for tour head

Get To Know Powfu, The Emerging Artist Behind the Viral Hit "Deathbed (coffee for your head)"

E news spoke exclusively to newcomer powfu to learn more about the artist behind the massive viral hit "deathbed (coffee for your head).".

Unless you've been living under a rock for the better part of the past year (no judgement here if you have), you've probably heard the haunting hit song "Deathbed (coffee for your head)". Whether it was on the radio, YouTube, Soundcloud or TikTok, this song's massive viral status caught the attention of listeners around the world.

We've certainly been listening to this song on repeat and had to know more about the voices behind this super catchy yet slightly dark song. Enter Powfu and Beabadoobee .

Much like Billie Eilish , Powfu (born Isaiah Farber ) grew up in a musical household and started making music as a teenager in the comfort of his own home. After discovering his identity within the lo-fi genre—a genre he described, with a laugh, to E! News as "homemade, cheap sounding music"—he began uploading his favorites to Soundcloud. And once "Deathbed" hit the internet, the rest was history.

By the time Farber hit the ripe age of 21, the rapper had already released his debut EP, poems of the past , and is getting a taste of what viral success feels like as he quarantines through the COVID-19 pandemic at his home in Canada, a unique experience for a new artist skyrocketing to fame.

"This is my first time blowing up, I guess, so it's like I haven't really had the full experience yet in terms of playing shows and going around the world and meeting fans," Farber exclusively tells E! News. "But it's kind of cool that I kind of just skipped that build up."

Continue reading to learn all about this new artist on the rise (and which celebs have slid into his DM's).

E!: What has it been like for you to go viral in the time of COVID and how have you been able to connect with your fans?

P: I've been staying pretty active on Instagram, so that's probably the main way that I stay connected with them. It's kind of weird... Usually people kind of play shows and they have more and more people coming out. But honestly, I went from nobody and now [will] probably be able to fill venues so it's kind of crazy.

E!: What do you imagine your live show or tour experience being like for fans?

P: I haven't put too much thought into it, to be honest, but I want to start in smaller venues. I don't want to go into the big arenas and stuff. I want it to be small, tight and personal.

Taylor Swift Adds Cute Nod to Travis Kelce to New Eras Tour Set

Hailey bieber is pregnant, expecting first baby with justin bieber.

Week ahead in pro golf: Wyndham Clark defends in Charlotte; Tour launches Myrtle Beach stop

The PGA Tour has the Carolinas on its mind this week.

The Tour is holding two preliminaries in one week before the next major championship, the PGA, May 16-19 at Valhalla in Louisville Ky.

The Wells Fargo Championship, a Tour Signature Event, will begin on Thursday in Charlotte, N.C., with a $20 million purse and a loaded field that includes defending champion Wyndham Clark.

Less than 200 miles away, the Tour launches the Myrtle Beach Classic.

Elsewhere in pro golf, the LPGA begins a stretch of three tournaments in four weeks in New Jersey and the PGA Tour Champions will hold its first major of the season.

Event: Wells Fargo Championship, Thursday-Sunday, Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, N.C.

At stake: $20 million purse ($3.6 million and 700 FedEx Cup points to the winner).

Defending champion: Wyndham Clark.

TV: Golf Channel (Thursday-Friday, 2-6 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 1-3 p.m.); CBS (Saturday-Sunday, 3-6 p.m.).

Area players entered: Harris English, Brian Harman, Billy Horschel, Ben Kohles, J.T. Poston.

Notable: Clark shot 63 in the third round and went on to beat Xander Schauffele by four shots. ... Also in the field are Rory McIlroy, Viktor Hovland, Hideki Matsuyama, Collin Morikawa, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas and Will Zalatoris. ... Brooks Kopeka will be the defending champion next week for the PGA.

Event: Myrtle Beach Classic, Thursday-Sunday, The Dunes Golf and Beach Club, Myrtle Beach, S.C.

At stake: $4 million purse ($720,000 and 300 FedEx Cup points to the winner).

Defending champion: First-year event.

TV: Golf Channel (Thursday-Friday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 3-5 p.m.).

Area players entered: Tyson Alexander, Jonathan Byrd, Adrien Dumont de Chassart, Nico Echavarria, Ben Griffin, Lanto Griffin, Patton Kizzire, Philip Knowles, Russell Knox, Andrew Novak, Raul Pereda, Sam Ryder, Greyson Sigg, Jimmy Stanger, Davis Thompson, Carl Yuan.

Notable: The Dunes Golf and Beach Club, designed by Robert Trent Jones and opened in 1948, is the second-oldest golf course in Myrtle Beach. It has previously hosted the 1962 U.S. Women’s Open, 1973 PGA Tour Q-School, and the 1994-1999 Charles Schwab Cup Championship on the PGA Tour Champions.

LPGA TOUR

Event: Cognizant Founders Cup, Thursday-Sunday, Upper Montclair Country Club, Clifton, N.J.

At stake: $3 million purse ($450,000 to the winner).

Defending champion: Jin Young Ko.

TV: Peacock (Thursday-Sunday, 4-6 p.m.); Golf Channel (tape delay, Thursday-Friday, 7-9 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 8-10 p.m.).

Area players entered: Auston Kim, Mel Reid.

Notable: Ko parred the first playoff hole to beat defending champion Minjee Lee. Ko shot 67 in the final round to force the playoff.

PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS

Event: Regions Tradition, Thursday-Sunday, Greystone Golf and Country Club, Birmingham, Ala.

At stake: $2.6 million purse ($468,000 to the winner).

Defending champion: Steve Stricker.

TV: Golf Channel (Thursday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 5-7 p.m.).

Area players entered: David Duval, Fred Funk, Jim Furyk, Vijay Singh.

Notable: Stricker shot 64-65 on the weekend and beat Ernie Els and Robert Karlsson by six shots. ... Stricker has won the last two Traditions, shooting a cumulative 44-under par. ... Also playing are Stephen Ames, Steven Alker, Stewart Cink, John Daly, Retief Goosen, Padriag Harrington, Miguel Angel Jimenez and David Toms.

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The inside scoop on TaylorMade “tour heads”

There’s three TaylorMade R1 drivers.

Yes, you heard that right. The driver that TaylorMade touts as being able to “tune to any loft, any look and any flight” is currently on the USGA’s list of conforming driver heads in three different versions — “R1 Version 1,” “R1 Version 2” and “R1 Version 3” — all of which are noticeably different shapes and sizes.

So how do golfers know which one of the TaylorMade R1 drivers is best for them? Well, they don’t have to worry about it. That’s because when they go to buy an R1 driver off the shelf, they only have one option — the R1 Version 1.

So why does TaylorMade produce three different drivers when they only sell one of them to the public?

It’s a question golf equipment gear heads have gone back and forth about in our forums for years. The discussion has been further fueled by the fact that viewers who have looked through our 2013 Tour photos have yet to see a single R1 Version 1 driver in any of the photos, just the R1 Version 2.

This creates an awkward situation for TaylorMade, which prides itself on the usage of its drivers on tour — a key element in the company’s business plan that has helped it dominate the golf equipment industry — because TaylorMade is selling one driver to the public and giving its tour players a different driver to use.

Before you pick up your pitchforks and storm TaylorMade headquarters in Carlsbad, Calif., consider this — TaylorMade has been making different heads for tour players for a long time. According to the USGA Conforming Club List, TaylorMade created multiple versions of its drivers as early as 2000, when it released a Version 1 and Version 2 of its 300 Tour drivers in both left- and right-handed models.

We had a chance to sit down with the top brass at TaylorMade to clear the air about “tour heads.” We asked why they’re made, what they do and more importantly what they don’t do.

What do tour heads look like?

The only way to tell a “tour head” from a retail head is to look at the driver’s serial number (pictured above). They always start with the letter “T,” which denotes that they were made especially for tour players.

In the case of TaylorMade’s R1, the tour heads are different sizes than the retail head. The R1 Version 2 is 440 cubic centimeters, 20 CCs smaller than the retail version. This gives the driver a different shape — it’s noticeably more compact in just about every respect when compared to the R1 Version 1.

Why are tour heads different?

Notice the skinnier toe section on the tour head (left). The weight saved from the toe section and other places makes the tour head lighter than the retail version.

According to Tom Olsavsky, senior director of product creation at TaylorMade, the reason for the change is simple. One of the reasons is that smaller heads can be made lighter, which gives tour players the option of playing a driver with a lower swing weight.

Olsavsky says the target weight for a tour head is 195 grams, 10 grams lighter than the target weight of a retail head, which is 205 grams. For every two grams of weight lost in a driver head, the swing weight is reduced by one point. So if a golfer takes the retail head off his or her R1 driver and replaces it with a tour head, the swing weight will go from around D4 to around C9, a five point drop.

The shafts that comes in the retail versons of the R1 driver are 45.5 inches, however, which are about 0.5-inches longer than the standard length of driver played on tour. So if a half inch was cut off, the swing weight would plummet three points to C6, which is way too light for most tour players. So what gives? Is Olsavsky pulling our leg about this swing weight thing? Spoiler alert — he’s not.

Tweaking the Center of Gravity

When weight is removed from one part of a driver head, it can be put back in another. In the case of the R1 Version 2, the smaller head removes weight from the entire structure. But the R1 has a trick up its sleeve for putting it back — thanks to the R1’s “Shot Shape weights,” golfers can tweak both swing weight and center of gravity by changing the amount of weight in the club’s two weight ports.

The retail version of the R1 driver is sold with two weights, a 10-gram and a 1-gram. Golfers can create a “draw bias” by putting the 10-gram weight in the heel and the 1-gram weight in the toe. They can create a “neutral bias” by swapping the weights, putting the 10-gram weight in the toe and the 1-gram weight in the heel. Those options are better than none, but they’re certainly not enough to fit TaylorMade’s huge tour staff.

According to Olsavsky, the tour heads have almost the exact same center of gravity position as the retail heads. But since the tour heads are 10 grams lighter, tour players have 10 more grams of tweaking power at their discretion, allowing them to create a slight draw bias, a slight fade bias or just about any other bias that they want.

The trade off of this technology is that making the heads smaller decreases MOI, which makes a driver less forgiving. Loading up the front of the driver with heavier weights further decreases MOI. But for some tour players, a lower MOI is actually a good thing, because it allows them to work the ball more easily.

Also, the farther forward the center of gravity is located in a head, the less spin a driver creates. So when a tour player loads up a tour head’s front-positioned weight ports with heavy weights, the drivers become even lower spinning, which can help players with tour-like swing speeds hit the ball even farther.

Tour heads are more exact

Notice how much smaller the face is on the tour head (pictured above), another symptom of creating a lighter-weight driver.

According to Olsavsky, Tour heads are made in one of TaylorMade’s three metal wood factories overseas. So while they’re made with different tooling to create their smaller shape, they are not made in a special place. Are they made out of special materials? Without testing the metal, we don’t know, but we doubt it.

What we do know is that every R1 tour head gets COR tested, which according to TaylorMade is done to make sure that tour players do not receive non-conforming equipment, that is, heads with a coefficient of restitution greater than the allowable limit of 0.830.

We have been told by several TaylorMade fitters over the years that this testing is all the more reason to buy a non-tour head, because untested heads have the possibility of being over the limit. We’re not going to get into the ethical dilemma of playing illegal equipment, but we will say this: If the lesser tolerances of non-tour heads can make those heads measure over the limit by a point or two, they can certainly measure under the limit by a point or two as well.

Before sending its tour heads out to the tour, TaylorMade records every possible variable — actual loft, head weight and face angle — which are usually slightly different than the target. According to Olsavsky, few heads out of a batch of 20 that are supposed to be 9 degrees with a 2-degree open face angle will actually measure that. They’ll be close, but most vary by a few tenths of a degree each way.

The club builders on TaylorMade’s tour truck know exactly what players want and cherry pick the appropriate heads based on TaylorMade’s measurements. That’s why the tour heads do not use the 4-degree loft sleeves that are being sold on the shafts of the retail R1 drivers. Tour players don’t need to adjust the heads very much, because their face angles and lofts are already cherry picked, so a 3-degree loft sleeve is more than enough.

Just as loft and face angle vary, so do COR differences. And it’s doubtful that TaylorMade is ever going to give one of its players anything but a driver that is right on the edge of the 0.830 limit. Every drive hit with a TaylorMade driver is an endorsement for the company, and TaylorMade wants that endorsement to be hit as far down the fairway as possible.

Are tour heads better?

So are tour heads better? Maybe, and maybe not. For golfers with tour-like swing speeds who need a lower launch and less spin, a tour head might in fact give them give the few extra yards they’re looking for. It also might give them more workability, which is good for some as well. But for the general population, a tour head is not going to make a difference in distance. For many, its smaller shape might even make a tour heads shorter and more crooked than the retail version.

So what about the R1 Version 3 driver we mentioned earlier in the story? It’s an even smaller version of the R1 Version 2, which is preferred by certain TaylorMade tour players like Sergio Garcia. Why? The case could be made that it has an even lower MOI, so it’s even more workable and lower spinning, but that’s probably not the reason Sergio uses it. Like most golfers, Sergio has developed visual preferences for his equipment, and he likes the looks of a small driver head.

We can talk about MOI and CG until we’re blue in the face, but what the tour head discussion basically comes down to is visual preference. Again and again over the years, feedback from the tour has told equipment companies that most prefer the look of a head that’s smaller than 460 CCs.

That’s evident in the driver releases of other manufacturers such as Callaway and Nike, which just like TaylorMade have smaller “tour only heads” that are used by certain staff players. Right now on tour, Phil Mickelson is using a special “deep face” Callaway X Hot Pro 3 wood, and Nike has a Version 3 and Version 4 model of its Covert Tour driver listed on the USGA’s Conforming Club List that we expect to see on tour soon. Titleist provides some of its professional golfers with tour only putters made of custom metals, and many of the company’s Vokey wedges are created with special grinds that aren’t available at retail either.

While TaylorMade is not the only company making “tour only” equipment, we wish that TaylorMade and other companies would be more forthcoming about the difference between its retail and tour product, because there’s plenty of golfers out there that think their R1 is the same driver being played by Dustin Johnson.

It’s obvious that TaylorMade has decided that players who aren’t on tour are going to be better served by the largest and best performing driver head that the company can make, and TaylorMade’s sale of drivers in recent years have proved that. For most golfers, it’s probably a good thing that they’re hitting a retail version and not a tour head.

But it’s a shame that golfers are led to believe otherwise, because “our R1” is certainly not “their R1.” Regardless of whether or not the retail version is better for the general public, we think golfers have the right to know.

New Adams DHY “driving hybrid” spotted

Giveaway: Adams CMB Irons from GolfDiscount.com

84 Comments

Jun 22, 2015 at 7:55 am

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Jan 22, 2014 at 10:54 pm

When the Serial# starts with TD2 is that version 2?

TD1xxx version 1? TD3 version 3?

Aug 3, 2013 at 11:20 am

Good article. Marketing is all about brand recognition. It is our naivete to think products offered to the public are the same advertised by the professional athletes, actors, models and celebrities. The clothes, cars, boats, sports equipment, cosmetics and services are often never the same as sold to the general public even if a pro’s name is stenciled on to it. The equipment especially in golf, tennis, shooting sports, baseball and racing is customized to personal specs and may not be available by contract to any other pro. You think Rory, Ricky, Sergio, Tiger, Dustin and Phil would allow their equipment be available to competitors? I read Phil even has a one-of-a-kind Callaway wedge. Even the tour balls are not available to the public since most cannot not even hit them.

Jul 3, 2013 at 2:15 pm

My head is spinning!!

Jul 8, 2013 at 9:25 am

i’m a +3. i used to play the R11s until switching to the R1, which i really think is a better product – a whole topic unto itself. in the R11s, i have a retail head and i also have a TXXXX v2 “tour-only” head. i got the tour only head several months after i had been playing the retail v1 head. i preferred the v1 retail head. why? for starters, i put 21 cotton balls in the retail head which made the sound AMAZING!!! instead of the normal sound the r11s made, this was a “thwack!” which was undeniably awesome. a muted “thwack” will make you feel like “yeah” as the ball screams off the face into the stratosphere.

if you want a tour head, get out and buy one. they’re all around. they’re also much more expensive than the retail head because A) they’re not made in huge quantities (supply/demand) B) you’re not making taylormade any money by your presence on tour…

you can’t buy one at golf smith, golf galaxy or edwin watts. you have to find a small boutique specialty fitter. i have one very close to me. in fact, he just send me an email a few days ago saying “i’m getting 5 tour issue taylormade r1 drivers. they are allocating only 20 per the entire Georgia Sales Territory. These are smaller heads 440 C.C., two degrees flatter than the regular and will have Tour Issue serial numbers on them.”

what is the price? $599…

what did i buy my retail v1 R1 for at retail (from a dealer on the back end, not a store front)? $229… I’d rather keep my $370 than have a “tour issue” driver head…

May 23, 2013 at 12:07 pm

I feel cheated as a low handicap player, i wish these companies are more transparent about what they put out in the market versus what tour pros play.

