Viking HÅMMER C22 Platform Tennis Paddle

The Viking HÅMMER C22 is a premium, maximum-comfort platform tennis paddle engineered specifically for competitive players who crave an ultra-soft feel, a massive hitting area, and effortless defensive playability. Positioned as the most compliant and arm-friendly model in the HÅMMER lineup (the modern evolution of Viking's historic "OZ" series), the C22 pairs the classic 85 sq. in. head geometry with Viking's lowest-density core. The result is an incredibly plush weapon that excels at absorbing heavy incoming fire and executing highly precise, tactical placement in freezing winter conditions.

Performance Profile

1. Comfort & Shock Absorption (10/10): The definitive feature of the C22. Built 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 shock of a cold winter platform ball, making it the premier choice in the HÅMMER line for players managing or preventing tennis elbow and shoulder strain.
2. Stability & Forgiveness (9.5/10): Utilizing the classic, wide-profile HÅMMER frame layout, this paddle naturally distributes its mass to maximize the effective sweet spot across the face. When blocking fast baseline drives at the net or making late, reflexive saves off the screen, the chassis resists twisting in your hand, keeping your returns highly predictable.
3. Control & Touch (9.5/10): Because the soft core allows for maximum ball pocketing upon contact, the "dwell time" is significantly increased. This gives you exceptional sensory feedback and touch, allowing you to guide delicate drop shots, soft angle volleys, and precise baseline lobs into tight spaces with surgical accuracy.
4. 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 elastic rebound of the face composite to generate deep court length.

Best Suited For

1. Injury-Prone or Safety-Conscious Players: Ideal for league and club competitors who love the classic, generous shape of the HÅMMER line but need a highly cushioned, vibration-dampening impact to protect their joints.
2. Finesse & Defensive Specialists: Perfectly tailored for right-side or setup players whose game plan revolves around extending rallies, digging heavy spin out of the corners, and utilizing soft touch to outmaneuver opponents.

Pro Tip

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

Specifications

• Model Family: HÅMMER (Modern successor to the historic "OZ" platform line).
• Weight: ~360 - 365 grams / 12.8 oz (The lightest and most accessible in the HÅMMER series).
• Core Density: C22 (Low-Density EVA Foam for ultimate comfort and ball-pocketing).
• Head Size / Surface Area: 85 sq. in. (Classic classic shape maximizing the hitting zone).
• Beam Thickness: 19 mm.
• Overall Length: 18 inches.
• Handle Length: Standard length with a highly tapered, stable throat.
• Grip Size: 4 1/4" (Equipped with SuperSoft high-tack comfort grip).
• Stability Engineering: Carbon Fiber Stability System (CFS²) wrapped around the throat.
• Rim Enhancement: Integrated Carbon Mesh Perimeter Rim & Grit Guard.