Top (L to R): Re-Ignite Prodigy, Lite, Pro
Bottom (L to R): OZ Prodigy, Lite, Pro, O-Zone Prodigy, Lite, Pro
Overview:
Of all the hats we have to wear here at TPG, art critic is probably our least favorite. When it comes to paddle performance, there are some things that just aren't debatable. The Master M2 has the most pop. Wilson paddles swing easily. The limited-edition pink/black Viking Re-Ignite Lite from Chicago Charities was awesome. But judging how a paddle looks–that's a very inexact science.
Viking, however, has left us no choice but to wear the hat (beret?) of the art critic. The only changes made for their 2021 are aesthetic ones. Their whole lineup has been repainted, but no physical changes have been made to the paddles.
Perhaps that's for the better. The venerable brand has a reputation for making some of the best paddles on the market, and we tend to agree. So do the pros. Viking claims that more top pros use their paddles than any other brand. Why mess with what works?
There haven't been enough changes to warrant a breakdown by paddle line. And we've already expressed our feelings about the look when we first saw the paddles released. But we'll reiterate.
Viking, if you're reading this: you make paddles that feel great and play great. Why not make them look great as well? Ditch the gradient. Ditch the slanted logo. We'll forgive, and with any luck, we'll forget.