Warrior Blucore by Diadem: Full Review from a Long-Time Rep
Back in my early days of playing pickleball, I was determined to become a brand rep. I’ve always been a gear junkie—growing up skiing, I was fascinated by anyone who represented a company. That passion naturally followed me into pickleball. I filled out ambassador applications for various brands, but Diadem was one of the only companies that actually reached out to me. That made the decision easy: I proudly became a Diadem Rep and started playing with the original Diadem Warrior as my daily driver.
The original Warrior was unlike anything else on the market at the time. While most companies were releasing paddles in 14mm or 16mm thicknesses, Diadem was the first to introduce a 19mm paddle, breaking new ground in both design and feel. It was also very heavy, weighing in at 8.5+ ounces with a swingweight of 127, which is extremely high by any standard. A friend of mine jokingly called it “The Club.”
Eventually, Diadem released the Warrior V2, which became my go-to paddle for an even longer stretch. While I personally preferred the original for its raw power, the V2 was lighter and more maneuverable, making it quicker in hand and easier to use during fast exchanges. Needless to say, I’ve spent a lot of time with the Warrior series and feel fully qualified to speak on it.
Over time, I explored other brands—Selkirk, CRBN, Joola, 11Six24, and more—but I eventually made my way back to Diadem. Not long after, I was thrilled to get them on board as the official sponsor of this blog. That full-circle moment meant a lot.
Now, enter the Warrior Blucore—version 3 of the series. This release is especially intriguing, as it features a foam core and comes in nine different variants, with 14mm, 16mm, and 19mm thicknesses offered across three shapes: widebody, hybrid, and Elongated. It’s easily Diadem’s most customizable and versatile paddle launch yet.
As an official Diadem Content Creator, I was fortunate to receive two Blucore paddles of my choice for free. While the 19mm was tempting—especially given my history with the original Warrior—I feel like I’ve evolved as a player. These days, I need a bit more pop and power, which the 16mm models provide.
I chose the 16mm Widebody (Max) and the 16mm Hybrid (Standard). I’ve always liked widebody paddles like the Joola Scorpeus and 11Six24 Pegasus, so the Max felt like a natural fit. That said, I picked up the Standard as a bit of an insurance policy in case the Max’s slightly shorter handle proved to be an issue—but so far, it hasn’t been a problem at all.
I have now spent time on these paddles, and I can say, if you are looking for turbocharged power, the 16mm probably isn't for you. You should try the 14. But if you want excellent control, spin, and maneuverability (which is exactly what I want), the Widebody (Max) 16mm is an excellent choice. It's definitely a different feel than other paddles. It's hard to describe without playing with it.
After years of bouncing between brands and chasing the perfect balance of feel, control, and performance, I can confidently say the Blucore Widebody 16mm has earned a place in my bag. It represents not only a leap forward in paddle design, but also a full-circle moment in my pickleball journey—coming back to the brand that first believed in me.
No paddle is one-size-fits-all, and that’s what makes the Blucore lineup so impressive. Whether you're craving the plush feel of the 19mm, the punch of the 14mm, or the versatility of the 16mm, there's a shape and spec tailored to your game. For me, the Max 16mm strikes that sweet spot—offering enough pop for counters, enough spin for resets, and the maneuverability I need in high-speed exchanges.
If you're looking for a fresh paddle that dares to feel different—and you're not afraid to move away from the mainstream—give the Blucore series a serious look. Diadem might just surprise you… again.
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