Use this helpful graphic to help select your 2024 / 2025 Viking Platform Tennis Paddle. Most players find it easiest to think about their game and answer these few simple questions. Once you have the questions answered about your needs, apply them to the choices in the graphic to choose the Viking Platform Tennis Paddle that best meets your needs.
1) Do I meet the ball consistently with my paddle?
- If yes, then you can use a midplus head size, which will be less head heavy so you can maneuver it more easily
- If no, stick to an oversized head
2) Do I have arm issues, like tennis elbow that makes it uncomfortable when I connect with the ball?
- If yes, we recommend a low density (soft) core, like the C22 (previously called Prodigy) to attenuate more shock and absorb more vibrations at ball impact
- If no, you can select from any of the three core densities
3) Which of the below do I value / need more?*
- Ball control, for shot accuracy?
- Select a low density (soft) core, like the C22 (previously called Prodigy)
- Ball speed to outpace my opponents with a faster moving ball?
- Select a high density (firm) core, like the C40 (previously called Pro)
- A blend of both power and control?
- Select a mid density core, like the C30 (previously called Lite)
* Note that our guidance on core density and the effect on ball response is the opposite of that published by Viking. We stand behind our methodology based on feedback and experience of players and pros we deal with and consistently apply it across all brands of platform tennis paddles.
Again, take your answers and apply them to the graphic here to find a paddle that fulfills your needs and head back to our Viking Platform Tennis Paddle page to select it. Demoing (when available), is always the best way to ensure you find what feels just right to you, but if that is not convenient or practical, this should get you in the right ballpark!
EXAMPLE CASE...my answers above indicate that I need an oversized head (1), with added comfort (2) and ball control (3). Looking at the graphic, this indicates an AXE or SHIELD with the C22 Core. Heading over to our Viking Platform Paddles, I can now choose either the NEW AXE C22, SHIELD C22, or last season's AXE PRODIGY or RE-IGNITE PRODIGY. Yay! Done!
Any questions, give us a call to discuss your specific needs. 1-800-724-9439.
Written by Bell Staff
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