The Diadem Warrior is a premium pickleball paddle designed for intermediate picklers.
The carbon fibre face and tapered handle promote a combination of forgiveness, control and power for a well rounded performance. Despite its power, the triple layered core helped me slow the ball making it easier to control dink shots.
Beginners may intially shy away from spending a premium on a pickleball paddle. But, if you’re committed to the sport, the Diadem Warrior is a great starting point. Intermediate players seeking power and control without sacrificing forgiveness should keep reading to learn why we think the Diadem Warrior is right for you.
In our comprehensive post, we will jump into the Diadem Warrior Pickleball paddle’s features and technology, the pros and cons, and a first-hand review to give you more knowledge to make a better-informed paddle purchase this year.
Table of Contents
Features and Details:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | Carbon Fiber with a Grit Paint Surface |
| Core Technology | 3X L-Core Hybrid Nomex Polymer Honeycomb |
| Face | Carbon Fiber with a Grit Paint Surface |
| Vibration Reduction | Yes, due to 3X L-Core Hybrid Nomex Polymer Honeycomb |
| USAPA Approved | Yes |
| Durability | High |
| Weight | 8.50 oz – Mid to Heavyweight |
| Length | 16.4 in |
| Width | 7.5 in |
| Thickness | 0.75 in (19mm) |
| Balance | 235 mm |
| Honeycomb Density | 8mm PP + Aramid + 8mm PP |
| Handle Length | 5.3 in |
| Grip size | 4 1/8″ (G1) |
| Price | $129.95 |
Features of the Diadem Warrior Pickleball Paddle:
- Carbon Fiber with a Grit Paint Surface: This provides a smooth and consistent hitting surface, enhancing the paddle’s durability and ensuring long-lasting performance.
- 3X L-Core Hybrid Nomex Polymer Honeycomb Core: This unique core technology drowns vibration to protect your hands and provides excellent control and power on the court. The honeycomb structure also enhances the paddle’s strength and overall stability.
- USAPA Approved: The paddle is suitable for official tournament play.
- Weight and Dimensions: Weighing 8.50 oz and with dimensions of 16.4 in length, 7.4 in width, and 0.75 in thickness, the paddle provides a large sweet spot for hitting the pickleball, making it easier for Pickleball players to return successful shots more consistently.
- Handle and Grip Size: With a handle length of 5 in and a grip size of 4 1/8″ (G1), the paddle is comfortable for Pickleball players with distinct hand sizes.
- Balance Point: The balance point of the paddle is at 235 mm, which provides excellent maneuverability, control, and consistency.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Top-notch control paddle | The thicker core and weight is not for everyone |
| The gritty surface enhances spin for dinks and soft shots | Not for casual beginners |
| A premium quality paddle | Buyers mention less forgiveness than other premium paddles |
| Very generous sweetspot | |
| Users love the grip size and material |
Review From Firsthand Experience:
The Diadem Warrior Pickleball Paddle is a high-performance premium paddle that combines advanced materials and innovative design. The paddle features a Carbon Fiber with grit paint surface face, which provided me with a the right dose of control and ample spin.
The core of the paddle is made from a 3X L-Core Hybrid Nomex Polymer Honeycomb. I felt this unique core technology drowns vibrations efficiently and provides exceptional control and power. The 3-layer aramid honeycomb combined with the polypropylene honeycomb structure also enhanced the paddle’s strength, stability and offered us great responsivity.
The paddle is USAPA approved and it weighs 8.25 oz, which is a comfortable weight for most Pickleball players. The paddle’s dimensions are 16.4 in length, 7.4 in width, and 0.75 in thickness, providing a sizable and generous sweet spot for returning the ball efficiently.
I appreciated the handle length, coming in at 5.3 in, and molded taper tech grip, with a size of 4 1/8″ (G1), rendering it comfortable for our Pickleball enthusiasts with unique hand sizes. Finally, the balance point of the paddle is at 235 mm, providing outstanding maneuverability and control.
Read Amazon User Reviews Here
FAQ:
Can the Diadem Warrior Pickleball Paddle be used in tournaments?
Yes, the paddle is USAPA designed to meet tournament regulations, deeming it suitable for competitive tournament Pickleball play.
Do you want 16mm or 13mm pickleball paddle?
Pickleball paddles are normally somewhere between 11mm and 16mm thick. The thinner the Pickleball paddle, the more pop you should get off the face surface. The thicker the paddle, the more it can absorb the pickleball’s energy. When a paddle contains 13mm and 16mm thickness, 13mm is the power and 16mm is the control.
What is the difference between Diadem Warrior and Edge?
The Warrior Edge Carbon Fiber Paddle features a 16mm (0.63″) thick core, which is thicker than most paddles but slimmer than the original Diadem Warrior which possesses a 19mm thick core, the thickest paddle core ever introduced to the pickleball paddle market.
Final Thoughts:
The Diadem Warrior Pickleball Paddle is a formidable option for our intermediate to advanced Pickleball players seeking solid mix of power and precision. The technology-infused features, coupled with a comfortable design, make it a sturdy contender on the pickleball court. While considerations such as limited aesthetic choices and a learning curve for beginner players exist, the paddle’s overall performance and durability make it a compelling option for those with deeper pockets seeking a Premium Paddle that will do the job effectively, time and time again.
Read More Reviews: The Overall 7 Best Pickleball paddles in 2023
