Paddle Review: Diadem Icon V2

The ICON V2 is Diadem’s latest edgeless power paddle that features Diadem’s RP2 Technology, which is a proprietary polyurethane coating and grit paint that creates a long-lasting high-spin surface. The ICON V2 is thicker, 13.7mm, than the original ICON, which was 11.4mm. The core is two honeycomb pieces that have a proprietary film pressed in the middle that the company says will dampen vibration, making the ICON V2 elbow friendly. Also, this paddle has a foam injected edge to widen the sweet spot and give the ICON V2 a softer feel. The ICON V2 comes in two shapes, the standard and the XL, which is the elongated shape. The sweet spot is bigger on the standard shape than the elongated XL. The elongated is a little heavier at 8.25 oz while the standard shape is 8.0 oz. The XL has a higher swing weight giving it the edge for power over the standard, but the standard’s lower swing weight makes it faster at the net. The ICON V2 comes in two color choices, white with white grip and black with black grip; both have a modern sleek design. A bonus of the ICON V2 is the built-in edge guard, which will provide better protection than edge tape. The edge guard can be replaced.

Icon v2 Standard
Weight: 8.0 oz
Length: 16 in
Width: 7.6 in
Thickness: 13.7 mm
Balance: 235 mm
Grip Length: 5.25 in
Grip Size: 4 1/8"

Icon v2 XL (Extended Length)

Weight: 8.25 oz
Length: 16.53 in
Width: 7.23 in
Thickness: 13.7 mm
Balance: 240 mm
Grip Length: 5.5 in
Grip Size: 4 1/8"

The ICON V2 is a power paddle with a little softer feel than some other power paddles. But the ICON V2 I would still categorize as power paddle, which means I had to work more to control dinks, drops and resets. The adjustment time to get comfortable with it took a few sessions. Unleashing powerful shots with either version of the ICON V2 was effortless. I could definitely feel the extra power with the XL elongated version on serves and drives but I liked the standard version better at the net as I felt I was able to move it faster in hand battles and I appreciated the larger sweet spot. These paddles are more poppy than paddles that lean towards control but that would be expected in most paddles in the power category.  The surface did provide a good amount of spin but I would not rank this as a high spin paddle.  Overall I would say this is a strong power paddle that has more control than most. If you are looking for a power paddle that is arm friendly and especially if you loved the original ICON this is a good paddle for you.