Head Serves Up New LiquidMetal Racquets
Revolutionary Technology Redefines Performance On The Court
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Megan Costello Burch
306 S. 45th Avenue
Phoenix,
602-447-2324
mburch@us.head.com
06/25/03 - Phoenix -- HEAD Racquet Sports is continuing its legacy of innovation with the 2003 launch of the Liquidmetal racquet line, incorporating Liquidmetal technology - the only material that utilizes all the energy your swing generates.
Developed by the California Institute of Technology (CalTech), Liquidmetal alloy provides 29% more power than Titanium. Just as its name implies, Liquidmetal alloy is different from conventional materials because of its liquid (or amorphous) atomic structure. This means that Liquidmetal alloy does not deform on impact, resulting in ultimate energy return.
HEAD has maximized the benefits of Liquidmetal alloy by applying it to four strategic areas of the racquet's head, integrated in the main layer of the frame's construction. This allows all of the energy from ball impact to be used for a power return -- so what a player puts into his or her swing is exactly what they get out. The result is Pure Energy. Perfect Power.
Benefits of HEAD's Liquidmetal racquets are enhanced by three additional unrivaled components, Total Sweetspot Construction (TSC), NoShox Dampening System and an Integrated String Dampener (ISD). Total Sweetspot Construction increases torsional stability in the racquet head and extends the sweetspot throughout the entire racquet head, resulting in ultimate control. The NoShox Dampening System consists of a newly developed "memory foam" integrated into the racquet handle that reduces vibrations 27% better than systems in conventional racquets. And an Integrated String Dampener affixed to the grommets at the base of the head absorbs string vibration. Now even the most powerful racquet is easy on the arm and completely comfortable, no matter what style of play.
"In less than five years we've been able to create two #1 selling racquet technologies with Titanium and Intelligence. Now we are bringing to the market an unbelievable new power technology that will again revolutionize the sport," said Johan Eliasch, CEO of HEAD N.V. "Tennis players will immediately feel the advantages of this technology on the courts."
HEAD will introduce three racquets as part of the Liquidmetal line this summer, each designed for players of different swing styles: The flagship of this line will be the Liquidmetal 8 (112 sq. in. head size, retail $250) for players with a short, compact swing looking for more power; the Liquidmetal 4 (102 sq. in. head size, retail $225), a mid plus frame for players with moderate swing who need a racquet with great power and control; and the Liquidmetal Radical is a racquet for more aggressive players with longer, faster swing styles is available in two head sizes: an oversize frame (107 sq. in. head size, retail $200), which is the choice of world #1 top star Andre Agassi, and mid plus (98 sq. in. head size, retail $200).
"HEAD delivers innovative new technologies and state-of-the-art equipment. Every time. Now they've done it again with the exciting new HEAD Liquidmetal racquets, and my Liquidmetal Radical," states Andre Agassi.
HEAD's leadership position as an innovator is driven by the company's philosophy to support every tennis player in achieving his or her best performance. The Liquidmetal technology is a breakthrough that advances performance far beyond any product on the market today. It follows the highly successful HEAD Intelligence series, which produced several top selling frames and continues to be the best selling racquet technology* worldwide (*Germany (2002): Sports Tracking Europe (STE), France (2002): Sports Tracking Europe (STE), Austria (2002): GFK, Austria, USA (2002): Sports Marketing Surveys, Specialty Store Retail Audit).
HEAD/Penn Racquet Sports is a division of HEAD NV which owns such premier sporting goods brands as HEAD (tennis, racquetball, and squash racquets; alpine skis and boots; snowboards, bindings and boots; athletic and outdoor footwear; accessories and apparel), Penn (tennis balls and racquetball balls), Tyrolia (ski bindings), Mares and Dacor (both scuba diving equipment).
HEAD is the #1 selling tennis racquet brand in Europe and #2 worldwide. Penn is the only tennis ball manufactured in the USA and holds the status of America's #1 selling tennis ball and the World's #1 selling racquetball. Penn is the official ball of the Tennis Masters Series and other major international tournaments. www.head.com
More About Liquidmetal Alloys
HEAD developed the Liquidmetal application for tennis racquets in partnership with Liquidmetal Technologies (www.liquidmetal.com), the leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of products made from amorphous alloys. In 2002, the company was awarded a "Technology of the Year" distinction for Liquidmetal alloys by INDUSTRYWEEK Magazine.
Liquidmetal Technologies recently licensed the use of the technology to TAG Heuer, who is featuring a high-performance Liquidmetal alloy as the casing of a new special edition, state-of-the-art digital movement timepiece. Additional applications include medical devices, telecommunications equipment, golf clubs, even space missions. Liquidmetal Technologies is listed as (NASDAQ: LQMT).
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MEDIA CONTACTS: Esther Lippman and Kristen Tate, 404-262-3000
