Today we review the thinnest version of the new Diadem Elite XT string line. This is the Diadem Elite XT 18 tested by Stephan!
Specifications:
Brand: Diadem Elite XT 18
String type: medium stiff, control oriented co-polyester string with star construction for extra ballbite and low string-to-string friction for extra snapback of the main string. This is the thinnest version of the Diadem Elite XT string line. Check out our test report of the 17/1.20 mm version of this string here .
Thickness: 18/1.15 mm
Comparable strings: Babolat RPM Blast, Luxilon Alu Power and Solinco Tour Bite
Tested by:
Name: Stephan
Playing strength: 5
Player type: all-court player, eastern grip, one-handed backhand, fairly flat shots
Racket: Yonex EZONE DR 98 (310 grams)
String hardness: 24/24kg with a stringing range of 20-27 kg
Test duration: 8 hours
Favorite string player: Yonex Poly Tour Pro 1.25
Judgement:
Durability: 7
Voltage retention: 7
Spin/Slice: 8
Ball control: 9
Power: 8
Control: 8
Comfort/Arm-friendliness: 8
Review: The Elite XT 18 is the thinnest string in the Elite XT series. The gray appearance of the angular string looks great in my Yonex EZONE DR 98. During this test I was able to compare the Elite XT 18 nicely with my favorite string, the Yonex Poly Tour Pro that I have in my other Yonex EZONE DR 98. At the first ball contact, the Diadem Elite XT 18 feels very refined. A super ball feel with which the Diadem Elite XT 18 can certainly compete with the Yonex Poly Tour Pro. The angular design of this string gives you a lot of grip on the ball. The ball feel and the bite on the ball provide a very solid feeling.
I also noticed that I didn't have to adjust any of my strokes: I dared to hit both the hard spin strokes and the more subtle slices and drop shots with full conviction. Power is more than sufficient with the Diadem Elite XT 18 and very easy to dose. With other softer Polyester strings, I certainly had the tendency to hold back in order not to overheat. Especially from the baseline, my strokes were easy to control and they always reached more than enough length. More length than I am used to with stiffer strings. Hitting spin balls is also easy due to the bite of the string. With the Diadem Elite XT 18, slices can also be placed well against the lines. It was striking that I could very easily hit slice approaches without the ball floating too much.
In terms of comfort, the Diadem Elite XT 18 scores excellent in my opinion. Despite the fact that this Diadem string is called a medium stiff co-poly, I did not experience any unpleasant effects on my arm. Parrying hard serves also felt great. I could hit full force without arm problems. Balls outside the sweet spot were not uncomfortable either. In my opinion, the Diadem Elite XT 18 is a very complete string with a remarkable amount of ball feel in combination with a lot of control and more than enough power. That fine ball feel certainly benefited my net game. At the net, I was pleasantly surprised by the feel of the string in combination with enough power to put balls away hard.
Furthermore, when serving, I noticed that I could generate a good tempo with a lot of control. The slice and kick also went with a lot of precision. Due to the control and precision, I hit almost no double faults, which meant that my opponent did not get any free points. The Elite XT 18 is, in my opinion, an exceptionally nice string! For players who can generate their own power and are looking for a string with a lot of ball feel, the Diadem Elite XT 18 is recommended. The Diadem Elite XT 18 makes a nice contribution to feeling and control in all aspects of your game.
The Diadem Elite XT 18 is now exclusively available in our webshop !
