Diadem Edge 18K V2 vs Six Zero Quartz Control
Both paddles are scored using the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model. Six Zero Quartz Control takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
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Quick answer
Six Zero Quartz Control wins this matchup for most players: it takes control, forgiveness and hand speed on Paddle DNA against the Diadem Edge 18K V2, which costs $180.
Power
84 vs 78
Spin
Too close to call
90 vs 90
Control
93 vs 86
Forgiveness
91 vs 82
Hand speed
108 vs 113 kg·cm² swing weight
Value
Too close to call
$180 at IQ 83.7 vs $190 at IQ 88
Overall pick: Six Zero Quartz Control · $190 · IQ 88
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 84Power78
- 86Control93
- 90Spin90
- 82Forgiveness91
- 84Sweet spot92
- 84Stability90
- 76Maneuverability82
- 78Pop72
- 84Touch92
- 86Consistency91
- 74Swing weight68
- 80Twist weight90
- 52Launch angle50
- 80Plow through72
- 72Softness89
Diadem Edge 18K V2 vs Six Zero Quartz Control specs
Every spec side by side. Highlighted values are the better of the two where one is objectively better.
| Spec | Diadem Edge 18K V2 | Six Zero Quartz Control |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $180 — better | $190 |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 83.7 | 88 — better |
| Weight(oz) | 8.1 | 7.9 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 16 | 16 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 113 | 108 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 6.6 | 7.2 — better |
| Shape | elongated | standard |
| Face length(in) | 16.4 | 16 |
| Face width(in) | 7.4 | 7.9 |
| Handle length(in) | 5.5 | 5.25 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4.25 | 4.25 |
| Surface | Textured 18K raw carbon | Raw carbon friction |
| Core material | Thermoformed polypropylene with foam edge fill | Thermoformed polymer |
Diadem Edge 18K V2 verdict
Diadem's 18K weave measures at the top end for spin without the harsh feedback most thermoformed elongated paddles carry. It is the balanced option in a category full of specialists.
Six Zero Quartz Control verdict
A control build in the Double Black Diamond tradition, only lighter and quicker. Twist weight and sweet spot are the standouts; power is deliberately mid-pack.
The verdict
Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is softness: Six Zero Quartz Control scores 89 against 72 for Diadem Edge 18K V2 — a 17-point gap. They are effectively level on launch angle, spin, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Price is close enough ($180 vs $190) that it should not break the tie.
Softness
Six Zero Quartz Control leads by 17 points (89 vs 72).
Twist weight
Six Zero Quartz Control leads by 10 points (90 vs 80).
Forgiveness
Six Zero Quartz Control leads by 9 points (91 vs 82).
Sweet spot
Six Zero Quartz Control leads by 8 points (92 vs 84).
Which one is right for your level?
Each call below re-weights the Paddle DNA traits that matter at that level, so the winner can differ from the overall pick.
Beginner
New to 3.0 — still building a consistent contact point
Six Zero Quartz Control
Six Zero Quartz Control is the clearer pick at this level — forgiveness 91 vs 82, sweet spot 92 vs 84, twist weight 90 vs 80. Twist weight 7.2 keeps the face steadier on off-centre contact.
- Forgiveness
- Sweet spot
- Twist weight
Intermediate
3.0–3.9 — playing organised rec and early tournaments
Six Zero Quartz Control
Six Zero Quartz Control is a narrow pick at this level — control 93 vs 86, forgiveness 91 vs 82, maneuverability 82 vs 76. At 108 kg·cm² swing weight it stays quick enough for hands battles.
- Control
- Forgiveness
- Maneuverability
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (83.8 vs 84.2 on the weighted index). Pick on shape — elongated on the Edge 18K V2, standard on the Quartz Control.
- Touch
- Control
- Maneuverability
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
Six Zero Quartz Control
Six Zero Quartz Control is the clearer pick at this level — softness 89 vs 72, forgiveness 91 vs 82, twist weight 90 vs 80. Its 16 mm Thermoformed polymer core at 7.9 oz is the softer, lower-shock build of the two.
- Softness
- Forgiveness
- Twist weight
Which one should you buy?
Diadem Edge 18K V2
Take Diadem Edge 18K V2 if you want plow through (+8), power (+6), pop (+6). Its swing weight of 113 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Diadem Edge 18K V2 review →Six Zero Quartz Control
Take Six Zero Quartz Control if you want softness (+17), twist weight (+10), forgiveness (+9). Its swing weight of 108 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Six Zero Quartz Control review →Diadem Edge 18K V2 vs Six Zero Quartz Control FAQ
- Which is better, the Diadem Edge 18K V2 or the Six Zero Quartz Control?
- Six Zero Quartz Control carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (88 vs 83.7), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — softness — Six Zero Quartz Control leads by 17 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Six Zero Quartz Control, at 108 kg·cm² swing weight against 113 for Diadem Edge 18K V2. Lower swing weight is the single best predictor of hand speed in fast exchanges.
- Which paddle has more power, the Diadem Edge 18K V2 or the Six Zero Quartz Control?
- Diadem Edge 18K V2 scores 84 for power against 78 for Six Zero Quartz Control. That comes from a 16 mm Thermoformed polypropylene with foam edge fill core swinging at 113 kg·cm² — mass behind the ball, not face material.
- Which one gives more control and touch?
- Six Zero Quartz Control at 93 versus 86. Its 16 mm core holds the ball on the face slightly longer, which is what makes resets and dinks land shorter.
- Which paddle spins the ball more?
- Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Both score 90 for spin.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- Six Zero Quartz Control, with the higher forgiveness score (91 vs 82). Its 7.2 twist weight against 6.6 is what drives it — higher twist weight means the face rotates less when you miss the middle.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- They are within $10 of each other, so price should not decide this matchup.
- Do they use the same core and face?
- Diadem Edge 18K V2: 16 mm Thermoformed polypropylene with foam edge fill core with a Textured 18K raw carbon face. Six Zero Quartz Control: 16 mm Thermoformed polymer core with a Raw carbon friction face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- Diadem Edge 18K V2, at 5.5 in of handle against 5.25 in. Anything under 5.25 in forces you to choke the bottom hand onto the face bevel, which Diadem Edge 18K V2 avoids.
- Which one is better for beginners?
- Six Zero Quartz Control is the safer first paddle here: forgiveness 91 and sweet spot 92 mean fewer mishits while your contact point is still inconsistent. Diadem Edge 18K V2 rewards a repeatable swing and can feel less stable before that.
- Which is lighter in the hand?
- Six Zero Quartz Control at 7.9 oz against 8.1 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (108 vs 113) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Diadem Edge 18K V2 to the Six Zero Quartz Control?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Six Zero Quartz Control leads on softness by 17 points; everything else is within 10 points. At $180 vs $190, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
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Read the full reviews: Diadem Edge 18K V2 and Six Zero Quartz Control. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.