This paddle is INSANELY good, but will it last?!

[@rollergoalie16]

I was Gearbox faithful until I tried the Diadem Warrior after sending in my Gearbox GX5 for warranty replacement. I live in Daytona Beach, Florida and Diadem is just down the road from me in Pompano Beach, so I was able to get my hands on a Warrior in 1 day. My gen 1 Warrior had some edge guard durability issues, but Diadem Customer service was top notch and sent me a replacement. I love this paddle and is the first paddle that gave me honest to goodness touch, feel, and power in the same paddle. When my Gearbox replacement showed up, I sold it immediately as I really had no desire to leave the Warrior. The edge guard and core issues have been addressed and I know many people locally that play with the Warrior and have had no issues.

[@ashevillescarborough]

Way to call it out on the durability issues! I actually looked pretty hard at buying this paddle, but hearing about durability issues is an immediate no go for me no matter how great the paddle is. I have read about this problem in several places online.

[@tbird1773]

I've had my Warrior since last December. Absolutely love the feel and the way it plays. Definitely needs edge guard improvement. I've glued mine twice already and I'm about to do it a 3rd time. I've seen that with the Diadem Epic (I believe) you cam buy an edge guard replacement. Would be curious to know if that's going to be an option for the Warrior.

[@Geep615]

I’ve played with the teal version for going on 3 months. I’ve played a ton in the obscene Texas heat, it still hits fine with no noticeable deterioration aside from the grit paint coming off ( that happened within a week of playing probably less)

[@KO1967]

Thanks for calling out the edge guard issue (for all paddles). The Warrior also uses the grit paint similar to the Franklin Ben Johns so the grit will wear down over time unlike the Electrum, Carbon, Gruvn, etc. On the edge guard (and yes, I'm hoping more paddle manufacturers learn how to make the without needing an edge guard) it seems like almost every brand has this issue. And it's as simple as using better glue. Paddles are hugely profitable so for God's sake, use a better glue that might cost an extra $0.50 a paddle. For repairs I prefer Clear Gorilla Glue in the pen form. I have yet to have this fail after I've repaired/reglued my edge guards.

[@DEKELLY52]

Yes, please do a review of paddles with more spin

[@haraldblakeslee2102]

Joola

[@jsmmao]

I play very well will this paddle but had similar issues. CS is not great a diadem and wanted me to jump through hoops to get fixed. I superglued it but now its mental game for me. Thinking of switching to joola hyperion or engage. Any thoughts on a similar paddle?

[@geriluciani6176]

We sell this paddle for $189 at the Pickleball Kingdom in Chandler Arizona. One of our members is excellent and his repair business of paddles And said that most of them are junk. Yes just what you said Barrett, they are great to play with and really good paddles but they just don’t hold up. It is a shame.

[@glenmacdonald7224]

The edge guard issue is so frustrating!!! I have had this happen with pretty much every paddle I have played with over three different manufacturers. Most will eventually replace the paddles but it is frustrating to have to go through all of the time consuming logistics to make this return/replacement happen. Hopefully some resolution with the industry soon 🤞

[@larrysee7306]

Pro_kennex!! All models have replaceable edge-guard

[@tylerdurdin4446]

Cool review, i researched a lot of paddles and I really wanted this paddle. I’m a intermediate type player trying to get better and getting off my starter type paddle. I just felt it was too much money and wanted to wait until I get a little better and understand my game more before getting a super expensive paddle. I ended up going with the nuipipo explorer paddle for only $65 on Amazon. It was the right choice as it is a great all around paddle that gives me more control compared to standard paddles.

[@brianbanks3044]

is it the explorer or explorer pro you got...because the explorer is on sale for $33 and the pro is 79

[@LenonFPB]

Another very helpful review. What paddle are you playing with now?!

[@jamesgordy880]

Yes, I play with 2 giys thay have this paddle one guy is on his 3rd replacement. The other guy is on his first replacement. They both stated the company was very easy to work with in that regard.

[@thegerry]

If you really like it maybe try reaching out to Diadem. I live nearby the headquarters in south FL and I can vouch for the customer service. May also be worth mentioning to them since it could be a quality control issue. Regardless, they may just replace it for you at no cost.

[@deepmountaingrass]

Hey Barrett, have you tried the Warrior Edge? How does it compare?

