Diadem Nova V3 racquets

The Diadem Nova V3 racquets are here and I have started the play-testing process. It is so far a positive experience.

The Nova is Diadem’s power racquet, ready to compete with frames like the Babolat Pure Drive, Wilson Ultra and Yonex Ezone. You can find out more about power racquets in the Tennisnerd Guide. There, you will also find easy access and an overview of other racquet reviews.

We are always trying to help tennis nerds get better deal and Diadem Sports now offer 15% off on all tennis products using the code TENNISNERD15. You can find other discounts on our Tennisnerd Deals page.

What is new in the Nova V3?

As they did with the new Diadem Elevate V3, the new NOVA v3 100 features the addition of Kraibon, a revolutionary elastomer commonly used in motorsports and aerospace engineering that dampens harmful vibration while maintaining the distinctive NOVA power.   

There is also the Flex Stabilization System (FS), which has been further refined in the NOVA v3 100 according to Diadem. They describe FS2 as follows: an innovative technology that utilizes a double rib structure within the frame, skillfully combining HMT Carbon and high-density foam in strategic locations.

Nova racquets

There are five racquets in the new Nova V3 lineup. I will be testing four of them, but not the extended one for now (Nova V3+).

The main differences between the racquets are the weight, balance and swing weight. The mold and layup is the same for all racquets.

Nova 100 Plus

Head Size: 100 sq in
Weight: 10.8 oz / 305 g
Length: 27.5 Inches
Balance: 5 pts HL / 335 mm
Stiffness: 69
String Pattern: 16 x 19

Nova 100 Tour

Head Size: 100 sq in
Weight: 11.1 oz / 315 g
Length: 27 Inches
Balance: 12 pts HL / 305 mm
Stiffness: 69
String Pattern: 16 x 19

Nova 100

Head Size: 100 sq in
Weight: 10.6 oz / 300 g
Length: 27 Inches
Balance: 7 pts HL / 320 mm
Stiffness: 69
String Pattern: 16 x 19

Nova 100 Team

Head Size: 100 sq in
Weight: 10.0 oz / 285 g
Length: 27 Inches
Balance: 6 pts HL / 325 mm
Stiffness: 69
String Pattern: 16 x 19

Nova 100 Lite

Head Size: 100 sq in
Weight: 9.5 oz / 270 g
Length: 27 Inches
Balance: 4 pts HL / 330 mm
Stiffness: 69
String Pattern: 16 x 19

I think it might have made sense to offer some more differences than weight and balance in between the models, but it’s difficult for smaller manufacturers to come up with different molds as that takes a lot of research and development. I would personally have liked to see a Diadem Nova 98 :)

How do they play?

I have only tested the Diadem Nova Tour so far as that is the closest one in specs to what I like. I strung it up with their Diadem Pro X 1.25 string at 53 lbs and must say the racquet gave me easy power and spin without arm discomfort. The racquet is well dampened, kind of similar to Yonex racquets and that can take some dialling in on touch shots. But overall, I felt at home pretty quickly with the Nova Tour. No customization needed, just pick up and play. The unstrung swing weight was 285 and the weight and balance was spot on as advertised. Overall, the quality control seems very close to listed specs on all the racquets I received, so that is a thumbs up!

I will be playing more with the Diadem Nova V3 racquets before I create a review for our YouTube channel and website. The first impressions are generally positive and I’ve had a couple of good seasons with the Nova Tour.