Pingback: La cabeza del TaylorMade R1 disponible en tienda no es la misma que usa Sergio García | Golf76.com

Apr 2, 2013 at 8:15 pm

The statements made in this thread that “all OEM’s make different product for tour players” is not correct. At least, I can assure you that it is not the case with PING. Part of PING’s product strategy is to sell the same clubs in retail that its tour players use to compete at the highest level. Some exceptions were made to old iron models so they would conform to the new 2010 USGA groove rules, but very few of those are still in play. PING wants consumers have the peace of mind that they are purchasing the same high quality products that are used by its tour players. Even Bubba’s Pink G25 Driver comes from the same production molds as the heads sold in retail, just with different paint. If you want to play the same equipment as tour players, then maybe you take a second look at PING’s line up. The entire G25 line is pretty nice! I don’t normally comment on these types of threads, but after reading some of these comments I couldn’t help myself – Brad Schweigert, Director of Engineering…PING

Jun 30, 2013 at 11:09 pm

Brad, I would love to try and buy your gear. Sadly as a golfer who has to decide between buying gear or playing my ill fitting equipment I choose to play. It costs less even though with better fitting gear I’m sure I would enjoy the game more.

Apr 1, 2013 at 1:37 am

blows everyone’s argument out of the water that there is no difference in these clubs. frustrates me to here people say that, when clearly there is, and now it’s been explained. also frustrates me to hear people say there is no benefit in the “tour only” clubs. if that were the case, why are pro’s gaming them? if the gear doesn’t matter, than why don’t all the doubters get rid of their blades for a set of G25s? of course there is a performance advantage, albeit a smaller step than from GIs to blades, but a step nonetheless. plus, let guys play what they want to play.

Mar 23, 2013 at 12:56 am

they pay the pros to make money wy they make money because we buy there equip wy we buy becuse we trus them!!!!!!! we see apple and we buy apple but it is a orange peint red pls try to be honnes and peoples will trus and buy wath tey are supose to buy thanks and sorry for my english

northhighlandway

Mar 21, 2013 at 10:40 am

The public will forever be held at arms length where manufacturers are concerned…I agree with d. whitney. Where is truth in advertising? Its been going on since………who knows?

Mar 20, 2013 at 7:52 pm

Is there a “truth in advertising” issue here? Isn’t it time that manufacturer’s stop screwing the public?

Mar 20, 2013 at 4:10 pm

Taylormade adopted the NASCAR slogan long ago – win on sunday, sell on monday.

Except NASCAR fans know that the “stock” car raced on Sunday is completely different that what’s in the showroom other than by “name”.

Golf OEM’s produces “tour-only” equipment for several reasons

1) Tolerances. Most equipment massed produced have an acceptable tolerance which varies by OEM. A 9.5 driver might be 10.5 or 8.5… and that is deemed acceptable for the average joes but for the tour pros they are “dialed-in” for equipment with certain specs so they need to “hand pick” heads from the factory lines that meet the tour pros specifications

2) Design. The features like 460cc heads, extra forgiveness, etc might not benefit the pros so the OEM produces smaller 440cc or even 390cc heads for more workability and these are genuine tour only heads

3) Compliance. All gears used by pros have to conform to USGA rules, so tour-only heads have been COR tested while the retail ones aren’t – again there are acceptable tolerances..

Bottom line – the logos and gear sported by pros are just for advertisement, some use it, some don’t and even when they use the same model, you can bet it’s tour issue only versions, or retail versions hand-picked from the assembly line that meets a certain specs.

Mar 20, 2013 at 2:43 pm

I think most big companies, Callaway and Nike, do the same — one set of equipment for average joe and another set for tour players.

Wisconsin Terrapin

Mar 20, 2013 at 5:16 pm

I get it that Phil is playing with mock-ups (Lord knows, I can’t get many clubs in LH) and that Bob Vokey isn’t grinding my wedges. But in the TM commercials, Dustin tosses his driver to someone that wishes he had that driver. That’s misleading if I can’t get a 440 at any price. That I can’t hit a Mizuno MB is not the answer.

Mar 20, 2013 at 1:59 pm

Not sure this is breaking news……..”another” website has been posting this stuff for years since the trend of tour issue stuff emerged.

Over the years of the R11, R11s, and R1 V2 & V3 heads are simply smaller heads that are more workable and lower spin. Plus the smaller heads can be weighted more easily as the raw weight is lower than the “retail R1”.

Not sure most folks buying clubs off the rack would opt for the smaller tour head even if it was available. Look at the RBZ tour driver last year, more people opted for the regular RBZ that is easier to launch and draw biased. Taylormade and the major OEM’s try to fill a niche of players. From a fitter / retail shop sales guy stand point, they want to keep it simple for most people.

It would interesting if Taylormade made it an option to “special” order these products for those in the know, but again it ups the cost of production and logistics.

Mar 20, 2013 at 1:30 pm

Who cares? Do you think Tiger was rolling around town in a Buick or that Eli Manning actually wears a Citizen watch? I would expect them to have better equipment. I don’t buy a golf club because Tiger plays it or because Phil says “this driver is a dream.” If you are that open to suggestion, you deserve what you end up with.

Double Mocha Man

Mar 20, 2013 at 12:53 pm

Someone needs to write the article about tour variances in golf balls…

Mar 20, 2013 at 12:28 pm

It’s all simple cost/benefit analysis. The extra expense of shipping a tour head to the retail outlets doesn’t make up for any benefit received. The truth is, most golfers will still be pushed to the regular version, and those of you that are low handicappers will want to be fitted. The fitting means the outlet has to have all those heads/shafts available, which is an extremely high expense for a very small population and a very small sales figure at the end of the day.

On top of that each OEM has to compete with the other OEMs that are offering basically the same thing. So you could just as easily get fit for one of those products. If you have a good golf shop, more likely than not you can be in there for a day hitting every driver they have until you find the right one and get fit for it. So why have a second head available? The logistics of coordinating that just don’t make sense when looking at the bottom line. And I’m sure they’ve figured that out as the R9 was the last time they really played with the whole TP thing.

Mar 20, 2013 at 12:00 pm

Same thing goes for balls, there cherry picked for the pros. Slight variances that make a ball “hotter” go to the pros.

Mar 19, 2013 at 11:42 pm

You can’t buy a tour issue club because you aren’t good enough to play them. Plain and simple. If a tour issue club was actually better for anyone outside the tour or elite amateur level, then you would be able to find a rack full of them at every golf store or pro shop in the country.

Frankly, most of you should thank TM for not giving you the opportunity to waste a bunch of money on a club that would end up in your garage next to the set of Mizuno blades that you can’t hit either.

Apr 10, 2013 at 11:31 am

You are missing the point completely. The issue for most people is that the pros are gushing over a club they aren’t playing, ever. That is, the retail version. As we can see in this article thee are huge differences. It’s simply false advertising. That people here on WRX generally knows what’s going on is one thing, but that does NOT go for people that aren’t gear heads, including for sure many low hcp players.

Plus, how can you know every amateur is better suited to the retail head rather than the tour versions? That’s just a stupid thing to say. I can guarantee there are quite a number of mid to low hcp players that would get better results with one of the Tour Only heads.

Prairiegolf

Mar 18, 2013 at 11:03 pm

This is a nice article because it explains that bifurcation exists now and has existed forever. Pros play different equipment than the rest of us, wow what a news flash. This is nothing new to most gear heads. It is laughable that people actually thought the pros played exactly the same stuff available to the public. So allow bifurcation to all golfers already, it is a hypocritical argument to start with.

MarkRScotland

Mar 18, 2013 at 7:21 pm

Anyone who thinks that for one moment an elite player uses a retail product is dreaming! The shaft alone in their drivers probably costs more than a full set of irons.

TM could avoid any bad publicity by simply describing all elite players’ equipment as “prototype” (on test – on tour) which would probably add the required level of mystique for gear heads to salivate over. If you are daft enough to pay a fortune to have a tour product when you are not a tour player then you have too much money.

Scores are made from 100 yards in. That’s the area where you can improve your handicap. If you are practicing properly your wedge game, you would be wearing the groves down so much that you would be replacing your wedges every 4 to 6 months and at far less expense than that involved in an exotic driver.

By the way, a TM fitter told me recently that his RocketBlade 6 iron has a loft of 26.5 degrees – that would be a four and a half iron in old money!

Also by the way – as by far the highest percentage of forged blades sold by OEMs come from the same factory in China – does anyone seriously think Rory isn’t still playing “Titleist” and that Tiger has ever stopped playing “Mizuno”.

The whole “play the same equipment endorsed by the Pros” has always been a complete no-debate and has never fooled anyone with half a brain.

Apr 10, 2013 at 11:19 am

What are you on about? Mizuno is forged in Japan, by the Chou forging house. Endo, a Japanese forging house and probably the single biggest one too, has a plant in Thailand in addition to the japanese one. They forge heads for many different brands, including most of the OEMs you could think of such as Callaway, Bridgestone, TM etc etc.

Mar 18, 2013 at 3:56 pm

I had played a Superdeep the past few seasons before I just put the R1 in the bag (verdict is still out…lets just say the SuperDeep is ready to go in the locker if needed).

Is it safe to say that the Superdeep was a “tour version” of the SuperTri?

NotBuyingIt

Mar 18, 2013 at 10:46 am

WHo gives a toss? This club is fugly. I really don’t buy into “tweak able” club like this, a decent player should be able to shape and control the ball with his setup, why in gods name would you set a club up for a low draw for a given course? What happens when you want to pump a high one, or fade a drive into a short par four? It’s pure gimmick. I’m using a Ping G2 that was given to me 2 years ago, the club must be over 10 years old and it’s longer than a lot of guys I play with who are using all the new gear – why? because it’s hit right. Before that I used a Hawkeye 300CC head and hit that just as far as the ping (the only reason I switched from it was the reg shaft now I swing a bit faster).

Mar 20, 2013 at 4:27 pm

No; the adjustability feature in new drivers is a boon to the recreational player. It is one development that we should all be grateful for.

In times past, only the tour vans could afford to bend drivers to adjust face angles, etc. They were the only ones who had the beinding jigs/molds for their heads. They were the only ones who didn’t need to care, if a driver head was cracked in the bending process. They were the only ones with unlimited supplies of tour heads.

Being able to adjust a dirver head for loft, lie and face angle is a great development. It is a “democratizing” development. It decreases the wide distance between tour players’ equipment choices and recreational players’ equipment choices. It ameliorates the problem of retail driver heads being built with shut faces and tricked-up lofts, to appeal to the average high-handicapper who fights his slice and has trouble getting the ball into the air. The guy who won’t ordinarily buy a driver with enought loft.

I congratulate all on the conduct of this worthwhile interview.

And I very much agree that while TM has done a perfectly excellent job of explaining “Tour” and “retail” differences, they haven’t explained why not offer everything that is USGA-approved for sale, to cut out the problem of gray-market price inflation. Why not offer heads only, in this era of components and detachable heads? Why not sell prodcts that have been spec’ed to loft, lie and face angles within 0.1 degrees? Just like the tour van?

Again; this was a wonderful interview. Not a word of it surprised me. I know that TM marketing folks will read these comments. I’d like them to know that I appreciate their doing this, and that I ask these questions in the hope that they will do more to give us the kind of product that we want.

Jul 1, 2013 at 10:29 pm

Agreed; they should sell the head only if they cannot provide all shaft options to fit each individual!!! Or, provide much larger shaft options, the current one or two shafts offered are a joke. And I can never order the TP option because they never have the shaft that fits me.

Time to elevate your game TM. In the meantime, I buy other manufacturers heads and install my shafts so I have woods that fit my game!!!

Mar 17, 2013 at 4:11 pm

The most frustrating fact is that – a better player has not shot of getting an R1 V1 2 or 3 – one without being ROBBED for on the internet. 1K for a head and shaft. Having a tough time wrapping my brain around that price.

Mar 17, 2013 at 10:11 pm

Right On!, Just because a small percentage of people have friends or played college golf and get access to Tour Vans, why can’t the better player choose for himself direct from the OEM. have a custom dept. heck they already do… it’s called the “TOUR DEPARTMENT”. We are not worthy even though we are the ones who keep these companies alive or dead. If we all just boycott and play golf with what we have for the next 6 releases from TM 2 for everyone else they might wake the hell up!

Mar 20, 2013 at 3:38 pm

I sincerely doubt it. I am trying to not play a taylormade club this year purely based on liking the new Titleist woods and avoid the hype involved with “more distance”. Plus not really in love with the new Taylormade products. Feel Callaway and Titleist have better products this year and get back to the basics of just playing the game!

58 and sunny

Mar 17, 2013 at 12:54 pm

For what it’s worth, I like Sergio prefer a smaller driver head from an appearance stance. Why won’t they do like other OEM’S and make a smaller version and just sell it like the others rather than forcing us to pay triple price for a head 40 cc’s smaller? Kinda like they did with r7 425? That was shape and size a lot of players prefer, not a massive 460 bubble…and if they have the ability to make it, why not make it without all the extra testing to keep cost down? This exact article is what pushed me to titleist as there are more options…..and I know they have tour issue equipment as well, but at least the option is there. Just sick of excuse from TM that retail is what majority of public buys, they have ability to spread what most people on this site want.

Mar 20, 2013 at 12:06 pm

I’m with you 100% Sunny. I don’t like the lok of “standard” drivers and always buy Tour models. Fortunately, manufacturers less arrogant than TM (Callaway, Cleveand and Titleist, to name the three I use) do offer Tour models to the general public.

8thehardway

Mar 17, 2013 at 11:20 am

There is no conceivable explanation for TM doing this interview and I’m very disappointed. Deceptive advertising is the only reason most of us think we’ll eventually break 80 on a legitimate course and TM just turned a glass of unwarranted optimism from half-full to half-empty… I hope they’ll think twice before admitting to anything else.

Mar 17, 2013 at 1:28 pm

You mean you don’t want to know the “terrible truth”? You actually prefer being lied to?

Mar 17, 2013 at 10:23 am

This is a great article! Gearheads (like me) are lured in by the thought of playing what the pros play and spending hundreds on “T” version heads. Seriously, none have helped my game other than the novelty of having it in the bag. I’m near scratch and I realize now that trackman and a good fitting is all you need for the driver. I’m not sure what connection the “T” aftermarket guys have and how Taylormade can sit by and watch them charge huge dollars for the stuff is beyond me. Allow the public to buy “T” heads directly from Taylormade at a premium if that what you want. Not me.

Mar 17, 2013 at 4:24 pm

Even better is your paying extra Benny’s for gear that is just left over and auctioned in bulk…..TMAG should do the right thing, distribute this gear that is useless once there staff is covered and let the public get their hands on what they want, but not at an inflated price from the few people with inside sources able to make bids on this equipment that some of us would reconsider TM’s tactics if for once it was in our favor, rather than the guy with a connect robbing us blind for a v3

Mar 17, 2013 at 10:07 pm

Thats what I’m talking about. It’s not like equipment gear heads didn’t know that all OEM’s have been lying for years, saying we get the same as the pro’s get. heck if your going to make 3/5/7 versions make them available to the people who drive these sales, THE PUBLIC!

Mar 20, 2013 at 1:52 pm

Not at inflated prices? TM makes tens of thousands of retail clubs, they make a few hundred or a thousand Tour models. Do the math, the Tour models are crazy expensive to make. Your not getting anywhere near them for a price you can afford. Get over it.

Mar 17, 2013 at 4:03 am

And no, I don’t care if I the retail version “might suit me or the average golfer better”..I don’t need some OEM to tell me what is good and not good for me, what I can or can’t “appreciate” or that my hcp is not low enough bla bla bla. The only decent thing to do is to offer all these versions to the general public, or add a disclaimer to every advert/commercial stating that the product the tour pro in the ad touts, is different to what is sold at retail. Aren’t there laws against this kind of marketing?

Can't believe they even put this out

Mar 17, 2013 at 4:32 pm

Believe it’s “bait & switch”…..just sick of certain OEM’S excuse being the market is more profitable from weekend warrior. We don’t all want 17 and the most forgiving huge driver head legal by rule. I see more enthusiasts, WRX members who want players gear, not what you think is best for us. Maybe my neighbor who plays 4 times a year, but let the guys who are passionate about their equipment get their hands on what they want.

Mar 19, 2013 at 10:44 am

The main thing that bothers me about Taylormade (and Adams, go figure!) is their lack of shaft options. I personally think that distance, spin, launch and consistency with the driver have less to do with the head and more to do with the shaft. The fact that Taylormade only offers like 3 shaft options is terrible. Honestly I’m more interested in ordering a custom Cobra driver as they offer many high performance shafts at the lowest upcharges I’ve seen of the manufacturers.

Jul 29, 2013 at 10:06 am

The TP version offers boat loads of shaft options. The regular I think has four. Which is limiting for some. People like me who have ridiculous spin rates have to spend a fortune to get the correct shaft.

Mar 17, 2013 at 3:51 am

Bottom line: The club TM sells at retail has got very little in common with the clubs the pros hit on tour, the same players that are touting the amazing properties of the R1..It could almost be called false advertising! And, yes, this has been going on for years, I guess the last real “TP” driver was also the first one, the R510TP. That head came in 9 degrees only for lefties, because that’s what Mike Weir used to win the Masters. A real tour product sold to us mere mortals. Everything after that is apparently just pure, dishonest marketing BS.

Shawn Edwards

Mar 17, 2013 at 1:22 am

Anybody heard of a “CIRCLE T”?

Mar 16, 2013 at 9:00 pm

The whole rediculiosness to this is the fact, as many of you pointed out, that they are marketing one thing and the players are doing another. They have the r1 commercial making it seem as if the taylormade staffers are playing THE R1 (v1) and are playing something completely different that isn’t even available to be bought. Same as with the Rocketbladez, how many staffers actually still play then that are in the commercial saying they play a “distance Iron”. oh wait, Justin Rose does actually play the rocketbladez, in a long iron, and MB’s for the rest. Just stop with all the blatant false advertising. Get some class taylormade, your not gonna last long in this information era where everyone can point out your BS marketing strategies. Bought the R11s because I actually did want a large forgiving driver, and play your mb irons, but can’t say I will be a returning customer just because of all this type of non-sense by taylormade. Much would rather have my money supporting comanies like Ping, Titliest, or Callaway who actually is transparent with why they put out.

