BUSINESS MATTERS: PRINCE BUSINESSMATTERS
Steve Heatley, Sales Manager for Solo Sports, UK distributors of Prince, talks to International Squash Magazine.
What is the history behind Prince Sports? The brand was born in 1970 when Bob Mclure invented the first tennis ball machine in his garage in Princeton, New Jersey, and since then Prince has proven itself to be an industry leader in the innovation and manufacturing of performance racket sports products.
In 1976, to avoid mishits in tennis, Prince invented the first oversize racket at 110sqin and has since expanded its product range to become a full ‘racket sports provider’, offering top-quality performance tennis, squash and badminton products. Prince innovations have continued to revolutionise all three sports and most recently Extender, O3, Speedport and now EXO3 technologies have taken racket performance to new heights.
How many products are there in the Prince squash range? The new 2010 Prince squash collection is now available from all racket specialists and comprises thirteen models: two new EXO3 rackets, four O3 Speedport rackets, three Triple Threat Airstick rackets and four recreational models.
Can you tell us a little about your range and the technology behind it? The most recognisable feature of the Prince squash racket range is the innovative and patented ‘PowerRing’ where the main strings are wrapped around an inverted ring at the throat of the racket. This provides longer, more uniform string length which gives a more consistent and powerful ‘hit’.
‘PowerRing’ technology is a key feature within the Prince EXO3, O3 Speedport and Triple Threat Airstick collections for 2010.
EXO3 is the latest generation of racket design from Prince that further develops ‘O’ Port technology. The addition of the ‘Energy Bridge’, an external structure that suspends the string from the frame, reduces vibration by up to 50% and offers more comfort, power and feel.
What are the benefits of the product? Prince squash rackets deliver the highest quality, performance technology and racket speed. The patented EXO3 and ‘O’ Ports in the racket provide the extra racket speed and also strengthen and stabilise the frame for perfect control.
Do you have a product which would suit every sportsperson? It’s often thought that the most ‘expensive’ racket will be the ‘best’ racket for you. However, this idea is not the correct way to approach buying a racket.
The Prince squash range comprises models with different technologies, different head sizes, frame weights and balance and therefore it is important for you to test the balance, weight and overall ‘feel’ of the racket.
The Prince Airstick collection offers fantastic power with a 485sqcm head size, whereas the EXO3 and Speedport rackets with a 470sqcm head size offer a perfect combination of power and control.
What is the current best selling product and why? The Prince O3 Speedport Black has been the brand’s best selling product over the last two years with incredible sales for a racket with a RRP of £160. It is the racket of choice for the Prince pro player team, used by Nicol David and James Willstrop among others.
We believe it has been the best racket on the market for racket speed, power and control. The Prince EXO3 Rebel for 2010 should appeal to the O3 Speedport Black fan as it has the same weight and balance.
What are the timescales for a new product to go from concept to retail? Prince’s research and development (R&D) division are already working on ideas and concepts for the 2011 Prince squash collection. Ideas and development, followed by performance, playability and durability testing, mean a concept in January 2010 could reach retail shops by May 2011.
What does having professional players using your products mean to the brand and its identity? Having James Willstrop and Nicol David, two of the sport’s most admired and respected players on the World Tour, is extremely important to Prince and we consider them to be the ultimate role models and ambassadors for the brand. Junior players around the world look up to players like James and Nicol and we are privileged to have them as part of the Prince team.
Do you notice a marked increase in sales when players using your products win major events? Without doubt our sales of the Prince O3 Speedport Black have soared because of the endorsement of James Willstrop, Nicol David and Saurav Ghosal, and as the reach of web streaming and TV expands, the influence of these players will only become greater.
How much input do your consumers and professional athletes have in the R&D for new technologies and product design? Prince R&D take the feedback from all of its team of professional players and coaches. Innovation and racket design are what Prince pride themselves on and taking input from pro players is key to developing the next breakthrough concept, similarly to O3 technology in 2007.
EXO3 is currently being launched and James Willstrop will be the first player to use the EXO3 Rebel which will be his racket of choice.
How does a potential buyer go about purchasing products? Prince squash rackets and footwear are available from all leading UK racket specialists. For more information and details of your nearest stockist please call our customer services team on 01539 622322 or visit:
www.isportgroup.com/PrinceSquash
INTERNATIONALSQUASHMAGAZINE June 2010 | 23
www.isportgroup.com/InternationalSquashMagazine
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