Diadem Vice V2 16 vs Six Zero Ruby
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 spin and hand speed on Paddle DNA against the Six Zero Ruby, which costs $160.
Power
Too close to call
85 vs 84
Spin
92 vs 88
Control
Too close to call
86 vs 86
Forgiveness
Too close to call
84 vs 81
Hand speed
108 vs 114 kg·cm² swing weight
Value
Too close to call
$160 at IQ 83.5 vs $170 at IQ 84.2
Overall pick: Diadem Vice V2 16 · $170 · IQ 84.2
Paddle DNA head-to-head
- 84Power85
- 86Control86
- 92Spin88
- 84Forgiveness81
- 84Sweet spot82
- 82Stability85
- 82Maneuverability76
- 80Pop83
- 84Touch82
- 86Consistency85
- 66Swing weight70
- 78Twist weight83
- 50Launch angle56
- 78Plow through80
- 78Softness74
Diadem Vice V2 16 vs Six Zero Ruby specs
Every spec side by side. Highlighted values are the better of the two where one is objectively better.
| Spec | Diadem Vice V2 16 | Six Zero Ruby |
|---|---|---|
| Street price(USD) | $170 | $160 — better |
| IQ score(/ 100) | 84.2 — better | 83.5 |
| Weight(oz) | 7.9 | 8.2 |
| Core thickness(mm) | 16 | 16 |
| Swing weight(kg·cm²)Lower swings faster | 108 | 114 |
| Twist weight(kg·cm²)Higher is more stable | 6.5 | 6.6 — 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 | Raw T700 carbon |
| Core material | Thermoformed polymer honeycomb | Thermoformed polymer |
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.
Six Zero Ruby verdict
Six Zero's answer to the hybrid trend, and the most balanced paddle in our 2026 database. Very few weaknesses at this price.
The verdict
Scored on the same 15-trait Paddle DNA model, the clearest separation is maneuverability: Diadem Vice V2 16 scores 82 against 76 for Six Zero Ruby — a 6-point gap. They are effectively level on forgiveness, stability, pop, so those traits should not decide the purchase. Price is close enough ($170 vs $160) that it should not break the tie.
Maneuverability
Diadem Vice V2 16 leads by 6 points (82 vs 76).
Launch angle
Six Zero Ruby leads by 6 points (56 vs 50).
Twist weight
Six Zero Ruby leads by 5 points (83 vs 78).
Spin
Diadem Vice V2 16 leads by 4 points (92 vs 88).
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 83.2 on the weighted index). Pick on static weight — 7.9 oz on the Vice V2 16, 8.2 oz on the Ruby.
- Forgiveness
- Sweet spot
- Consistency
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 76, spin 92 vs 88, forgiveness 84 vs 81. At 108 kg·cm² swing weight it stays quick enough for hands battles.
- Maneuverability
- Spin
- Forgiveness
Advanced / tournament
4.0+ — repeatable swing, fast hands battles
Too close to call on the traits that matter here (84.7 vs 83.3 on the weighted index). Pick on static weight — 7.9 oz on the Vice V2 16, 8.2 oz on the Ruby.
- Spin
- Maneuverability
- Touch
Arm-sensitive players
Anyone managing tennis elbow or shoulder load
Diadem Vice V2 16
Diadem Vice V2 16 is a narrow pick at this level — softness 78 vs 74, forgiveness 84 vs 81. 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 (+6), spin (+4), softness (+4). Its swing weight of 108 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Diadem Vice V2 16 review →Six Zero Ruby
Take Six Zero Ruby if you want launch angle (+6), twist weight (+5), swing weight (+4). Its swing weight of 114 kg·cm² and 16 mm core are what produce that profile.
Read the Six Zero Ruby review →Diadem Vice V2 16 vs Six Zero Ruby FAQ
- Which is better, the Diadem Vice V2 16 or the Six Zero Ruby?
- Diadem Vice V2 16 carries the higher overall Paddle IQ score (84.2 vs 83.5), but IQ is a weighted average. On the trait that separates them most — maneuverability — Diadem Vice V2 16 leads by 6 points.
- Which one is faster at the kitchen line?
- Diadem Vice V2 16, at 108 kg·cm² swing weight against 114 for Six Zero Ruby. 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 Six Zero Ruby?
- Six Zero Ruby scores 85 for power against 84 for Diadem Vice V2 16. That comes from a 16 mm Thermoformed polymer core swinging at 114 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 88 for the Raw T700 carbon face on Six Zero Ruby. In practice a 4-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 81). Six Zero Ruby actually carries the higher twist weight (6.6 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?
- They are within $10 of each other, so price should not decide this matchup.
- Do they use the same core and face?
- Diadem Vice V2 16: 16 mm Thermoformed polymer honeycomb core with an 18K gritted carbon face. Six Zero Ruby: 16 mm Thermoformed polymer core with a Raw T700 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?
- 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. Six Zero Ruby 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 8.2 oz. Static weight matters for arm fatigue and elbow comfort; swing weight (108 vs 114) is what you feel mid-rally.
- Is it worth upgrading from the Six Zero Ruby to the Diadem Vice V2 16?
- Only if you need what it actually adds. Diadem Vice V2 16 leads on maneuverability by 6 points; everything else is within 6 points. At $170 vs $160, the money is better spent elsewhere unless that one trait is your weak spot.
This matchup is a spin vs pop decision
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- Vice V2 16 vs Series Two Project Flash
- Vice V2 16 vs Ruby Hybrid 16
- Vice V2 16 vs R3 Pulsar
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Guides featuring these paddles
Still deciding? These buying guides put Diadem Vice V2 16 and Six Zero Ruby in context against the rest of the database.
Read the full reviews: Diadem Vice V2 16 and Six Zero Ruby. Or build a different comparison, browse the full database or find paddles within 5% of your current one.