medium length handle
- Core Molding System perimeter
- Edgeless design using carbon fiber layers
- Not USA Pickleball-approved
The Backstory: An Experimental Paddle
While testing the Diadem VICE, I spoke with Paul, a Diadem associate and avid pickleball player. He explained, as does the Diadem website, that the VICE was introduced in 2022 as a concept paddle to push the boundaries of paddle design, never intended for USAP approval.
The biggest innovation is the EVA foam core, a significant shift from traditional polyurethane cores, which delivers impressive pop, power, and ball speed. The holes in the paddle help disperse the deflection caused by the EVA foam.
An added bonus? The VICE is the quietest paddle I’ve tested, making it ideal for noise-sensitive areas like condo or apartment communities.
First Impressions
When I first got my hands on the Diadem VICE a couple of months ago, I eagerly opened the package. My first move? Grabbing the handle—always my first point of judgment. Then, I counted the holes and took a few air swings. I first thought the holes were for aerodyamics, a faster swing speed, or perhaps reducing weight. But as I had learned from Diadem, the holes dispersed the balls impact.
The handle had an average length, but the small diameter and grip wrap didn’t have the tacky, rubbery feel I usually prefer. The grit on the face was average too. However, the paddle’s elongated length and width were just right for me, and the 16mm core was thick enough for my liking.
Game on… the Play Testing
First Play: Power Dominates, Control Lags
When I first played with the VICE during some rec games, I was a bit underwhelmed—or maybe just confused. This paddle is so different from what I’m used to. I’d read glowing reviews about its power, control, and fun factor.
While I definitely felt the power, the control was lacking at first. My swing speed was excellent, and the paddle felt lighter than its actual weight, but the quiet pop took some getting used to.
Finding My Groove: Improved Performance
By my second session, things improved. After warming up, I started to get a feel for the VICE, and it led to a couple of wins against evenly matched opponents. I finally learned how to manage the power and avoid hitting long shots.
The faster swing made quick play at the kitchen line a breeze, and I was impressed by the control I could achieve on soft touches and dinks.
The large sweet spot, thanks to the EVA foam core and Core Molding System, was a big advantage. This foam core also softened the paddle, reducing vibration to help with hand and arm soreness, including tennis elbow.
The Drawbacks: Grip and Durability
The downsides? The grip felt short and small in diameter, though an overgrip could fix that.
I also noticed average spin and some small chips on the edge and face, raising concerns about the long-term durability of the grit paint and poly coating.
The Final Score
Is this my go-to paddle? No, but I’ve grown to enjoy playing with it and appreciate its innovation. I’ll keep it in my rotation and share it with others because it’s genuinely fun to use.
I admire Diadem’s boldness in creating this paddle, knowing it wouldn’t be USA Pickleball-approved, but also pushing industry innovation forward. That’s why I give it a 4-star rating, especially at the $110 price point—otherwise, it would be a 3.5 due to its minor flaws.
The grip and grit durability have their drawbacks, but the edgeless design, power pop, and large sweet spot are real strengths. Plus, if you’re looking for a quiet paddle that still delivers power and control, the Diadem VICE fits the bill. I do wonder if using an unapproved paddle might raise eyebrows—could it be seen as “cheating”? Others have that concern too, but for casual rec play, it’s game on!
Pickle on my friends, pickle on…