Mar 25, 2013 at 5:52 pm

John, you want a nice, pure Iron, go look at Mizuno. No BS marketing.

Jul 1, 2013 at 9:49 pm

I will second that!!!

Mizzy for life!!!

Mar 16, 2013 at 7:58 pm

Excellent article, giving us insight into the reality of the equipment industry…almost makes sense from an economic perspective…competition and obselessence being so prevelent for the retailers…its too bad though and even worse that the retailer staff never mention this or don’t know themselves.

I am curious if anyone has insight on retail vs. tour iron sets?

Mar 16, 2013 at 2:52 pm

Boy oh boy… Taylor Made is making more converts to other companies every day. I’m a Golf Instructor at a major resort and we had to upgrade from the R1 to the R1 TP’s because the stock shafts just aren’t very good. Now to see that they readily admit to FLEASING their supports of their product is an abomination. I played an R11s but could never get the spin rates down to a manageable number. Now reading this well article I am glad I got my 913 fitted at the PGA show and it.. IT kills any retail Taylor Made driver BY ALOT!

Mar 17, 2013 at 3:05 pm

Fleasing: to lie to your customers by providing them with a product more suited to their actual needs. Personally I think the real lie is exactly where you had a problem. Retail drivers often have poor quality shafts. A 2013 S is weaker than a 1980s R.

Mar 16, 2013 at 10:03 am

Thanks for finally daylighting this issue and hopefully putting it to bed.

Mar 16, 2013 at 9:50 am

The idea that 460cc drivers are “better” for the AVERAGE” golfer has always bothered me. I’ve always been up for buying more game when possible, but never based on a manufacturer’s claim…my experience is all that matters to me.

I’ve tried to find a 460cc driver that I like since they were first introduced. Notwithstanding the fact that I really don’t like the huge head, I’ve never seen any performance gains when bashing balls on the range. Specifically, I’ve never noticed an improvement in off-center hits when compared to my old 983k driver. I recently discovered why.

Moment of Inertia: The amount of force required to twist an object around a rotational axis.

Ostensibly, the larger face of the big drivers is more ‘forgiving’ due to the higher MOI. However, unless a golfer’s swing speed is north of 95 mph (higher, really, but 95 is faster than the vast majority of amateur golfers can swing a club), the golfer isn’t generating enough force to see an appreciable difference in increased MOI over MY driver. It’s physics, so please, save the flaming.

So why did slower SS golfers switch to larger heads and notice improvement back when mfg’s were first pushing the ‘bigger is better’ marketing hype? Largely due to the lighter, more flexible shafts that were first slapped on the new, larger heads. I’ve changed shafts several times in my 983k…that does the trick. I’m hitting the ball further in my mid-50’s than I ever have (I’m not a long driver of the golf ball – 240-250 c&r), and it isn’t because of a bigger driver head.mnote that my ‘K’ series driver’s cor is at the limit.

Most amateurs would be better served putting the lightest head possible on their driver. After all, it’s not like one is going to start whiffing a 400cc driver, and they’ll still hit the sweet spot as often as they would with a 460cc model. I’ll hold off on ‘sweet spot’ talk other than to say that the SS is the same size on all drivers regardless of when they were made or what size they are.

Lastly, I’m not discounting the confidence factor. If one thinks they’ll perform better with a particular piece of equipment, they probably will unless the gear is inferior in some way. The mind is an amazing thing!

Birdie Bobz-ier

Mar 16, 2013 at 9:14 am

Actually the V2 & V3 are the higher spinning heads while the V1 is lower spinning with more weight towards the face. Tour Pros need more ball control, ie more spin and the V2/V3 will provide that.

1. The V2 and V3 models of the R1 produce MORE spin not less than the V1 retail R1.

2. The tour pro needs more ball control not less. That means more spin is better for ball control. Imagine hitting a flier out of the rough and seeing the ball take off with little control….that is less spin. Not what the tour pro wants.

3. The R1 V1 has weight more towards the face and that equates to lower spin, straighter shots. Good for average joe six-pack golfer, but not good for tour pro. Imagine a pro baseball pitcher throwing a baseball without seams! Yikes, he would have no curve balls, no control over the pitch at all! Not good. That is the R1 V1 driver…straight and low spin. The baseball with seams is the V2 & V3 drivers.

4. So, why doesn’t TM sell a V2 or V3 driver….more spin = less distance most of the time especially for average golfer. Less distance = less sales = less $$$$$$ for TM. 95% of the retail golfing public is best served by the R1 V1.

5. The V2 & V3 drivers are not better…. they are different designs…period.

Bottom line: Why do the pros have the V2 & V3 available? This was the question posed.

The tour pro needs more control over the ball and that equates to more spin…enter the V2 & V3 drivers…smaller heads with weight further from the face…unlike the V1 retail R1.

Mar 17, 2013 at 1:48 am

Your suggestion re. Spin contradicts the article and the general perception. But sounds like you write with some authority…..what are your thoughts re. Retail vs. Tour irons?

Mar 21, 2013 at 11:45 pm

I would imagine that pros can have their clubheads customized far more than what those weights allow. I recall hearing several years back that Jesper Parnevik used to have an extra 18 grams of weight added to the toe area of his drivers. This wasn’t lead tape or weights that one screws in. One can make the clubhead so that it had more weight in a specific area, just as Parnevik had done. Perhaps it was welded weight on the inside prior to putting together a four piece driver clubhead, or some other method. I’ve always heard that pros prefer low spinning drivers. When they play an Adams brand, they typically play the LS (low spin) head. So I don’t think they necessarily want a clubhead that is higher spinning, as you state about the V2 and V3 versions. I think the article above is probably more correct. Those pros get fit outdoors with the best monitors and live testing, making sure they have the exact correct head AND SHAFT to maximize their game. Now if we could only get TaylorMade (and other OEM’s) to put those $360 dollar shafts into our drivers just like the pros use 🙂

Aug 6, 2013 at 9:15 am

You are confusing side spin with back spin..

Mar 16, 2013 at 8:29 am

Get read. Now I want the tour issue more than ever.

Mar 16, 2013 at 5:28 am

I managed to get a R11 Dot head which was perfect and out performed my retail R11 but cracked the face on the Tour issue dot head. I managed to ring the tour dept and they said that as a non Taylormade contracted pro I shouldn’t of even had the head and all the TM tour product is only ‘lent’ the to the pros and they should in theory be returned back to TM when the pro had finished with them. I had paid £300 for this head and as it was a tour product it wasn’t under any warranty. This seemed unfair as it had broken but that’s the downside of not buying retail product. The guy I spoke to from the tour department suggested I was may as well bin it or use it as a paperweight.

Mar 16, 2013 at 4:35 am

That’s right what happened to The TP heads?

Mar 16, 2013 at 4:37 am

Nvm they still sell it but the heads are the same… Wth?

Mar 16, 2013 at 4:17 am

I thought it was illegal for manufacturers to sell products that are different for the public than are used by the special people? Wasn’t there some sort of case that went through the courts regarding this very fact, that some manufacturer had made a special version that wasn’t available to the general public and that company was sued for doing that? Does anybody know? Why do golf equipment manufacturers get away with selling versions that are different than what the Pros use?

Mar 16, 2013 at 4:13 am

No big deal. An F1 driver doesn’t drive a Chevvy or Ford so why would a Tour Pro, who needs a bespoke club to maximise his performance (it is their living) use something off the shelf? Add in the fact that most amateurs need as much assistance as we can get and the retail version will be of much more use to us. Give me 10.5 loft and a HUGE sweetspot please!

Mar 15, 2013 at 8:52 pm

Your photo of the toe weights indicates that the tour V2 model has weights further ahead but the one with the toe weight closer to the face is the V1 retail model.

Mar 15, 2013 at 7:01 pm

Does this surprise anyone? Taylormade are the kings of false advertising. Just watch the rockerbladez distance iron commercials or the rocketballz ads for a driver none of those guys bag.

Also, Dustin Justin promotes Dicks and Golf Galaxy. Some guys just can’t turn a paycheck down.

Mar 16, 2013 at 4:18 am

Yup. It turns out, the Callaway XHot is definitely longer than any of the Rocketblades. By far.

Mar 21, 2013 at 11:35 pm

You state that Dustin Johnson promotes both Dicks and Golf Galaxy. Golf Galaxy is owned by Dicks Sporting Goods, so it’s not like there’s any conflict of interest there. He’s not taking a paycheck to promote two competing stores, since they are both owned by the same parent company.

Mar 15, 2013 at 7:00 pm

Good article and thanks for the information. The idea that Tour players play the “same game” as the rest of us is laughable. They have perfectly fit clubs, perfectly manicured golf courses(it always makes me smile when those guys talk about poor course conditions), and thousands of people(plus cameras) to help them find errant tee shots. But hey it’s a good gig if you can get it.

Mar 15, 2013 at 6:55 pm

You want TM to be “more forthcoming” with this information? You sat down with the senior director of product creation and discussed the differences in sufficient depth to write an entire article on it. What would you consider to be “more forthcoming?”

Mar 20, 2013 at 12:44 pm

Forthcoming, meaning being direct and truthful in the retail advertising.

Mar 15, 2013 at 6:50 pm

While I can understand that tour pro’s are the best players on the planet, the fact that they are given equipment that is not available and marketing that equipment is fraudulant and false advertising.

In the past prior to the R9 taylormade had always released at least 1 of the tour models onto the market as a tp version. As a pro myself i have always used these models as like Garcia i prefer a smaller driver head. Suggesting to people that a tp version is for sale as on the markets today is ridiculous as all that does is enable Taylormade to charge excessive amounts for shafts and upcharge as well.

When will they realise that the general public would like to decide for themselves which version they prefer or at least offer v2 and v3 in fitting centres worldwide.

I played the R7 Superquad TP which was and probably still is the best driver i have ever used and i still use the R9 due to the 425cc head. Small is better and even those people that i teach hit a smaller head better as it focuses them to have to rather than these ridiculous max MOI 460cc things!

Interesting article, but nothing new. Tour players have always had different equipment. They represent the company and the company wants the pros to perform at their best so the company can sell more equipment.

Mar 15, 2013 at 6:33 pm

I was told that Taylor Made has three different lofted heads in the Version 2. If you get one from the tour it doesn’t have the + – 2 degree hosel. Rather it is marked +- 1.5 degrees on the inside. They evidently don’t need the full 2 degrees with 3 different lofts to start with. They didn’t say if it is 9, 10, 11 or 8, 9, 10…..

Mar 15, 2013 at 6:12 pm

Nicely written. Agreed – it’s fine to have special tour only versions of equipment, but not fine for pros to imply that you are buying their version.

So after all that, we learn’t something most of us gear heads already knew 10 years ago. All OEM’s make Tour Only Gear. Now they also know that there is a small percentage of golfers who want to play them and some actual good amateurs who canplay tour only heads. What I want to know is if Tom Olsavsky could send me 1 of V1, 1of V2 and 1 of V3? Then I can do my own little shootout and show what works for this 2 handicap golfer! Tom if you hear me I’m a GHIN 2 been playing your Tour heads since the Tour 300 series. Then went to the R510 series like 3 or 4 different versions, finally settling on the R510 DF Proto which I still feel is the best head ever made by Taylormade and still own 2 just because (lol). Now I play a couple product lines back the Superfast V1 Tour issue that most didn’t like as it was almost 4* open and super low spin. Now that it’s all out in the open maybe TM could make these available through custom order? Then they wouldn’t have guys/gals stealing them from foundries or tour vans and selling them to only a select few, who are robbing people. I bet Taylormade would sell a decent amount of these Tour Only heads and places like ebay wouldn’t have so many people buying/selling fakes. All OEM’s could do this. They are already being sold basically on black market or being unloaded to guys in Florida and California that buy up all the last years models and throw them on ebay in mass quanities. So there’s enough to go around to players who want them, maybe Taylormade could be the first OEM to do this instead of having certain guys like the previous owner of BSG who ripped people off left and right only because he knew someone on the inside. These should be available to everyone who wants to buy one. Lie I said Custom Order. Come on Taylormade step up! You have guys like me who will support this specialty item. You already did it with B headed irons. It’s just time to make the next move.

Mar 16, 2013 at 4:20 am

But if they started giving it out, it wouldn’t be “special” !!! haha

Roy D Mercer

Mar 17, 2013 at 2:00 am

So do you really think a “Tour” spec head is going to move your handicap 1 stroke lower? Really? Puhleeze give me a break. I’d be willing to bet $100 that on average a Tour driver head wouldn’t make any statistically relevant difference in any single digit amateur’s handicaps. None. Zero. Zilch. We ain’t that elite so quit stroking your ego and realize that you’ve fallen right into the manufacturers Mysterious Driver BS Sales Vortex. That said, I too have an issue with anyone claiming you can play the precise same club whoever is playing on tour. That’s wrong.

Now if you really want to get longer / straighter go get a real legit quality club fitting and then go start working out.

PS_In my current bag I’ve a 3-wood right off a Tour van via a player whom I helped with his putting. It isn’t one yard longer than a production head despite being “Tour Certified”. Hit one of his drivers as well — nothing magic. Give it up.

Mar 20, 2013 at 2:27 pm

Right Roy; it isn’t the club it’s the clubber! Tour players can take an amateurs clubs and play scratch golf but the opposite doesn’t apply!

Mar 25, 2013 at 6:07 pm

Roy, I think you’re missing his point. He’s not implying that it would make him a better Golfer, it’s just a comfort level some of us “older”, or more traditional guys may have. For Drivers; personally, I’m tired of the “huge heads”. Wish I could get a look at the smaller “pro” heads Taylor produces. First “metal” wood was a Taylor 9 Degree with an Aldila Gold (whatever)Shaft in it, some 35 years ago. Was tough to move out of Persimmon, but the head on that club was easily around the same size, or possibly smaller, than the Persimmon headed driver I was playing and was certainly not much bigger than most 3 metals of today, but had no problems “moving it out there”. Don’t think I went to a metal 3-wood until about 5 years ago….yes, Persimmon 3-wood with steel shaft. Really didn’t experience much distance change at all (except perhaps on off center hits). Only changed, because the insert and head were finally giving out. Anyway, I would absolutely prefer a smaller head and I believe that’s where TWShoot67 was going, along with the whole false marketing pretense.

Mar 20, 2013 at 1:34 pm

This article, aside from the specs mentioned, is sensationalism and a waste of time. I expect better from this website. Anyone, without a + handicap, who thinks they’re playing the same equipment as tour pros are delusional. Why don’t you do another sensationalistic article about how shaft makers should be more transparent and put in their ads that tour pros actually get the absolute pick of the litter shafts that are double or triple X stiffness, and then tipped an inch or two. Oh wait, I just did it. Wow being a journalist, or whatever’s you call yourself, feels good. Where’s my check? You guys need to step up your game.

Jul 1, 2013 at 10:57 am

Seriously???

Jul 3, 2013 at 4:05 pm

Please do not sit down, as the sun may go also. Wow, you think a lot of yourself.

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Whats in the Bag

Rory mcilroy witb 2024 (april).

Rory McIlroy what’s in the bag accurate as of the Zurich Classic.

Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 (9 degrees) Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X

3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 (15 degrees) Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 8 X

Check out more in-hand photos of Rory McIlroy’s WITB in the forums.

5-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 (18 degrees) Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 9 X

Irons: TaylorMade Proto (4), TaylorMade Rors Proto (5-9) Shaft: Project X 7.0 (4-9)

Wedges: TaylorMade MG4 (46-09SB, 50-09SB, 54-11SB), Titleist Vokey Design WedgeWorks (58-K @59) Shafts: Project X 6.5 (46-54), Project X 6.5 Wedge (60)

Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour X3 Grip: SuperStroke Zenergy Pistol Tour

Ball: 2024 TaylorMade TP5x

Grips: Golf Pride MCC

Spotted: Nate Lashley’s Ping PLD “Wolverine” putter

Ping PLD putters have been a very common site on profesional tours. Pros seem to gravitate toward the PLD line’s custom options and precision milling. We have seen the PLD line expanded over the years, but we haven’t seen too many, if any, large mallets.

This week we spotted a PLD putter in Nate Lashley’s bag that has a similar look to the old Ping Wolverine head shape. This putter is a large mallet with the famous “claws” on the outside and oval center that housed the alignment aid.

Nick’s putter has the PLD logo on the back but also looks like it might have an insert installed on the face. It is hard to tell but at the address picture, it looks like the face is a lighter material than the rest of the putters. The putter is center-shafted and should be face-balanced with a high MOI for stability and forgiveness on mishits. The sole is completely milled and has no markings of name or technologies that might be present in the head. A single white site line is on the top of the putter for alignment.

Nick’s putter is finished off with a chrome steel shaft and a Super Stroke Zenergy Flatso 2.0 grip in black and white.

Check out the rest of our photos from the 2024 Zurich Classic

Coolest thing for sale in the GolfWRX Classifieds (4/23/24): TaylorMade Qi10 Driver Ruby Red

At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals that all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.

It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.

Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, there is a listing for a TaylorMade Qi10 Driver Ruby Red.

