Diadem Vice V2 16 vs Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)
Both paddles are scored using the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model. Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
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Quick answer
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) edges it on the overall Paddle IQ score (85.6 vs 84.2), but the two split the scored categories — pick on the one trait you care about most.
Power
Too close to call
85 vs 84
Spin
Too close to call
95 vs 92
Control
Too close to call
88 vs 86
Forgiveness
Too close to call
84 vs 82
Hand speed
Too close to call
108 vs 110 kg·cm² swing weight
Value
Too close to call
$170 at IQ 84.2 vs $175 at IQ 85.6
Overall pick: Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) · $175 · IQ 85.6
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 84Power85
- 86Control88
- 92Spin95
- 84Forgiveness82
- 84Sweet spot84
- 82Stability83
- 82Maneuverability84
- 80Pop82
- 84Touch86
- 86Consistency88
- 66Swing weight68
- 78Twist weight82
- 50Launch angle57
- 78Plow through78
- 78Softness80
Diadem Vice V2 16 vs Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) specs
Every spec side by side. Highlighted values are the better of the two where one is objectively better.
| Spec | Diadem Vice V2 16 | Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $170 — better | $175 |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 84.2 | 85.6 — better |
| Weight(oz) | 7.9 | 7.9 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 16 | 15 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 108 | 110 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 6.5 — better | 6.3 |
| Shape | hybrid | elongated |
| Face length(in) | 16.3 | 16.5 |
| Face width(in) | 7.6 | 7.375 |
| Handle length(in) | 5.4 | 5.375 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4.25 | 4.25 |
| Surface | 18K gritted carbon | Aerospace bi-directional carbon with exposed aramid weave |
| Core material | Thermoformed polymer honeycomb | Nomex and polypropylene hybrid honeycomb |
Diadem Vice V2 16 verdict
Diadem's 18K weave is the grippiest face under $200. Spin 92 with a 108 swing weight is a rare pairing — you can rip topspin and still win hands battles.
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) verdict
The exposed Kevlar weave is the story: it grips the ball like a fresh grit face but, unlike sprayed textures, it is the material itself, so the spin number does not decay over a season.
The verdict
Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is launch angle: Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) scores 57 against 50 for Diadem Vice V2 16 — a 7-point gap. They are effectively level on spin, control, forgiveness, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Price is close enough ($175 vs $170) that it should not break the tie.
Launch angle
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads by 7 points (57 vs 50).
Twist weight
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads by 4 points (82 vs 78).
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
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (84 vs 83.2 on the weighted index). Pick on shape — elongated on the Series Four (Project Roadrunner), hybrid on the Vice V2 16.
- Twist weight
- Consistency
- Stability
Intermediate
3.0–3.9 — playing organised rec and early tournaments
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (87.1 vs 85.6 on the weighted index). Pick on shape — elongated on the Series Four (Project Roadrunner), hybrid on the Vice V2 16.
- Spin
- Control
- Maneuverability
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (86.3 vs 84.7 on the weighted index). Pick on shape — elongated on the Series Four (Project Roadrunner), hybrid on the Vice V2 16.
- Spin
- Touch
- Maneuverability
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (80.9 vs 79.6 on the weighted index). Pick on shape — elongated on the Series Four (Project Roadrunner), hybrid on the Vice V2 16.
- Softness
- Twist weight
Which one should you buy?
Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)
Take Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) if you want launch angle (+7), twist weight (+4). Its swing weight of 110 kg·cm² and 15 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) review →Diadem Vice V2 16
Take Diadem Vice V2 16 if you prefer a hybrid face and a 5.4 in handle and a 16 mm Thermoformed polymer honeycomb core — it gives up nothing measurable to Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner).
Read the Diadem Vice V2 16 review →Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Diadem Vice V2 16 FAQ
- Which is better, the Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) or the Diadem Vice V2 16?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (85.6 vs 84.2), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — launch angle — Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads by 7 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Diadem Vice V2 16, at 108 kg·cm² swing weight against 110 for Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner). Lower swing weight is the single best predictor of hand speed in fast exchanges.
- Which paddle has more power, the Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) or the Diadem Vice V2 16?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) scores 85 for power against 84 for Diadem Vice V2 16. That comes from a 15 mm Nomex and polypropylene hybrid honeycomb core swinging at 110 kg·cm² — mass behind the ball, not face material.
- Which one gives more control and touch?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) at 88 versus 86. Its 15 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?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) scores 95 for spin off its Aerospace bi-directional carbon with exposed aramid weave face, against 92 for the 18K gritted carbon face on Diadem Vice V2 16. In practice a 3-point gap is small enough that technique matters more.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- Diadem Vice V2 16, with the higher forgiveness score (84 vs 82). Its 6.5 twist weight against 6.3 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 $5 of each other, so price should not decide this matchup.
- Do they use the same core and face?
- Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner): 15 mm Nomex and polypropylene hybrid honeycomb core with an Aerospace bi-directional carbon with exposed aramid weave face. Diadem Vice V2 16: 16 mm Thermoformed polymer honeycomb core with an 18K gritted carbon face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- Diadem Vice V2 16, at 5.4 in of handle against 5.375 in. Anything under 5.25 in forces you to choke the bottom hand onto the face bevel.
- Which one is better for beginners?
- Diadem Vice V2 16 is the safer first paddle here: forgiveness 84 and sweet spot 84 mean fewer mishits while your contact point is still inconsistent. Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) rewards a repeatable swing and can feel less stable before that.
- Which is lighter in the hand?
- Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Both are listed at 7.9 oz, though swing weight differs (110 vs 108) and that is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Diadem Vice V2 16 to the Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner) leads on launch angle by 7 points; everything else is within 4 points. At $175 vs $170, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
Related comparisons
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Also worth comparing
Head-to-heads that share DNA with this matchup — useful if you're still deciding between shapes, cores or price tiers.
- Vice V2 16 vs Prism Flash V2 16
- Vice V2 16 vs Series Two Project Flash
- Vice V2 16 vs Ruby Hybrid 16
- Vice V2 16 vs R3 Pulsar
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Series Two Project Flash
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Ruby Hybrid 16
- Series Four (Project Roadrunner) vs Scorpeus Pro IV 16
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Read the full reviews: Diadem Vice V2 16 and Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner). Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.