As Pickleball gains popularity, numerous brands are stepping up to meet the growing demand for pickleball paddles. One of these brands is Viking, well-known for producing high-quality platform tennis equipment. Viking has embarked on a new journey, channeling their years of expertise into crafting pickleball paddles that cater to the needs of pickleball enthusiasts like you.
If you are looking for Viking Pickleball Paddles and want to know about their models, then read this article. In this editorial product review article titled “Viking Pickleball Paddles Review,” we are going to discuss about 3 models of Viking Pickleball Paddles: Viking The Shield Pickleball Paddle, Viking The Axe EG Pickleball Paddle, and Viking The Shield Military Edition Pickleball Paddle. Before giving information about these models, we are going to provide brief information about “Viking” as a popular brand for pickleball paddles.
After that, we will compare these 3 Viking Pickleball Paddle models and suggest which one from these three you can choose. Then, we are going to provide some tips for maintaining this paddle.
Overview of Viking as a Pickleball Paddle Brand
Before we delve into the reviews of the various models of Viking Pickleball Paddles, it is crucial to grasp the essence of Viking as a brand. Viking has held a prominent position in the platform tennis equipment industry for over three decades. Platform tennis, sometimes called paddle tennis, is similar to pickleball because it also uses paddles and is played on a smaller court. Viking is well-known for using advanced technology and high-quality materials to create paddles and accessories that are designed to excel in terms of control, power, and durability.
In recent times, Viking has expanded its presence in the pickleball market by collaborating with top professional players to create paddles specifically tailored for pickleball. With a wealth of experience in paddle sports, Viking brings a considerable amount of knowledge and expertise to pickleball paddle manufacturing. Their reputation for delivering quality and high-performance equipment precedes them in the world of pickleball.
Viking the Shield Pickleball Paddle
The Viking The Shield Pickleball Paddle is a versatile and well-balanced option designed to provide players with a combination of power, control, and durability. This paddle caters to the needs of intermediate and advanced players, offering a comfortable grip, excellent maneuverability, and the ability to finesse precise shots while maintaining durability. In the below sections, we will delve further into its specifications & technology, performance, as well as its pros and cons:
Specs And Technology
The Viking The Shield pickleball paddle is carefully crafted to give players a well-rounded combination of power, control, and durability. It has a weight of 8.1 ounces and features a 16mm polypropylene polymer honeycomb core. This lightweight core offers exceptional maneuverability while delivering sufficient power for your shots. On both sides, it is encased in 3K carbon fiber faces, renowned for their exceptional durability and capacity to effectively transmit energy across the paddle, adding extra power to your shots.
The paddle’s grip is designed with ergonomic contours and a cushioned texture to prevent slipping. Moreover, it is highly effective at absorbing sweat, guaranteeing a secure hold even during extended matches. This exceptional grip perfectly complements the well-balanced paddle body, enhancing your stroke mechanics.
To assist players in generating spin and refining their shot control, The Shield paddle features a fine grit finish on its hitting surface. Additionally, the paddle has protective guards on its edges to prevent any damage, such as chipping or cracking, that may occur if it accidentally comes into contact with the ground or fences. The Viking The Shield Pickleball Paddle’s dimensions are as follows:
- Thickness: 16mm
- Paddle Length: 16 inches
- Handle Length: 5 inches
- Paddle Width: 8 inches
- Grip Size: 4 1/4 inch
Performance And Playability
Regarding playability, The Viking Shield offers players a well-balanced and responsive paddle. Its polypropylene honeycomb core creates a comfortable, cushioned feel with each hit while providing clear feedback from the ball. This combination gives players greater touch and control for precise shot placement. Additionally, the carbon fiber face offers excellent pop and stability, even when hitting powerful shots. The fine grit textured finish makes it easy for players to apply heavy spin on their returns. The lightweight design makes maneuvering effortless, and the enlarged sweet spot offers forgiveness for off-center hits.
The Viking Shield performs consistently, whether you prefer an aggressive power game with hard drives or a finesse game with delicate drop shots. It is a highly versatile option suitable for all-around playstyles. The strong construction guarantees that the paddle can endure vigorous rallies and volleys without getting damaged.
