New-generation racquet debuts in Monte Carlo
15/04/2009
The first two technologies in a new system called YOUTEK featured in a new generation of tennis racquets from Austrian brand HEAD at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters tournament that took place in the principality during Easter week (April 12-19).
The first two technologies were d3o and Teflon friction-reducing polymer grommets from DuPont. They featured in a new collection of raquets in the HEAD Speed series.
Johan Eliasch, chief executive of HEAD, said in the build-up to the tournament: “D3o and DuPont’s Teflon friction-reducing polymer are among the premier innovations on the market today, and we’re extremely proud and excited to be teaming with these brands to improve tennis.”
D3o is a smart material that is soft, but is specially designed to become protective on impact. The specially designed molecules that make up the material flow with you as you move but, on shock, lock together to absorb impact. The UK-based company behind it has, so far, applied D3o to protective footwear (working with brands such as Caterpillar) and clothing (with motorcycle race suits from HYOD, Hestra skiing gloves, and the Helly Hansen Explorer CIS learner ski suit for children among the best examples). The material has also gone into a new Berghaus rucksack, the Agent 0022 in the Ator series.
This new application in HEAD tennis racquets, therefore, marks something of a departure. Located in the shaft of the racquet, d3o should help the tennis brand offer players a softer touch and better feel to slow hits and, when required, the increased stiffness necessary to give fast strokes extra power.
Novak Djokovic, the number three player in the world according to official rankings, was one of the first players to use the new equipment, with the Speed Pro as his raquet of choice. HEAD describes the Speed Pro as a heavy racquet with a very thin beam for exceptional touch and feel during play.
HEAD also chose the Monte-Carlo tournament to introduce a new Novak Djokovic bag line. The new bag lines are designed with extreme abrasion and dirt resistant material on the bottom; longer, padded shoulder straps; metal buckles; and a detachable, adjustable, convertible shoulder strap system.
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