ODD BOD ZEBEST ANTELOP WAVY MODEL

rodracquet

Rookie
Rarely do we find these odd racquet designs yet here is the very wavy creation by Zebest/ Antelop since there is no branding only an ID from Sigi Kueblers great book.
A more recent wavy design came from Wavex but this goes back to the early 90's.

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Sanglier

Professional
Now that's different. Does it play stiffer? What was the purpose, besides being different?
The polite thing to do is to let Rod answer this question himself, but he seems to be in the habit of posting a bunch of cool stuff then vanish again for long periods of time. :) As I happen to have one of these also (though mine is in much rougher shape than Rod's, and has a grip collar), I hope he doesn't mind my interjection.

I believe these were only made as prototypes, by Bonny, which was the go-to manufacturer for numerous unusual frame designs of that era. The 'waves' were likely intended to produce a more flexible neck without sacrificing frame strength. Mine measures out to 55 RA, so it's at the flexible end of the spectrum for a 100% graphite frame with a 17.5 mm beam. However, it's nowhere near wet noodle territory.

I should add that the 'wave' on the Wavex is different from the Bonny 'wave'. The former is formed by an alternating succession of thicker and thinner beam sections, whereas the latter is essentially an undulating beam of constant width.

In all honesty, I don't think these 'waves' made much if any difference in practice, as mine plays exactly like any other straight-beamed Taiwanese frame of the same size, weight, and balance. Perhaps this is why the design did not survive into full production? It does look funky in the hand though; I feel like a Moro rebel holding a Kris!

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