Viking News

08/03/2009 - Viking Storms into 2009-2010 with Enhanced Line

Viking Storms into 2009-2010 with Enhanced Line
Top Selling Paddles are Re-engineered to Deliver Even Greater Performance Benefits
Company Also Introduces New Ball Upgrades

Bordentown, NJ - August 3, 2009 - Viking, the platform tennis leader, is proud to officially announce the arrival of its 2009-2010 paddle line. Eight paddles will comprise the offering, with each Viking paddle continuing to be manufactured with the precision and handcrafted care the most discerning paddle players have come to expect from the brand. With the new line, Viking is also offering newly crafted upgraded versions of the legendary Oz, Ignite and Zone paddles. The Wizard, Re-Ignite and O-Zone have been re-engineered to deliver enhanced performance benefits, while retaining similar qualities that made them legendary.

"The 2010 paddle line is going to ‘wow' a lot of players due to the breadth of the offering, the meticulous attention to performance and detail and the smart, strategic upgrade features we made to three classic paddles," said Viking Founder David Kjeldsen. "Players can expect enhanced performance and unparalleled quality control for more exact specs from paddle to paddle. The early feedback from players and dealers has been extraordinary and we are proud to finally, officially announce the line."

With the Wizard, Viking has captured all the technology that made the OZ the world's all time#1 selling paddle, but taken it to another level with a new, improved handle shape and additional grip sizes. Also, the Wizard features a dual sided, cosmetic, mid+ density core and even balance to provide the perfect combination of power and control.

The Re-Ignite, an enhanced version of the Ignite is set to light up the competition with this oversized, super-wide hitting surface, which produces an extra large sweetspot for ultimate control. The paddle also has the softest feel in the line for added vibration dampening.

The New O-Zone paddle is designed with an extra-length handle that allows for two-handed shots, while the head-heavy balance provides extra snap on serves and overheads.

Also the popular Synergy which is the lightest weight paddle in the line has a new look for the 2009-2010 season. The new navy and gold cosmetic ties into the traditional Viking color scheme and is certain to be a big hit with both male and female players.

Pro EliteWizard – NEW!O-Zone – NEW!Re-Ignite – NEW!AttitudeSynergy – NEW!StealthBolt
Weight (oz/g)*14.2/40213.9/39713.6/38513.6/38513.3/37712.8/36213.4/38012.3/349
Power Rating**76534333
Core densityHighMid PlusMid PlusLowMidMidLow Low
Surface Area46.9 sq. in46.9 sq. in45.3 sq. in47.6 sq. in45.3 sq. in46.9 sq. in40.8 sq. in44.7 sq. in
Beam19mm19mm19mm19mm19mm19mm19mm17mm
Overall Length18in18in18in18in18in18in18in17in
Handle LengthStandardStandardLongStandardLongStandardStandardJunior
ThroatClosedClosed Closed ClosedClosedClosedOpen Closed
BalanceEvenEvenHead HeavyEvenHead HeavyEvenHead HeavyEven
GripDuraSoft+DuraSoft+DuraSoft+DuraSoft+DuraSoft+DuraSoft+DuraSoft+DuraSoft+
Grip Sizes4 ¼, 4 ½4 ¼, 4 ½4 ¼4 ¼, 4 ½4 ¼ , 4 ½4 ¼4 ¼4
Retail Price$159.99$139.99$129.99$119.99$99.99$99.99$79.95$69.95

As with last year's line, already 2009-2010 pre-orders sold out almost immediately, but the company has had time to fulfill all of their orders and completely restock in time for the official launch. All paddles in the new line are currently in stock and available for purchase.

"We have tapped into our vast knowledge base and player pool to develop the highest quality, performance paddle line with all player needs in mind. We have continued to perfect our quality control," said Scott Winters, Vice President of Indoor Court and Paddle Sports at Prince Sports, Inc. "It has been an absolute pleasure working on this line with David, the undisputed father of platform tennis - and our entire playtest team across the country."

New Upgraded Viking Balls Now Available!

Viking Paddle Balls: Players will also notice changes to the Viking ball this season from a packaging design and playability standpoint. Already the official ball of the ATPA National events, Viking balls will now come in a sturdier, reinforced carton to completely eliminate any deformation in shipping. That coupled with updated quality control checks throughout the production process will only further strengthen players confidence that they are getting the best quality ball, and most consistent bounce every time out on court. Viking will continue with its Tournament Select ball program by hand picking, off the line, balls that meet the highest quality standard to be used exclusively for tournament play. This program was highly successful during the 2008-2009 season providing tournament directors and players the assurance that they were using the using the highest quality balls possible during competition.

About Prince Sports
Prince Sports, Inc, based in New Jersey, is a company of racquet sports enthusiasts whose goal is to create cutting edge, functional and technically advanced products that deliver performance benefits for avid players. The Company's portfolio of brands includes Prince (tennis, squash and badminton), Ektelon (racquetball) and Viking (platform/paddle tennis). The Company has a history of innovation including inventing the first "oversize" and "longbody" racquets, the first "Natural Foot Shape" tennis shoe, the first "synthetic gut" string and the first electronic ball machine. Today, Prince markets leading technologies in racquets (O3), string (Recoil), footwear (Precision Tube Technology) and apparel (Aerotech). It has operations on three continents with distribution in over 100 countries. For more information on players, products or programs please visit www.princesports.com.

About Viking Athletics
Viking Athletics, Ltd., is the unquestioned equipment leader in the sport of platform tennis. Viking's famous OZTM paddle was the sport's best selling paddle for twelve consecutive years. Currently over 70% of the top men and 60% of the top women players in the world use Viking paddles. Viking enjoys a dominant ball market share position with well over half of all balls sold in the sport during 2007. For more information, please visit www.vikingathletics.com. Viking Athletics will retain its name and will continue to conduct business in the same fashion platform tennis fans and players have come to expect.

 

 

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