Diadem builds two paddle lines around BluCore, its solid foam core: the Warrior BluCore, which we carry as our own ROYAL edition, and the newer Edge BluCore. Between them there are five shapes and 13 paddles. Here's what they share, how the two lines differ, and how to pick yours.
The short answer
- Want the most forgiveness? The Warrior MAX, the widest face in the family.
- Want a soft, controlled feel? A Warrior in 19MM. Diadem recommends the Warrior STANDARD 19MM for control.
- Want an all-rounder? The Warrior STANDARD in 16MM or the Edge HYBRID.
- Want the most power? Go Edge: the Edge PRO is the most powerful shape in the family, especially in 16MM.
What every BluCore paddle shares
Whichever one you pick, the heart of the paddle is the same.
- A solid foam core. BluCore is a closed-cell expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam core instead of the usual polymer honeycomb. Diadem built it to eliminate core crush and delamination, the two things that usually kill a paddle early. An all-foam core puts BluCore in the Gen 4 family.
- A lifetime core warranty. Diadem backs every BluCore core for life, which says a lot about how confident it is in the foam.
- Approved for tournament play. Every BluCore paddle is on the USA Pickleball approved list. Diadem lists the Edge BluCore as UPA certified as well.
- A 4 1/8" grip and around 8 oz. All 13 share the same grip size, and every model except the 19MM Warriors weighs 8 oz.
Warrior or Edge?
Same core idea, two different paddles. The Warrior is the all-rounder with the most choice; the Edge is Diadem's power paddle.
ROYAL Warrior BluCore
Choice and control
- Three shapes: MAX (widebody), STANDARD and PRO
- Three thicknesses: 14, 16 and 19MM
- Kevlar and carbon fiber face, built for pop and maximum legal grit
- Fusion Guard: a molded edge guard built for durability
- Our ROYAL edition: a teal face and the ROYAL mark, made for Royal Pickleball
Edge BluCore
Power and spin
- Two shapes: PRO (elongated) and HYBRID
- Two thicknesses: 14 and 16MM
- 18K carbon fiber face with a triaxial weave, built for spin
- Tapered EVA ring, wider on the sides, plus less foam in the lower corners to move the balance up
- Silicone in the edge guard to soak up vibration on off-center hits
Diadem calls the Edge BluCore the most powerful USA Pickleball-approved paddle it has ever made. It's the next generation of the Edge 18K. If you're choosing on feel alone, the Warrior is the softer, more controlled of the two, and the only one available in 19MM.
14, 16 or 19MM?
Thickness is the second decision. In Diadem's own recommendations, the Warrior PRO 14MM is the pick for power, the STANDARD 16MM for balance and the STANDARD 19MM for control, with a softer feel and an expanded sweet spot. The 19MM Warriors are also half an ounce heavier, at 8.5 oz. Thickness is only one of the things that decide power and control, though. Here are the other four.
| Paddle | Shape | Size | Handle | Cores | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warrior MAX | Widebody | 15.7" × 8.2" | 5" | 14 / 16 / 19MM | 8.0 oz (19MM: 8.5) |
| Warrior STANDARD | Elongated | 16.4" × 7.4" | 5.2" | 14 / 16 / 19MM | 8.0 oz (19MM: 8.5) |
| Warrior PRO | Elongated | 16.4" × 7.4" | 5.7" | 14 / 16 / 19MM | 8.0 oz (19MM: 8.5) |
| Edge HYBRID | Hybrid | 16.2" × 7.8" | 5.7" | 14 / 16MM | 8.0 oz |
| Edge PRO | Elongated | 16.5" × 7.5" | 5.7" | 14 / 16MM | 8.0 oz |
Diadem's published specs. Every BluCore paddle has a 4 1/8" grip.
ROYAL Warrior BluCore
MAX, STANDARD and PRO: three shapes, three thicknesses
The MAX is the widebody: shorter and wider, with the biggest face in the family. The STANDARD and PRO share the same elongated face; the difference is the handle. The PRO's 5.7" handle leaves room for two-handed backhands, while the STANDARD's 5.2" handle gives you a little more face to work with.
Also in this range: MAX 14MM · MAX 19MM · STANDARD 14MM · STANDARD 19MM · PRO 16MM · PRO 19MM
Edge BluCore
PRO and HYBRID: power with a foam core
The PRO is the full 16.5" elongated shape. The HYBRID trades 0.3" of length for 0.3" of width, so it's a little more forgiving at the net. Both have a 5.7" handle. Diadem pitches the 14MM versions for quick hands and touch, and the 16MM versions for heavier drives and more stability.
Also in this range: HYBRID 14MM · PRO 16MM
Which BluCore is yours?
- 1You live at the kitchen line. Take the Warrior MAX. It's the widest face in the family, with a short 5" handle for quick hands.
- 2You want maximum control and the softest feel. Take a 19MM Warrior. The STANDARD 19MM is Diadem's control pick, and the MAX 19MM adds the bigger face.
- 3You want one paddle that does everything. Take the Warrior STANDARD. In 16MM, it's Diadem's pick for balance.
- 4You hit a two-handed backhand. Take the Warrior PRO or the Edge PRO. Both have the longer 5.7" handle.
- 5You want power but not a full elongated shape. Take the Edge HYBRID. A little wider than the Edge PRO, with nearly the same reach.
- 6You want the most power and spin. Take the Edge PRO, in 16MM if you can handle the pop.
Keep reading
Paddle core
Gen 3 vs. Gen 4
Where an all-foam core like BluCore fits in.
Read it →Paddle shape
Elongated vs. hybrid vs. widebody
What each shape does well, and how to pick yours.
Read it →Lineup compared
JOOLA Pro V paddles compared
Six shapes, one build: the other big lineup guide.
Read it →Frequently asked questions
What is Diadem BluCore?
Diadem's solid foam paddle core, made from closed-cell expanded polypropylene (EPP) instead of a honeycomb. It's designed to eliminate core crush and delamination, and Diadem backs it with a lifetime core warranty.
What's the difference between the Warrior BluCore and the Edge BluCore?
Both use the BluCore foam core. The Warrior has a Kevlar and carbon fiber face, comes in three shapes and three thicknesses (14, 16 and 19MM), and plays softer. The Edge has an 18K carbon face built for spin, a tapered EVA ring and a higher balance point, and comes in two shapes and two thicknesses. Diadem calls it its most powerful USA Pickleball-approved paddle.
What is the ROYAL Warrior BluCore?
Our edition of the Diadem Warrior BluCore, made for Royal Pickleball. It has the same BluCore technology, face and Fusion Guard as the regular Warrior BluCore, with a teal face and the ROYAL mark above the Warrior label.
What's the difference between the Warrior STANDARD and PRO?
The face is the same, 16.4" × 7.4". The PRO has a longer 5.7" handle for two-handed backhands; the STANDARD has a 5.2" handle.
Should I get 14, 16 or 19MM?
Thinner is livelier, thicker is softer and more controlled. Diadem recommends the Warrior PRO 14MM for power, the STANDARD 16MM for balance and the STANDARD 19MM for control. The Edge comes in 14 and 16MM only.
Are Diadem BluCore paddles approved for tournaments?
Yes. All of them are on the USA Pickleball approved list, and Diadem lists the Edge BluCore as UPA certified too.
Can I try a BluCore paddle before I buy?
Yes. Find a Royal Ambassador near you to book a demo and compare two BluCore shapes side by side.
Warrior or Edge? Ask a Royal Ambassador.
Your local Royal Ambassador is on court every week. Find yours to compare two BluCore shapes side by side, talk through what suits your game, book a demo and get a good deal.
Find your ambassador