I used Dragon’s latest premium hardware, Nemesis 100 and Eclipse 100 over four training sessions and two matches. Overall, I was impressed with both control compounds and energy absorption when receiving the ball, giving me total confidence with my first touch. Additionally, the energy transfer, effortlessly enabled me to get good ball pace but the icing on the cake was the low dead weight and high balance point, that delivered an unrivalled experience when carrying and handling the ball, particularly with the Nemesis which benefited from having the lower low bow noticeably making it easier to control a lift over a well-timed block or jab tackle.
Both sticks fundamentally have the same build characteristics. The same 100% leading edge 3K carbon weave, precision engineered bar-based aero core and classic curve back on the lower shaft provides good stiffness, tension and power whilst remaining super light and nimble; and you really notice it too.
At the same price point, I found the best way to distinguish the Nemesis and Eclipse, was to compare them like for like across four categories control, power, comfort and quality.
Control
The energy absorption was excellent with both sticks, both handling the velocity of the ball when receiving without any noteworthy vibration, its not the best out there, but is good!
The control surface area is the same width and wide enough, but it is the control compound on the Nemesis, that sets the Nemesis and Eclipse apart. The Nemesis provided a feeling of control over the ball unlike the Eclipse – in a good way.
Equally, with the lower bow point on the Nemesis, it felt easier to flick the ball in motion. Whilst the Nemesis didn’t necessarily feel like it cups the ball for an aerial, the outcome was more consistent than with the Eclipse.
Power
There are no grooves or contours on the back shape providing rigidity or torsional stability. It’s all in the aero core and quality of the carbon in both the Nemesis and Eclipse. It’s not the best but power to weight ratio is decent. Likewise, the sweet-spot on the back hand, strikes hard with good accuracy on the reverse.
There is little power difference between the Nemesis and Eclipse to me, but if I had to chose, the Eclipse feels stiffer, whereas, overall the Nemesis gives you a slightly better transfer of power onto the ball.
Comfort
The combination of the aero core, carbon quality, grip and ideal handle thickness limits any vibration. For the same reasons, the Nemesis and Eclipse are perfect for hand speed, which is a bit of a party piece. I probably found the Eclipse to be slightly more comfortable but only owing to tickling the ball more often whilst taking advantage of the lower bow on the Nemesis
Quality
The compound in the contact area on the Eclipse looks like it is more likely to survive longer than the Nemesis. Otherwise, there is little difference. The stiffness in the Eclipse feels like it might sustain its effectiveness for longer than the Nemesis, but in reality, it won’t be a deal breaker.
Verdict
Nemesis all day! If you love an aerial, a flick, hitting with consistent power and accuracy, ball carrying and ghosting the opposition with silky 3D skills, look no further than the Nemesis. And if you want more, the Nemesis will do everything else, just as good as the Eclipse.
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