Diadem Vice V2 16 vs Proton Series One Project Black
Both paddles are scored using the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model. Diadem Vice V2 16 takes the higher overall IQ score, but the right pick depends on which traits you value.
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Quick answer
Diadem Vice V2 16 wins this matchup for most players: it takes forgiveness, hand speed and value on Paddle DNA against the Proton Series One Project Black, which costs $200.
Power
Too close to call
86 vs 84
Spin
Too close to call
92 vs 90
Control
Too close to call
86 vs 86
Forgiveness
84 vs 80
Hand speed
108 vs 117 kg·cm² swing weight
Value
$170 at IQ 84.2 vs $200 at IQ 83.8
Overall pick: Diadem Vice V2 16 · $170 · IQ 84.2
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 84Power86
- 86Control86
- 92Spin90
- 84Forgiveness80
- 84Sweet spot82
- 82Stability86
- 82Maneuverability72
- 80Pop82
- 84Touch82
- 86Consistency84
- 66Swing weight76
- 78Twist weight86
- 50Launch angle54
- 78Plow through86
- 78Softness68
Diadem Vice V2 16 vs Proton Series One Project Black 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 One Project Black |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $170 — better | $200 |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 84.2 — better | 83.8 |
| Weight(oz) | 7.9 | 8.3 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 16 | 16 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 108 | 117 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 6.5 | 7 — better |
| Shape | hybrid | elongated |
| Face length(in) | 16.3 | 16.5 |
| Face width(in) | 7.6 | 7.5 |
| Handle length(in) | 5.4 | 5.5 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4.25 | 4.25 |
| Surface | 18K gritted carbon | Raw carbon fiber |
| Core material | Thermoformed polymer honeycomb | Thermoformed unibody with foam walls |
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 One Project Black verdict
A thermoformed unibody built around stability. The foam walls push twist weight to the top of our scored range, which is why off-center drives still land deep.
The verdict
Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is maneuverability: Diadem Vice V2 16 scores 82 against 72 for Proton Series One Project Black — a 10-point gap. They are effectively level on power, spin, sweet spot, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Diadem Vice V2 16 is $30 cheaper at $170.
Maneuverability
Diadem Vice V2 16 leads by 10 points (82 vs 72).
Swing weight
Proton Series One Project Black leads by 10 points (76 vs 66).
Softness
Diadem Vice V2 16 leads by 10 points (78 vs 68).
Twist weight
Proton Series One Project Black leads by 8 points (86 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 (83.2 vs 83.4 on the weighted index). Take Diadem Vice V2 16 and keep the $30.
- Twist weight
- Stability
Intermediate
3.0–3.9 — playing organised rec and early tournaments
Diadem Vice V2 16
Diadem Vice V2 16 is a narrow pick at this level — maneuverability 82 vs 72, forgiveness 84 vs 80, spin 92 vs 90. At 108 kg·cm² swing weight it stays quick enough for hands battles.
- Maneuverability
- Forgiveness
- Spin
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (84.7 vs 84.4 on the weighted index). Take Diadem Vice V2 16 and keep the $30.
- Maneuverability
- Spin
- Touch
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
Diadem Vice V2 16
Diadem Vice V2 16 is the clearer pick at this level — softness 78 vs 68, forgiveness 84 vs 80. Its 16 mm Thermoformed polymer honeycomb core at 7.9 oz is the softer, lower-shock build of the two.
- Softness
- Forgiveness
Which one should you buy?
Diadem Vice V2 16
Take Diadem Vice V2 16 if you want maneuverability (+10), softness (+10), forgiveness (+4). Its swing weight of 108 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Diadem Vice V2 16 review →Proton Series One Project Black
Take Proton Series One Project Black if you want swing weight (+10), twist weight (+8), plow through (+8). Its swing weight of 117 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Proton Series One Project Black review →Diadem Vice V2 16 vs Proton Series One Project Black FAQ
- Which is better, the Diadem Vice V2 16 or the Proton Series One Project Black?
- Diadem Vice V2 16 carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (84.2 vs 83.8), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — maneuverability — Diadem Vice V2 16 leads by 10 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Diadem Vice V2 16, at 108 kg·cm² swing weight against 117 for Proton Series One Project Black. Lower swing weight is the single best predictor of hand speed in fast exchanges.
- Which paddle has more power, the Diadem Vice V2 16 or the Proton Series One Project Black?
- Proton Series One Project Black scores 86 for power against 84 for Diadem Vice V2 16. That comes from a 16 mm Thermoformed unibody with foam walls core swinging at 117 kg·cm² — mass behind the ball, not face material.
- Which one gives more control and touch?
- Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Both score 86 for control.
- Which paddle spins the ball more?
- Diadem Vice V2 16 scores 92 for spin off its 18K gritted carbon face, against 90 for the Raw carbon fiber face on Proton Series One Project Black. In practice a 2-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 80). Proton Series One Project Black actually carries the higher twist weight (7 vs 6.5), but Diadem Vice V2 16 makes it back on sweet spot (84) and overall face stability.
- Is the price difference worth it?
- Diadem Vice V2 16 costs $170, $30 less. Whether that gap is worth closing depends on whether you actually use the traits it trades away — check the head-to-head DNA bars above before paying up.
- Do they use the same core and face?
- Diadem Vice V2 16: 16 mm Thermoformed polymer honeycomb core with an 18K gritted carbon face. Proton Series One Project Black: 16 mm Thermoformed unibody with foam walls core with a Raw carbon fiber face.
- Which is better for a two-handed backhand?
- Proton Series One Project Black, at 5.5 in of handle against 5.4 in. Anything under 5.25 in forces you to choke the bottom hand onto the face bevel, which Proton Series One Project Black avoids.
- 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 One Project Black rewards a repeatable swing and can feel less stable before that.
- Which is lighter in the hand?
- Diadem Vice V2 16 at 7.9 oz against 8.3 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (108 vs 117) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Proton Series One Project Black to the Diadem Vice V2 16?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Diadem Vice V2 16 leads on maneuverability by 10 points; everything else is within 10 points. At $170 vs $200, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
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- Series One Project Black vs Agassi Pro 16
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- Series One Project Black vs Ruby
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Read the full reviews: Diadem Vice V2 16 and Proton Series One Project Black. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.