Review of the Ace Diamond

INTRODUCTION

Note: This is an expensive paddle, right up there with Holbrook Power Pro, Pro Kennex Black, and some others. If, after reading this, you are interested in purchasing one, go to https://acepickleball.myshopify.com?sca_ref=4105557.N9ZFtm7mYd and use the discount code GREG104105557 for a 10% discount.

I had not heard of the Ace brand, but when I saw it was offering a more-or-less traditional paddle what was 10 MM thick, I had to get one. I have one 10 MM paddle that is very powerful, but it is not the “typical” carbon-faced, Toray 700 type paddle, so I thought I would give it a try.

Here is what the company says about the paddle:

The ACE Diamond, an optimal choice for intermediate to advanced players looking for extra power on their shots without sacrificing hand speed do to the additional weight of many power paddles. The Diamond’s Aramid core delivers all of the power with none of the extra weight and is the paddle of choice by Gabe Joseph who is ranked top 10 in the world (#4 singles in 2022).

Features that you’ll love;

✔ Ultra-thin (I will attest to that)

✔ Aramid Honeycomb Core (it does seem very durable)

✔ Durable Protective Guard

✔ Elongated Handle

✔ T700 Raw Texture Carbon Fiber

Strong & Durable:

Paddle Dimensions: 16.5″ X 7.5″

Handle Length: 5.5″

Handle Circumference: 4.25

Weight: 7.4 – 7.6oz (there are two conflicting weight statements on the web site. The other one say ~7 ounces. Mine weighed 7.1 ounces on my scale).

Core: Aramid Honeycomb‍

Core Thickness: 10MM

TECHNICAL STUFF

Okay. What is Aramid?

Aramid is any of a series of synthetic polymers (substances made of long chainlike multiple-unit molecules) in which repeating units containing large phenyl rings are linked together by amide groups. Amide groups (CO-NH) form strong bonds that are resistant to solvents and heat.

Got that?

Here is some more.

Phenyl rings (or aromatic rings) are bulky six-sided groups of carbon and hydrogen atoms that prevent polymer chains from rotating and twisting around their chemical bonds. As a result, aramids are rigid, straight, high-melting, and largely insoluble molecules that are ideal for spinning into high-performance fibers. The best-known aramids are Nomex, a high-melting fiber made into flame-proof protective clothing, and Kevlar, a high-strength fiber made into bulletproof vests.

So, if the Ace core is 100% Aramid, that is very impressive. I don’t suspect it will get worn down any time in the near or distant future.

WHY ARE THINNER PADDLES MORE POWERFUL?

You will often feel more of a trampoline or backboard effect with thin core paddles because there is less core compression, and more density. Thin paddles “feel” harder. This type of core is ideal for players who prioritize power, and is often favored by players who have a more offensive playing style or are not focused on their control.

WHY DO I LIKE THINNER PADDLES?

I am changing my game a bit. I am going away from the “lift” third shot to a soft drive down the middle. With a thinner, and therefore mor powerful paddle, I don’t have to hit the ball as hard as I might with a thicker paddle, so this Ace paddle worked well for me.

TESTING

I have to admit that I did not check out the weight of the paddle when I ordered it. All I saw was 10MM. When I weighed it and saw 7.1 ounces, I thought – damn! This will never give me enough power.

Well, I was wrong. It has plenty of power.

So, here is how I tested it, other than playing with it for three days. These are the tests I ran with another player:

  • Dink straight on and cross court
  • Windshield wiper dinking
  • Volleying
  • Windshield wiper volleying
  • Dink, drive, block
  • Slinky
  • Third shot drop, medium drive, hard drive
  • Serving, with emphasis on topspin
  • Return of serve, again with emphasis on topspin

The paddle performed extremely well, feeling soft around the net despite its thinness. But here is another factor in my analysis of the paddle. I had rotator cuff surgery 7 months ago. I had to take off 4 months from pickleball and am not completely back to 100 %. I use a two-handed backhand because I could not use my one-hander because I could not follow through. I am getting it back slowly (although I like my two-hander) and the light weight of the Ace is given me the confidence to try it more often. If you think one ounce may not make much a difference in a paddle, you have never had the shoulder surgery I did.

BOTTOM LINE

I am quite serious when I say that this is a great paddle for experienced players. It is not for beginners or for players who lack control. If you have good control, especially from the baseline to the transition zone, and you want to add more power, you owe it to yourself to give this paddle a try.