Like the rest of the cornhole world, I heard the hype of Ultra Viper R bags and had to test the waters myself. Am I glad I did? Let’s break down the details and see if they live up to expectations.
Ultra Viper R Bags Review
- Speeds: Listed: 5/9 | Actual: 5.5/9
- Bag Template Size: Medium (L: 5.75 x W: 5.75)
- Fullness: Medium-Full
- Weight: 450g
- Bead Fill Type: Mix
- Carpet Bag: Yes
First Impressions
The Ultra Viper R cornhole bags have taken the cornhole community by storm, and like many, I opened up the bag and threw them immediately without any hot water soak or conditioning. Despite being stiff and fast, I was able to throw both sides into the hole with ease. After a hot water soak, massage, and tumble dry, they were ready to rock the next day. The bags still played a touch fast, but I was cautious not to overcondition them, preferring to let time break them in naturally.
Performance and Speed Of Ultra Viper R
The next day, my friends and I tested the Ultra bags, and I couldn’t lose with them. Even when I thought I missed, the bags somehow found their way into the hole, showing incredible hole-friendliness on both sides. I managed to throw 18 consecutive bags in the hole, a testament to their performance straight out of the pack. The Viper R bag’s medium-sized template is slightly smaller than other Ultra Viper bags. It’s a carpet bag with a unique embossed, yet soft, carpet material that has more grip compared to others.
The fullness of the Viper R adds to its firmness, making it less floppy in hand. I could easily use both sides of the bag to attack the hole, whether throwing fast or letting it slide on the board. The fast side isn’t as quick as a Cat 3 or Samurai, but it’s a controllable 9, while the slow side plays between a 5-6, depending on conditions.
Note: Also read my other all cornhole bags reviews
Quality and Durability
The seams on the Ultra Viper R bag are elite, with the closing stitch almost matching the other three sides, indicating superior quality. Initially, the bags performed exceptionally well, but I noticed they played slightly faster in drier weather compared to humid conditions. This was expected, but it does mean I need more time with these bags in different environments before declaring them my top pick. However, they are undoubtedly contenders for the top spot, offering impressive performance at a relatively affordable price.
Personal Preference and Final Thoughts
After more extensive use, I decided to part with the Ultra Viper R bags. They are perhaps my favorite carpet bags, second only to the Mudbugs, but the feel of the carpet doesn’t suit my personal preference. I prefer a smooth, flat surface, and the slightly puffy feel of the Viper R, combined with the movement of the beads during my swing, didn’t align with my style. If you want a versatile set of bags that perform well across various conditions, the Viper R is one of the best. However, for those like me who prefer non-carpet bags or have specific feel preferences, Ultra’s other options like the Hypes or Costellos might be a better fit. The hype around these bags is justified, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference.