Viking AXË C22 Platform Tennis Paddle

The Viking AXË C22 is a premium, maximum-comfort platform tennis paddle designed specifically for competitive club and league players who want the ultimate blend of a highly forgiving hitting surface, ultra-soft feel, and supreme shock absorption.

Positioned as the most compliant model in the AXË hybrid line, it brings together the generous, stable head geometry of the oversized SHIËLD series with the extended handle and quick-handed maneuverability of the SWØRD series. Utilizing Viking's lowest-density core matrix, the C22 is a plush, arm-friendly weapon that completely neutralizes heavy incoming attacks and freezing-weather vibrations.

Performance Profile

1. Ultimate Comfort & Shock Absorption (10/10): The definitive feature of the C22. Engineered with Viking’s lowest-density C22 Soft Core Foam, this paddle acts like a sponge against high-frequency vibrations. It heavily cushions the bone-chilling, harsh impact of cold platform tennis balls, making it the premier choice in the AXË line for players looking to manage or prevent tennis elbow and shoulder strain.
2. The Hybrid Advantage (9.5/10): By utilizing the signature AXË oversized 89.9 sq. in. head shape, the paddle naturally distributes its structural mass to expand the sweet spot outward toward the perimeter edges. When blocking fast baseline drives at the net or making late, reflexive saves off the screen, the chassis completely resists twisting in your hand.
3. Surgical Control & Touch (9.5/10): Because the soft core allows the ball to pocket deeply into the face upon contact, the "dwell time" (how long the ball stays on the paddle) is significantly increased. This provides immense sensory feedback, allowing you to guide delicate drop shots, soft angle volleys, and precise baseline lobs into tight spaces with ease.
4. Finesse Power (7.0/10): As a comfort- and control-first paddle, it trades away the rock-hard, immediate velocity found in the heavier C40 model. Rather than relying on a rigid frame to blast balls off the deck, it relies on your natural swing mechanics and the smooth, elastic rebound of the face composite to achieve deep court length.

Best Suited For

1. Injury-Prone or Safety-Conscious Players: Ideal for avid league and club competitors who love the generous, forgiving shape of the AXË line but require a highly cushioned, vibration-dampening impact to protect their joints.
2. Finesse, Setup, & Screen Specialists: Perfectly tailored for players whose game revolves around extending rallies, digging heavy spin out of the corners, and utilizing soft touch to outmaneuver opponents at the net.

Pro Tip

Because the AXË C22 features an exceptionally soft core, trying to muscularly over-hit or muscle the ball can cause the frame to "bottom out" and lose accuracy. To get the absolute most depth and performance out of this frame, focus on clean timing and a smooth, fluid, linear follow-through. Let the paddle's Max Grit Surface do the work—especially when chipping low, skidding slice volleys or throwing up high, back-line defensive lobs from deep positions.

Specifications

• Model Family: AXË (The ultimate hybrid of the Re-Ignite and O-Zone series).
• Weight: ~355 - 360 grams / 12.5 oz (The lightest and most accessible in the AXË series).
• Core Density: C22 (Low-Density EVA Foam for ultimate comfort and ball-pocketing).
• Head Size / Surface Area: 89.9 sq. inches (Oversized face for a maximized sweet spot).
• Balance: Even / Highly Balanced.
• Beam Thickness: 19 mm.
• Overall Length: 18 inches.
• Handle Length: Long / Extended (Explicitly lengthened for two-handed backhand utility).
• Grip Size: 4 1/4" (Equipped with SuperSoft high-tack comfort grip).
• Face Technology: Max Grit Texture Coating + Concentric Variable Hole Layout.
• Structural Enhancements: Carbon Fiber Stability System (CFS²) + Carbon Mesh Rim Protection.