Viking Zombie Jr. Platform Tennis Paddle (Orange/Purple/Black)

The Viking Zombie Jr. (Orange/Purple/Black) is a high-performance, youth-specific platform tennis paddle designed specifically for younger, developing players. Featuring an aggressive, ultra-cool zombie-themed graphic package in a bold orange, purple, and black colorway, this paddle scales down the physical dimensions of Viking’s legendary adult lines. It gives junior competitors a lighter, shorter, and highly manageable tool to master the unique mechanics of winter screen play without straining their wrists or elbows.

Performance Profile

1. Maneuverability (10/10): This is the paddle’s absolute standout feature. Engineered with a significantly lighter total weight and a handle-biased balance, it allows junior players to whip the paddle through the air effortlessly. It drastically reduces reaction latency during quick-fire net volleys and makes low-ball screen pickups much easier.
2. Control & Forgiveness (9.0/10): Utilizing an oversized head geometry with a generous sweet spot, the Zombie Jr. heavily cushions off-center hits. If a junior player catches a ball late or near the edge while defending a tricky spin off the back wire, the paddle minimizes erratic spraying and pushes the ball back deep into the opposing court.
3. Grit & Spin Production (8.5/10): True to Viking’s premium standards, the face features a specialized Max Grit textured surface coating. This aggressive texture bites heavily into the platform tennis ball, allowing kids to learn how to execute heavy under-spin cuts and control drop shots with elite precision.
4. Comfort & Shock Absorption (9.5/10): Built with an Extra Soft Foam Core, the paddle heavily dampens high-frequency vibrations from the solid core ball. This ultra-plush feel provides premium protection for developing arm joints and muscles, preventing premature fatigue during cold-weather matches.

Best Suited For

1. Junior Players (Ages 6–12): Perfectly sized for kids and pre-teens who are learning the sport, joining junior leagues, or participating in family club play.
2. Young Players Building Technique: Ideal for developing juniors who lack the wrist strength to safely swing a heavy, standard-sized adult paddle but still want genuine spin and grit performance.

Pro Tip

Because platform tennis is played with a dense, heavy ball in cold weather, junior players often struggle with depth using a standard swing. Encourage your junior player to focus on utilizing a compact, smooth back-to-front pushing motion rather than a massive, looping tennis-style swing. The combination of the Extra Soft Foam Core and the paddle's natural rebound will effortlessly generate all the court-length depth they need!

Specifications

• Official Designation: Official Paddle of the APTA Viking Junior Tour.
• Weight: 8.8 oz / 250 grams (The lightest in Viking's history).
• Overall Length: 16 inches (Ultra-short youth frame).
• Head Size / Surface Area: 77 sq. inches.
• Beam Thickness: 17 mm.
• Core Density: Low Density Foam (Maximum comfort and rebound).
• Surface Technology: High-Traction Grit Surface.
• Special Integration: Grip Guard (GG) Rim Protection.
• Grip Size: Size 4 (Scaled-down diameter and Junior handle length).
• Cosmetic Theme: Zombie Special Edition (Vibrant Orange, Purple, and Black).