Belgian racket brand Snauwaert is back ! With ambassadors Xavier Malisse, Dominique Monami and WTA player Alison van Uytvanck, the nostalgic Belgian brand makes its comeback!
The older readers among us will undoubtedly still remember Snauwaert. The tennis brand, founded in 1928, had its heyday in the 70s and 80s as a renowned racket brand for players such as Mikael Pernfors, Vitas Gerulaitis and Miroslav Mecir. In those days, the brand was a major player on the tennis market. Unfortunately, the brand lost its place on this market in the mid-80s. Last February (2016), Snauwaert made its comeback. Snauwaert wants to enter the market 'as an innovative e-commerce company', by reaching tennis players via a select number of online (sales) channels and via tennis clubs. In this way, Snauwaert wants to create a real tennis community in order to grow the brand. In addition, the brand will only be available in a very limited number of tennis specialty stores.
Of course, this includes a great product range. After 3 years of development, Snauwaert has developed 4 rackets, each in two weight classes. What stands out are the special blade shapes. Below in overview: The Snauwaert Grinta rackets have a Control Raising Drop shaped frame: The blade is enlarged at 3 and 9 o'clock for a larger sweet spot and more stability.
- Grinta 98 (Regular 315g) : 98 sq/inch, 315 grams, 31.0 balance, 16/16 stringing pattern
- Grinta 98 (Light 290g) : 98 sq/inch, 290 grams, 33.0 balance, 16/16 stringing pattern
- Grinta 100 (Regular 305g) : 100 sq/inch, 305 grams, 31.5 balance, 16/18 stringing pattern
- Grinta 100 (Light 285g) : 100 sq/inch, 285 grams, 32.5 balance, 16/18 stringing pattern
The Snauwaert Vitas rackets have a Power Pentagon shaped frame: the diamond shape of the blade ensures a more even distribution of the (length) of the strings, good for a generous, forgiving sweet spot with extra power.
- Vitas 100 (Regular 300g) : 100 sq/inch, 300 grams, 31.5 balance, 16/19 stringing pattern
- Vitas 100 (Light 280g) : 100 sq/inch, 280 grams, 33.0 balance, 16/19 stringing pattern
- Vitas 105 (Regular 285g) : 105 sq/inch, 285 grams, 32.5 balance, 14/19 stringing pattern, 27.25 inches
- Vitas 105 (Light 265g) : 105 sq/inch, 265 grams, 34.0 balance, 14/19 stringing pattern, 27.25 inches
In addition, Snauwaert has two ITF-approved balls in its range: the Snauwaert All Court and Clay Court. With the rackets, you have the choice of ordering them unstrung or strung with a string of your choice. With the latter, the rackets are made in Belgium itself. 'unstrung', for optimum quality and playability of rackets and strings.
Great to see an iconic brand like Snauwaert back on the tennis market! Mijnracket.nl will try to test and review a number of Snauwaert rackets soon. Keep an eye on us for this.