FGI Industries

Background

The racquet that could have changed racquet design as we know it, but ended up as a one-off design. Theergonomic ETR design was the creation of C. Gibello and was produced in Belgium bySnauwaert. The Ergonom was the first of Snauwaert’s 3 forays into “ergonomically correct” frames. The idea was if the head was rotated, it would stay in line with the path of the ball longer than a conventional racquet head.The offset head works great on serves and volleys; less for serving. 

 

Today, the unusual shape of the Ergonommakes it a sought after collector racquet. The Ergonom features a graphite frame and comes complete with a leather grip. Snauwert Ergonom received honorable mention in Tennis Now's Five more unusual racquets. You can’t have a list like this without at least mentioning the Snauwaert Ergonom, which had a rotated head. 

 

Review

From Tennis.com

"We’ve been reviewing a fair amount of frames lately, and one of the more popular gripes from readers is that there’s nothing particularly new or innovative coming out. The argument goes that it’s basically the same technology and designs that have been offered for years, only dressed in different packaging. And while we may disagree with that sentiment—the wide open string patterns of spin-friendly frames don't seem like business as usual to us—we respect dissenting opinions. And for those who want to try something truly different, perhaps they should consider Curvstar.

 

And old-time racquet aficionados may notice a similarity between the Curvstar and the Snauwaert Ergonom from the 1980s. But while both have similar looking heads, the Curvstar’s banana-shaped handle separates it. The racquet was designed by former German pro player Thomas Emmrich and his daughter Manuela, a former college standout (see her Curvstar presentation in the video below). The ergonomic handle is intended to prevent overuse injuries by providing better wrist and elbow alignment. The offset head is designed to increase the sweet spot and increase spin generation.

The racquet is 27 in. in length, has a 107 sq. in. head, and weighs a trim 9.7 oz. As I have yet to hit with it, I can’t comment on its playability. But I am expecting a demo this week. Once I give it a test-run I’ll report back my findings.

Unusual as it looks, the frame has already been approved for league play by the International Tennis Federation."

 

-John Levey, Learning Curve

Included is a previously racquet and grip. Strings, case, and vibration stopper sold separate. The racquet contains dents, scratches, scrapes, has a worn grip, and general usage wear. The racquet is in the original retail packaging. Photos are of the actual product.