Stephan has been testing the Diadem Elevate FS 98 for the past few months. This racket offers great control, combined with excellent ball feel and comfort. This was our last test before the lockdown. Hopefully we can continue testing soon!
Tester:
- Name : Stephan Couzijn
- Level : 5/6
- Player type : 44-year-old all-court player, eastern grip, one-handed backhand, fairly flat shots
- Own racket : Yonex EZONE DR 98, Wilson Clash 100, Head Graphene 360+ Gravity MP
- Racket history : Including Wilson Pro Staff 6.0 95, Wilson Six-One 95, Head Radical, Wilson Pro Staff 97 CV
The Diadem Elevate FS 98 is now available in our webshop, including free stringing of your choice!
Tested racket – Specifications:
- Brand : Diadem
- Model : Elevate FS 98
- Blade size : 98 sq/inch
- Weight : 305 gr
- Balance : 32.0 cm
- Stringing pattern : 16×20
- Length : 27 inches
- RA : 64
- Beam : 21.5 mm flat beam
- Swingweight : 318
Intro
I had the privilege of testing the Diadem Elevate Tour last year. This time I have the privilege of playing with the new Diadem Elevate FS 98. The FS stands for “Flex Stabilization System”. More about this later. It is one of the last beautiful Sundays on the clay courts of Arthur Hoorn in Beverwijk before the lock-down. Together with Mike and Frans we have a whole arsenal of rackets at our disposal, including the Head Extreme Tour and the new Babolat Pure Drive 2021. Each and every one of them are beautiful updates of iconic rackets. A kind of Temptation Island for racket lovers. The Diadem Elevate is a “hidden gem” among the established order.
The first version that came out in 2018 was a nice stable foam-filled frame. In addition, the frame is not too thick and has a nice head size of 98 sq/inch. With this head size, this frame falls into a category in which many competitors position rackets. This makes it quite a challenge for Diadem to distinguish itself. One thing that makes the Diadem Elevate stand out is the string pattern of 16 x 20. In my previous reviews I already wrote about my preference for this string pattern. With this you can generate sufficient power and spin, but not like sometimes with a 16 x 19 pattern the balls inexplicably shoot off. This is also what makes the Diadem Elevate FS 98 unique. You have to search for other rackets with a 16 x 20 string pattern with a flashlight. Only the Head Gravity MP also works with this, but with its slightly more top-heavy balance it is not really comparable.
Technology
This update offers improved stability to give players more precision and spin. With Flex Stabilization System (FS) there is a kind of rib structure in the tubes of the frame with a special foam in between. HMT Carbon is strategically placed to create a stable and powerful frame with a superior feel. In plain language an improved version of the previous “Impact Shield Technology”, so more comfort, but also more stability.
I usually like to read about technical innovations mainly under the guise of: what have they come up with now? I see it as fine-tuning a Formula 1 racing car. The mechanics are always looking for that little bit of advantage over the competition. I feel that it works the same way with the technology in tennis rackets. It is nice to see that manufacturers fine-tune rackets based on the opinions of players. Of course, the rule with 100 players also 100 opinions applies. But sometimes there is a common thread to be discovered. For the Diadem Elevate it was already true that there was little to criticize. But with the FS technology I definitely have the feeling that the frame has become even more stable this time. So a big thumbs up for the developers of this frame.
Baseline play and service
The Elevate FS 98 is incredibly predictable and super stable. I can produce the same shots like a ball cannon without one of them coming off. That is great for my self-confidence. In addition, the foam-filled frame is completely vibration-free and can withstand hard incoming serves or heavy topspin balls. I had no stability issues at all with both my forehand and my backhand. Very solid. I tested the Diadem Elevate next to my Wilson Pro Staff 97 CV. The Diadem Elevate 98 is a "classic" frame that is mainly focused on control and precision. The 16×20 string pattern provides a nice mix of power, control and spin.
From the baseline, I can control the rallies against any type of player with the Diadem Elevate. Controlled length is the short summary. The backhand, in my case one-handed and quite flat, I can execute nicely loose and with an excellent length. The frame is just heavy enough to let the racket do the work without too much force. The returns are easy and above all very solid, both in the defensive phase and in the attacking phase. The serve is not overly powerful but very precise. Incidentally, I do think that you have a bit more service power with this version of the Elevate than with its predecessor. My serves came through just as hard with the Elevate as with my Pro Staff 97 CV. The Diadem Elevate serves most effectively with flat shots, although I was also able to surprisingly open up the court with my slice serve. For a kick serve you have to put in more effort and apply a lot of force with your legs.
Ball feeling
The ball feel is very good and the impact on your arm is always soft and "mellow". The vibrations are almost absent thanks to the foam filling. The Diadem Elevate offers excellent stability when performing all strokes, supported by a high feeling of comfort. At the end of 2 hours of testing I did not feel any discomfort in my arm. So the racket is not too dampened in terms of feeling. You keep a nice connection with the ball.
Net game
The ball feel and stability described above will make you appreciate the Elevate in net play as well. The volleys, whether from hard incoming balls or lay-offs, can be played with precision and a wide margin. The smash is also accurate and very effective, although not very powerful. But good placement is much more effective than brute force anyway.
Diadem Elevate FS 98 test scores
Conclusion
The Diadem Elevate FS 98 is positioned in the Wilson Blade and Babolat Pure Strike segment. Tennis players who use these frames should definitely test the Diadem Elevate in my opinion. Compared to Blade and Pure Strike, the Elevate has less power, but is much more pleasant in terms of playability and feel.
It is a blade that is primarily designed for the competitive player who can fully benefit from the characteristics of the Elevate. The blade is a bit more suited to a player who plays "classic" and flat, but the 16×20 string pattern does not exclude a nice dose of spin. In short: the Elevate FS 98 is a very successful update of an already very good blade. Only I would prefer to see a different color scheme. Turquoise is too toothpaste-like for me. But that is very personal and does not detract from the great playing characteristics of this, in my opinion, not given enough attention top brand.
The Diadem Elevate FS 98 is now available in our webshop, including free stringing of your choice!