[@gao57009]

What about the Diadem Warrior Edge paddle coming out July 1? Have you heard how it is different? Sounds like something to do with the edge guard,

[@terryhucks1976]

Ive used my Warrior for 9 months with no issues so I became a rep and sold several of these but one I sold had this guard issue and what upset me is that to return it they said they wanted my client video the sound it made. This is ridicules and terrible customer service. He took picture where the edge guard was cracked but said they needed a video to hear the sound it made. I will not sell anymore of the until they fix this and address the customer service issues. With that being said I love mine and I play hard and have had no issues.

[@jamesaguirre2537]

The core of this model deteriorates too fast and the edge guard is also an issue. For the price it’s not worth the hassle.

[@EK-gf7yu]

Same thing happened to my friend at first the diadem rep said glue it - he said no way they sent him another it’s ridiculous

[@vincentblackshadow1581]

The edge guard on my warrior came off completely. I was able to epoxy and clamp it back on and you can't even tell.

[@margiethessin8975]

I just bought this paddle and I love it.

[@bobbieterai7452]

If it was made in China... there ya go! Engage EX Pursuit I have did the same within 2 wks. Made in China. Going back to my trusted Paddletek.

[@imnotjoken]

I had a Wave Pro and Reign Pro and both edge guards came loose on those as well. I simply took the guard off and then glued them fully back on. (and my wife now uses the Wave Pro and it's held up great). Recently bought the Warrior, and love it, so if the edge guard coming loose is it's worst issue then I'll be a happy camper!

[@bobbieterai7452]

@@imnotjoken Never have had that problem with either of my paddetek paddles. I've tried a few different paddles and always go back to my Wave Pro.

[@imnotjoken]

@@bobbieterai7452 Glad to hear as I'm actually a big fan of Paddletek (just wanted a little more power and the Warrior does that for me). To be clear, my point wasn't to bash Paddletek but simply to say that a loose edge guard can easily be reglued on at home.

[@lealyk5815]

Was waiting for some action shots...since the initial image seems like you playing gonnthe courts..was disappointed

[@haraldblakeslee2102]

So far ive found nothing better than the new Joola.. thanks Ben

[@adamsalafia6324]

Are u going to try the Rokne Carbon X

[@chrisevans2934]

The problem with edge trim is you are trying to glue two plastics. Which is a problem onto itself. The second problem you have is that a lot of manufacturers try to keep the paddle weight down by making the edge trim lighter. Read more flexible. When a flexible edge trim gets hit by the ball or by tapping paddles it is very easy to break the glue bond between the paddle and the trim because there is no structural support in the edge guard. Also you have issues with thicker core paddles because the thicker you make the core of the weaker the cell structure becomes. So when you tap a paddle on the edge you have a higher degree of probability that you were going to do damage to the core along the edge and break the glue bond. If you have a different plane surface other than fibreglass or carbon fibre and a stiffer edge guard that provides protection to the core, you are less likely to have issues with edge trim failure.

[@chrisevans2934]

Playing surface not plane. Sorry.

[@ianwashington4114]

I would love to see a video about new paddles

[@arnabbaruah6753]

Have you heard of Gearbox? Try the CX14

[@PickleballKitchen]

😉

[@MikeVeracity]

Crazy Glue

[@evanc1974]

Hearing they are coming out with a new Warrior next month. Has a 16mm core and carbon fiber face. Have you heard the same?

[@PickleballKitchen]

Yes I've heard about that. I'm hoping to get my hands on one.

[@evanc1974]

@@PickleballKitchen looking forward to your review. Hopefully they solve the quality control issues

[@06TLforlife]

I know 8 people with this paddle. 6 of them have had quality and durability issues with it.

[@geoffreyback2971]

What about noise compliance? Are they on the "approved list" for communities that require "approved" paddles for play?

[@MikeVeracity]

Good question!

[@stevendesimone7215]

Skin lasted 3 months for me.

[@streetglidesteve]

So why would anybody buy the paddle? Every paddle I have used never had this problem

[@haraldblakeslee2102]

You dont half carry on .. for $200+ this paddle is trash … next!!

[@7soccergeek]

Not a fan. Feels clunky. Way over priced. Edge guard is trash. Very low quality control!