Diadem Vice V2 16 vs Proton Series Two Project Flash
Both paddles are scored using the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model. Proton Series Two Project Flash 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 hand speed and value on Paddle DNA against the Proton Series Two Project Flash, which costs $200.
Power
Too close to call
84 vs 84
Spin
Too close to call
92 vs 92
Control
Too close to call
88 vs 86
Forgiveness
Too close to call
84 vs 84
Hand speed
108 vs 111 kg·cm² swing weight
Value
$170 at IQ 84.2 vs $200 at IQ 85.3
Overall pick: Diadem Vice V2 16 · $170 · IQ 84.2
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 84Power84
- 86Control88
- 92Spin92
- 84Forgiveness84
- 84Sweet spot86
- 82Stability84
- 82Maneuverability80
- 80Pop80
- 84Touch86
- 86Consistency88
- 66Swing weight70
- 78Twist weight80
- 50Launch angle50
- 78Plow through80
- 78Softness80
Diadem Vice V2 16 vs Proton Series Two Project Flash 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 Two Project Flash |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $170 — better | $200 |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 84.2 | 85.3 — better |
| Weight(oz) | 7.9 | 8 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 16 | 16 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 108 | 111 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 6.5 | 6.7 — better |
| Shape | hybrid | hybrid |
| Face length(in) | 16.3 | 16.3 |
| Face width(in) | 7.6 | 7.6 |
| Handle length(in) | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| Grip circumference(in) | 4.25 | 4.25 |
| Surface | 18K gritted carbon | Gritted raw carbon |
| Core material | Thermoformed polymer honeycomb | Thermoformed polymer 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 Two Project Flash verdict
The grittiest face Proton has made. Spin 92 puts it in the top tier of the database, and the hybrid shape keeps it usable at the kitchen line.
The verdict
Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is swing weight: Proton Series Two Project Flash scores 70 against 66 for Diadem Vice V2 16 — a 4-point gap. They are effectively level on control, sweet spot, stability, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Diadem Vice V2 16 is $30 cheaper at $170.
Swing weight
Proton Series Two Project Flash leads by 4 points (70 vs 66).
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 (84.8 vs 83.2 on the weighted index). Take Diadem Vice V2 16 and keep the $30.
- Sweet spot
- Stability
- Twist weight
Intermediate
3.0–3.9 — playing organised rec and early tournaments
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (86 vs 85.6 on the weighted index). Take Diadem Vice V2 16 and keep the $30.
- Control
- Touch
- Consistency
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (85.3 vs 84.7 on the weighted index). Take Diadem Vice V2 16 and keep the $30.
- Plow through
- Touch
- Control
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (81.1 vs 79.6 on the weighted index). Take Diadem Vice V2 16 and keep the $30.
- Softness
- Twist weight
Which one should you buy?
Proton Series Two Project Flash
Take Proton Series Two Project Flash if you want swing weight (+4). Its swing weight of 111 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Proton Series Two Project Flash review →Diadem Vice V2 16
Diadem Vice V2 16 and Proton Series Two Project Flash are built to the same shape, handle length and core, and score level on every trait. Neither has an advantage here — take whichever is cheaper or in stock.
Read the Diadem Vice V2 16 review →Proton Series Two Project Flash vs Diadem Vice V2 16 FAQ
- Which is better, the Proton Series Two Project Flash or the Diadem Vice V2 16?
- Proton Series Two Project Flash carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (85.3 vs 84.2), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — swing weight — Proton Series Two Project Flash leads by 4 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Diadem Vice V2 16, at 108 kg·cm² swing weight against 111 for Proton Series Two Project Flash. Lower swing weight is the single best predictor of hand speed in fast exchanges.
- Which paddle has more power, the Proton Series Two Project Flash or the Diadem Vice V2 16?
- Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Both score 84 for power.
- Which one gives more control and touch?
- Proton Series Two Project Flash at 88 versus 86.
- Which paddle spins the ball more?
- Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Both score 92 for spin.
- Which is more forgiving on off-center hits?
- Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Both score 84 on forgiveness despite twist weights of 6.7 and 6.5.
- 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?
- Proton Series Two Project Flash: 16 mm Thermoformed polymer honeycomb core with a Gritted raw carbon 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?
- Too close to call — neither has an advantage here. Both run a 5.4 in handle.
- Which one is better for beginners?
- Proton Series Two Project Flash is the safer first paddle here: forgiveness 84 and sweet spot 86 mean fewer mishits while your contact point is still inconsistent. Diadem Vice V2 16 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 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (108 vs 111) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Diadem Vice V2 16 to the Proton Series Two Project Flash?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Proton Series Two Project Flash leads on swing weight by 4 points; everything else is within 2 points. At $200 vs $170, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
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Guides featuring these paddles
Still deciding? These buying guides put Diadem Vice V2 16 and Proton Series Two Project Flash in context against the rest of the database.
Read the full reviews: Diadem Vice V2 16 and Proton Series Two Project Flash. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.