The Snauwaert fanclub _/¯

dak95_00 · Jul 31, 2010

What is this? My friend picked it up at the Goodwill Store for $5.50. Is that a good deal?

It came with a nice full bag and would appear new except for one scuff/scrape on the top that is approx. 1". It has no bumper guard. The paint is a metallic green w/ a gold pinstripe. I can't tell what it is made of; wood, graphite, both, something else??? It also has a very nice leather grip that says "Snauwaert."

It only has on the top "Snauwaert" at the top of the throat and "Miloslav Mecir" at the top of the head. On the side is the only other writing for this racquet which is "Made with precision in Belgium by Snauwaert & Delpa."

Please ignor my feet in the 1st pic. The second pic is to show that the strings are inset into the fram like a wooden racquet.

Thanks for your help.

Rorsach · Jul 31, 2010

It's a beauty for sure. I've been looking for this one for a while now, but it usually fetches quite a price.

Snauwaert didn't really have the inclination of putting players names on frames if they didn't use them, so i'm guessing this is the frame Mecir used (and it looks like a wood or wood/graphite hybrid).

If you have the chance to take some more pics, please post them up.

vsbabolat · Jul 31, 2010

dak95_00 said:
What is this? My friend picked it up at the Goodwill Store for $5.50. Is that a good deal?

It came with a nice full bag and would appear new except for one scuff/scrape on the top that is approx. 1". It has no bumper guard. The paint is a metallic green w/ a gold pinstripe. I can't tell what it is made of; wood, graphite, both, something else??? It also has a very nice leather grip that says "Snauwaert."

It only has on the top "Snauwaert" at the top of the throat and "Miloslav Mecir" at the top of the head. On the side is the only other writing for this racquet which is "Made with precision in Belgium by Snauwaert & Delpa."

Please ignor my feet in the 1st pic. The second pic is to show that the strings are inset into the fram like a wooden racquet.

Thanks for your help.

That is a Graphite Wood Le Grande with green paint. Snauwaert also did up Brian Gottfried, Tomas Smid, and Vitas Gerulaitis versions as well with the only difference I knew was the cosmetics.
Mecir was literally the last guy on Tour using a Wood racquet. A midsize wood racquet reinforced with graphite.

heathcliff · Aug 22, 2010

does anyone know the specs if the graphite orbit, esp the material. i´ve read it was made partly of wood...

Hannah19 · Sep 3, 2010

Hi Heathcliff,
The Graphite Orbit is a mix of Graphite/fiberglass and aramid (kevlar) fibres. In Kuebler's book it says that the Superlight Orbit is made of laminated wood but that's a mistake on his part. I have a superlight orbit and it's a graphite composite like the graphit orbit but then lighter.
I can only give you spec from the Orbit Superlight.
weight: 325 gr (4 3/8) balance point:300 mm strings: 16x18
headsize: 85

Regards, Hans

vsbabolat · Sep 3, 2010

Hannah19 said:
Hi Heathcliff,
The Graphite Orbit is a mix of Graphite/fiberglass and aramid (kevlar) fibres. In Kuebler's book it says that the Superlight Orbit is made of laminated wood but that's a mistake on his part. I have a superlight orbit and it's a graphite composite like the graphit orbit but then lighter.
I can only give you spec from the Orbit Superlight.
weight: 325 gr (4 3/8) balance point:300 mm strings: 16x18
headsize: 85

Regards, Hans

There are apparently a lot of mistakes in that book and people should not take as the gospel.

vitasGremembered · Sep 3, 2010

Here were my Snauwaerts in college:

http://www.woodtennis.com/wBosworth/vitasG2.jpg

heathcliff · Sep 4, 2010

Hannah19 said:
Hi Heathcliff,
The Graphite Orbit is a mix of Graphite/fiberglass and aramid (kevlar) fibres. In Kuebler's book it says that the Superlight Orbit is made of laminated wood but that's a mistake on his part. I have a superlight orbit and it's a graphite composite like the graphit orbit but then lighter.
I can only give you spec from the Orbit Superlight.
weight: 325 gr (4 3/8) balance point:300 mm strings: 16x18
headsize: 85

Regards, Hans[/QUth

thanks for the info. i was wondering because i´ve read that miloslav mecir played with a wooden racket throughout his career. but he also played an orbit or a racket that looked like an orbit ( i think in 87)

retrowagen · Sep 4, 2010

The Graphite Orbit was a new graphic on the old Graphite Mid frame for 1987. It was a graphite/fiberglass composite with a foam core and one thin wood element in its core for vibration dampening.

