Is the Diadem Vice V2 16 good for beginners?

Not our first recommendation. Forgiveness sits at 84/100 and the paddle is tuned for intermediate/advanced play. A developing player is better served by something more forgiving and cheaper — see our beginner shortlist.

Is the Diadem Vice V2 16 worth the price?

At $170 it sits in the 33rd percentile of the database for cost and the 57th for IQ score. If those numbers do not line up for you, the Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16 at $99 is the value alternative we point people to.

How does the Vice V2 16 compare to the Prism Flash V2 16?

They are close on DNA. The Vice V2 16 reads power 84 / control 86 / spin 92 against 82 / 86 / 88 for the Prism Flash V2 16, at $170 versus $120. Our full head-to-head breaks down every trait.

Is the 16 mm better than the 14 mm version?

A 16 mm core has longer dwell time, which is what produces softer resets and more repeatable placement. The 14 mm build trades that dwell for a faster, poppier response off the face. Control players take 16 mm; players who want the ball gone quickly take 14 mm.

Is the Diadem Vice V2 16 approved for tournament play?

Sanctioned play requires the model to appear on USA Pickleball's official approved-equipment list. Diadem submits its retail models for approval, but approval is per model and configuration, so check the current USAP list for the exact Vice V2 16 build before you enter a sanctioned event. We do not list approval status we have not verified.

Does the Vice V2 16 have good spin?

Spin scores 92/100 — the 83rd percentile of our database (strong, well above the database average) — off an 18K gritted carbon face. That is above the database average rather than class-leading; you will get shape on the ball without it being the paddle's selling point.

Is the Vice V2 16 head heavy?

Swing weight is 108 kg·cm² and twist weight 6.5. That is light and fast through the swing path, which favours hands battles over plow-through. Static weight is 7.9 oz.

Does the Vice V2 16 benefit from lead tape?

Yes — at 108 kg·cm² there is room to add. Tape at 3 and 9 o'clock raises twist weight and stability with the smallest hit to hand speed; tape at 12 adds power and plow-through but slows the paddle noticeably. Any added weight can affect tournament legality if it changes the paddle beyond the approved configuration.

What is the best overgrip for the Vice V2 16?

The stock handle is 5.4 in long with a 4.25 in circumference. A thin tacky overgrip adds roughly 1/16 in of circumference and a few grams above the balance point — the cheapest way to fine-tune fit. If your hand is larger than the 4.25 in stock size, build up with an under-wrap first rather than stacking overgrips.

What should I replace the Vice V2 16 with when it wears out?

Face wear shows up as lost spin long before the core dies. The straight replacement is another Vice V2 16; if you want to change something, the JOOLA Perseus Pro V 16 adds control (96 vs 86) and the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 adds power (95 vs 84).

Who is the Vice V2 16 best for?

Spin-heavy players who want a light hybrid. Skill levels we would put on it: intermediate, advanced. Handle length of 5.4 in supports a two-handed backhand.

What shape and size is the Vice V2 16?

hybrid shape, 16.3 in long by 7.6 in wide, 16 mm Thermoformed polymer honeycomb core, 18K gritted carbon face, 7.9 oz. Released 2026.

Is the Vice V2 16 good for two-handed backhands?

Yes — the 5.4 in handle gives your top hand a full grip rather than riding the throat.

Vice V2 16 or Edge 18K V2?

Both are Diadem. The Vice V2 16 reads IQ 84.2 at $170; the Edge 18K V2 reads IQ 83.7 at $180. The clearest split is maneuverability (82 vs 76).

How does PickleballLookup score the Vice V2 16?

The IQ score of 84.2 is a weighted composite of the 15 Paddle DNA traits, normalized across every paddle in the database so the number means the same thing on any page. Performance traits carry the most weight; descriptive traits like swing weight carry none. Full methodology is published.

Diadem Vice V2 16 pickleball paddle, front face — hybrid shape, 18K gritted carbon hitting surface — Front · Hitting face and graphics4/7 verified views

Reference price$170MSRP $190

Check price on Amazon$177

Buy links are affiliate links: we earn a commission from qualifying purchases through Amazon Associates and brand-direct programs. Prices and availability are checked periodically and can change.

