Old JO Waldner Banda - Worth the time and effort?

[Liten]

So I got this old thing at an auction.

Is it worth the time to shave the rubbers of and maby even convert to a penhold?

Feels really hefty and big. Its a 5ply, so it cant be that bad right?
Beastmod in NOT needed at all..

 

[ajtatosmano2]

Experiment is always worth the time. I think it can be a slow blade with great control. Or not. But definitely worth to test it.

 

[Liten]

Turns out the sponge was really porus. Easy to shave of.

No WRB! [emoji16]

 

[Liten]

Loads of colored glue stuck on this one.. But it's coming along pretty decent..

 

[Liten]

All sanded down. Starting to like this one.. Has a nice high pitch..

 

[UpSideDownCarl]

Don't cut the handle! Keep that baby how it is. Taking off the rubber was good. But don't change the handle. That is actually worth something if you leave it alone. As soon as you modify the handle it is worth much less.

You still can play penhold with it if you leave the handle how it is.

 

[Liten]

Thanks, ill leave it alone, don't worry.
Works fine for penhold, but it is hefty, even for shakehand.. Then again, its got a really nice balance.
Ill slab some old rubbers on and see how she does..

 

[UpSideDownCarl]

Do you have a scale to see how much it actually weighs? That blade will probably feel pretty decent. Good 5 ply construction.

 

[Liten]

Nope, no scale at home. Ill try finding one at work, once I get rid of this cold.. :/

 

[Suga D]

Did you weigh it yet? How much does it weigh? Banda used to be known to make very light weighted but easy controlable blades...This looks like one of their classics.
Good Job! (Once again)

Just saw Carl´s been asking nearly the same question :-D

 

[Liten]

Nope, no weight-idea yet.
The head is actually quite small? Maby thats whats trowing me off thinking the handle is hefty..
Ah well, ill post the weight once I find a scale.

 

[Liten]

Didnt have any other blade without rubbers so I did a short pitch test of the Banda vs the old Europa 3ply.. Mind you, the Europa has a rather thick seal sprayed on.. The Banda is unsealed so far..

[emoji50]

[edit] Sorry for the crap-quality of the clip[/edit]

 

[ajtatosmano2]

It sounds good!

 

[Liten]

When I first took it out of the case I thaught the wood on the handle was dull and ugly.
Now it's turning me over.. A few coats of linseed and it should really pop.. [emoji7]

 

[Liten]

First coat:

 

[Liten]

Nr2

 

[Liten]

Got hold of a scale.. [emoji16]
Nope, wasnt dreaming, it IS hefty!

Just for good measure, here is the Europa:

 

[UpSideDownCarl]

That Banda blade is a perfect weight. Just the way they made 'em back in the good old days.


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[Liten]

Great to hear! [emoji5]

Now to find rubbers suitable for it..

Mayby the Rakzas will end up on it.. Im diggin the lines spin and control, but I cant ignore the lack of speed compared to the Boost XT rubber..

Ah well...

 

[UpSideDownCarl]

Great to hear! [emoji5]

Now to find rubbers suitable for it..

Mayby the Rakzas will end up on it.. Im diggin the lines spin and control, but I cant ignore the lack of speed compared to the Boost XT rubber..

Ah well...

If it is not as fast your technique will improve. You will learn how to improve your contact and use the timing of your hips and weight transfer better to generate the power. But this Banda blade may play like a dream. I have a feeling you may have found a gem. I hit with one of those about 4-5 years ago and wished that I could get one. So if it plays anything close to similarly, you may have unearthed the holy grail. [emoji2] Just sayin'!


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