Specifications: Brand: Diadem String: Solstice Power Gauge: 16 (1.30 mm) Type: Soft co-polyester string Similar strings: Luxilon Alu Power, Solinco Tour Bite Soft, Völkl Cyclone, Babolat RPM Blast and the Head Gravity 
Tested by: Name: Mike Playing strength: 4/4 Type of player: more classic player, flat groundstrokes, generates little spin. Had shoulder problems until recently Racket: Head Graphene Radical MP, 98 sq/inch, 16/19 stringing pattern String hardness: 24/24 kg with a stringing range of 22-26 kilos Test duration: 14 hours Rating: Durability: 8.5 Tension retention: 8 Spin/ slice: 9 Ball feeling: 7.5 Power: 7.5 Control: 8.5 Comfort/arm-friendliness: 7.5 
Stringing the string It often happens that 'shaped' strings are a bit more difficult to string, especially when braiding the width strings. Or that the strings can be a bit annoying for the fingertips due to the coarser texture. None of this with the Diadem Solstice Power 16. The string turns little and does not touch the T flat. It's funny that you immediately feel the special six-pointed (star) shape of the string. You do not need to have the clamps of the stringing machine particularly tight to secure the string properly. When braiding the width strings it is no different than with other polyester strings: straighten the string before letting the machine pull it. The string retains its shape well when stringing, so you don't have to worry about the shape of the string when tightening the clamps. Review Previously I also had the opportunity to review the Diadem Solstice Power 17 , the thinner version of this string. Both strings have similar playing characteristics: unprecedented power and spin combined with excellent tension maintenance. It is noticeable that the Solstice Power 16 is somewhat thicker. The string feels a little more robust and offers a little more control. In terms of durability and control, this string beats its thinner version. In terms of comfort and vibration damping, the Diadem Solstice Power 17 wins. 
The Solstice Power series scores very high in terms of comfort and elasticity. The free power with this string is a welcome bonus for a player like me with an average swing. With my flatter forehand I sometimes overheat, which means that I hit the balls long rather than short. The extra snapback and grip of the string provide clearly more spin and therefore margin in my strokes. Balls that I would normally hit too long now still fall before the baseline. Very nice because you can simply continue to make your move. Of my groundstrokes, my slice backhand is not exactly my weapon. However, the grip that you can generate on the ball with the Diadem Solstice Power 16 is enormous. This kept my backhand slices tight and flat. I have hardly experienced the 'floating' of the ball, which sometimes happens to me with this shot: a world of difference! In the recent past I have unfortunately had shoulder problems. Unfortunately, my sensitive shoulder can sometimes act up when serving (and smashing). I cannot generate enormous speed when serving from the arm/shoulder itself. I need help from the string with this. Speed as well as spin and slice are super easy to produce with this string. My favorite serve with this string is played from the right with slice to the outside. Super easy and controlled with little strain on the shoulder. At the net the string offers a nice direct feel for steady volleys. What most polyester strings, including the Diadem Solstice Power 16, have, is that the strings return neatly into position after a stroke. Only after many hours of playing did I occasionally have to straighten a string. So very pleasant. This is partly due to the low friction of string on string due to the star-shaped construction. This also makes the strings burn much less quickly, which contributes to very high durability. The retention of the typical six-pointed (star) shape of the string, which is largely responsible for the fantastic playing characteristics, is still good even after 14 hours of playing. This is extremely important because many 'shaped' strings quickly become rounder, which is at the expense of those playing characteristics. I can be brief about the tension retention of the string: I know of few other polyester strings that maintain their tension better. This is where the Diadem Solstice Power line (both in 16 and 17 thickness) really excels! A nice comparison with fellow string Babolat RPM Blast can be found in the overview below. This shows that the string is more elastic, has more ball bite (string on ball friction) and less tension loss. [caption id="attachment_1300" align="alignnone" width="731"] 
Diadem Solstice Power 16 vs Babolat RPM Blast 16 (Source: Tennis Warehouse University, strings tool comparison)[/caption] All in all, I can definitely recommend the Diadem Solstice Power 16! The blend of power, spin, durability and tension maintenance is fantastic! This string also holds its own in terms of comfort. I recommend this 16 thickness for players who regularly remove their strings. The 17 gauge offers the same fantastic playing characteristics with more feel and comfort for the arm. If in doubt between the two, I recommend always trying the thinner version first. This item is now for sale in our webshop in sets and rolls .