Head is a leading sports brand, renowned for its products in a number of different sports, including tennis. Over the years, many professional players have used Head racquets to take their game to the next level, and it is widely accepted as one of the best brands on the market. But who founded the company, and what is the story behind the brand?
The History of HEAD
Head is an Austrian company that was founded in 1950 by Howard Head. Head was an innovator and an avid skier, and he wanted to design a metal ski that was lighter, stronger and more flexible than the wooden skis that were popular at the time. He eventually succeeded in creating the world’s first aluminum ski, and his innovation changed the ski industry forever.
In the 1960s, Head turned his attention to tennis. He wanted to create a tennis racquet that was lighter, stronger and more powerful than the wooden racquets that were on the market. He succeeded in doing this, and the Head Pro was born. The Pro was the first metal racquet to be used on the professional tour, and it revolutionized the sport.
HEAD’s Innovations
Head has been at the forefront of racquet technology ever since the Pro was released. In the 1990s, they released the Prestige racquet, which featured a new “oscillating weight system” that allowed the racquet to be more powerful and maneuverable. They also introduced the Intelligent Racquet Technology (IRT) system, which allowed players to customize their racquets to meet their specific playing style and needs.
In the 2000s, they released the Speed series, which featured a new “Maximum Power Frame” that allowed players to generate more power with each shot. They also released the Radical series, which featured a “Power Channels” technology that allowed for more control.
Notable Players
Many of the world’s top players have used HEAD racquets throughout the years, including:
- Andre Agassi: Agassi used the HEAD Pro from the mid-80s to the early-90s and won 8 grand slam titles with it.
- Steffi Graf: Graf used the HEAD Pro from the mid-80s to the mid-90s and won 22 grand slam titles with it.
- Pete Sampras: Sampras used the HEAD Pro from the mid-90s to the early-00s and won 14 grand slam titles with it.
- Roger Federer: Federer has used the HEAD Pro from the early-00s to the present day and has won 20 grand slam titles with it.
HEAD’s Sponsorship of Major Events
Head has been a major sponsor of many of the world’s top tennis tournaments, including the Australian Open, the French Open, the US Open and the ATP World Tour Finals. They have also sponsored many of the game’s biggest stars, including Agassi, Graf, Sampras, Federer and Novak Djokovic.
HEAD’s Popularity Today
Head’s racquets remain popular today, and the company continues to innovate and develop new technologies. Their racquets are used by many of the world’s top players, and the company continues to be a major sponsor of many of the world’s biggest tournaments.
HEAD’s Future
Head is well-positioned to continue to be a leader in racquet technology for many years to come. As long as Howard Head’s legacy of innovation lives on, Head will remain one of the most popular and successful tennis brands in the world.
Conclusion
Head is one of the most popular and successful tennis brands in the world. It was founded by Howard Head in 1950, and he revolutionized the industry with his innovative designs. Head has continued to be at the forefront of racquet technology, and their racquets are used by many of the world’s top players. They have also been a major sponsor of many of the world’s biggest tournaments. Head is well-positioned to continue to be a leader in racquet technology for many years to come.