by Tim Heckler, USPTA CEO
June 2008 -- At its recent annual sales meeting HEAD/Penn Racquet sports introduced new products and technology, including an improved Pro Penn ball. The company takes "longer lasting" to a new level with Pro Penn+.
Endorsed by USPTA for 35 years, the Pro Penn has long been viewed as the industry's premier ball. Now the Pro Penn is the complete package with proven Encore technology for a 33 percent longer lasting core "plus" new LongPlay felt that lasts 25 percent longer. The ball also features Smart Optik so it remains 19 percent brighter than a standard tennis ball.
LongPlay technology does not affect how the felt feels and plays right out of the can - it's the same great performance we've come to know and expect from Pro Penn. The difference is evident with longer play, which is an ideal characteristic for teaching professionals and teaching baskets. That's when the wear of the felt really starts to slow down when compared to the original ball. The chart above demonstrates the improved wear of the Pro Penn+ compared to the original Pro Penn.
USPTA was involved in early play testing of the new felt and the development of both the ball and the new packaging. We were excited to be involved in the testing and impressed with HEAD/Penn's dedication to developing an even better product because we didn't think the Pro Penn could be improved. An additional benefit of the new felt is that it stays cleaner longer - picking up less dirt and dust from the court.
Improvements to the packaging include a gold lid for the ball can to emphasize the premium ball status. The gold lid will also make the product stand out from its competitors on the shelf. An updated label also highlights LongPlay technology and the Pro Penn+ name. An introductory sticker on the ball can wrap will point out ball improvements to customers. Of course, USPTA's star logo remains a prominent feature on each can.
HEAD/Penn succeeded in adding clear and measurable benefits to the Pro Penn ball that are especially meaningful to us as USPTA pros. In addition to ball improvements, the company has also instituted a promotional offer for Pro Penn four packs that includes an eMusic song offer, which has been simplified for consumer use. Ask your sales representative about this special promotion in which customers can receive between one and 1,000 songs in each pack of tennis balls. There's no minimum order for these packages. Customers set up an eMusic user name and password to start downloading, and there's no limit to the number of codes a customer may redeem.
Pro Penn+ is a great upgrade to the USPTA Pro Penn ball and we couldn't be more pleased with our continuing partnership with HEAD/Penn. It's a great way to kick off the 35th year of our relationship with Pro Penn - the industry's longest-running product endorsement.