Best spin value

Diadem

Diadem Vice V2 16

84Specs recorded August 2026 · Spin-heavy players who want a light hybrid

Reviewed by Alex ZubarevPickleball player since 2021Jacksonville, FLUpdated August 2026Research-based review

The Diadem Vice V2 16 is a 16 mm hybrid pickleball paddle weighing 7.9 oz, with an 18K gritted carbon face, listed around $170.

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.

From Diadem

The Diadem Vice Paddle was designed to take the game of pickleball to the next level. This revolutionary new concept paddle includes technology never seen before in a pickleball paddle. The unique RP2 Grit Coating combines grit paint with a PU coating to lock in long lasting spin production. The Vice Paddle introduces the use of EVA foam as a core material giving the user the ultimate feel combined with power and control.

Official Diadem product page →

Cross-shopping? Most buyers weigh the Vice V2 16 against the Vatic Pro Prism Flash V2 16 — see them side by side, or browse every Diadem paddle.

Core: 16 mm
Weight: 7.9 oz
Swing wt: 108
Twist wt: 6.5
Shape: hybrid
Surface: 18K gritted carbon
Grip: 5.4 in
Released: 2026

Pros

Spin 92 under $200
108 swing weight for fast hands
Maneuverability 82

Cons

Stability 82 gets pushed by pace
18K grit dulls over a season

Paddle DNA Verdict

Last updated: August 2026

Derived from our published scoring model and sourced paddle specifications.

Should you buy the Vice V2 16?

The Diadem Vice V2 16 scores 84.2/100 on our IQ index, built from all 15 Paddle DNA traits. Its signature is spin (92/100, 83rd percentile of the database — strong, well above the database average), backed by maneuverability at 82 and consistency at 86. The 16 mm Thermoformed polymer honeycomb core and 18K gritted carbon face at 7.9 oz make it an all-court paddle: comfortable driving and resetting in the same rally.

Where it gives ground is stability (82) and control (86). With a 108 kg·cm² swing weight and a 5.4 in handle it suits intermediate/advanced players, two-handed backhands, hands battles at the kitchen. Skip it if you specifically want the opposite profile — maximum pop and minimum dwell time.

Closest paddles by DNA: Vatic Pro Prism Flash V2 16 ($120), Proton Series Two Project Flash ($200), Six Zero Ruby Hybrid 16 ($170). If budget matters, the Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16 lands within 2 IQ points for $71 less. Overall: a mid-pack pick overall — buy it for the specific trait it wins on, not as a category leader.

Best for: intermediate/advanced players, two-handed backhands, hands battles at the kitchen
Playing style: all-court — comfortable driving and resetting in the same rally
Avoid if: you specifically want the opposite profile — maximum pop and minimum dwell time

Community consensus

What other players say about the Diadem Vice V2 16

Verbatim excerpts from public discussion and independent reviews, plus the themes they add up to. These are other people's opinions, not ours, and every quote links back to where it was written.

No sourced community excerpts are published for this paddle yet. We only quote text we can link back to.

Who should buy the Vice V2 16?

Former tennis players and two-handed backhands
Topspin-heavy players rolling and dipping every ball
Players who live in hands battles at the kitchen line

Brand-new beginners still finding a contact point

AI paddle match

If you like the Vice V2 16, you'll probably like…

Each pick is the database's best answer to one specific question, ranked by how far it moves the needle versus the Vice V2 16.

Most compared with the Vice V2 16

The matchups people actually cross-shop, each with a full 15-trait breakdown.

More comparisons in this bracket

Other head-to-heads shoppers read alongside the Vice V2 16.

Browse all paddle comparisons →

Paddle DNA™ — all 15 traits

Every trait normalised 0-100 against the full database, so these numbers mean the same thing on any paddle page. How we score →

Key attributes

Power84

Control86

Spin92

Forgiveness84

Sweet spot84

Stability82

Maneuverability82

Pop80

Touch84

Consistency86

Swing weight66

Twist weight78

Launch angle50

Plow through78

Softness78

DNA match — paddles within 5% of the Vice V2 16

Our similarity engine ranks the whole database by average DNA deviation. Tighten or widen the band to see how far you have to travel to save money or gain a trait.

