JOOLA Viking

At the first place this is a high-quality blade, with some typical characteristics that you might like, adore, or dislike. Though the blade is marked as OFF, I'm using it as ALL+ with Tibhar VariSpin and Yasaka Mark V soft GPS rubbers, I'm considering putting the tensor rubber on it in the future to exploit the maximum of the blade speed&control, so far I'm satisfied with this combination, as a perfect ALL+ combination for me. Most impressive of this blade is the control you have during play, and the characteristic sound each stroke produces; if you get used to it, it will be a priceless combination. After playing with it for more than 36 months (2-3 times per week), the blade is still in perfect shape, like the first day I bought it. I would recommend it to all-around players striving to spin strokes and spin-based attacks with defense capabilities. Nice control from any distance from the table during attacks, blocks are controllable, but not so fast, and after1-2 blocks, you can easily get under a lot of pressure from the opponent. Blade is very nice for transitions and flicks during points, due to the remarkable feel on each stroke. If you get used to it, you can minimize errors. Most comments from my opponents while playing with it, are that it's amazing control, and how much effort they need to invest for each point due to my consistency. Update: I have put tensor rubbers on this blade, Donic Bluefire M2, and Palio AK-47 blue, this unleashed all the speed this blade possesses. Require more skill, and for me it is hard to keep the ball on the table....AK-47 removed after 2 trainings, and put back Mark V soft gps, this is a better combination for me, Fast and still controllable.

I have Stiga Eternity, Stiga Clipper Wood, Joola Falcon Fast and Joola Viking. Test them all using the same rubber, it appears to be the Joola Viking is the best, or suit my playing style (I am playing offensive style, pushing and looping). The orders goes like Joola Viking > Joola Falcon Fast > Stiga Eternity > Stiga Clipper. I will buy couple more Viking before it ceased production. Best pure wood blade so far.

I presume this is a great blade — it is a rebadging of the famous/popular Avalox P700 (same wood plies; same dimensions).