Miloslav Mecir did play with a few different graphics on the Snauwaert midsize woods, commencing with the last version of the LaGrande, then the Brian Gottfried Graphite Mid (during the most successful period of his ATP career), then to the eponymous version of the frame. He did, for a short while, try to use a graphite/fiberglass composite mid, but it seemed he didn't like it much, and reverted back to his wood composites. Then back troubles ended his career, much too soon.

Steve Huff · Sep 4, 2010

I used a Boronite II in the early 80's. I wish I still had it, but I think my wife threw it out during one of our moves. I have some Ellipse Touch models, some Ergonoms, Vital Gerulitis woods, and some La Grandes, and a couple more wood/graphite comps from Snauwaert. One of my favorite tennis frame producers of all time.

heathcliff · Sep 7, 2010

retrowagen said:
The Graphite Orbit was a new graphic on the old Graphite Mid frame for 1987. It was a graphite/fiberglass composite with a foam core and one thin wood element in its core for vibration dampening.

Miloslav Mecir did play with a few different graphics on the Snauwaert midsize woods, commencing with the last version of the LaGrande, then the Brian Gottfried Graphite Mid (during the most successful period of his ATP career), then to the eponymous version of the frame. He did, for a short while, try to use a graphite/fiberglass composite mid, but it seemed he didn't like it much, and reverted back to his wood composites. Then back troubles ended his career, much too soon.

then he must have painted his rackets to make them look like the modern one?

Leo · Sep 15, 2010

Snauwaert composite-orbit

Dear friends, someone has some information about the racket Snauwaert composite-orbit? Any pro used it?
http://articulo.mercadolibre.com.ar/MLA-94912057-hermosa-raqueta-snauwaert-graphite-con-funda--_JM
Thank you very much

petema99 · Sep 26, 2010

What do you guys think about the Boron Mid?? how does it compare to the ps85 - i've heard it's very similar in specs and shape etc.

i have an opportunity to buy a brand new one... what would you say is a reasonable price for one of these with plastic on the grip?

Rorsach · Feb 14, 2011

Found another "new" (for me at least) Snauwaert paintjob.

We all know the much loved Snauwaert Mikael Pernfors:

For some reason the latest addition to my collection is exactly the same stick, but with the name changed. It says "GRAPHITE MP OVER":

Hannah19 · Feb 14, 2011

Hi Rorsach,

can you tell me the differences, I have so many frames that seem to have come from the M.P. mould: Comp Over, Anniversary, MCE 001, Comp 40.
Just another pj or totally different compositions?

retrowagen · Feb 14, 2011

I wonder if the Pernfors MP was actually made from the Wimbledon ("100% Graphite") mould - the frame Pernfors used (including his run in the French Open) prior to signing with Snauwaert (and the same frame used by Joakim Nystrom during his best years on the ATP Tour)... If anyone has an example of both in his or her collection, it'd be nice to see a comparison.

Rorsach · Feb 14, 2011

I thought it was the other way around. He used a Snauwaert which was painted as a Wimbledon later.

retrowagen · Feb 14, 2011

Rorsach said:
I thought it was the other way around. He used a Snauwaert which was painted as a Wimbledon later.

I don't think so. Nystorm was using that racquet as early as 1984 or 1985; at the time, the only oversized or midplus size Snauwaert was the old Fortissimo series, whose mould is quite different.

Rorsach · Feb 14, 2011

This one? http://www.flickr.com/photos/nylanmana/3428946435/

retrowagen · Feb 14, 2011

Rorsach said:
This one? http://www.flickr.com/photos/nylanmana/3428946435/

Almost, not quite. The version in question was approximately 98 sq-in, not the 88 sq-in version as shown in that link.

vsbabolat · Feb 14, 2011

Rorsach said:
I thought it was the other way around. He used a Snauwaert which was painted as a Wimbledon later.

No, The Wimbledon Graphgite came out first. Pernfors got to the finals of the 1986 French Open using it with the old Babolat "VS" stenciled on the string with the double line.

Nystrom had switched from the Rossignol F200 to the Wimbledon Graphite in around 1984.

daveyboy · Feb 14, 2011

The Wimbledon graphite and snauwaert pernfors are the same frame, the Wimbledon came out first. If I'm right, they both came from a company called kunnan which produced graphite frames for lots of companies back then.