Paddle DNA™ match

Match tolerance

Only show cheaper paddles

Diadem Vice V2 16

IQ 84.2 · $170

8 paddles within 5% of the Vice V2 16

Ranked by DNA deviation

#1Vatic Pro Prism Flash V2 16$120 (-50) · 16 mm · elongatedDNA match99.1%84
-4 spin-2 power+2 forgiveness+2 sweet spot
Saves $50 versus the Vice V2 16 · -4 spin
Compare Full DNA
#2Proton Series Two Project Flash$200 (+30) · 16 mm · hybridDNA match98.5%85
+4 swing weight+2 control+2 sweet spot+2 stability
+4 swing weight · Higher IQ score (85.3 vs 84.2)
Compare Full DNA
#3Six Zero Ruby Hybrid 16$170 · 16 mm · hybridDNA match98%86
+4 forgiveness+4 sweet spot+4 twist weight+4 softness
+4 forgiveness · Higher IQ score (85.7 vs 84.2)
Compare Full DNA
#4Ronbus R3 Pulsar$150 (-20) · 16 mm · hybridDNA match98%85
+6 swing weight-4 spin+4 stability+4 twist weight
Saves $20 versus the Vice V2 16 · +6 swing weight · -4 spin · Higher IQ score (84.8 vs 84.2)
Compare Full DNA
#5Proton Series Four (Project Roadrunner)$175 (+5) · 15 mm · elongatedDNA match97.9%86
+7 launch angle+4 twist weight+3 spin+2 control
+7 launch angle · Higher IQ score (85.6 vs 84.2)
Compare Full DNA
#6Vatic Pro V7 Hybrid$99 (-71) · 16 mm · hybridDNA match97.9%83
+7 launch angle-4 maneuverability-4 plow through-3 spin
Saves $71 versus the Vice V2 16 · +7 launch angle · -4 maneuverability
Compare Full DNA
#7Selkirk SLK Halo XL Control$100 (-70) · 16 mm · elongatedDNA match97.8%84
+5 launch angle-4 power-4 maneuverability+4 swing weight
Saves $70 versus the Vice V2 16 · +5 launch angle · -4 power
Compare Full DNA
#8Engage Pursuit Ultra MX 6.0$230 (+60) · 16 mm · elongatedDNA match97.7%84
-6 maneuverability+4 control-4 pop+4 touch
+4 control · -6 maneuverability · Higher IQ score (84.4 vs 84.2)
Compare Full DNA

Best alternatives to the Vice V2 16

Each pick beats the Vice V2 16 on one specific thing — price, power, control or forgiveness.

Similar paddles to the Vice V2 16

Closest matches by player level, hand weight and price — the paddles most players cross-shop against the Diadem Vice V2 16.

Same playing profile (within 8% DNA)

Vatic Pro Prism Flash V2 1616 mm · elongated · 8 oz · SW 110$12084

Proton Series Two Project Flash16 mm · hybrid · 8 oz · SW 111$20085

Six Zero Ruby Hybrid 1616 mm · hybrid · 7.9 oz · SW 109$17086

Ronbus R3 Pulsar16 mm · hybrid · 8 oz · SW 111$15085

Want a different matchup? Compare any two paddles or browse the full paddle database. Buying your first paddle? Read the beginner paddle guide.

Ranked in

Best Diadem pickleball paddles

More from Diadem

Tennis-first equipment maker whose pickleball line leans on textured 18K carbon faces and unusually generous warranty support.

