This survey doesn't really address comparison of specific characteristics of the Viking and Wilson balls. If you go to the Cincinnati League site (www.cincypaddle.org) we have added a survey to our messageboard that asks 7 questions relating to durability, color, feel, roundness and value of the Viking and Wilson balls. I would encourage players to participate in that survey as well as this one.
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Viking Paddle Tennis Balls
Started by
Fearno1
, Oct 27 2010 02:08 PM
19 replies to this topic
#17 Guest *gary york *
Guest *gary york *
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Posted 21 January 2011 - 03:19 PM
Yes, Viking balls flake off much too fast. In most cases less than 1 set. Wilson has a more durable felt surface, but a recent sleeve (bought last year)had a case of the wobbles. How do I get credit for a bad batch of balls? Is there a manufacturing code on package that indicates manufacture date? Seems like QC at both companies have issues.
#18 Guest *IG2 *
Guest *IG2 *
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Posted 22 January 2011 - 02:28 AM
Wilson Balls simply play better than Viking. Everything that is being said on this site is true about flaking, color, durability, but more importantly, WIlson balls make the game more fun. The ball compresses more than the Viking resulting in greater feel. Wilson ball feels more lively, some might say heavier, I say more responsive.
If Viking could make their ball play more like the WIlson, then they could re-gain their position as best platform ball made, until then, go back to the drawing board. Unfortunately, Viking is owned by Prince, who makes one of the worst tennis balls ever made. So I hope you take our opinions seriously and make some corrections to the core of the ball and not just the flocking.
Side note, every tournament Ive played in this year used Wilson, whereas last year it was Viking. I think the word is out to not waste money on a case of Viking balls.
If Viking could make their ball play more like the WIlson, then they could re-gain their position as best platform ball made, until then, go back to the drawing board. Unfortunately, Viking is owned by Prince, who makes one of the worst tennis balls ever made. So I hope you take our opinions seriously and make some corrections to the core of the ball and not just the flocking.
Side note, every tournament Ive played in this year used Wilson, whereas last year it was Viking. I think the word is out to not waste money on a case of Viking balls.
#19 Guest *fearno1 *
Guest *fearno1 *
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Posted 17 February 2012 - 04:38 PM
Played again in the rain last night 2/16 with a brand new viking heavy duty (2sets) and a regular wilson (1set). after 1 set - 10 games the viking was toast - bald as the day is long. 2nd set same thing with a new ball. Why do we stand for this crap. The wilson ball (9 games) stood up like a champ - probably would lasted another 7-9 games. mind you we're not even spinning the crap out the ball ala stein/cochrane et al. so i have to imagine that the viking would've been completely unplayable i.e. bald in 3-4 games. Maybe i'm missing something - perhaps that IS the goal of this game - 1st player to knock off all the knap wins...if that's the case - i'll continue to play with Viking - its a sure winner.
#20
paddlepro
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- 137 posts
Platform Tennis Site
Posted 21 February 2012 - 10:55 PM
gary york, on 21 January 2011 - 03:19 PM, said:
Yes, Viking balls flake off much too fast. In most cases less than 1 set. Wilson has a more durable felt surface, but a recent sleeve (bought last year)had a case of the wobbles. How do I get credit for a bad batch of balls? Is there a manufacturing code on package that indicates manufacture date? Seems like QC at both companies have issues.
In the beginning of the year (2009-2010)it was discovered that there was a problem and the balls were sorted, balls that did not pass the test were sold as "practice balls". It sounds the balls you bought last year were 2 years old. Viking did come out with an "Extra Duty" last year (2010-2011) and fixed the problem. we checked our records and see a Gary York did make a couple of purchases from us dating back to 2009 but no Viking Balls so I can only say contact the Retailer and ask to return them.
Balls do change every year, we suggest you contact us in the beginning of each year before you buy balls. We play test balls every year and can offer the best advice.
Bob