I'll put the two together, side by side, a little later and snap a pic for all to see.

retrowagen · Feb 14, 2011

daveyboy said:
The Wimbledon graphite and snauwaert pernfors are the same frame, the Wimbledon came out first. If I'm right, they both came from a company called kunnan which produced graphite frames for lots of companies back then.

I'll put the two together, side by side, a little later and snap a pic for all to see.

Kunnan is the parent company of the Pro Kennex house brand, and OEM to many brands of tennis gear, including Wimbledon and Prince in the 1980's...

Does your Snauwaert Pernfors have any indication as to whether it was produced in Belgium or elsewhere? I believe Snauwaert was one of the stalwart European producers, who didn't resort to asian production until the mid-1990's (although I could be mistaken).

vsbabolat · Feb 14, 2011

daveyboy said:
The Wimbledon graphite and snauwaert pernfors are the same frame, the Wimbledon came out first. If I'm right, they both came from a company called kunnan which produced graphite frames for lots of companies back then.

I'll put the two together, side by side, a little later and snap a pic for all to see.

AFAIK Snauwaert Pernfors Auto was made in Belgium. Not by Kunnan Lo in Taiwan.
http://80s-tennis.com/pages/snauwaert_mikael-pernfors-autograph.html

Howard Head · Feb 16, 2011

Hello,I'll join the Snauwaert fan club with mine Ergonom mint condition

Hannah19 · Feb 16, 2011

vsbabolat said:
AFAIK Snauwaert Pernfors Auto was made in Belgium. Not by Kunnan Lo in Taiwan.
http://80s-tennis.com/pages/snauwaert_mikael-pernfors-autograph.html

You're right. Snauwaert's were made in Belgium until the beginning of the 1990's. After that, they moved to Portugal for their manufacturing and finally, when Rucanor of the Netherlands owned the brandname, they had all frames produced in the Far East. Rucanor had a good relationship with Kunnan since all of their rackets were produced by that company in the past.

retrowagen · Mar 17, 2011

Wow, did any of you follow the auction of the nice Hi Ten 30 on the big auction site this last week? I was surprised by the ending price... but then again, how often do these rare and special modern classics appear for sale?

racquetfreak · Mar 17, 2011

retrowagen said:
Wow, did any of you follow the auction of the nice Hi Ten 30 on the big auction site this last week? I was surprised by the ending price... but then again, how often do these rare and special modern classics appear for sale?

i was not surprised at all. i think this is probably an example of demand resulting from discussion of rare and desirable classics in this forum. i also know that players that have a history with these frames are searching for more of them. the winner in the auction mentioned above has been buying up quite a few highly sought-after frames such as a volkl zebra in nice condition last week.

retrowagen · Mar 17, 2011

racquetfreak said:
i was not surprised at all. i think this is probably an example of demand resulting from discussion of rare and desirable classics in this forum. i also know that players that have a history with these frames are searching for more of them. the winner in the auction mentioned above has been buying up quite a few highly sought-after frames such as a volkl zebra in nice condition last week.

This person must be quite the knowledgable racquet enthusiast.

I was pleased to snap up a really nice Snauwaert Golden Mid, and a Prince Graphite Comp Series 90 cheaply this week.

CzechM8 · Mar 18, 2011

After hitting with some wooden frames I've become hooked on the experience and started looking for some playable ones. I've just come across a Snauwaert on a Czech auction site. It seems to be in great condition:

Does anyone have any info on this frame? I'm counting 18x21 strings :shock:
Any info will be much appreciated.

coachrick · Mar 18, 2011

vsbabolat said:
AFAIK Snauwaert Pernfors Auto was made in Belgium. Not by Kunnan Lo in Taiwan.
http://80s-tennis.com/pages/snauwaert_mikael-pernfors-autograph.html

We sold a fair number of those in Atlanta(actually Doraville!) back in those days('86/'87). Both Pernfors and Steven(Stephen/Stefan?) Snauwaert lived in Atlanta during part of the '80s/'90s. Unfortunately, quite a few of the Pernfors models snapped in the shoulders/throat and the frame had a limited 'shelf life'. Nice looking stick, as were most of the Snauwaerts(especially wood and wood composites).

Kal-El 34 · Mar 20, 2011

just strung up this baby

Hannah19 · Mar 23, 2011

racquetfreak said:
i was not surprised at all. i think this is probably an example of demand resulting from discussion of rare and desirable classics in this forum. i also know that players that have a history with these frames are searching for more of them. the winner in the auction mentioned above has been buying up quite a few highly sought-after frames such as a volkl zebra in nice condition last week.