Vice V2 16 — frequently asked questions

Is the Diadem Vice V2 16 good for beginners?: Not our first recommendation. Forgiveness sits at 84/100 and the paddle is tuned for intermediate/advanced play. A developing player is better served by something more forgiving and cheaper — see our beginner shortlist.
Is the Diadem Vice V2 16 worth the price?: At $170 it sits in the 33rd percentile of the database for cost and the 57th for IQ score. If those numbers do not line up for you, the Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16 at $99 is the value alternative we point people to.
How does the Vice V2 16 compare to the Prism Flash V2 16?: They are close on DNA. The Vice V2 16 reads power 84 / control 86 / spin 92 against 82 / 86 / 88 for the Prism Flash V2 16, at $170 versus $120. Our full head-to-head breaks down every trait.
Is the 16 mm better than the 14 mm version?: A 16 mm core has longer dwell time, which is what produces softer resets and more repeatable placement. The 14 mm build trades that dwell for a faster, poppier response off the face. Control players take 16 mm; players who want the ball gone quickly take 14 mm.
Is the Diadem Vice V2 16 approved for tournament play?: Sanctioned play requires the model to appear on USA Pickleball's official approved-equipment list. Diadem submits its retail models for approval, but approval is per model and configuration, so check the current USAP list for the exact Vice V2 16 build before you enter a sanctioned event. We do not list approval status we have not verified.
Does the Vice V2 16 have good spin?: Spin scores 92/100 — the 83rd percentile of our database (strong, well above the database average) — off an 18K gritted carbon face. That is above the database average rather than class-leading; you will get shape on the ball without it being the paddle's selling point.
Is the Vice V2 16 head heavy?: Swing weight is 108 kg·cm² and twist weight 6.5. That is light and fast through the swing path, which favours hands battles over plow-through. Static weight is 7.9 oz.
Does the Vice V2 16 benefit from lead tape?: Yes — at 108 kg·cm² there is room to add. Tape at 3 and 9 o'clock raises twist weight and stability with the smallest hit to hand speed; tape at 12 adds power and plow-through but slows the paddle noticeably. Any added weight can affect tournament legality if it changes the paddle beyond the approved configuration.
What is the best overgrip for the Vice V2 16?: The stock handle is 5.4 in long with a 4.25 in circumference. A thin tacky overgrip adds roughly 1/16 in of circumference and a few grams above the balance point — the cheapest way to fine-tune fit. If your hand is larger than the 4.25 in stock size, build up with an under-wrap first rather than stacking overgrips.
What should I replace the Vice V2 16 with when it wears out?: Face wear shows up as lost spin long before the core dies. The straight replacement is another Vice V2 16; if you want to change something, the JOOLA Perseus Pro V 16 adds control (96 vs 86) and the Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated 16 adds power (95 vs 84).
Who is the Vice V2 16 best for?: Spin-heavy players who want a light hybrid. Skill levels we would put on it: intermediate, advanced. Handle length of 5.4 in supports a two-handed backhand.
What shape and size is the Vice V2 16?: hybrid shape, 16.3 in long by 7.6 in wide, 16 mm Thermoformed polymer honeycomb core, 18K gritted carbon face, 7.9 oz. Released 2026.
Is the Vice V2 16 good for two-handed backhands?: Yes — the 5.4 in handle gives your top hand a full grip rather than riding the throat.
Vice V2 16 or Edge 18K V2?: Both are Diadem. The Vice V2 16 reads IQ 84.2 at $170; the Edge 18K V2 reads IQ 83.7 at $180. The clearest split is maneuverability (82 vs 76).
How does PickleballLookup score the Vice V2 16?: The IQ score of 84.2 is a weighted composite of the 15 Paddle DNA traits, normalized across every paddle in the database so the number means the same thing on any page. Performance traits carry the most weight; descriptive traits like swing weight carry none. Full methodology is published.

Vice V2 16 on video

PickleballLookup review — coming soon

Head-to-head comparison — coming soon

Manufacturer footage — coming soon

Evidence & sources — how we know this

Show

Every significant number on this page carries a source and a date. Where a figure comes from the manufacturer rather than our own measurement, we say so.

Price
$170
Amazon listing — checked August 10, 2026
Weight
7.9 oz
Manufacturer specification — recorded August 10, 2026
Core thickness
16 mm
Manufacturer specification — recorded August 10, 2026
Swing weight
108 kg·cm²
Independent measurement data, normalized to our scale
Twist weight
6.5 kg·cm²
Independent measurement data, normalized to our scale
Paddle DNA (15 traits)
IQ 84.2/100
Computed from the specs above by our published scoring model
USAP approval
Listed by the manufacturer as USA Pickleball approved
USA Pickleball equipment database — checked August 10, 2026
Alex's experience
Not personally tested
Analysis on this page is spec-derived, not play-tested

Spot an error? Send a correction — every fix is logged publicly. Full protocol on our methodology page.

Why trust this page?

We separate firsthand testing from research-based analysis. Specifications are sourced and dated, corrections are logged publicly, and affiliate relationships never affect Paddle IQ scores.

Reviewed by Alex Zubarev →Our methodology →Editorial policy →

Research-based review

Built from published specifications, independent measurements, manufacturer data and Paddle DNA™ analysis — not from personal play testing. We say so rather than implying court time we haven't put in. Editorial policy · Affiliate disclosure

Reviewed by

Alex Zubarev

Founder, PickleballLookup

Alex built the Paddle DNA™ database behind PickleballLookup — 15 normalized traits scored for every paddle in the catalog. Every page on this site is generated from that data and editorially reviewed before publication.

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Last updated August 2026 · How we score paddles