USPTA Head equipment program
- Thread starter OnTheBall
- Start date
TobyTopspin
Professional
I haven't got mine yet. I don't do the Head deal though. As far as I know the relationship with Head was on going. I'll check around the club in the morning and see if I can find anything out. I'm the only pro here that doesn't have the USPTA Head deal so I should be able to find out something.
TobyTopspin
Professional
Everyone that I talked to still says that the Head deal still exists and that they have not heard of changes for the foreseeable future. Our director is pretty close to some of the higher-ups at Head and he hasn't heard of anything changing either.
It's been a while since I looked at the Head package, but the last I actually paid attention to it, the deal was for two free sticks a year plus discounts on any additional sticks and supplies.
It's been a while since I looked at the Head package, but the last I actually paid attention to it, the deal was for two free sticks a year plus discounts on any additional sticks and supplies.
TobyTopspin
Professional
It's a good deal. Well any free sticks is a good deal I guess these days. I use the Head Program about 6 years ago and was very satisfied with it. Plus the discounts seem to give you additional sticks at about what a store would pay for them.
I never had a problem with getting them quickly or with the quality.
I like there sticks, really like the new Graphene Radical Pro, but I don't like the grip shape. I don't care for the Speeds with the more rounded shape and I don't want to bother switching pallets. thus the Heads were not for me.
I'm lucky though because I get good discounts on pretty much any stick from other pros who happen to have contracts with the different manufactures or the few dealer reps that I know. There are a ton on pros in the ATL so it makes it easy to pass of the Head deal. Otherwise, I would be all over it and do the pallet change.
I never had a problem with getting them quickly or with the quality.
I like there sticks, really like the new Graphene Radical Pro, but I don't like the grip shape. I don't care for the Speeds with the more rounded shape and I don't want to bother switching pallets. thus the Heads were not for me.
I'm lucky though because I get good discounts on pretty much any stick from other pros who happen to have contracts with the different manufactures or the few dealer reps that I know. There are a ton on pros in the ATL so it makes it easy to pass of the Head deal. Otherwise, I would be all over it and do the pallet change.
sovertennis
Professional
In the renewal packet I received, it mentioned the that the arrangement with Head would remain in place. Depending on what level you've attained with the USPTA, you get more or less equip from Head.
From what I recall the Head contract is not really worth it unless you are already using Head racuqets.
The lowest levels Professional and Developmental Coaches certification only got preferred pricing on racquet. Professional 2 had buy one get on free on racquets. I do not recall what racquet deals Professional 1s received.
The lowest levels Professional and Developmental Coaches certification only got preferred pricing on racquet. Professional 2 had buy one get on free on racquets. I do not recall what racquet deals Professional 1s received.
Racquet Daddy
Rookie
P1's get one racquet, one bag, two sets of string, stencil, ink and a hat - all for free. I haven't renewed yet this year, so I don't know what sticks are available to order.
Racquets are cheap when you consider how much use a pro gets out of them However, it's the string that gets expensive and is also probably the cheapest for HEAD yet they only give two sets.
TobyTopspin
Professional
Absolutely - String is one of the few things I still have to pay full retail for. It does get frustrating. I like, many teaching pros, keep separate sticks for feeding and play. At least it makes the poly last a little longer by using a multi in my feeding stick.
Looking at the USPTA Benefits/Head Free and discounted products it says
New information will be available Jan. 1, 2014.
I am disappointed! First you pay your dues and then you can know what the "Free" Head program is but, first USPTA is going change there pro ratings...
It is starting to look more like a Ponzi Scheme to get money from the USPTA Pros then serve them as an association.
New information will be available Jan. 1, 2014.
I am disappointed! First you pay your dues and then you can know what the "Free" Head program is but, first USPTA is going change there pro ratings...
It is starting to look more like a Ponzi Scheme to get money from the USPTA Pros then serve them as an association.