From the seller: (@Gehly): “TaylorMade Qi10 Driver 9.0 Designer Series Ruby Red. Custom Mitsubishi Kai’li Red 60s (stiff) shaft, plays 46”. Great condition, head near mint (see pics). w/ Red/Black Golf Pride NDMC Midsize grip. No headcover for it. $545 “

To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link: TaylorMade Qi10 Driver Ruby Red

This is the most impressive current listing from the GolfWRX BST, and if you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum you can check them out here: GolfWRX BST Rules

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Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 (8 degrees @8.25) Buy here. Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 7 X (45 inches) 3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 (15 degrees) Buy...

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The 11 Best Headlamps for Running, Workshops, and Setting Up Camp in the Dark

Whether you’re in the backcountry or simply under the kitchen sink, there’s a light for everything.

What to Consider

How we tested, read full reviews.

Read on for quick info on the best headlamps from our testing. Below that, you’ll find aspects to keep in mind as you’re making your decision and full reviews of these models and other top performers.

Need a light? Check our picks for the best pocket flashlights , LED shop lights , and rechargeable flashlights .

The Best Headlamps

Best Overall: BioLite HeadLamp 750
Best Value: Energizer Vision Ultra HD
Best Mid-Priced: Fenix HL32R
Easiest to Use: Petzl Tikka
Best for Mechanical Work: Police Security Morf R230

Modern Tech

Pushed by the demands of backcountry hikers , climbers, ultra runners, and tradesmen, headlamp manufacturers have also developed smart features that give you greater control over the size and intensity of the beam to suit your needs. Petzl, for example, built a sensor into some of its models that automatically adjusts the beam’s brightness based on ambient lighting conditions. Black Diamond and BioLite have memory functions that start the lamps in the most recent brightness mode when you power them on. Coast and Ledlenser let you change the beam pattern from spot to flood by twisting or pulling the housing around the lens, making it easier to operate with gloved hands.

The Many Colors of Beams

Headlamps are often outfitted with multicolor LEDs. Understanding which is best for what purpose requires brushing up on your biology. “Color is not in the retina. It’s not some reflex tied to wavelength,” explains Bevil Conway, who has a Ph.D. in neurobiology and runs a National Institutes of Health-funded research lab that studies color and cognition. “It’s actually this quite elaborate, sophisticated operation of interpretation that the brain is doing.”

That process starts when the millions of rods and cones absorb light at the back of the eye. These photoreceptors are tuned to react to different wavelengths and operate under other lighting conditions. Rods only respond in very dim light, whereas the three types of cones—respectively most sensitive to long, middle, and short wavelengths—work under normal circumstances. So, choosing between white and colored light lets us see our surroundings differently.

Red: This common colored light, processed from long wavelengths, is best for preserving your night vision because it doesn’t oversaturate your rods. That means they will still work (and you can still see) when you turn the light off. Switch to red when you want to chat face-to-face with a buddy without blinding them or when you want to hide from bugs. (Most insects have photoreceptors that can’t register red light.)

Green: Although it’s rare to find in headlamps, green light makes it easy to see at relatively dim settings. Thank your L- and M-cones for that; both are most sensitive to yellow and green light.

Blue: Rarer still, dim blue light is the hardest to see with and, contrary to popular belief, won’t help you track a trail of blood when you’re hunting. That’s because your relatively few S-cones absorb the long wavelength red and reflect shorter, blue wavelengths that don’t look markedly different under your headlamp. Limit the blue to mood lighting.

White: To see the most detail and color, stick with this neutral light. But in total darkness, use the highest settings judiciously. Bright light creates a glare that causes our rods to shut off, thereby hampering our night vision.

Rechargeable vs. Single-Use Batteries

Although we didn’t directly test battery types, it’s worth weighing your options. Models that use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are great for long-distance efforts, saving you from packing any replacement on top of the power bank or solar charger already in your kit. Those running on alkaline or lithium batteries cut out downtime that comes with charging and can be more affordable upfront. We’re big fans of the dual-power models that continue to proliferate and offer the greatest flexibility.

Our team of Reviews editors has evaluated and used each headlamp on this list. We researched the market, surveyed user reviews, spoke with product managers and designers, and used our own hands-on experience to whittle down the best headlamps for every scenario.

We ran them through several use scenarios, like submerging them elbow-deep into a bucket of water and clicking through all the buttons and settings, and dropping them from 7 feet up onto a concrete slab to assess their impact resistance. Plus, we ran, hiked, and wore them around the house in the dark, just like you would, to gauge their fit. But we also put them through a battery of tests to get hard numbers and back up or refute the manufacturers’ claims. Finally, we consulted other editors at Popular Mechanics, as well as our colleagues at Runner’s World , to further source recommendations. Aside from the latest addition, the BioLite HeadLamp 325, which we’ve only used in the field so far, every lamp here has gone through this gauntlet.

Measuring Brightness

Buying a headlamp based on its advertised lumens is tempting, but it won’t tell you the full story. Conventional headlamp design causes light output to decrease over time, often starting as soon as you press the power button. This is partly caused by the variable nature of electrical circuits, but it’s also a byproduct of manufacturers regulating power delivery to balance brightness, battery life, and heat management.

Still, comparing the lumens of different headlamps gives you some idea of how they will suit your needs. So for the latest round of evaluations, we measured the lumens of each model while it was on its brightest setting by using an integrating sphere, a hollow instrument with a white reflective interior that scatters light evenly inside, and a lux meter for measuring that light. We built our sphere and calibrated it with the help of product engineers at two companies that make portable high-performance LEDs.

We recorded the reading on the lux meter every 30 seconds for the first three minutes, then again at the 5-, 10-, 15-, 20-, 25-, and 30-minute marks. (This is similar to the widely adopted standardized methodology used by manufacturers.) The findings showed how close our test samples came to their advertised maximum lumens and how steady or rapidly their brightnesses declined over time.

None of our test results exactly matched the manufacturers’ claimed lumens, but most were within a reasonable 10 percent margin. The Energizer Vision Ultra stood out as one of the most accurate, though it reached this peak at the 1-minute mark instead of immediately after being powered on.

Light Output Over Time

As expected, every headlamp on our list grew progressively dimmer during our half-hour test. Two of our top picks—the BioLite HeadLamp 750 and Coast XPH30R —had the largest swings, due to their optional 30-second burst modes. When we tested them on their brightest non-burst setting (500 and 490 lumens, respectively), their consistency improved significantly. The BioLite, in particular, proved to be an incredibly stable—though much dimmer than promised—performer, thanks to its Constant Mode tech. During the test, its brightness dropped by 7 percent compared to the average decline of 60 percent among the lamps we tested.

Testing in the Field

Another way to assess a headlamp’s effectiveness is to measure its beam distance. After dark, we found the farthest point where each headlamp was bright enough for us to clearly identify a silhouette of a person, painted neutral gray, by moving the silhouette along a line of reflective traffic cones, each spaced 25 feet apart. The headlamps were on their brightest mode and set to their most focused spotlight beam shape.

To find how long each headlamp lasts on a full charge or new set of batteries, we ran them on their highest setting until the bulbs faded, flickered, and died.

BioLite HeadLamp 750

BioLite’s 750 takes the title of the most comfortable full-size headlamp. The first thing we noticed when we slipped it on was how the wide headband distributed the weight so there weren’t any irritating pressure points. This also helped it stay put, as we didn’t experience any slipping.

Regarding electronics, BioLite has baked in some helpful tech, the most noteworthy of which is the Constant Mode. Even if you leave many headlamps on the highest setting, they will dim after several minutes as your eyes adjust to the light. And the 750 still does that, turning down the power gradually as the battery loses juice unless you hold a button on the battery pack to turn on Constant Mode. We found it more for peace of mind, knowing that the headlamp wouldn’t subtly dim on us and we could have 500 lumens—or 250 on medium mode or 5 on low—at our disposal. (That’s another thing to note: You only get the HeadLamp’s full 750 lumens in 30-second bursts, after which it’ll return to the high setting of 500 lumens.) Once the battery can no longer sustain the current setting, the light drops to 5 lumens, so you still have something to see.

Until we got the hang of operating the 750, clicking through its red and white floods, spot, strobe, and combined flood and spot via the single button on the front unit proved slightly confusing. The trick is to click through in half-second increments; waiting too long caused the headlamp to shut off. But this has its own benefit since we could turn the headlamp off when it was in a particular setting and turn it back on in the same mode rather than having to cycle through from the beginning. We eventually came to appreciate the fine level of control.

Finally, a small feature but one worth noting: The charging cable is 3 feet long. That means you can plug it into the rear unit (which has a solid and strobing red light, handy for runners) and feed it into a pack or pocket to a portable charger for additional battery life.

Energizer Vision Ultra HD Rechargeable Headlamp

The cost of rechargeable tech has come down considerably over the years. However, the initial investment can still be a barrier, whether for an electric vehicle or a headlamp. Energizer bucks that trend with the affordable, lightweight, and surprisingly powerful Vision Ultra. The addition of the red and green LEDs made the lamp feel all the more valuable, even if we mostly stuck to using the white and red lights. And we liked the adjustable frame that let us tilt the housing down as much as 90 degrees. A drawback is the lamp’s relatively short run time.

EdisonBright Fenix HL32R Headlamp

The Fenix HL32R bridges the gap between inexpensive and expensive headlamps. At $56, it won’t break the bank, but it will give you a lot of light and a lot of features. With its total of nine light modes, you can adjust the headlamp to your specific situation and extend battery life to over 100 hours. And, if there’s any question how much battery you have left, the HL32R has a handy charge indicator right on the front. It has two buttons: one you use to toggle through the white lighting modes and one for SOS and red light modes. We measured maximum lumens in the short duration burst mode at 567—a little short of the claimed 600 but plenty bright to see an object clearly at 150 feet on a moonless night.

On the highest standard mode, turbo, the HL32R provided incredibly stable light. As we tested light output over time in turbo mode, it started at 277 lumens and after 30 minutes only dimmed to 246. Left on in this mode, the headlamp will last over 4 hours but will drop down mode settings to prolong the battery life.

When the battery was depleted, we recharged it with the USB cable. The HL32R has a single elastic strap with reflective accents and a traditional adjustable buckle. We found it held securely enough while we ran without jostling from our repeated foot strikes.

Petzl Tikka Headlamp

Petzl’s Tikka is a simple, practical 300-lumen headlamp and helpful in many situations. It’s also one of the rare models actually capable of delivering more lumens—310, in fact—than the manufacturer claims. As with most LED headlamps, the lumens do drop off over time. At 30 seconds, we measured 283 lumens, and at 30 minutes, 131. In practical testing, this drop wasn’t something we noticed because it was gradual, and once our eyes were adjusted to the dark, we didn’t need as much light to see well. Speaking of practical testing, we assessed the beam distance at 125 feet for the Tikka—how far we could identify a flat grey silhouette of a person on a moonless night.

Three AAA batteries power the Tikka, although you can buy a Petzl Core rechargeable battery separately. During our testing with fresh alkaline batteries, measuring battery run time on the Tikka’s highest setting was a little challenging. Petzl claims a 2-hour run time on high, but it simply doesn’t die at 2 hours. The brightness dropped over time, and, left turned on at the highest setting, it stayed on for over 24 hours, providing usable light.

At 2.9 ounces, the Tikka is one of the lighter headlamps we tested. That, combined with its average-width strap, made it comfortable enough to wear running without having to adjust it too tightly to keep it in place. We found the single button easy to operate and access three main light modes and two red LED light modes.

Police Security Morf P230 Headlamp

Morf’s R230 is a great headlamp option for work-related tasks like repairs in dark or confined spaces. With its claimed output of 230 lumens, we measured it at 260 when first turned on, dimming to 223 after 30 seconds. That’s ample light to illuminate your immediate work area, and it was enough during our practical testing to identify a human silhouette at 110 feet in the dark. Backing up its role as a headlamp for work, it is impact-resistant up to 10 feet and rated water-resistant to IPX7—meaning it can be submerged up to 3 feet for 30 minutes.

In our opinion, the best feature of the R230 is the magnetic, removable lamp. When we detached it from its dock on the headband, two auxiliary LEDs in the dock automatically illuminated, and the lamp became a small flashlight that we could use to light up areas normally in the shadow of our headlamp. And, being magnetic, it can stick to any steel or iron surface, like an inner fender on a car.

The auxiliary lights automatically shut off if you pop the lamp back in the headband dock. Four AAA batteries power the whole system, running a little beyond 6 hours during our testing.

BioLite HeadLamp 325

Although we haven’t run the 325 through the same intensive testing process as the other headlamps on this list yet, we still recommend it as a no-frills lightweight option. It weighs slightly more than our lightest option, the Streamlight Bandit, but it’s also more powerful, with a max output of 325 lumens. That’s impressive for something so compact and thin.

Biolite claims this has a no-slip, no-bounce fit, and our tester found this to be true. He’s worn it at campsites to guide him to the restrooms after sundown, during kayaking trips, and a few times trail running, and he never felt the headlamp slip or had to adjust its position. It’s painless to fit around your crown (or hat) thanks to an easy-to-adjust band, plus its strap wicks moisture away fairly quickly.

It has a simple one-button operation, too. Tapping the button toggles through low and high power modes, holding it changes its dimness, and pressing it down for 7 seconds turns it on and off. You can swivel the light downward to better see the path ahead if needed. Oh, and it’s USB-rechargeable too, so no dealing with batteries.

Unlike other headlamps in this category, it doesn’t feature a rear light, but its focus on a single lamp makes it airy. If that’s a dealbreaker for you, consider this option for light packing, hikes at dawn, and emergency kits.

Coast XPH30R Headlamp

By virtue of its removable head strap, the dual-fuel XPH30R transitions from headlamp to flashlight in seconds—useful for all those spots your head can’t fit into but your light source needs to. Also, like the Morf above, the lamp body is magnetic, so we could hang it from a nearby metal surface while we worked.

As for light modes, the XPH30R has four settings (white light only) and easily transitioned from floodlight to spotlight when we twisted the bezel around the bulb. Its run time was notably shorter than the other high-output lamps in the test, but 9.5 hours is at least long enough to get you through most workdays.

Black Diamond Icon Headlamp

This lamp impresses with its staggering number of useful features. The entire light, including the battery pack, is water- and dust-proof. (You can even change the brightness settings while it’s submerged.) You turn the Icon to maximum power with a simple button on the side of the housing, and the four bulb colors are easy to cycle through. Given that range of colors, the Icon is useful for almost any activity, from reading and midnight geocaching to search-and-rescue and hunting.

This headlamp is one of the heaviest we tested, and though it runs on four AAs (no recharging, sadly), it lasted for days on its highest power settings. It’s also a favorite of Runner’s World senior video producer Pat Heine-Holmberg , who says he’s been using it for nearly eight years of ultrarunning .

Ledlenser H14R.2 Headlamp

Few lights have as much power or afford you as much control as the H14R.2. Adjustments are easy. Focus the beam from flood to a single point by pulling out or pushing in the lens housing. Change light intensity in large increments by clicking the button next to the lens, or spin a dial on the battery pack for fine-tuning—both are easy even when you’re wearing gloves. You can wear the battery pack on the back of the head strap or stash it in a backpack using the included extension cord. A blinking red light on the battery helps others see you, even when your light is off.

Petzl Swift RL Headlamp

This little lamp produces a ton of light with an impressive run time, thanks to Petzl’s Reactive Lighting tech, which helps save juice by automatically adjusting the strength of the beam for your needs. The Swift also has the most helpful battery-life display of any light we tested. While most lamps blink when the battery starts to run low, this one uses five LED dots to show you exactly how much power you have left.

Streamlight Bandit Headlamp

It may not be the brightest headlamp or the longest lasting, but for $24, the Bandit is almost the cheapest. It’s a nice lightweight headlamp handy for small jobs around the house when you need to illuminate your work area or shine some light into a dark outbuilding. At 180 lumens in high and flashing modes and 35 in low, the Bandit is ideal for up-close jobs—its light pattern is broader than spot. Our tester often used it to root around in a shed early in the morning and set up at flea markets before sunrise.

The soft, elastic head strap held the lamp firmly in place so our tester’s hands were free to unwrap antiques carefully. An included visor clip lets you angle the light up and down to your liking or remove it from the strap to be worn on the brim of a cap (a bonus for hikers and runners). The Bandit has a weather-resistance rating of IPX4, meaning it can withstand a steady downpour for a decent amount of time.

One thing to note: Our tester has kept his Bandit handy in the console of his truck for more than a year. Over time and through four seasons of varying temperatures, its battery life on high has dropped from 2 hours on a full charge to about an hour and 15 minutes. That said, it charges as it did from day one, with no issues. And since it costs a little more than 20 bucks, keeping a backup Bandit around is just as easy.

Kevin Cortez is an editor for Runner's World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics covering reviews. A culture and product journalist for over ten years, he’s an expert in men’s style, technology, gaming, coffee, e-bikes, hiking, gear, and all things outdoors. He most recently worked as the Style Editor for Reviewed, a top product recommendation site owned by USA TODAY. He also helped with the launch of WSJ's Buy Side commerce vertical, and has covered the music and podcast industries for Mass Appeal, Genius, Vulture, Leafly, Input, and The A.V. Club. Equally passionate about leisure as he is his penmanship, Kevin dedicates his spare time to graphic novels, birding, making cold brew, and taking long, meandering walks.

Will is the director of product content for Hearst’s Enthusiast Group, leading reviews and gear coverage across Best Products , Bicycling , Popular Mechanics , and Runner’s World .

James Lynch is Popular Mechanic’s Field Editor looking for stories across the U.S. about those building a better America. He’s passionate about the Erie Canal and the Apollo Space Program.

