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Solaire CFS 14 is now both cheaper and the better face; Icon v2 only if you want the forgiving standard profile.
I'd happily start either of these as a first paddle, but the price order has flipped and it changes the advice. The JOOLA Solaire CFS 14 at £65 is now the cheaper option, and it brings a 14mm carbon-friction surface that grabs the ball on topspin third-shots, with the thinner core giving a slightly faster hands battle and tighter feedback. The Diadem Icon v2 at £83 is a solid paddle: fibreglass face, polymer honeycomb core, a standard 16mm-ish profile, forgiving and robust enough to survive learning to scoop low balls at speed. But it now costs around £20 more than the Solaire, and it's hard to argue for paying extra to get fibreglass when carbon-friction is on the cheaper paddle. Buy the Diadem Icon v2 if you specifically want the more forgiving standard profile and the extra durability for the boot of a Ford Focus; otherwise go for the JOOLA Solaire CFS 14, which gives you more paddle for less money — spin, feel and a face you won't outgrow in six months.
Hand-written editorial — not auto-generated. By Gary, RacketRise.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Pickleball Paddles | Pickleball Paddles |
| Sport | Pickleball | Pickleball |
| Skill Level | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Weight | — | — |
| Shape | Standard | Standard |
| Core | Polymer honeycomb | Polymer honeycomb |
| Surface | — | Carbon Friction Surface |
| Grip Size | — | — |
| Core Thickness | — | 14mm |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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The main differences are: Price: £83 vs £65. Overall, the Diadem Icon v2 Pickleball Paddle is best for intermediate players while the JOOLA Solaire CFS 14 Pickleball Paddle suits intermediate players.
Neither is specifically designed for beginners — the Diadem Icon v2 Pickleball Paddle suits intermediate players and the JOOLA Solaire CFS 14 Pickleball Paddle suits intermediate players. Beginners may find both challenging.
The Diadem Icon v2 Pickleball Paddle (£83) costs more than the JOOLA Solaire CFS 14 Pickleball Paddle (£65). Whether the premium is worth it depends on your skill level — if you are intermediate players, the extra investment in the Diadem Icon v2 Pickleball Paddle can pay off.