4sound
Semi-Pro
In the past the Head contract was available to sign up in December when you pay the USPTA dues. I was told (unofficially) by a Head rep last week, Head wasn't going to be with USPTA for 2014 and there would be a USPTA announcement on Jan 2nd. USPTA probably can't officially say anything because of their current 2013 agreements.
It wouldn't surprise me if USPTA didn't have a preferred racket vendor moving forward.
The major value of being USPTA certified is the networking with other teaching pros, the liability insurance and development pathways to new opportunities (little tennis, high performance program). Also, as long as the racket vendors continue to provide discounted product packages for current USPTA teaching pros, being currently USPTA certified still has value.
It wouldn't surprise me if USPTA didn't have a preferred racket vendor moving forward.
The major value of being USPTA certified is the networking with other teaching pros, the liability insurance and development pathways to new opportunities (little tennis, high performance program). Also, as long as the racket vendors continue to provide discounted product packages for current USPTA teaching pros, being currently USPTA certified still has value.
I was afraid it might be something like this. Seemed odd that there was nothing official mentioned, but I suppose neither USPTA or Head can say anything until the current contract expires.
Inner Game
Semi-Pro
That is my take also...No contract with Head....I have been a member of the USPTA since 1980....I have seen the contract reduced year after year. Just 10 years ago a P1 got 3 racquets 12 sets of string multiple bags and accessories...P2's got 2 free racquets 6 sets of strings and multiple bags. This is when the yearly dues was $150.
I guess raising the dues causes loss of benefits from Head? You can say what you want about the other benefits....We are tennis players first and and want to help sell Head racquets and tennis equipment. If the USPTA can't secure a deal with a racquet manufacturer what good are they? How many times have I used the liability insurances since 1980...or anyone else for that matter.
Also has there ever been any "real jobs" listed ?
2013 will be my last year unless things change
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4sound
Semi-Pro
I totally agree. I've been playing with Head forever & getting a free racket somewhat justified the USPTA dues. I remember how hard it was to get my P1 but now I'm starting to think twice about continuing my USPTA membership. When Head reduced P1 to 1 free racket & P2 got buy one get 1 free, it was essentially the same thing if I purchased a 2nd racket. Liability insurance is a nice to have (but like you I've luckily never had to use it) so I'm starting to question what I actually get from the USPTA for my dues if there isn't a racket benefit. 2014 maybe my last year.
tennissavvy
Rookie
how much certification help in getting new students without working at club or facilities?
how hard it is to get certification? I am aiming for p2 or p3 (not all interested in recreational coach)
I am not going to teach anyone but few selected kids and like to get certification (teaching very kids right now but feel certification might act as rubber stamp etc)
how hard it is to get certification? I am aiming for p2 or p3 (not all interested in recreational coach)
I am not going to teach anyone but few selected kids and like to get certification (teaching very kids right now but feel certification might act as rubber stamp etc)
Geoff
Hall of Fame
It looks like Prince has restructured the program from what Head offered. From what is on the USPTA site so far I am guessing that the package a USPTA pro is eligible for will be determined by a combination of your USPTA certification level, hours taught and a subjective judgment by the local Prince rep.
Here is the announcement http://uspta.com/default.aspx/act/n...enuGroup/HOME/NewsLetterID/986/startrow/1.htm
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Racquet Daddy
Rookie
Sounds like you have to be affiliated with a pro shop in order to get product plus hours taught. To quote the FAQs: Packages are not based on one’s USPTA classification. This is all pretty bad news for me, since I teach middle school and high school tennis all day, at least 5 days a week. I no longer work at a country club. And apparently I shouldn't have cared wether or not I got my P1 ranking (since that is all being changed as well). Plus, I really don't like Prince frames. Kinda wish I wouldn't have paid my dues last month.
Chotobaka
Hall of Fame
The email I received from USPTA today clearly stated that the equipment packages "will not be based on your USPTA certification", but rather "predicated on the number of hours you spend on court teaching tennis and your retail affiliation." It looks like the certification level has been removed from the equation entirely.