Adrienne Donica tested hiking, camping, and other adventure gear as Popular Mechanics ' outdoors editor, before going on to edit gear reviews for Popular Mechanics , Runner's World , and Bicycling as Expert Reviews editor. Find her on the trail, working on her latest cocktail project, or eating mint chocolate chip ice cream.

Brad Ford has spent most of his life using tools to fix, build, or make things. Growing up he worked on a farm, where he learned to weld, repair, and paint equipment. From the farm he went to work at a classic car dealer, repairing and servicing Rolls Royces, Bentleys, and Jaguars. Today, when he's not testing tools or writing for Popular Mechanics, he's busy keeping up with the projects at his old farmhouse in eastern Pennsylvania.

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The sneaky difference between retail and Tour driver heads

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The sticker affixed to Lexi Thompson's Cobra driver serves an important purpose.

Jonathan Wall/GOLF

The general belief is that Tour driver heads receive an extra sprinkle of “distance dust” before they wind up in the hands of the best golfers on the planet. Each face has to be extra springy to produce those gargantuan drives that show up on television.

As much as we’d love to tell you pros get the pick of the fastest faces, adjustments to the way the USGA conducts driver testing on the PGA Tour have actually seen many manufacturers do the opposite and hand off slower faces that gradually get faster over time, in an effort to track “CT Creep” and keep the heads in play for as long as possible.

So if the faces aren’t noticeably faster, what are the differences between Tour and retail driver heads?

As one caller pointed out during the latest edition of GOLF’s “Fully Equipped Hotline,” the stated loft found on a retail head isn’t always exact. According to co-host Gene Parente, each head coming off the production line has a loft tolerance.

“The industry standard is plus-or-minus 1 degree [of loft],” Parente said. “Certain OEMs will argue their manufacturing tolerances are tighter than others. It’s a really good question.”

Tolerances are no doubt tighter than they used to be decades ago, but it’s naive to assume every driver coming off the line is built the same as the last. Minor differences do exist, and that includes the stated loft.

If you purchased a driver recently and the launch window is noticeably different from what you saw during testing, seek out a local club builder who has a digital loft and lie machine to ensure the loft on a 9-degree head isn’t 9.75 or 10 degrees.

“I tell all of my friends, have that return policy and go out and play a few rounds with that club and make sure it’s performing the way you got fit or bought it out of the store, because there are manufacturing tolerances,” Parente continued.

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For the most part, recreational golfers won’t notice a slight difference in loft from the stated number on the head, but it’s important to know tolerances do exist.

On the flip side, drivers found on the PGA Tour are digitally lofted to ensure the number is precise. With the amount of time pros spend dialing in their swing and launch characteristics on a launch monitor, guessing on stated loft isn’t an option.

“For Tour heads, those are picked specifically for players because they’re designed into that process,” said co-host Ryan Barath. “Those specs are then taken to the manufacturers to create them. Yes, it’s plus-or-minus 1 degree for loft, but I do believe there are some tighter tolerances out there. There are even some OEMs where you can specifically request the head to be digitally lofted for an extra $10. If you’re really curious about it, it’s a really great option. And that company is Ping.”

In some cases, like the above photo of Lexi Thompson’s driver, pros will have Tour reps add a sticker to the head as a way to confirm the “actual loft” differs from the stamped number.

It’s a small change that can have major ramifications for not only pros but amateurs as well.

Want to overhaul your bag for 2023? Find a fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

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Jonathan Wall is GOLF Magazine and GOLF.com’s Managing Editor for Equipment. Prior to joining the staff at the end of 2018, he spent 6 years covering equipment for the PGA Tour. He can be reached at [email protected].

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Slang For Head (20 Examples!)

Ever knocked your noggin and found yourself rattling off a bunch of different names for your head?

Or maybe you’ve heard someone say they’re going to “use their loaf” and wondered why they’re suddenly talking about bread when making decisions.

The truth is, when it comes to the old brain box, English speakers have come up with a weird and wonderful array of slang terms to describe it.

From “bonce” to “noodle,” and “gourd” to “nut,” the language we use for our heads can be as quirky and varied as what goes on inside them.

So, let’s dive into the fun world of head slang and find out just how creative we can get when naming our noggins.

Let’s get started!

In This Article

Slang for Head

A casual term for head, often used playfully.

Examples in sentences:

“Watch your bap on that low doorway!”
“He’s got a good set of headphones sitting on his bap.”
“She tapped her bap, thinking hard about the answer.”

Informal and affectionate term for the head.

“He rubbed his bean after bumping it on the shelf.”
“Put your thinking bean to work and solve this puzzle.”
“She donned a hat to keep her bean warm in winter.”

Another slang term for head, emphasizing its solidity or stubbornness.

“He’s got a thick block, never changes his mind.”
“Watch out, or you’ll knock your block on that beam.”
“She’s got a good block on her shoulders, very sensible.”

British slang for head, often used humorously.

“He’s got a shiny bonce, completely bald.”
“That footballer’s got a good bonce for headers.”
“Mind your bonce when you’re getting on the bus.”

Used to describe someone with a high intellect or someone who’s very smart.

“Ask Sarah, she’s the brainbox of our group.”
“He’s a real brainbox, knows something about everything.”
“She’s the brainbox behind the whole operation.”

A playful term for the head, often alluding to its shape or hardness.

“He’s got a hard coconut, never admits he’s wrong.”
“She tapped her coconut, trying to remember the answer.”
“Watch your coconut on those low branches!”

A more formal or scientific term for the skull, sometimes used humorously in slang.

“Protect your cranium when you’re riding a bike.”
“He’s got so many ideas crammed in that cranium of his.”
“That was a tough question, really made me use my cranium.”

Refers to the top of the head, often used metaphorically to denote dignity or poise.

“She carries her crown high, full of confidence.”
“The crown of his head was just visible above the fence.”
“Adorn your crown with thoughts of success and positivity.”

Slang for head, emphasizing its round shape.

“He’s got a shiny dome after shaving his head.”
“Put a hat on that dome of yours, it’s cold outside!”
“That was a smart idea from a smart dome.”

A humorous term for head, likening it to the shape of a gourd.

“He’s got a thick gourd, doesn’t he? Hard-headed as they come.”
“Keep your gourd up, things will get better.”
“She knocked her gourd pretty hard, but she’s okay.”

Loaf (as in “use your loaf”)

Cockney rhyming slang for head, from “loaf of bread.”

“Come on, use your loaf and figure it out!”
“He’s not just muscle; he’s got a good loaf on his shoulders too.”
“I need to rest my loaf after all that studying.”

A playful term for a large or bald head.

“With a melon like that, you must be a genius!”
“He keeps his melon smooth by shaving it every day.”
“Watch your melon on the low ceiling.”

British slang for head, sometimes used to refer to someone acting foolishly.

“He’s got some thoughts in his nob worth listening to.”
“Mind your nob, that branch is low!”
“Don’t be a nob, think before you act.”

An affectionate term for the head.

“He bumped his noggin on the doorframe again.”
“Put your thinking noggin to work on this problem.”
“She’s got a hard noggin, always using it to her advantage.”

Informal term for the head, emphasizing the brain’s role in thinking.

“Use your noodle to solve these riddles.”
“He’s got a sharp noodle, figures out puzzles fast.”
“I need to rest my noodle after all that work.”

A common slang term for the head.

“Watch where you’re going, or you’ll crack your nut.”
“He’s got a good nut on his shoulders, very wise.”
“That was a nutty idea, but it just might work.”

Refers to the top of the head, often used in literary or humorous contexts.

“He rubbed his bald pate thoughtfully.”
“A hat will protect your pate from the sun.”
“She tapped her pate, trying to remember the grocery list.”

A playful or affectionate term for head, especially in Scottish dialect.

“He’s got a thick scone, doesn’t feel the cold.”
“Mind your scone on those low beams.”
“She’s clever, that one, with a sharp scone on her.”

The bony structure enclosing the brain, often used in a more anatomical or serious context.

“Protect your skull when you’re riding a bike.”
“He’s got a thick skull, both literally and figuratively.”
“The mystery of the human skull fascinates archaeologists and historians alike.”

Tattie (Scottish)

A Scottish term for head, adding a regional flavor to the list.

“He’s got a cold, poor tattie.”
“Watch your tattie, the doorway is quite low.”
“She’s always using her tattie, solving problems left and right.”

Polly Webster is the founder of Foreign Lingo and a seasoned traveler with a decade of exploration under her belt.

Over the past 10 years, she has journeyed to numerous countries around the globe, immersing herself in diverse cultures, traditions, and languages.

Drawing from her rich experiences, Polly now writes insightful articles about travel, languages, traditions, and cultures, sharing her unique perspectives and invaluable tips with her readers.

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Blues Cube Tour

Guitar amplifier.

Flagship Stack with Rich, Dynamic Tone

Driven by Roland’s acclaimed Tube Logic design, the Blues Cube Tour brings punch, presence, and authority to your backline. The flagship Tour head packs 100 big watts to provide ample power and headroom for concert-level performing, while the companion Blues Cube Cabinet410 cabinet delivers clear, wide-range sound with smooth highs and rich low end. Equipped with four custom 10-inch speakers, the Cabinet410 gives you the classic 4x10 open-back configuration of sought-after vintage combos, but in a convenient standalone cab with reduced size and weight. And thanks to its variable power control, Line Out, and USB connectivity, the Blues Cube Tour is equally suited for tracking in the studio, whether you want to mic up or go direct.

Going far beyond modeling, Roland’s Tube Logic design philosophy starts with carefully reproducing the inner workings of the revered tweed-era tube amp in every way, from guitar input to speaker output. Versatile clean and crunch channels can be used independently or combined for a complex range of tones, while variable output power modes let you dial in burning, full-throttle sound at any volume. Road-tested and fine-tuned with feedback from top players, the gig-ready Blues Cube delivers the sweet, magical tone and satisfying feel that makes a great guitar amp a highly expressive musical instrument.

Performance-ready 100-watt guitar head with authentic tube tone and touch response
Separate Cabinet410 open-back cabinet features four custom 10-inch speakers and poplar construction for enhanced presence on stage
Roland’s comprehensive Tube Logic design delivers the interactive tonal behaviors of famous fine-tuned vintage tube amps, including preamp and output tube distortion characteristics, power supply compression, and much more
Independent Clean and Crunch channels, plus unique Dual Tone mode for blending channels to expand tonal possibilities
Master volume, three-band EQ, and Presence control, plus Boost and Tone switches on each channel
Four-way Power Control (0.5 W, 15 W, 45 W, Max) allows for cranked-amp tones at any volume
High-quality reverb, plus two effects loops for external devices
Stylish, modern look with a vintage vibe
Efficient, lightweight design provides easy portability without sacrificing tone quality
USB output for high-quality direct recording to a computer
Optional GA-FC Foot Controller for Channel Select, Dual Tone, and EFX Loops

Video Library

Bc tc-rf robben ford interview.

Customize the Blues Cube amps with Robben Ford’s signature blues and fusion tones.

Blues Cube Ultimate Blues Tone Capsule feat. Kirk Fletcher

Custom Voicing Circuit Delivering Premium Tone for Blues Professional.

New York Blues Tone Capsule feat. Oz Noy

BC TC-NY Blues Cube New York Blues Tone Capsule feat. Oz Noy.

Tone Capsule Sound Preview by Gary Cook

Guitarist Gary Cook explores the Roland Blues Cube amps, demoing the flexible tonal range from the Stock Sound all the way through each of Roland’s unique Tone Capsules.

Musical, Highly Responsive Amp Tones With Tube Logic

Warm, bouncy, responsive, dynamic, elastic…these are all terms that guitarists use to describe the satisfying experience of playing their favorite tube amps. Thanks to Roland’s Tube Logic, these words can be applied to the Blues Cube Tour as well. Dramatically evolved from the first-generation sound of the original Blues Cube amps from the ’90s, today’s Tube Logic accurately provides the complex, highly interactive behavior of classic tube designs in meticulous detail, providing the magical “it” factor that takes a guitar amp from a simple sound system to a living, breathing musical instrument. Great feel, distortion control with touch and volume, bloom, sparkle, power supply “sag,” and more—everything that players love about a finely tuned vintage tube amp is present in abundance with the Blues Cube.

A Compact and Powerful Stack for Your Backline

Armed with 100 watts of power, the Blues Cube Tour head is ready to support your biggest gigs with punch, presence, and headroom to spare. The accompanying 4x10 cab is the ideal match, offering four 10-inch speakers specially designed for projecting Tube Logic tone with balance, openness, and authority. Its open-back cabinet is built with poplar plywood construction, providing an acoustically rich and vibrant sound.

Clean, Crunch, And Dual Tone

The Blues Cube Tour head has two independent channels—one voiced for cleaner tones, and the other for crunch. Each channel has its own Boost and Tone switches to shape the character. The Clean channel’s single volume control dials in natural tube fullness and bite as the volume is cranked, while the Crunch channel’s variable gain control provides a range of grit flavors from mild to aggressive. With the press of a switch, the unique Dual Tone mode lets you blend both channels together for an endless array of rich tones. And just like a vintage tube amp, the Blues Cube loves stompboxes, allowing you to further shape your personal sound by hitting the amp’s front end with your favorite gain pedals.

Wide-Open Sound At Any Volume

Every tube-amp player knows that you really need to turn up the volume and push the output tubes to get the amp to sing at its best. The downside is that the sound simply becomes too loud for playing anywhere but the biggest stages—though that’s certainly never stopped guitarists from trying! With Tube Logic, the Blues Cube authentically delivers the complex distortion characteristics of output tubes and their interaction with the output transformer, with the sound getting richer and the feel becoming more dynamically responsive as the overall volume is increased. But with the Blues Cube’s variable Power Control, you’re able to enjoy this musical, cranked-up tone while matching the volume to any situation, from recording to rehearsals to nightclub gigs and beyond.

Maintenance-Free And Easy On Your Back

With its modern approach, the Blues Cube eliminates the big drawbacks found in all tube amps powerful enough for stage playing—they’re extremely heavy, prone to vibration damage, and they require frequent tube replacement and other costly maintenance to keep them going strong. In contrast, the Blues Cube is basically maintenance-free, and has been carefully designed to reduce weight in every area that doesn’t affect the tone. With the Blues Cube, you’re able to enjoy great tube sound at every gig, but with much easier load-in and no actual tubes to worry about!

Effects, Foot Control, and Direct Recording via USB

The Blues Cube Tour head features onboard reverb plus two effects loops for patching in any external effect that you like. The rear panel has jacks for connecting an optional footswitch such as the GA-FC Foot Controller, which provides remote switching for channel selection, Dual Tone mode, and on/off for the effects loops. And with the USB jack, it’s simple to capture the amp’s rich tones directly into your favorite computer recording applications.

The Tube Logic Story Inside Roland’s Groundbreaking New Amp Design

Dramatically evolved from the first-generation sound of the original Blues Cube amps from the ’90s, today’s Tube Logic accurately provides the complex, highly interactive behavior of classic tube designs in meticulous detail. Read more…

RAC-BCTOUR Blues Cube Tour Amp Cover

Custom cover for the Blues Cube Tour head.

Blues Cube Cabinet410 Guitar Amplifier Cabinet

Classic 4x10 open-back configuration of sought-after vintage combos in a convenient standalone cab.

BC TC-UB Blues Cube Ultimate Blues Tone Capsule

Modification circuit unit that changes the tube characteristic of the original Blues Cube

BC TC-RF Robben Ford Blues Cube Tone Capsule

BC TC-NY Blues Cube New York Blues Tone Capsule

Re-voice your Blues Cube amp with the feel and response of a traditional British EL84 tube combo.

BC TC-SC Blues Cube Sparkle Clean Tone Capsule

Transparent Clean Tones with Ultra-Expressive Response.

FS-5U/FS-5L Foot Switch

Durable metal footswitch available in latching and unlatching types. *Some products are compatible with either FS-5U or FS-5L only. Please check the specs to confirm the suitable model.

FS-6 Dual Footswitch

Two switches in one, BOSS’s FS-6 combines latch- and momentary-type switching into one unit.

FS-7 Dual Footswitch

Compact, multifunctional dual footswitch for remote control of effect pedals or amp channel switching.

GA-FC GA Foot Controller

Floor Control for Roland and BOSS amps.

Updates & Drivers

Blues cube artist driver ver.1.0.2 for windows 10/11, blues cube artist driver ver.1.0.0 for windows.

This is the Blues Cube Artist / Blues Cube Stage / Blues Cube Tour driver for Microsoft Windows 8.1 / 8 / 7.

Blues Cube Artist Driver Ver.1.0.5 for macOS Sonoma 14.x

Blues cube artist driver ver.1.0.4 for macos big sur 11.x / monterey 12.x / ventura 13.x, blues cube artist driver ver.1.0.3 for macos 10.15.

This is the Blues Cube Artist / Blues Cube Artist212 / Blues Cube Hot / Blues Cube Hot "British EL84 Modified" / Blues Cube Stage / Blues Cube Tour driver for macOS 10.15.

Blues Cube Artist Driver Ver.1.0.2 for macOS 10.13 / 10.14

This is the Blues Cube Artist / Blues Cube Artist212 / Blues Cube Hot / Blues Cube Hot "British EL84 Modified" / Blues Cube Stage / Blues Cube Tour driver for macOS 10.13 / macOS 10.14.

Blues Cube Artist Driver Ver.1.0.1 for macOS 10.12

This is the Blues Cube Artist / Blues Cube Stage / Blues Cube Tour / Blues Cube Hot driver for macOS 10.12.

Blues Cube Artist Driver Ver.1.0.0 for OS X 10.11

This is the Blues Cube Artist / Blues Cube Stage / Blues Cube Tour driver for OS X 10.11.

