Prince
ActiveOverview
Prince Global Sports, LLC produces equipment for tennis and squash, including racquets, footwear, balls, strings, grips, bags, apparel, and accessories. The brand pioneered technologies such as oversize racquets, Longbody technology, multifilament strings, Natural Foot Shape shoes, EXO3, and ESP. It maintains offices in the USA, UK, France, Holland, Germany, and Taiwan.13
History
Prince was founded in 1970 in the United States, initially focusing on tennis balls and machines. In 1978, Howard Head, former head of the Head ski team, influenced its development into a major racquet brand with innovations that improved playability. The company became known for first-to-market technologies over the past 40 years and reorganized as Prince Global Sports, LLC in 2012 under its current parent.123
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tennis Racquets (Synergy, Ripstick, Phantom) | Performance-oriented frames for competitive play | $150 - $300 |
| Tennis Footwear | Shoes with Natural Foot Shape technology | $100 - $200 |
| Tennis Strings | Multifilament and performance strings | $10 - $25 |
| Tennis Balls | Standard and pressureless match balls | $3 - $10 per can |
| Apparel and Bags | Court lifestyle clothing and equipment carriers | $30 - $150 |
| Squash Equipment | Racquets and accessories for squash | $100 - $250 |
Manufacturing
Manufacturing locations are not specified in available sources. Products are engineered with a focus on research and development for technologies like EXO3 and ESP. The company operates internationally with offices supporting global distribution.1
Notable Products
- Oversize Racquets - First-to-market larger head size for increased power and forgiveness.
- Longbody Racquets - Extended length frames introduced for greater reach and leverage.
- EXO3 Racquets - Technology reducing frame weight while maintaining stability.
- Multifilament Strings - Early innovation in string material for improved comfort and playability.
- Phantom Racquets - Recent models receiving positive reviews for feel and performance.
Reputation
Prince racquets like Phantoms and Textreme Tours receive positive reviews from players for performance. The brand faces criticism for limited pro endorsements, restricted distribution, and excessive racquet lines complicating choices. It maintains recognition among enthusiasts for historical innovations despite lower visibility in professional and junior circuits.14