I will dig into this more when I get home.
Edit: In responding to another thread it dawned on me that the new USPT structure of having only Professional and Elite Professional designations probably has a lot to do with the new equipment program parameters.
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Chotobaka
Hall of Fame
There is no more P1, P2, P3. Now there are only Professional and Elite Professional levels. Current coaches can be "grandfathered" into the Elite classification. The Recreational level can now be attained without attending the workshop by passing an online exam.
themitchmann
Hall of Fame
Prince just posted on Facebook that they are happy to be the official racquet and ball supplier for the USPTA.
bruintennis
Semi-Pro
Interesting news. I wonder why Head discontinued....probably due to money.
Chotobaka
Hall of Fame
No ***** Sherlock. Both sides get played against the middle in any business. Prince, in all likelihood, made the best offer. Yeah, it's "probably due to money".
Geoff
Hall of Fame
Also could be due to the new USPTA CEO being the former President of Prince, although he was a former VP of Wilson as well.
Racquet Daddy
Rookie
So I guess I'll eat my previous words: I decided to go ahead and fill out the Prince Contract application last night. I got a reply today saying I was approved for the first tier package. Pretty much the same as my P1 Head package. However, the string selection was a lot better than Head's. And instead of getting the Combi bag, you can choose between the backpack, 6, 9 or 12 racquet bag (in 3 different colors). Choice of Prince hoodie instead of the Head hat. As far as variety goes, I kinda think the Prince equipment package is a step up from Head (even though I like Head racquets better). I bet if you're at a club that has a pro shop you'd be able to score another stick or two.
lefty10spro
Professional
I teach about 30 hours a week and I own a pro shop and was offered a tier 2 package. Prince is not going to give a P1 (now called Elite Professional) who is now an insurance salesman free sticks to sell like Head did. Basing it on court hours and retail affiliation makes perfect business sense and what Head did for many years made no sense. Prince is putting 5% of everything you sell into your USPTA retirement account. Genius.
Making it retailer based is the only way to go, court hours is 1 thing but you want pros selling product or at least referring players to a retailer stores.
The harder you work for a manufacturer the more "points" you get and the more product you are entitled to.
I discussed this with several manufacturers years ago and recently a manufacturer listened...now they can see HOW MUCH pros are influencing sales of their brand. Genius.
I disagree one hundered percent
I disagree one hundered percents.
Just to make it clearer i am NOT supported either by Prince or Head.
How much do you know about current Head offering vs current Prince offerings?
For example:
Did you try to hit/play Head Graphene Radical Pro?
Did you go through the pain of trying to buy Prince Tour balls from prince as I did yesterday?
Julian
uspta
Racquet Daddy,
I disagree one hundered percents.
Just to make it clearer i am NOT supported either by Prince or Head.
How much do you know about current Head offering vs current Prince offerings?
For example:
Did you try to hit/play Head Graphene Radical Pro?
Did you go through the pain of trying to buy Prince Tour balls from prince as I did yesterday?
Julian
uspta
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Head vs Prince
Is the bottom line that the deal with Prince is better?
Julian
USPTA
Your post completely UNclear.
Is the bottom line that the deal with Prince is better?
Julian
USPTA
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Racquet Daddy
Rookie
julian, I'm a little unclear as to what you disagree with. My opinion was that the variety of the Prince equipment package was better than Head's for USPTA pros. I haven't tried the Graphene racquets, and probably never will, seeing as how I'm an IG Prestige Mid user and Head has seemingly abandoned that racquet line. I'm sorry you had a hard time ordering tennis balls from Prince. I've dealt with Prince a handful of times over the past five years, and they've been pretty helpful. Not to speak for them, but I think what raging and lefty10spro are getting at is that this new equipment package restructuring is encouraging the retail side of the partnership.