Pros & Cons Of The Viking The Shield Pickleball Paddle
- Provides excellent control and finesse
- Lightweight and maneuverable
- Comfortable cushioned grip
- Durable carbon fiber construction
- Ideal for touch shots and placement
- Good mix of power and spin
- Not as powerful as other Viking pickleball paddle models
- Less pop and speed in comparison to composite paddles
- May not be ideal for extremely aggressive playstyles
Summary
Pickleball players looking for an affordable paddle focused on control will find the Viking The Shield Pickleball Paddle to be an excellent choice. It offers a blend of power, finesse, durability, and appealing aesthetics. Intermediate and advanced players will especially find this paddle well-suited to their technical needs.
Viking the Axe Eg Pickleball Paddle
The Viking The Axe EG Pickleball Paddle is an exceptional choice, meticulously designed to provide players with an impressive blend of power and control. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the Viking The Axe EG Pickleball Paddle’s specifications & technology, performance, and its pros and cons, offering insights into why it is a favored option for those seeking to elevate their pickleball game.
Specs And Technology
The Viking The Axe EG pickleball paddle is designed to deliver great power and control. It has a weight of 8.6 ounces and uses advanced technologies to enhance shot power and accuracy. The core of the paddle is made from a lightweight honeycomb polymer, which strengthens it and helps to transfer energy effectively.
The paddle’s handle is ergonomically designed to comfortably fit in your hand, ensuring a secure grip thanks to its soft and non-slip texture. Furthermore, you’ll quickly notice a unique black border around the upper section of the paddle, which is specially crafted to provide protection.
The paddle’s core is wrapped in multiple carbon fiber layers, including an 18K woven carbon fiber surface. This increases the ball’s velocity and provides a pleasing pop when you make contact, ensuring that you can maintain excellent control over your shots. Viking has also innovatively incorporated a specialized edge guard system for The Axe EG, designed to safeguard the paddle’s edges without adding any unnecessary weight to the center. This improvement enhances stability and enlarges the sweet spot, resulting in improved performance. The specifications of the Viking The Axe EG Pickleball Paddle are given below:
- Weight: 244 grams or 8.6 oz
- Thickness: 11mm
- Grip Size: 4″
- Surface: Fine Grit
- Paddle Length: 16 inches
- Handle Length: 5 inches
- Paddle Width: 8 inches
Performance And Playability
The Viking The Axe EG Pickleball Paddle is primarily designed for delivering powerful shots and ease of control. Despite its lightweight build, the sturdy core of this paddle enables it to achieve remarkable ball speed. When hitting drives and mid-range groundstrokes, you’ll notice an explosive performance due to its carbon surface. Plus, the paddle’s enlarged sweet spot adds forgiveness, allowing players to take aggressive swings without worrying about mishitting the ball.
The paddle’s textured surface is effective at putting heavy topspin on the ball, making it easy for players to send shots deep into their opponent’s court. When it comes to volleys, the paddle delivers a strong punch, thanks to its responsive core that efficiently transfers energy to the ball. With its strength and stability, the paddle allows players to easily adjust angles and maintain consistent power hitting when going on the offensive.
Pros & Cons Of The Viking The Axe EG Pickleball Paddle
- Exceptional generation of power and speed
- Lightweight and Highly Responsive
- Edge Guard enhances stability
- Surface promotes effective topspin generation
- Excellent pop and ball velocity
- Large sweet spot for forgiveness
- Reduced control and touch
- Less suitable for finesse shots or precise placement
- Comes with a higher price tag
Summary
With a focus on maximizing ball speed and power, the Viking The Axe EG Pickleball Paddle is a great fit for aggressive pickleball players. Its generous sweet spot enables anyone to hit powerful shots consistently. Intermediate and advanced power hitters will particularly benefit from this paddle, as it complements their hard-hitting playing style effectively.
Viking the Shield Military Edition Pickleball Paddle
Introducing the Viking The Shield Military Edition Pickleball Paddle, a paddle inspired by military technology and designed to deliver an exceptional performance on the pickleball court. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the paddle’s specifications & technology, its outstanding performance and playability, as well as its pros and cons, shedding light on why it is a top choice for players seeking power, precision, and durability in their game.