Blues Cube Artist Driver Ver.1.0.0 for Mac OS X

This is the Blues Cube Artist / Blues Cube Stage / Blues Cube Tour driver for Mac OS X 10.7 / OS X 10.8 / OS X 10.9 / OS X 10.10.

If you have questions about operating your Roland product, please check our Knowledge Base for answers to the most common questions. You can also contact our Product Support through Roland Backstage . In addition, we have a library of Owner’s Manuals and Support Documents that you can download and reference.

Owner’s Manuals

Blues cube stage / blues cube artist / blues cube tour owner's manual, blues cube stage / blues cube artist / blues cube tour owner's manual (español).

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Tour Edge Headcovers

Description.

Universal Tour Edge driver and fairway wood headcovers

- Driver headcover will fit all Tour Edge drivers

- Fairway wood headcover will fit all Tour Edge fairway woods.

Best Mosquito Netting for Heads/Hats

After more than 60 hours of product research, testing, and comparison, we offer you our top pick for mosquito head net: the EVEN NATURALS Premium Mosquito Head Net Mesh. This product is very affordable at just under $9 and comes with a 100% money-back guarantee. Read on to learn more about the seven best mosquito nets for your head.

EVEN NATURALS Premium Mosquito Head Net Mesh, 9/10

What we like
Made from premium material
Available on Amazon Prime
100% money-back guarantee
Easily fits over a hat or your head
What we dislike
No hat included

Product Details

Holes per sq. inch 380
Material Fine mesh
Hat Not included
Size top C 24.5” x height 23.5" x bottom stretched C 39.5
Guarantee 100% money back

The EVEN NATURALS Premium Mosquito Head Net Mesh is the expert’s netting used to keep biting insects (like mosquitoes and gnats) out of your face and off of your neck while enjoying the outdoors. Whether you are knee-deep in the river fishing on a Sunday afternoon or enjoying an afternoon of gardening in your own yard, this head net made of fine mesh will protect you from diseases and the discomfort caused by mosquitoes and other biting insects.

This product is under $9 on Amazon and fits over most hats or can be worn just over your own head. Its superior design is made from the highest quality products to help maintain the net’s elasticity. This is a very long-lasting product and lasts longer than any other fine mesh mosquito net available on the market. This product is a better and safer alternative for providing insect protection, unlike insect repellents that have DEET and other ingredients that may pose a health risk.

UShake Mosquito Head Net Hat, Safari Hat Sun Hat Bucket Hat with Hidden Net 8/10

Made of nylon and polyester
Hat included
Easily fits most heads
Holes per sq. inch:
Material: Nylon and polyester
Price: 18.99
Hat: Included
Size: 22.8"-23.2"; Crown depth: 4"; Veil: 13.4" long; Brim: 2.95" wide
Gurantee: 100% money-back

If you want the hat included, the UShake Mosquito Head Net Hat is the best hat and net combo on the market. Made of nylon and polyester, this UPF 50+ hat with a mosquito net is the perfect fashion accessory that is both attractive and practical. The net may be hidden when it is not needed, allowing you to use the hat as most hats are used – that is, as sun protection headwear. However, when you find the need to protect your face from those pesky mosquitoes, midges, and other biting bugs, the net can be taken out of hiding and used in a matter of seconds.

This hat with mesh netting is affordable at under $20. The beige color will help keep you cool as you enter the hotter seasons of the year. The nylon mesh is breathable and effective at keeping your face and neck safe from mosquito bites and the diseases that come with them. Best of all, the money-back guarantee allows you to return the hat if it is not everything you thought it would be and receive a full refund.

Benvo Head Net Mesh 8/10

Made from Nylon
Comes with 2 nets
Includes convenient carrying bags
Only 45-day money back guarantee
Holes per sq. inch: 522
Material: Nylon
Price: 7.99
Hat: Not included
Size: 21.25 in./54 cm (height), 37.8 in./96 cm (bottom perimeter); 15.7 in./40 cm (top perimeter)

The Benvo Head Mesh Net is the only two for one pack on the list. For $8 you can receive two head mesh nets and their own drawstring carrying bags to transport the nets anywhere you need them to go. These nets have 500 holes per square inch, making them extremely breathable and effective.

The nets are longer lasting than most due to their expert craftsmanship. The nets fit perfectly over most hats (even wide-brim ones) or can be used as standalone bug nets, depending on your needs. They are perfect for fishing expeditions, backpacking and outdoor hiking, gardening, or any type of outdoor activity that may attract mosquitoes and other biting bugs and flying insects.

Coghlan's Mosquito Head Net 7/10

Made from nylon
Available at Amazon Prime
No warranty
No guarantee
Price: 3.17
Size: 9.1 x 9.1 x 16.9 inches
Gurantee: None

The Coghlan mosquito head net is sold on Amazon and is among the most popular head nets on the list. The net is sold for under $4 and easy to store in your backpack, sleeping bag, or other outdoor gear. It fits over most hats or can be used as a standalone net and is preferred by many fishermen and women in the swampiest areas of the country.

However, the product does not last as long as others on the list. As wonderful as this product is, it likely will only last one season. The inexpensive net is perfect for its use, but be prepared to buy a new one next year.

Sea to Summit Mosquito Head Net with Insect Shield 7/10

Includes insect shield coating
Made from multifilament polyester
Available at many sporting goods and camping stores
Holes per sq. inch: 500
Material: Multifilament polyester
Price: 13.94
Size: One size
Gurantee: N/A

The Sea to Summit Mosquito Head Net with Insect Shield takes a next-level approach to protect you from mosquitoes. Insect Shield is a protective insecticide coating on the net which adds an additional layer of insect protection from mosquitoes and biting insects. As a result, even no-see-ums cannot attack you when you are using this net.

The net fits over most hats and can be used as a standalone net. While the Insect Shield is a wonderful addition to the net, it makes it less of a natural protectant. Therefore, you must make sure the ingredients used in the Insect Shield coating work for you and do not cause any type of adverse reaction.

This product can be purchased at most outdoor stores, such as LL Bean, REI, and even Dick’s sporting goods, as well as typical online retailers such as Amazon.

Coleman Mosquito Head Net 6/10

Available at Walmart
Cheap enough to buy more than one at a time
Tears Easily
Price: 1.78
Size: 10" x 17"

The Coleman Mosquito Head Net is a Walmart staple in the outdoor sections. For only $2, you can make sure your face is protected from mosquitoes anytime you go backpacking, fishing, garden, or spend time outdoors in areas populated by mosquitoes and biting and flying insects. Coleman is one of the most trusted names in outdoor products and their head nets are no exception.

However, keep in mind that these products are not meant to be long-lasting. Some customer reviews even state that they last shorter than the indicated product life span on the packaging. The more you use the product, the less time it will last. However, for the price, it may be best to purchase several at a time so you never go unprotected.

Mosquito Face Head Net with Collapsible Hat Cap (Include) 6/10

1-year warranty
Difficult to find
Holes per sq. inch: 398
Material: Nylon polyester
Price: 9.98
Size: 24-in. circumfrence
Gurantee: 1-year money back

This product is likely the most fashionable on the list. With the camo-style hat, it makes for a great fashion piece as well as provides useful protection against most biting insects, including mosquitoes. The net is hidden from view until it is needed, allowing the hat to protect against the sun’s rays and help keep your head cool in the hot sun. However, when you need the net, it easily folds down and protects your face and neck with comfort. With a one-year money-back guarantee, if you are not happy with your experience, you may return the product for a full refund.

However, this hat is only sold in select sites, such as Amazon and eBay. While it is listed in some places at an affordable $10, it may be found on other sites for well over $50. Be careful where you choose to buy the product and make sure you do not overpay.

How to Choose a Mosquito Head Mesh Net

When it comes to mosquito head nets, there are many brands and types to choose from. The market has everything from nets that are connected to hats to small portable nets that fit into any backpack or stuff sack. There are several factors that separate one net from another, such as the number of holes per square inch, price, and even the material used.

The first key piece is to determine how often you will need to use the net. If you plan on using it daily for outdoor activities, such as gardening or fishing, you will need a much more durable net than one meant only for the occasional hiking excursion or camping trip.

The netting material is another consideration. Polyester mesh is much more durable than nylon; however, it may not be as breathable. In addition, polyester can be a bit warmer than nylon. Of course, the price for such nets will be more costly than nylon as well; however, they will not need to be replaced as often as their nylon counterparts.

Additionally, you will need to decide between a net hat or a mosquito net to use with your own stand-alone hat. There are options in which hats are included that are both affordable and fashionable. If you are the type of person who prefers not to have the net directly on your hair or skin, then you may wish to include the hat in your decision-making process. Most nets that include the hat are hidden and easy to store inside the hat until the net is actually needed. An added benefit is that you do not have to keep reaching into the carrying case or your backpack to grab the net when you need it. You just pull it down from the hat to make it work.

Finally, you need to determine your budget. If you want to buy a quick fix for a one-time trip, you may only want to spend a few dollars. However, if you are looking for a net to last a while and one that can be used over and over again, it may be best to invest up to $10 and purchase an insect head net that is built to last.

Do You Need a Mosquito Head Net?

A mosquito head net is probably the most necessary item you can carry in your backpack or your fishing box. If you are an outdoors aficionado, you know that mosquitoes and biting bugs can ruin your outdoor excursion in a heartbeat. The swampier the area, the more likely you will be run out by pesky mosquitoes. This means that in order to enjoy your outdoor activities, you cannot afford to not use a mosquito head net.

An insect head net not only protects your face from insect bites, but it also helps protect your neck and keep flying insects from bothering your eyes and getting into your mouth. All of these features of a mosquito head net make it necessary to include them in your camping and outdoor excursion gear. Otherwise, you may find that you are spending more time tending to your mosquito bites and swatting bugs away from your face than enjoying your outdoor activities.

Choose your price point
Do your research
Determine the reason you need to use a mosquito head net
Determine if you want extra protection like Insect Shield
Choose nylon or polyester
Decide if you want the headwear included or purchased separately
Remember nylon is not as durable as polyester
Remember to check the number of holes per square inch
Research the area in which you will use the net to see what type of biting insects are prevalent
Buy more than one package if you are buying the less expensive brands
Price shop. Some stores carry the same product for much more money than other stores
Make sure you have a safe way to transport the net to avoid damage

What to Look For in a Mosquito Net?

As discussed above, there are many different qualities to look for when buying a mosquito head net or net hat. Issues such as effectiveness, durability, price, ease of transport, and material are key factors to determine which products to buy.

Durability. Durability can be among the most important features for a mosquito head net. The last thing anyone wants is to be in the middle of an outdoor experience and the net mesh rips, letting all of the mosquitoes and other biting insects into your personal space. Therefore, it is essential to make sure that the product you buy is durable and will at least last as long as the packaging suggests.
Price. Price is always a factor. And while you get what you pay for, mosquito head nets are not that costly in the first place. Even with a net hat, you will likely spend no more than $20 or $25. If you are spending much more than this price, it is not a wise purchase and should be reconsidered.
Weight. Remember this product will be on your head and neck. Do not purchase a product that weighs heavily and drapes too close to your face, as it will be uncomfortable. The goal with any head net is to make sure it is not too heavy and can easily move with you.
Comfort. This brings us to the next quality: comfort. It is essential that you are comfortable with your head net. If you are using a mosquito head net, you are likely in a warmer climate and outdoors. This means the humidity is often high and it can get difficult to breathe. If you are not comfortable, you may experience anxiety and other issues that will make it even more difficult to function in such weather. Therefore, comfort is key when making such a purchase. Otherwise, you will not use the product and then it is completely ineffective.
Design. Finally, you want the product to be well-designed. This means it needs to not only fit well, but it must be easy to transport. Make sure your mesh net is well packaged that it can be grabbed easily and will not rip or tear in the process. Many come with an easy-to-use carrying bag that will protect the product and make transport a breeze. Find the method that works best for you, whether it is the carrying case, an attached hat, or a disposable product intended for one or two uses only.

Final Thoughts

The idea of the mosquito head net mesh is to help you enjoy your outdoor activities without the risk of mosquito bites and other insects attacking you mid-event. When you are deciding which product is right for you, review everything carefully and look at customer reviews as well. Customers will be happy to tell you what their personal experience was to help you make the best decision for you.

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First-Aid and Injury

What To Do After Hitting Your Head

If you hit the back of your head, it's important to apply firm pressure to bleeding wounds, prevent movement, and stay completely still if you suspect a severe head injury. Call 911 and wait for medical help to arrive.

Head injuries range in severity from a bump or bruise (contusion) to a concussion, internal bleeding, or brain damage. These injuries are a major cause of disability and death in adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that nearly 61,000 people died from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in 2019.

Not every hit to the head will result in an injury, so it's important to know the types of head injuries and when to seek medical attention. Read on to learn what to do after hitting your head and when it's a concern.

FG Trade / Getty Images

What Is a Head Injury?

A head injury is a trauma to the brain, scalp, and skull. Accidents, falls, physical assaults, and traffic accidents commonly result in head injuries, most of which are minor.

There are two types of head injuries: closed and open. A closed head injury involves a blow to the head that does not break the skull. An open head injury, on the other hand, breaks the skull and can reach the brain.

Head injuries occur on a spectrum, with the most common being a mild TBI or concussion . Hitting your head on a cabinet door, falling, or getting injured playing a sport might cause one of these head injuries.

A head injury can progress from one degree to another, so it's important to seek medical attention if you are concerned. An epidural or subdural hematoma, for example, can occur several hours or days after a blow to your head.

Brain Contusion

A brain contusion is a bruise of the brain tissue. Minor bleeding occurs right away following impact, resulting in swelling. Contusions range in severity and may progress and worsen over time.

A concussion is an injury to the brain. You may remain conscious and feel dazed. Other symptoms include changes in cognitive function, headache , neck pain, and visual changes.

A hematoma is a collection of blood. Blood may gather inside the skull next to the brain or outside the skull under the scalp. This head injury can appear right away or take several days to develop.

There are different types of hematomas. An epidural hematoma is bleeding from a ruptured blood vessel in the space between the skull and the dura mater (the covering around the brain). A subdural hematoma is bleeding from a ruptured blood vessel between the dura mater and arachnoid (the area just outside the brain).

Minor Head Injury

Most head injuries are minor and do not penetrate the scalp, which protects your brain from trauma. You may sustain a bump, bruise , or cut on the head, but these injuries typically do not cause severe damage.

Skull Fracture

This is a crack in your skull. Broken skull bones can sometimes cut into the brain, which causes bleeding and may result in another head injury. These bones can lacerate (cut) an artery in the skull and cause an epidural hematoma, which presses on your brain.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body causes a TBI, which disrupts normal brain function. The majority of TBIs occur from falls, which are one of the leading causes of TBI-related deaths.

Moderate to severe TBIs can include contusions or hemorrhages , or bleeding from a ruptured blood vessel. These head injuries can increase intracranial pressure, or pressure in the brain, which may press on structures and restrict blood flow. These complications may result in severe brain damage or death.

You can usually see physical signs of injury when you bump your arm or sprain your ankle, which might prompt you to seek medical attention. Brain injuries, on the other hand, are not always visible. That's why it's important to know the symptoms of head injuries and when to address them.

Concussion and mild TBI symptoms include:

Anxiety, nervousness, and irritability
Attention, concentration, and memory problems
Balance problems
Feeling dizzy, slowed down, and tired
Nausea and vomiting
Sensitivity to light or noise
Sleeping less or more than usual
Vision changes

People typically sustain head injuries at home and work or while playing sports. The most common causes of head injuries include:

Bicycle and motor vehicle accidents
Blast trauma, which is common among military service members in combat
Blunt trauma accidents (e.g., sports-related injuries)
Falls, especially among older adults and young children
Physical assault

Anyone can develop a head injury. Some have a higher risk than others for severe problems, including people who are older than 65 and those who use blood thinners. These drugs prevent blood clots from forming.

What To Do

It's always a good idea to see a healthcare provider after a head injury, even if it's mild. Research has shown that seeking medical attention within one week of a mild head injury can improve recovery time.

Head injuries may worsen over time. A healthcare provider can help you monitor your symptoms to make sure they do not become severe. Some evidence suggests heart disease and endocrine (hormone) disorders were significantly higher in people with mild to severe head injuries than those without. Concussions can also exacerbate an existing health concern, including anxiety and migraines.

It's essential to be able to recognize a severe head injury and administer first aid if someone receives trauma to the head. Call 911 right away if you suspect a severe head injury.

Here's what to do while you wait for medical help to arrive:

Apply firm pressure to bleeding wounds unless there's a skull fracture: Do not replace the cloth if blood soaks through it. Place another clean cloth on top of the first one instead.
Check their airway, breathing, and circulation: Administer CPR if the person has stopped breathing.
Roll the person onto their side if they are vomiting: Move their head, neck, and body as one to protect their spine.
Support the person's head and neck with your hands: Keep their head and spine aligned and prevent them from moving.
Use an ice pack to reduce swelling: Cover the ice pack in a towel.

What To Not Do

You'll want to treat a possible severe head injury as carefully as possible. Make sure you do not:

Drink alcohol within 48 hours of the trauma.
Move the person if possible.
Pick up a child who has fallen.
Remove a helmet or any objects that have penetrated the scalp.
Shake the person.
Wash a deep or heavily bleeding wound.

When To Get Immediate Medical Attention

A head injury can result in severe complications, including brain bleeding and swelling. Knowing when to seek emergency medical care for yourself or another person can be life-saving.

