Design engineers conducted a series of laboratory tests to evaluate Stinger conical diamond element performance and durability. One test compared impact strength relative to that of a conventional polycrystalline diamond cutter element. Both elements were dropped onto a hardened steel block with an impact force of 18,000 lbf. This experiment simulated typical transitional drilling conditions when a PDC bit drilling at an ROP of 18 m/h exits soft shale and penetrates hard limestone. On first impact with the steel block, the sharp edge of the conventional PDC butter was severely damaged. By contrast, the conical element survived more than 100 impacts at 80,000 N without damage. Greater impact resistance of the CDE, which has thicker diamond layer, translates into extend run lengths and improved penetration rates in impact-prone settings.