A variable diameter acetabular trial implant (VDATI) was designed to reduce the costs related to cleaning, sterilisation and storage of surgical instruments used for total hip arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mechanical strength of a functional prototype of the VDATI. Experimental testing was performed to identify if the VDATI can resist loading conditions similar to the ones occurring during the surgical procedure and to validate a finite element model (FEM) of the VDATI. The results highlighted the potential of the current concept of the VDATI and demonstrated the relevance to continue its development.