Call 911 or get to the nearest emergency department right away if you have any of these "red flag" symptoms after a head injury:

An inability to move an arm or leg
Confusion, difficulty thinking, and unintelligible speech
Loss of consciousness for any amount of time
One pupil that is larger than another
Repeated vomiting
Seizure
Severe headache
Sudden drowsiness

See a healthcare provider right away if you have a high risk for complications from a head injury. It's best to get medical attention if you have uneasiness about sleep after any kind of head injury, even if it's relatively mild.

Minor head injuries and concussions will likely not require treatment other than rest. You'll need to monitor children and adults with a concussion and make sure they slowly return to normal activities.

A severe head injury may require more intensive treatment, including:

Medications: These may include anti-anxiety medications, anticoagulants to prevent blood clots, and muscle relaxants.
Rehabilitation therapy: You might work with a healthcare provider to treat cognitive, emotional, and physical difficulties that result from a head injury. This may include counseling to improve emotional well-being and physical therapy to restore balance and strength.
Surgery: A healthcare provider may need to perform surgery to decrease intracranial pressure, remove blood clots or hematomas, or repair skull fractures.

How To Care For a Head Injury at Home

People with a concussion or mild TBI feel better usually within a few weeks. It's important to slowly return to normal activities to help you recover.

Here are some things you can do at home to support the healing process, as well as things to avoid:

Preventing Head Injuries

You can help prevent injuries by:

Always wearing a seatbelt in a vehicle and a helmet when you are supposed to (e.g., when riding a bicycle, skiing, or skateboarding)
Avoiding risky behaviors (e.g., standing on chairs and climbing on countertops or ladders), especially when alone
Never drinking and driving
Keeping walkways clear in your home
Wearing protective gear while playing sports

A Quick Review

Head injuries can be as severe as a concussion, fractured skull, internal bleeding, and brain damage or as mild as a bump or bruise. A traumatic brain injury can result in severe complications, including death.

If you hit the back of your head, it's important to apply firm pressure to bleeding wounds, prevent movement, and stay completely still if you suspect a severe head injury. Minor head injuries and concussions will likely not require treatment other than rest.

Seek emergency medical care for yourself or another person if you exhibit any "red flag" symptoms, such as an inability to move, confusion, or repeated vomiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most bumps, bruises, or cuts on the head are minor. Your head is likely OK after hitting it if you do not develop severe symptoms, including a severe headache, loss of consciousness, speech problems, and sudden drowsiness. A minor head injury can progress over time. It's important to keep an eye out for these symptoms.

Apply firm pressure to any bleeding wounds or swelling , and stay as still as possible after hitting your head. Call 911 if you suspect a severe head injury. You'll want to monitor children and adults for 12–24 hours after hitting their heads and watch for changes.

Treat a hit to the back of your head as any other head injury. Most trauma to the back of the head is minor, but you'll want to keep an eye out for changes. Call 911 if you develop worrisome symptoms or suspect a severe head injury.

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Kontos AP, Jorgensen-Wagers K, Trbovich AM, et al. Association of time since injury to the first clinic visit with recovery following concussion . JAMA Neurol . 2020;77(4):435-440. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2019.4552

Izzy S, Chen PM, Tahir Z, et al. Association of traumatic brain injury with the risk of developing chronic cardiovascular, endocrine, neurological, and psychiatric disorders . JAMA Netw Open . 2022;5(4):e229478. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.9478

Scott BR, Uomoto JM, Barry ES. Impact of pre-existing migraine and other co-morbid or co-occurring conditions on presentation and clinical course following deployment-related concussion . Headache . 2020;60(3):526-541. doi:10.1111/head.13709

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. What are the treatments for traumatic brain injury (TBI)?

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13 Best Scalp Sunscreens to Protect Against Sunburn, According to Dermatologists

These picks will fend off sun damage without weighing down your tresses.

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Why Trust Us?

We updated this article in May 2023 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.

Meet the experts: Marisa Garshick, M.D. , board-certified dermatologist; Debra Jaliman, M.D. , board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology; Joshua Zeichner, M.D. , director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology; Diane Madfes, M.D., F.A.A.D. , board-certified dermatologist.

“It’s very important to wear sunscreen on our scalp as the scalp is often exposed to the sun regularly without us even realizing it,” says Marisa Garshick, M.D. , board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in NYC. “It’s a known area to develop skin cancers as a result of cumulative sun exposure, so while the scalp may not be your priority when it comes to using sunscreen for anti-aging purposes, it should certainly be to reduce the risk of UV damage and skin cancer. ”

Our top picks

Best Scalp Sunscreen Overall

Coola organic scalp spray & hair sunscreen mist.

Best Value Scalp Sunscreen

Sun bum sunscreen scalp & hair mist spf 30.

Best Scalp Sunscreen Powder

Supergoop poof 100% mineral part powder spf 35.

Now that you know why scalp sunscreens are so crucial for your health, it’s time to find the right one for you. Ahead, explore some of the best scalp sunscreens to stock up on this summer and beyond.

COOLA Organic Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30

Coola organic scalp spray & hair sunscreen mist.

Thanks to the blend of nourishing ingredients like monoi oil (to smooth) and gotu gola extract (to nourish), this mist not only works to protect the scalp but also promotes healthy hair growth. It won’t leave your roots gunky or your strands crunchy, and since it contains smoothing fruit oils, it can double as a frizzy hair serum . What could be more perfect for those sticky summer days?

Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Defense Reef Friendly Sunscreen Spray SPF 30

Sun bum sunscreen scalp & hair mist spf 30.

If your scalp is prone to irritation, look no further than this Skin Cancer Foundation -approved pick. Crafted to work on dry or wet hair (and the scalp), this sunscreen has a powerful SPF 30 formula that will work to protect your hair and scalp. Its water-resistant ingredients can last for up to 80 minutes and it dries down fast without leaving the strands feeling greasy or oily. We also love how easily the spray nozzle allows the product to be evenly applied all over the head.

Supergoop! Poof 100% Mineral Part and Scalp Powder SPF 45

Great for all hair types —from fine to wavy to thick and curly—this chemical-free powder contains silica to absorb excess oil, vitamin C for antioxidant protection, and SPF 45 to keep your scalp sunburn-free. The texture also feels very similar to dry shampoo. Bonus: It’s vegan, non-greasy, and translucent.

“I really like this one. It’s slightly tinted so doesn’t leave a white powder on my scalp, and also acts as a nice dry shampoo with SPF as an added bonus!” wrote one satisfied reviewer.

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

Shiseido’s water-, sweat-, and oil-resistant protective spray works well on your scalp, hair, face, and body. It’s not sticky or greasy, so you don’t have to worry about this one weighing down your strands. In addition to sun-protective ingredients, it also packs antioxidants to shield skin from damaging free radicals . Other winning attributes: It has a unique spray design that’s convenient for quick application over large areas of skin (all around the scalp) and hard-to-reach areas, even while spraying upside down. It also contains a special SuperVeil-UV 360 technology that works to reduce harmful effects from the sun.

Supergoop! Super Power Sunscreen Mousse SPF 50

Supergoop play body sunscreen mousse spf 50.

Dr. Jailman likes this broad-spectrum mousse because it doesn’t leave behind greasy oils . It's also crafted with a blend of moisturizing ingredients like blue sale kale (to protect the skin from free radicals), coconut oil (to nourish), and olive fruit extract (to strengthen). Other winning attributes: It doubles as a beach hair texturizer, is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and contains moisturizing shea butter.

Mele No Shade Sunscreen Oil

Mele no shade sunscreen oil spf 30.

“This is a great option for those who prefer an oil formula. This sunscreen oil is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and won’t leave the skin feeling greasy or with a residue ,” says Dr. Garshick. “It offers SPF 30 broad-spectrum coverage, providing protection against UVA and UVB rays. It can be massaged into the scalp and also applied to the face and body and is especially good for those with darker skin types.”

Aveeno Baby Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

Aveeno baby baby sensitive skin spf 50 mineral sunscreen face stick.

If a sunscreen stick is more your style, this one is a great option for your scalp, says Dr. Zeichner. The chemical-free formula is ideal if you have sensitive skin , since it contains soothing oat kernel flour. It’s oil- and fragrance-free, water-resistant for 80 minutes, and has a stamp of approval from the National Skin Cancer Foundation and National Eczema Association.

Brush on Block Mineral Sunscreen Powder SPF 30

Brush on block mineral sunscreen powder.

A great option if you have oily hair , this powder sunscreen works just as well for your scalp as it does for your face. The mineral formula is reef-safe, paraben-free, and vegan-friendly and comes in a convenient, self-dispensing brush. “I love this stuff! I brought it to Mexico and used it religiously since I suffer from melasma. It worked great as an extra layer of sun protection,” wrote one Amazon shopper.

ISDIN Mineral Brush Powder

“This scalp sunscreen contains titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and iron oxides to provide protection against UVA and UVB, as well as blue light and infrared radiation, while still leaving a natural finish so it can be used on the scalp and face,” says Dr. Garshick. The key ingredients include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide , which help to deflect blue light and infrared radiation (IR), according to the brand .

EleVen by Venus Zinc Oxide Scalp Sunscreen

Eleven by venus williams natural unrivaled sun serum spf 35.

This unique serum sunscreen was created by tennis Champ Venus Williams , so you can bet it’s going to do what it promises. The lightweight serum contains a blend of sun protection and hydration thanks to its naturally-derived ingredients. It also absorbs quickly into the skin and leaves a smooth-feeling finish. The best part? It goes on clear and leaves no residue in the hair or white cast.

Glo Skin Beauty SPF 40+ Lightweight Sunscreen

Glo skin beauty oil free spf 40+.

This lightweight SPF is a game-changer for oily skin types. It’s hydrating yet undetectable and has a weightless clean formula that won’t clog pores. It works to protect the scalp and skin, while also providing hydration thanks to its hyaluronic acid ingredient. We also love that the bottle features an easy-to-use pump design, so you can get the right amount of product every time!

Elta MD UV AOX Mist SPF 40

Eltamd elta md uv aox mist spf 40.

You can combine the benefits of aloe vera for hair and its ability to get rid of sunburns with this aloe-infused sunscreen. Dr. Madfes recommends this sunscreen mist for its mineral base with aloe, and reviewers love the white-to-clear application technology. “This is such a convenient way to apply sunscreen,” one person wrote. “I live in Colorado, and at the altitude we are at, the sun is pretty intense up here. I work outdoors, so it is imperative that I wear good quality and long-lasting sunscreen. This one is definitely both! The spray can make it so easy to apply, and it lasts almost all day for me; it’s also virtually scentless. Definitely recommend it!!”

Colorescience Brush-On Sunscreen Mineral Powder

Colorescience colorescience brush-on sunscreen mineral powder.

Avoid the dreaded white residue from sunscreen with this tinted sunscreen that is available in four different shades. Not only is this sunscreen 100% all-mineral, but it's also cruelty-free. Dr. Madfes says she believes this SPF is the best for UV protection and oil absorption, and people love it for its lightweight finish. “I love this product,” one reviewer wrote. “I wear little to no makeup and this provides a layer of protection to my skin with a smooth finish. I have bought two and will keep buying as needed.”

How to choose and use the best scalp sunscreen

✔️ Don’t skimp on SPF. “Sunscreen for the scalp should be held to the same standard as sunscreens for other parts of the body. Look for a product that contains broad-spectrum protection with an SPF of at least 30,” says Dr. Zeichner.

✔️ Keep your hair type in mind. “A bald scalp is the easiest to protect because there’s no hair to fight with,” says Dr. Zeichner. “If you have extremely thick hair, then you should at least apply sunscreen in your part and along the hairline. Thin hair is perhaps the most challenging because the hair is not thick enough to offer protection itself, but is too thick to make application of sunscreen easy.”

✔️ Go for convenience. “Look for products that you can easily apply to the scalp and through your hair,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Sprays, oils, and sticks are commonly used in this area, although you certainly can use any natural sunscreens on your scalp as well.” Powders are also common, but if you go this route, choose one that is close to your hair color, recommends Dr. Jailman. As a bonus, these products can also protect your hair from sun damage.

✔️ Add extra protection: Whenever you can, brush your hair back and put it in a bun or a ponytail. “This will help prevent your part from getting sunburned,” says Dr. Jailman. A hat can also help.

How we chose the best scalp sunscreens

We consulted Marisa Garshick, M.D. , board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in NYC; Debra Jaliman, M.D. , board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in NYC; Joshua Zeichner, M.D. , director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City; Diane Madfes, M.D., F.A.A.D. , board-certified dermatologist at Madfes Aesthetic Medical Center and an attending physician at Mt. Sinai Hospital ; and countless customer reviews to find the best scalp sunscreens available.

Can I put sunscreen on my scalp?

You can apply any sunscreen that works for your face on your scalp. Use an oil-free sunscreen to avoid greasy hair, and look for water-resistant formulas when swimming. If you want to keep your face and scalp out of the sun, opt for a baseball cap or a stylish sun protection hat .

Does my scalp need sunscreen?

All exposed skin—including your scalp— is prone to sunburn and damage from UV rays. Additionally, the scalp is at the highest point of the body, allowing it to burn more easily than other spots. If you’re someone who doesn’t burn easily and thinks applying sunscreen to your scalp is a waste of time, think again. “The scalp is a neglected area, but shouldn’t be as skin cancers on the head and neck can be more aggressive,” Dr. Madfes says. Research has shown that melanoma on the scalp is “high-risk,” has worse survival rates than other types of skin cancer, and can spread beyond the scalp. “The scalp is richly vascularized, and there are theories that because of this, melanoma can easily spread to the brain. Skin cancers on the scalp also tend to be diagnosed later because they’re covered with hair, making treatment more challenging,” says Dr. Jaliman. Play it safe by protecting your head and brain with sunscreen and hats all summer long.

How do I apply scalp sunscreen?

Spray scalp sunscreens are applied the same way as any mist/spray sunscreen; just spray it all over your scalp, focusing on your part. Powder formulas are typically brushed onto your hairline and part, and mousse sunscreens are massaged into the scalp. Dr. Madfes says you should apply any hair styling products before your sunscreen, similar to the right skincare routine order . When in doubt, follow the specific instructions for the sunscreen you purchase.

How often should I apply scalp sunscreen?

Sunscreen on your body, face, and scalp should be applied 30 minutes before stepping outside. Dr. Madfes recommends reapplying every two hours or every 80 minutes if you are swimming. There’s no need to worry about any highlights or dyed hair fading from too much sunscreen, as Dr. Madfes says “UV protection will allow you to hold onto your color longer.”

Will scalp sunscreen make my hair oily?

No one wants greasy strands, and a hot day at the beach can make you even more sweaty. Applying a sunscreen stick or rubbing in sun lotion can seem like a recipe for disaster, but fear not as there are solutions. You can use oil-free sunblock, and Dr. Madfes recommends oil-absorbing powder and mousse formulations that are oil–absorbing.

How do I treat a burned scalp?

There are many methods for treating sunburns and getting rid of sun blisters , such as applying aloe vera. You can treat a burned scalp in the same way, but there are also products specifically made to soothe an itchy scalp. “If your scalp becomes sunburned, I recommend applying BADGER Jojoba Herbal Scalp Treatment to soothe and hydrate the scalp,” Dr. Madfes says. “Apply [it] to the scalp twice, daily.”

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

Isabella (she/her) covers commerce and product-related content in the home, lifestyle, fitness, technology and beauty. She graduated from Binghamton University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in English: Literature & Rhetoric. Before joining GH, she was an editorial assistant at Prevention, where she covered health topics and celebrity news.

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K-Pop Summer 2024 Guide: ATEEZ, IU, TXT & More Live In Concert & On Tour

Whether you want to have your Head in the Clouds, go over the moon at KCON or head Towards the Light, plan out your summer with these K-pop events and tours featuring TWICE, LE SSERAFIM, Stray Kids and more.

2024 has had a handful of memorable K-pop moments in North America so far. From boy group ONEUS's La Dolce Vita tour to TWICE 's one-night-only show at Las Vegas' Allegiant Stadium in March, the industry has kept a steady flow of entertainment for lovers of Korean music and culture. Last month, ATEEZ , LE SSERAFIM , and indie band The Rose also left their mark at Coachella Festival in California, proving that K-pop acts at major festivals are a rising trend.

With summer right around the corner, even more tours, festivals, and conventions are set to pop up across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. From mid-May to September, whether on weekdays or weekends, there will always be something to do or someone to see. Among the most-awaited events are singer IU 's first world tour and ATEEZ's massive trek in July, as well as Stray Kids , IVE , and VCHA 's performances at Chicago's Lollapalooza Festival.

To help you enjoy the most out of this busy season, GRAMMY.com assembled a list of all the K-pop concerts and events happening in the next few months below.

CIX: 0 or 1 in North America

Boy group CIX will be back in North America for their third tour this May. Named after single album 0 or 1 , the stint will cover eight cities across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, starting in Chicago, IL and wrapping it up in Los Angeles, CA. The quintet will likely perform hits like "Cinema" and "Movie Star," as well as their latest single, "Lovers or Enemies," and celebrate their upcoming fifth anniversary.

Head in the Clouds Festival

Forest Hills, New York

Following the success of last year's edition in Queens, New York, Head in the Clouds Festival returns to the big apple in 2024. In their mission to spread Asian diaspora talent, the lineup for this year enlists (G)I-DLE to headline on Saturday and singer BIBI on Sunday, along other names like ATARASHII GAKKO! and Joji. Korean acts Balming Tiger, Wave to Earth, and newcomer girl group Young Posse will also join them. HITC Festival is usually based in Los Angeles, but this year's L.A. edition has yet to be announced.

