HEAD Launches YOUTEK™ for YOU

HEAD enters a new era of technology with the launch of YOUTEK™. Designed to adapt to all levels of tennis skill, YOUTEK technologies focus on individual playing styles to enhance performance and bring out the best play in “YOU”.

The first two technologies in the YOUTEK™ system include d3o™ and Teflon® Friction Reducing Polymer grommets and are featured in the new HEAD Speed series racquet set to debut at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 in Monte Carlo in April. YOUTEK™ technologies are designed to combine different superior technologies to perfectly match a player’s individual style.

“The YOUTEK™ will enhance every player’s performance and provides the right equipment for every player’s need,” said Johan Eliasch, CEO of the HEAD N.V. Group. “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.”

YOUTEK™ Technology infuses d3o™, a “smart material” made from specially designed molecules, which dramatically change when in use. d3o™ is a soft material that “locks together” upon racquet impact. Located in the shaft of the racquet, d3o™ reacts to the needs of a player in nano seconds, providing a softer touch and better feel to slow hits and increased stiffness necessary to create power behind fast strokes.


“The d3o™ technology allows the racquet to sense the need of the player during different strokes and adapt to individual playing styles,” said Eliasch. “The material has been used in other applications such as ski suits and soccer balls, and proven to react as the individual uses the technology.”

Another feature of YOUTEK™ is the introduction of Teflon® Friction Reducing Polymer, which allow minimal string friction and creates a bigger “sweet spot” through the even distribution of tension across the entire string bed.

“With the Teflon® Friction Reducing Polymer technology, strings do not lose energy and can move freely around the grommets, offering the player more power and feel on the racquet,” said Eliasch.

The new Speed Series will include the following racquets:

Speed Pro: The weapon of choice for HEAD player Novak Djokovic is a heavy racquet with a very thin beam for exceptional touch and feel during play.

Speed MP: The new design is for heavy hitters with a long fast swing style and is available in two different string patterns (16/19 and 18/20) to accommodate a wide range of players.

Speed Elite: Designed with a slightly wider beam for additional support, the Speed Elite is a comfort version of the Speed Tour racquets for the avid tennis player.

Speed Lite: The lightest racquet in the series provides a perfect combination of power, maneuverability and control for those players with a moderate swing style.

Speed Jr.: For the younger players looking to improve their game, the racquet is based off the Speed Lite for top quality at the junior level.

In addition, HEAD introduced the 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. The new Tour Package is available now in pro/specialty and sporting goods stores.