Some reading material during this Corona crisis: the Diadem Nova FS 100 tested by Mike. This update of the Nova 100 offers the well-known dose of free power, but combined with more feeling and comfort. One of the most comfortable power rackets on the market at the moment.
Tested racket:
Brand: Diadem Model: Nova FS 100 Head size: 100 sq/inch Weight: 300 gr Balance: 32.0 cm Stringing pattern: 16x19 Length: 27 inch RA: 69 Beam: 23.5 mm Stringing: Diadem Solstice Power 17 on 23/22 kg The Diadem Nova FS 100 is now available in our webshop, including free stringing of your choice!
Tester:
Name: Mike Playing strength: 4/4 Player type: somewhat classic player, flat groundstrokes, doesn't generate a lot of spin himself. Had shoulder problems in the past. Player's racket history: Head Ti Fire, Babolat Pure Drive, Prince EXO3 Rebel Team, Wilson Steam 100 BLX2, Head Graphene Radical MP, Prince Textreme Warrior 107 , Diadem Elevate 98 .Test scores Diadem Nova FS 100:
Power: 8.5 Control: 7.5 Spin: 8.5 Comfort: 8 Agility: 7.5 Touch: 8
Baseline:
When hitting my baseline, the familiar free power immediately stands out. The previous version already offered a lot of free power, and this new version is no different. The Diadem Nova FS 100 is a racket with a lot of playing comfort in that respect. The ball rotation (spin and slice) is also absolutely above average. In that respect, it falls between a Babolat Pure Drive and Pure Aero . In terms of power, it is equal to a Pure Drive, but with a bit more spin that approaches a Pure Aero. However, the ball feel reminded me most of the new Yonex EZONE 100. This update of the Nova 100 with FS (Flex Stabilization System) definitely gives the racket more feel. This is a kind of rib structure in the frame, which is further filled with a special damping foam. The racket certainly has more touch and comfort than its predecessor. In terms of comfort, without a doubt one of the better rackets in this power segment!
Anyway, my baseline shots went with great ease and the improved stability of the frame is clearly noticeable, for example when cutting a slice backhand. The Diadem Nova FS 100 is a real power racket: you do need some rotation to control the power. The maneuverability was more than sufficient; the racket can be positioned quickly behind the ball.
Service:
Also with the service you get quite a bit of power as a gift, something I like. The fairly open meshes of the 16x19 string pattern make gripping the ball for kick and slice services quite easy. Also very user-friendly when serving.
Just:
At the net you can see that the racket has a bit more touch than its predecessor. There is a bit more feeling for the refined balls, such as stop volleys. In addition, the Nova FS 100 is stable enough when things get a bit tougher. I find the maneuverability average, but then again no different than for example a Pure Drive or the new Wilson Ultra 100 V3.0 . A leather grip as a replacement for the basic grip could possibly offer a solution here. The extra weight of a leather weight compared to a basic grip pulls the balance down a bit for more maneuverability. Something that I always find pleasant.
Power/control:
It is clearly power over control with the Nova FS 100. If you are looking for more control, Diadem offers this in the Elevate racquet family . As mentioned, you get a lot of free power with this racquet. Yet it is not blind or uncontrolled power. The racquet has a clearly improved stability. You do need some rotation to keep some margin in your strokes, because the free power is still quite considerable. So power over control, although the latter aspect has been greatly improved by the stability of the frame.Comfort/arm-friendliness Diadem Nova FS 100:
One of the points where this Nova FS 100 excels is the comfort! I dare say that this is one of the most comfortable rackets in this segment. The previous version felt somewhat tinny on off-center hits. This version twists much less. In addition, this frame is not hollow, like many of its competitors. The rib structure combined with special damping foam gives the frame fine damping, without compromising the direct control of the ball. The Nova 100 has had a big boost in terms of comfort/arm-friendliness! The Diadem Nova FS 100 is now available in our webshop, including free stringing of your choice!