Specs And Technology
Just as the name suggests, the Viking The Shield Military Edition Pickleball Paddle takes inspiration from military equipment regarding its design and technology. It has a total weight of 9.8 ounces, featuring a sturdy polypropylene core and a hitting surface made of 3K woven carbon fiber. Similar to The Axe EG, this paddle incorporates a special guard that’s meant to shield its edges. This protective feature not only increases durability and stability but also extends the size of the sweet spot. The grip is designed with an ergonomic shape and a rubberized texture to prevent slipping. Below are the specifications of the Viking The Shield Military Edition Pickleball Paddle:
- Paddle Length: 16 inches
- Handle Length: 5 inches
- Paddle Width: 8 inches
- Surface: 3k Woven Carbon Fiber
- Weight: 9.8 oz
- Grip Size: 4 or 4 1/4 inch
Performance And Playability
This paddle performs exceptionally well, offering a great deal of power and responsiveness. Its sturdy construction provides a solid feel, allowing players to hit the ball with high velocity. The textured surface effectively adds significant spin to returns, enabling better control over ball placement. Players can effortlessly switch between delivering strong shots diagonally across the court and gently placing precise drop shots near the net.
Stability is excellent, thanks to the well-balanced weight distribution and the edge guard system. The paddle remains steady during quick reaction volleys and rapid-fire shots, even in intense exchanges at the net. The enlarged sweet spot offers forgiveness on off-center hits. Additionally, this paddle is highly durable, making it ideal for competitive matches.
Pros And Cons Of The Viking The Shield Military Edition Pickleball Paddle
- Exceptionally sturdy and robust construction
- Provides excellent power and spin
- Comfortable ergonomic grip
- Unique and stylish militaristic design
- Balances control, touch, and power
- Heavier than other Viking pickleball paddles
- Less maneuverable
Summary
This special edition pickleball paddle blends the best qualities of The Shield and The Axe EG into a single option. Its durable build and spin capabilities suit intermediate to advanced players who prioritize both power and finesse. Moreover, its distinctive visual design adds a unique and stylish flair to your presence on the court.
Comparison Between Viking the Shield, Viking the Axe Eg, and Viking the Shield Military Edition Pickleball Paddle
Now that we’ve explored each Viking pickleball paddle model individually, let’s make a side-by-side comparison to highlight their key differences:
Power: The Viking The Axe EG Pickleball Paddle produces the most explosive power, followed by the Viking The Shield Military Edition Pickleball Paddle. The Viking The Shield Pickleball Paddle offers respectable ball speed but has the least power among the three.
Control And Touch: The Viking The Shield Pickleball Paddle provides finesse and touch on shots. The Viking The Shield Military Edition Pickleball Paddle also offers good control, while the Viking The Axe EG Pickleball Paddle prioritizes power over delicate shot placement.
Spin Potential: The Axe EG’s textured surface generates heavy topspin on returns. The Viking The Shield Military Edition and the Viking The Shield Pickleball Paddle also offer good spin potential, although slightly less than the others.
Maneuverability: The Shield and Axe EG are lighter, making them easier to swing and maneuver. In contrast, the Viking The Shield Military Edition has more weight in the center, which makes it feel more stable but a bit slower in action.
Durability: All three Viking Pickleball Paddles incorporate carbon fiber and edge guard protection for excellent durability and long-lasting performance. The Military Edition stands out as the most rugged and rigid.
Which Model of Viking Pickleball Paddle Can You Choose?
When considering the Viking pickleball paddle models, my top choice would be the Viking The Shield Pickleball Paddle.
The Shield appears to be the most versatile option that aligns well with my skill level and playing style. As an intermediate player working on improving control and precision, the Shield offers a balanced mix of power, spin, and finesse that caters to my needs. I appreciate its finesse and maneuverability without sacrificing too much power.
