Viking SHIËLD C22 Platform Tennis Paddle

The Viking SHIËLD C22 is a premium, maximum-comfort platform tennis paddle engineered specifically for competitive players who crave ultimate shock absorption, a massive sweet spot, and effortless defensive playability. Positioned as the most compliant and arm-friendly model in the SHIËLD family, the C22 pairs Viking's lowest-density core with a twist-resistant perimeter head architecture. The result is an incredibly plush, forgiving paddle that excels at neutralizing heavy incoming attacks and executing highly precise, tactical ball 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 for players looking to manage or prevent tennis elbow and shoulder strain.
2. Stability & Forgiveness (9.5/10): Utilizing the unique SHIËLD frame architecture, the paddle 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, 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 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 need a highly cushioned, vibration-dampening impact to protect their joints without sacrificing a competitive, tournament-grade frame.
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 SHIËLD 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: SHIËLD (Engineered for perimeter stability and maximum sweet spot expansion).
• Weight: ~355 - 360 grams / 12.5 oz (The lightest and most accessible in the series).
• Core Density: C22 (Low-Density EVA Foam for ultimate comfort and ball-pocketing).
• Balance: Even / Highly Balanced.
• Beam Thickness: 19 mm.
• Overall Length: 18 inches.
• Handle Length: Extended (Explicitly lengthened for two-handed backhand utility).
• Grip Size: 4 1/4" (Equipped with SuperSoft high-tack grip).
• Surface Face Tech: Max Grit Texture Coating + Concentric Variable Hole Layout.
• Rim Protection: Integrated Carbon Mesh Perimeter Rim Enhancement.