Stephan has been testing the Diadem Elevate FS 98 in recent months! This racket provides wonderful control, combined with excellent ball feeling and comfort. Read his full review here. This was our last test before the lockdown. Hopefully we can pick up the thread again soon.
Tester
Player name: Stephan Couzijn Level: 5/6 Type of player: 44 year old, all courter, eastern grip, one-handed backhand, fairly flat shots Own racket: Yonex EZONE DR 98 , Wilson Clash 100 , Head Graphene 360+ Gravity MP Player's racket history: Wilson Pro Staff 6.0 95, Wilson Six-One 95, Head Radical, Dunlop Airgel 300 Tour, Babolat Pure Storm Tour GT, Wilson Pro Staff 95, Wilson Juice Pro, Yonex EZONE DR 98, Wilson Clash 100, Head Gravity MP, Wilson Pro Staff 97 CV. The Diadem Elevate FS 98 is now available in our webshop , including free stringing of your choice!Tested racket
Brand: Diadem Model: Elevate FS 98 Head size: 98 sq/inch Weight: 305 gr Balance: 32.0 cm String pattern: 16×20 Length: 27 inch RA: 64 Beam: 21.5 mm flatbeam Swingweight: 318
Intro
I was able to test 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 gravel 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 . All beautiful updates of iconic rackets. A kind of Temptation Island for racket enthusiasts. The Diadem Elevate is a “hidden gem” in the midst of 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 it has a nice top 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 16 x 20 string pattern. In my previous reviews I already wrote about my preference for this string pattern. This allows you to generate sufficient power and spin, but does not cause the balls to shoot off inexplicably, as is sometimes the case with a 16 x 19 pattern. This is exactly what makes the Diadem Elevate FS 98 unique. You have to look for other rackets with a 16 x 20 stringing pattern with a light. Only the Head Gravity MP also works with this, but with its slightly more top-heavy balance it is not easily comparable.
Technology
This update offers improved stability to give players more precision and spin. With the 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 layman's terms, an improved version of the previous “Impact Shield Technology”, so more comfort, but also more stability.
I usually enjoy reading about technical innovations under the guise: what have they come up with again? I see it as fine-tuning a Formula 1 racing car. The technicians are always looking for that little bit of an edge over the competition. I think it works the same way with the technology in tennis rackets. It is nice to see that manufacturers finely 'sharpen' rackets based on the opinions of players. Of course, the rule with 100 players also applies to 100 opinions. But sometimes a common thread can be discovered. There was little to criticize about the Diadem Elevate. But this time with the FS technology I definitely feel that the frame has become even more stable. So a big thumbs up to 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 over and over again like a ball cannon without any of them going off. That's great for self-confidence. In addition, the foam-filled frame is completely vibration-free and resistant to hard incoming serves or heavy topspin balls. I had no stability issues at all with either my forehand or my backhand. All very solid. I tested the Diadem Elevate next to my Wilson Pro Staff 97 CV. The Diadem Elevate 98 is a "classic" frame that focuses primarily on control and precision. The 16 × 20 string pattern provides a nice mix of power, control and spin.
From the baseline, I can easily direct 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 perform nice and loose and with excellent length. The frame is just heavy enough to allow the racket to do the work without too much force. The returns are easy and above all very solid, both in the defense phase and in the attack phase. The serving is not overly powerful but very precise. By the way, I think that with this version of the Elevate you have slightly more service power than with its predecessor. My shifts came through just as hard with the Elevate as they did with my Pro Staff 97 CV. The Diadem Elevate serves most effectively on 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 put a lot of force with your legs.
Ball feeling
The ball feeling is very good and the impact on your arm is always soft and "mellow". The vibrations are virtually 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 didn't feel any discomfort in my arm. The racket is therefore not too damped in terms of feel. You continue to maintain a good connection with the ball.
Net game
The ball feeling and stability described above ensure that you will also appreciate the Elevate in net play. You can play the volleys, both from hard incoming balls or put-aways, with precision and a wide margin. The smash is also accurate and very effective, although not hugely powerful. But good placement is much more effective than brute force anyway.
Diadem Elevate FS 98 test scores
Power: 7.5 Control: 9 Spin: 8 Arm friendliness: 9 Agility: 8 Touch: 9
Conclusion
The Diadem Elevate FS 98 is positioned in the Wilson Blade and Babolat Pure Strike segment. In my opinion, tennis players who use these frames should definitely test the Diadem Elevate. 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 frame designed primarily for the competitive player who can take full advantage of the Elevate's features. The frame suits a player who plays "classic" and flat a little better, but the 16 × 20 string pattern does not rule out a nice dose of spin. In short: the Elevate FS 98 is a very successful update of an already very good frame. I would just 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, top brand that receives too little attention.
The Diadem Elevate FS 98 is now available in our webshop , including free stringing of your choice!