The comfortable grip and lightweight design are also appealing to me, as I want a paddle that won’t lead to fatigue during longer matches and will let me focus on refining my technique. Moreover, the Shield’s carbon fiber construction instills confidence in its durability. As an intermediate player, I don’t require the most powerful paddle available. The Shield provides room for my skill development at my own pace.
Although the Axe and Military models appear to be ideal for highly competitive power players, their advanced performance features may be more than I need as I focus on developing my fundamental skills. The Shield’s adaptability allows me to explore various playing styles to discover what suits me the best. Therefore, the Viking The Shield Pickleball Paddle appears to be the ideal option for my current skill level and goals as I continue to progress as an intermediate player.
Maintainance Tips for Viking Pickleball Paddles
To keep your Viking pickleball paddles performing at their peak, here are some crucial maintenance tips that players should adhere to:
Keep It Clean: Wipe the paddle face before and after each use to prevent the accumulation of dirt that can potentially scratch the surface. You can use a soft, damp cloth or a paddle cleaner spray. Avoid using abrasive materials.
Check The Grip: Frequently check the grip for any indications of wear, peeling, or tearing. When you observe these signs, it is crucial to reapply the grip tape promptly. Don’t wait until it is completely worn out.
Protect From Heat: Avoid exposing your paddle to excessive sunlight or high temperatures, such as leaving it in a hot car, as this can lead to warping over time.
Inspect For Damage: After intense use, check for any signs of damage on the edges or the face. Consider applying edge guard tape as an additional protective layer to prevent chips.
Handle With Care: Never throw or abuse your paddle, even when frustrated. Collisions with the ground or fences can result in chipped edges.
Proper Storage: When not in use, store your paddle securely in a zipped paddle case rather than leaving it loose in a bag. This helps to prevent warping or cracking.
Resurface When Needed: Consider having a professional resurface the paddle face with sandpaper once a year. This process helps to smooth out any nicks or roughness.
Upgrade The Grip: When the original grip shows signs of wear, consider replacing it with a higher-quality cushioned grip for maximum comfort.
By dedicating time to keeping your Viking pickleball paddles clean, protecting them from excessive heat, and maintaining them properly, you can ensure that they retain that satisfying “new paddle” feel and have a longer lifespan. With proper care, your Viking pickleball paddle should consistently deliver top-level performance year after year.
FAQs
The Axe EG focuses on power and speed, making it an excellent choice for aggressive hitters. The Military Edition, on the other hand, offers a bit more control and finesse while still providing good power. Additionally, the Military Edition boasts a more durable and rugged build quality.
The surface of all three Viking pickleball paddles is made of carbon fiber. This material is chosen for its ability to provide excellent pop and ball control. The Axe EG takes it a step further by incorporating a specialized fine grit finish to enhance spin potential.
To clean your Viking pickleball paddle effectively, use a soft, damp cloth or a paddle cleaner spray before and after playing. Avoid using abrasive materials, as they can potentially scratch the finish. Also, be sure to keep the paddle away from excessive heat.
Yes, Viking pickleball paddles are built to handle regular outdoor play, thanks to their carbon fiber construction and edge guard protection. However, it is always a good practice to inspect them for any damage after intense sessions.
Unfortunately, Viking does not offer custom graphic or engraving services for their paddles. Each model comes with its own set of graphic designs.
Conclusion
All three Viking Pickleball Paddle models – the Viking The Shield Pickleball Paddle, Viking The Axe EG Pickleball Paddle, and Viking The Shield Military Edition Pickleball Paddle – are designed for intermediate to advanced players who want to elevate their performance on the court. It is recommended to choose any one of these three models according to your playing style, budget, personal preferences, skill level, comfortability with its weight and grip, etc.
Taking good care of your Viking Pickleball Paddle is crucial to ensure its durability and longevity. After writing an editorial product review article on “Viking Pickleball Paddles Review,” we hope you have read and understood the information on these 3 models of Viking Pickleball Paddle(Viking The Shield, Viking The Axe EG, and Viking The Shield Military Edition) and the key differences between them. We hope you’ll consider getting one of these paddles, take good care of it, and show off your skills on the pickleball court with your brand-new Viking Pickleball Paddle. Enjoy the game!
