Diadem

Axis 98 review

Diadem's tour control frame. Flat, penetrating and solid in the hand.

Racquet product shot
Highly recommended
Head 98 100: 100
Weight 300g 100: 295g
Pattern 16×19 100: 16×19
Stiffness 65 RA 100: 63 RA
Swingwt 313 100: 305
Balance HL 100: HL
Full specsAxis 98 · Axis 100
Axis 98Axis 100
Head size98 sq in100 sq in
Weight (unstrung)300 g295 g
Weight (strung)325 g320 g
Swingweight313305
Stiffness65 RA63 RA
String pattern16×1916×19
BalanceHead LightHead Light
Fit check

Is it for you?

Level (NTRP)
Swing
Arm
Your match Strong fit
Strong fit. Tour-level control and a solid feel, from a challenger brand.

    Performance

    Axis 98 Axis 100

    Playtest

    Modern control.
    Full notes

    A flat, penetrating, accurate ball with a connected, solid feel, and enough spin access to shape aggressive groundstrokes.

    + Pros

    • Tour-level control, a penetrating ball
    • Connected, solid feel
    • Enough spin to shape the ball
    • Stable for an advanced game

    − Cons

    • Low free power
    • Less forgiving than a 100
    • Demanding for short swings
    • Narrower string and support ecosystem

    String for

    52–55 lbs 23.6–25 kg Co-poly, full bed, 1.25mm Pick: Diadem Solstice Power

    Recommended strings

    1. 1
      Diadem Solstice Power Co-poly · Diadem pairing Balanced spin and control; the validated setup.
      52–56 lbs 23.6–25.4 kg · 1.25mm
    2. 2
      Diadem Solstice Pro Shaped co-poly More bite from the 16×19.
      50–54 lbs 22.7–24.5 kg · 1.25mm
    3. 3
      Head Hawk Touch Soft co-poly Adds feel and touch.
      51–55 lbs 23.1–25 kg · 1.25mm

    Who plays it

    Tour frames customised
    • Elina SvitolinaCounter-Puncher
      WTA #7 · Diadem Solstice PowerHigh-percentage defence and court positioning, with Diadem's Solstice Power.

    Verdict: 8.3

    Diadem's tour control frame: a flat, penetrating, precise ball with a solid, connected feel that stands up to the established control frames. More power and forgiveness: Axis 100. Similar profile: Pure Strike 98 (18×20).

    Related racquets

    FAQ

    Is the Diadem Axis 98 good for beginners?

    No. It is a low-powered control frame for advanced players; start with something more forgiving.

    Who is the Diadem Axis 98 best for?

    Advanced players who want tour-level control and a solid feel, and are happy with a smaller brand.

    Is the Diadem Axis 98 arm-friendly?

    Reasonably, for a tour control frame. Use a soft poly at a lower tension or a hybrid.

    What string and tension is best for the Diadem Axis 98?

    A co-poly in the low 50s lbs. Shaped poly for spin, a softer poly for comfort, tighter for control.

    Is the Diadem Axis 98 a control or power racquet?

    Firmly control: built for placement and feel rather than free power.

    Diadem Axis 98 vs Axis 100: which should I buy?

    The 98 for control and stability. The 100 for more power, spin and a larger sweet spot.