Specifications and Setup
- Brand: Diadem
- String: Pro X 16L
- Thickness: 16L / 1.25 mm
- Type: 6-sided medium stiff co-polyester with direct playing feel
- Racket: Prince TXT2.5 Tour 100 310 prototype racket
- Stringing: 22/21 kg
Introduction
Diadem is best known for their star-shaped Solstice and Elite XT strings. After adding the round co-poly Flash , there is now the Diadem Pro X 16L , a string that promises a lot of power and consistency. Mike has tested this string extensively during both training and a tournament. This string is now part of his permanent setup.
Baseline
The first thing you notice is the direct playing feel of the Pro X 16L . The string has a quick response and a slightly shorter ball-to-string contact, comparable to the Luxilon Alu Power 1.25 . In contrast to the Solstice Power , which offers more ball pocketing and generates extreme spin, the Pro X offers more direct control over the ball with enough spin to maintain control. This results in powerful groundstrokes with fine control. Despite the considerable power, the string does not feel stiff or uncomfortable, which is often the case with other strings in this genre.
Durability and Voltage Maintenance
The Diadem Pro X 16L plays very consistently and holds tension better than strings like the Luxilon Alu Power or Diadem Solstice Power . Mike was able to get over 15 hours out of it before restringing it for a tournament. Wear was very minimal and while the string is a bit stiffer than other Diadem strings, it performs best when strung lower (about 10% lighter than normal).
Ball feel and comfort
Although the string is a bit stiffer and more direct, the comfort remains good, especially when stringing a bit lower in the kilos. Mike, who has suffered from shoulder problems in the past, had no problems with this setup. The ball feel was surprisingly good, especially with stop volleys and drop shots, which were played with a lot of feeling.
Judgement
- Durability: 8.5
- Voltage retention/consistency: 8
- Spin/slice: 7.5
- Ball control: 8
- Power: 8.5
- Control: 8
- Comfort/arm friendliness: 7.5
Bottom line: Diadem Pro X 16L
The Diadem Pro X 16L is a pleasant surprise and offers an excellent balance between power and control. The 6-sided structure gives just enough spin to maintain control without the racket feeling too stiff. With good tension retention and above average durability, this is an excellent all-rounder that provides a lot of fun. The Diadem Pro X is now available in our webshop, both in sets and rolls and in different thicknesses.