TT or not, these HI-TEN's are regarded as THE rackets to have for serious collectors.
I do some trading myself and these Snauwaert's are on top all my clients wishlists. Together with the GTX-PRO-T, Pro Legend Classic, Vario mid, Eguijet etc, etc.

Roadway · Mar 29, 2011

My Snauwert Graphite Mid cracked when tensioned 60lbs. Very sad.

Uncle_Serge · Mar 31, 2011

One question cons. Snauwaert

Guys! Please help

In Russia the Snauwaert is rare brand and almost nobody can name it correct. Please advise correct pronunsiation!

(how Belgian or French people pronounce this name)

Sno-u-or?????

Rorsach · Mar 31, 2011

Snauwaert:

S
N
AUW pronounced the as the "OU" from "OUCH"
AERT pronounced as the "ART" from "FART", with a bit of an "E" in there.

Hannah19 · Mar 31, 2011

CzechM8 said:
After hitting with some wooden frames I've become hooked on the experience and started looking for some playable ones. I've just come across a Snauwaert on a Czech auction site. It seems to be in great condition:

Does anyone have any info on this frame? I'm counting 18x21 strings :shock:
Any info will be much appreciated.

No info on this racket in Kuebler's book.
Could be a special paintjob for a large retailstore.

vsbabolat · Mar 31, 2011

I wonder if anyone from the Snauwaert family ever reads these threads about the great racquets they once made......

Uncle_Serge · Mar 31, 2011

Rorsach said:
Snauwaert:

S
N
AUW pronounced the as the "OU" from "OUCH"
AERT pronounced as the "ART" from "FART", with a bit of an "E" in there.

If origin of this name is French (or Belgian, that's almost the same) the "t" on the end I guess shouldn't be pronounced... For example, "Guy Forget", "Ives Saint-Laurent" etc.

Remember how changed pronounciation the name of Mary Pierce when she started to play for France...

Rorsach · Mar 31, 2011

Uncle_Serge said:
If origin of this name is French (or Belgian, that's almost the same) the "t" on the end I guess shouldn't be pronounced... For example, "Guy Forget", "Ives Saint-Laurent" etc.

Remember how changed pronounciation the name of Mary Pierce when she started to play for France...

Belgian and French almost the same? Don't let them hear it.

Most people named Snauwaert are in the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium (or at least, as far as Google knows), so it all just depends.

vsbabolat · Apr 1, 2011

^^^^^
Snauwaert is a Flemish name. Snauwaert & Depla N.V. was located in the town of Roeselare.

retrowagen · Apr 1, 2011

I know we have some Flemish "regulars" on this forum, perhaps they could check in and educate us with authority.

It was my understanding that the best Flemish approximation for the fluent English speaker is to say, "Snow - Art." Pretty easy.

Rorsach · Apr 1, 2011

retrowagen said:
I know we have some Flemish "regulars" on this forum, perhaps they could check in and educate us with authority.

It was my understanding that the best Flemish approximation for the fluent English speaker is to say, "Snow - Art." Pretty easy.

Nah, it's not "snow".

At least, afaik and i live about 5km from the border with belgium in the Netherlands.

retrowagen · Apr 1, 2011

Rorsach said:
Nah, it's not "snow".

At least, afaik and i live about 5km from the border with belgium in the Netherlands.

OK, well you would certainly know then!

I don't speak Dutch or Flemish, but lernt English and German in my home growing up, and have travelled through the NL and Belgium quite a bit. Thanks for the help... always learning something new!

Rorsach · Apr 1, 2011

Someone put the Batsignal out for Ericsson, he's Belgian, isn't he?

Hannah19 · Apr 1, 2011

Rorsach said:
Nah, it's not "snow".

At least, afaik and i live about 5km from the border with belgium in the Netherlands.

Yes, you're right.

It's more like saying "now" with an "S" in front.
The "art" I can live with.
So: S-now-art

subz · Apr 1, 2011

A friend of mine went to a thrift store and bought this racquet. He showed it to me and I took some pictures. It looks old, since its wood

Does anyone has an idea how old this racquet is and how much is it worth ? Thanks. Enjoy the pictures:

subz · Apr 1, 2011

^^^^^sorry for the big size of the pictures :/

tandayu · Apr 2, 2011

jazar · Apr 2, 2011

I got an Ergonom. Snauwaert were obviously ahead of the times as its a grip size 0. BTW, has anyone got the correct string pattern for the Ergonom?

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