BM (KARD): After the After Party Tour

Hailing from co-ed group KARD , Korean-American singer BM will kick off his first U.S. solo tour in mid-May. After the After Party Tour was inspired by the track "ATAP (After the After Party)," off his December single album, Lowkey . BM will perform in six cities across the country, including Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. He also teased an EP soon, and stated that he will be "taking new music on this tour."

P1Harmony: P1ustage H : UTOP1A Tour

May 14 - Jun. 16

Boy band P1Harmony is also returning to North America with their third tour, P1ustage H: UTOP1A. Beginning in Houston, TX, on May 14, it will follow with shows in Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, and more — including a prestigious performance on June 8 at New York City's Governors Ball Music Festival 2024 . The sextet released their first studio album, Killin' It , in February of this year.

Tomorrow X Together (TXT): ACT : PROMISE World Tour

May 14 - Jun. 8

A TXT tour in the U.S. has become an annual event: following 2022's ACT : LOVESICK and 2023's ACT : SWEET MIRAGE, 2024 welcomes ACT : PROMISE. Featuring 11 shows across the country, the boy group will play in Houston, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and more. They will also perform two nights at New York's legendary Madison Square Garden before heading to the Japanese leg of the tour in July.

Wheein (MAMAMOO): Whee In The Mood [Beyond] World Tour

May 17 - Jun. 4

Powerhouse vocalists MAMAMOO hit stateside last year with their MY CON World Tour, a first for the group. Now, it's member Wheein's turn to celebrate her solo career with Whee In The Mood [Beyond] World Tour, inspired by her first LP, 2023's In The Mood . After a slew of shows in Asia and Europe, the singer will head to San Francisco, CA, for the first out of eight concerts in the U.S. Other cities include Dallas, Orlando, Los Angeles, and New York.

RIIZE: RIIZING Day Fan-Con World Tour

Los Angeles, California

SM Entertainment's freshest rookies RIIZE announced their first fan-con, RIIZING Day, to take place from May to August in various cities across the globe. After playing in Seoul, Tokyo, and Mexico City, the boyband will come to Los Angeles for a single performance at the Peacock Theater on May 20. RIIZE are expected to play their compact yet dynamic discography, including singles "Get A Guitar," "Talk Saxy," and "Impossible."

Purple Kiss: 2024 BXX Tour

June 2 - July 2

It's not even been a year since Purple Kiss toured the U.S. with their The Festa Tour in fall 2023, but they're already gearing to come back. Starting June 2 in Oceanside, CA, the 2024 BXX Tour will take the girl group to seven cities in the U.S. and nine cities in Canada, closing it off in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on July 2. This is a big chance for fans who missed their performances last year, or simply to those who want to see singles like "Zombie" and "Sweet Juice" live again.

ITZY: Born to Be World Tour

Girl group ITZY has spent the majority of 2024 bringing their second world tour, Born to Be, across Oceania, Asia, Latin America, and Europe. In June, they will finally step in North America for a 10-stop stint, including cities like Seattle, Los Angeles, Newark, Fairfax, Toronto, and more. Despite featuring only four out of five members while vocalist Lia is currently on hiatus due to health reasons, they promise to set the stages on fire with their high-energy discography.

VERIVERY: Go On Fan-meeting Tour

Starting June 14, boyband VERIVERY will kick off their Go On Fan-meeting Tour in New York at Brooklyn Steel. Then, they will head to Chicago, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Fort Worth, and finally Los Angeles for a last performance at Vermont Hollywood. The seven-member group is currently a quartet, as member Dongheon is currently enlisted in the military, and members Minchan and Hoyoung are on hiatus due to health concerns. VERIVERY's latest release was 2023's EP, Liminality .

A.C.E: 2024 REWIND_US U.S. Tour

Jun. 19 - July 18

February marked the much-anticipated comeback of boy group A.C.E with the EP My Girl: My Choice . It was their first release in three years, and to rejoice further, the quintet announced an extensive 14-date tour throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Starting June 19 in Madison, WI and closing off on July 18 in San Juan, PR, A.C.E will also perform in Los Angeles, Nashville, New York, and more.

HYO: Milwaukee Summerfest

Milwaukee, WI

HYO , also known as Hyoyeon from Girls' Generation, will be showcasing her DJ chops on June 28 at Milwaukee Summerfest. The performance will happen just months after HYO held her 2024 Spring U.S. Tour, Cherry Blossom, which spanned seven cities across the country. In the setlist, fans can expect hits like "Dessert" and "Deep," but also some innovative remixes of other artists' songs, like GALA's "Freed From Desire" and Girls' Generation's "Gee."

AB6IX: Find You Fan Concert Tour

Another boy group to embark on a North American tour this year, AB6IX will bring their Find You Fan Concert across nine stops in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Starting off in the cities of Toronto and Montreal, they will then head to New York, Mexico City, Miami, Denver, and more, before wrapping it up in Los Angeles. The tour title was inspired by their latest release, January's EP The Future is Ours: Found .

ATEEZ: Towards the Light: Will to Power 2024 World Tour

Jul. 14 - Aug. 11

Performance kings ATEEZ never stop. After the release of their EP, Golden Hour: Part. 1 on May 31, the eight-member group will head to North America for their Towards the Light: Will to Power 2024 World Tour. Kicking off on July 14 in Tacoma, Washington, the boyband will also play in the cities of Los Angeles, Arlington, Washington, D.C., Toronto, New York, and more. The tour supports ATEEZ's December 2023 LP, The World EP.Fin: Will , but hopefully the setlist will include surprises as new music comes out.

IU: HEREH World Tour

Jul. 15 - Aug. 2

One of the most important artists to come from South Korea, IU (born Lee Ji-eun) has been shaping the country's music industry since 2008 with her unique voice, sensitive songwriting, and sharp mind. Given her journey, it's almost absurd that her first world tour is only happening in 2024 — but better late than never. After stops in Asia and Europe, IU will head to the U.S. for six sold-out concerts, beginning on July 15 at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, and concluding on August 2 at Kia Forum in Los Angeles, CA.

The Boyz: Zeneration II World Tour

Following their 2023 Zeneration Tour, which featured 24 stops across Asia, 11-member group The Boyz are now bringing its sequel worldwide. After a 3-day July stint in Seoul, South Korea, the Zeneration II tour will head to the U.S. for five shows in New York, Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, and San Jose. Throughout August, The Boyz will segue onto the Asian leg of the tour, wrapping it up with a few European dates in September.

KCON Los Angeles 2024

Known as the largest Korean culture and music festival in North America, KCON has a decade-long legacy of serving as a bridge for "all things Hallyu." Held at the Los Angeles Convention Center and Crypto.com Arena, the festival includes a two-night concert, fan signings, food and merch stalls, panels with professionals in the industry, and many other attractions. KCON hasn't announced its official lineup yet, but attendees can expect it to maintain the same excellence of past years.

Secret Number: The 1st U.S. Tour 2024 Unlock

Jul. 26 - Aug. 10

Girl group Secret Number debuted amidst the chaos of 2020's COVID-19 pandemic, therefore falling short of live experiences with their fans. As they enter their fourth year together, they will finally meet North American fans with their 2024 Unlock tour this summer. Kicking off on July 26 in Chicago, the sextet will then head to Minneapolis, Charlotte, Houston, Denver, Phoenix, Seattle, and Los Angeles for a final show on August 10.

Stray Kids, IVE, VCHA: Lollapalooza Chicago 2024

K-pop's presence on Lollapalooza continues to expand. This year, Stray Kids is set to headline on Friday, Aug. 2, alongside singer SZA . It's the boyband's second appearance at the festival, following their 2023 show at Lollapalooza Paris. On that same day, U.S.-based, K-pop-trained girl group VCHA, formed by JYP Entertainment in partnership with Republic Records, will also make their first performance at the festival. To close it off, Saturday will feature the captivating girl group IVE.

I.M (Monsta X): Off The Beat 2024 World Tour

Monsta X 's maknae (youngest member) I.M has been building a prolific solo career while his teammates are enlisted in the military. Accompanying his third EP, Off The Beat , the singer announced an eponymous world tour, featuring 19 stops in Asia, North America, and Europe. He will play seven dates In the U.S. and two in Canada, including New York, Boston, Toronto, and more.

ARTMS: 2024 Moonshot World Tour

Aug. 16 - Sept. 10

Formed by five LOONA members (Kim Lip, Choerry, JinSoul, HaSeul, and HeeJin), girl group ARTMS was one of 2023's most-awaited debuts. Their first studio album, Devine All Love & Live , is set to drop on May 31, and the quintet will celebrate with a string of concerts across South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. Starting August 16 in New York, the tour will cross Atlanta, Orlando, Los Angeles, and more cities before wrapping up on September 10 in Chicago.

11 Rookie K-Pop Acts To Know In 2024: NCT Wish, RIIZE, Kiss Of Life & More

Photos: KQ Entertainment; KATO SHUMPEI; Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images; Medios y Media/Getty Images; Presley Ann/Getty Images for Coachella; Lauren Kim

Leap Into AAPI Month 2024 With A Playlist Featuring Laufey, Diljit Dosanjh, & Peggy Gou

Celebrate AAPI artists this May with a genre-spanning playlist spotlighting festival headliners and up-and-coming musicians. From Korean hip-hop to Icelandic jazz-pop, listen to some of the most exciting artists from the Asian diaspora.

With spring just around the corner, it’s time to welcome AAPI Month in full blossom. From rising musical artists to inspiring community leaders, it’s essential to recognize AAPI members of the artistic world and their achievements.

While AAPI Month is a U.S. holiday, the Recording Academy takes a global approach in celebrating artists and creators from across the Asian and Asian American diaspora. This aligns with the Recording Academy's growing mission to expand its reach on a global scale and celebrate international creators outside of the U.S.

Musicians of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander heritage have not only helped establish the music industry, but have transformed it. From Diljit Dosanjh being the first artist to play a Coachella set entirely in Punjabi to Laufey winning a GRAMMY for her jazz-inspired pop, AAPI artists continue to influence music by both honoring tradition and reshaping modern standards.

It’s thrilling to see AAPI musicians continue to take centerstage — from Atarashi Gakko! to Tiger JK ’s memorable sets at Coachella, to surprise appearances from Olivia Rodrigo , Dominic Fike , and Towa Bird. As festival season gets underway, examples of the AAPI starpower from every corner of the world abound.

As one of many ways to celebrate AAPI Month, listen to the GRAMMY.com playlist below — as a reminder to give AAPI musicians not just their May flowers, but their flowers all year-round!

Photo: MORE VISION

Chung Ha Returns: On 'EENIE MEENIE,' The K-Pop Soloist Is Ready To Step Back Into The Spotlight

Chung Ha was one of K-pop’s most promising soloists, but decided to step back from the industry. Upon her return, Chung Ha wants to tell her fans "that they have the freedom to choose."

It takes courage to become a soloist in K-pop — a scene largely dominated by girl groups and boy groups of the most varied sizes — but more than that, it takes verve. Singer, dancer, and songwriter Chung Ha, 28 years old, knows it better than anyone.

Born in Seoul, South Korea but raised in Dallas, Texas, she first rose to stardom in 2016, after returning to her home country and participating in Mnet’s trainee competition show "Produce 101." There, Chung Ha caught the eyes of judges and viewers alike for her sharp movements and innate charisma. She placed fourth on the finale, and became a member of I.O.I — the show’s resulting temporary girl group.

While I.O.I and its 11 members found great success, when the group disbanded in early 2017, Chung Ha decided to challenge herself further. In June of that year, she released her solo debut EP, Hands On Me .

Soon, Chung Ha became one of K-pop’s most promising (and somewhat unexpected) soloists — not only did she prove to be an exceptional dancer, but a smooth vocalist as well, full of style and star power. On stage, she commands performances with surgical precision, yet flows with breathtaking grace. She proved her versatility with a string of captivating singles, like the ice-cold "Snapping" and the bewitching "Gotta Go," which reached No.1 on Billboard’s K-pop Hot 100 chart in 2019. Her first studio album, 2021’s Querencia , blended R&B, EDM, reggaeton and even bossa nova with finesse.

But amidst all the success, Chung Ha took a break. She decided not to renew the contract with her previous label, spent more than a year on a hiatus, and even considered abandoning the music industry, as revealed on the YouTube talk show "Gabee’s Rising Star "

Luckily, Chung Ha changed her mind. She signed with MORE VISION, a label founded by singer and rapper Jay Park, and will drop the single album EENIE MEENIE on March 11.

GRAMMY.com caught up with Chung Ha via Zoom to learn more about her comeback — and to dive into her creative process, how she sees herself, and who she wants to be.

You spent more than a year on a hiatus, and even left your previous company. What made you sign with MORE VISION for this new phase of your career?

Jay [Park] reached out to me often. When I talked to the other co-workers at the company, their vision really aligned with mine. I think that was a crucial reason.

For example, I've never toured. I want to start out in small venues, and if I do have a chance I want to make it bigger. I want to work on more collaborations and try different genres of music like [on] "EENIE MEENIE," and they're aligned with me on that.

On "Gabee’s Rising Star," you said that you wanted to study abroad during your hiatus, and that being a celebrity is "just a job." What made you want to come back to music?

I was always interested in psychology. Working in this industry, it's a little chaotic, so I tried to maintain my mental health by [attending] counseling, and then I felt like I wanted to maintain my mental health on my own.

And growing up in Texas, I always had my Mexican friends with me, but I was the only one unable to understand Spanish. I was always interested, but [the break] felt like it was the right time to embrace Spanish more. I wanted to dive into the culture and the language, but at the end of the day, it was all about me maintaining my mental health because I wanted to be in this industry. Me wanting to explore Spanish because I wanted to engage more with my fans. I just realized, Oh, it was all about music. Okay. [ Laughs. ]

Since your last comeback, in what areas do you think you have improved or evolved?

Um… I don't know. I'm gonna need to have a real [live] stage for that. I think that's the kind of question I want to ask my fans to see what gradual changes that they notice, because for me, I feel like I'm still the same. But I want to tap myself [on the back] for trying new genres and being brave about getting out of my comfort zone.

What did you have in mind when you started producing this new album? What's the story behind it?

I was really confused. I was asking people, like, "I don't know what to do. I don't know what's next for me."I feel like I've tried different genres of music and different colors of myself, like "Bicycle," "Play," "Love U," and "Roller Coaster."

I didn't know what to do, so I decided to show both sides of myself. A new [side] with MORE VISION, and the one people are always eager to see, like [on] "Stay Tonight" and "Dream Of You." Those were some of the biggest [songs] that I saw people commenting on. So, the familiar side of me and a new side of me are both in the album, and I'm pretty confident [about it].

You collaborated with Hongjoong from ATEEZ in the lead track "EENIE MEENIE," which represents that new side of yourself. How was that experience?

I have followed ATEEZ since the beginning of their career. Their performance is so mind-blowing, they have that special energy that only they can give, so I was always inspired by them.

And then, on "EENIE MEENIE" there is a rap part, so when I heard the track I was like, Oh, I am not rapping . [ Laughs .] That's just too new for me. I sing-rap in "EENIE MEENIE," but that’s about it. So, I needed a real rapper and a real captain on my side and I thought Hongjoong was a perfect fit. After I heard his verse, it was so great, more than I ever expected. He definitely gave that final touch.

The other song on your album, "I’m Ready," represents your familiar side with driving house beats and a mesmerizing atmosphere, almost like a sequel to "Stay Tonight" and "Dream of You." As for the title, what are you ready for?

I guess I'm navigating through new things, and I don't know how it's gonna come out. [People] might say it's a failure, they might say it's a success, they might say I'm brave to challenge myself, but I'm just ready to face all that.

Even though someone might say, "Oh, I don't think it's the right fit for Chung Ha" or "I liked the old Chung Ha better," I don't think I'm afraid of getting judged, or getting rates on anything. I'm just ready to be more adventurous. Being too nervous might drag you into this anxiety space, but just being nervous in general with music and releasing new things is what makes me keep going.

I think people need that nervous feeling, being out of their comfort zone. You never know how you're going to feel, how the outcome is going to be.

Do you remember any specific experiences where you were trying something new and it turned out better than expected?

Oh, "Stay Tonight"was one of them. When I first heard the track, I was like, U m… this is too high. I don't know if K-pop lovers will like this song , because it was more [Western] pop than K-pop. It was right after I dropped "Snapping"and "Gotta Go," so I was like, Are my fans ready for this?

But [I thought] hey, you know what, let's just have fun. Let's just try new things. Let's vogue. [ Laughs ] I've always wanted to vogue, so I did that, and it became one of my epic pieces of performance. It didn’t go big in the charts or anything, but it became a real standout from a more artistic point of view.

EENIE MEENIE represents a new start for you, and both songs in the album talk about trusting yourself and your choices. Since you participated in the songwriting, is that what you have been experiencing lately? How do you recognize what feels right for you?

I feel like you never know what's right, but for me, I decide [something] when it keeps on popping in my head. Like, I would just be calm and see where my mind goes and what my [fandom] HAART keeps on telling me.

If your heart moves that way, I’d rather just do it and regret, than not do it and regret. That’s how I trust my instincts, listening to what I really want.

You mentioned that you see K-pop and Western pop as one. What do you think about the global growth of K-pop, and Western artists trying K-pop, or artists collaborating?

I think it's wonderful. I mean, the only difference is the culture and the language, and how we make our music with different rules and stuff. And it's really awesome [to see] other artists trying out Korean, trying out the marketing strategy of what we have always done. But it's the same with Korean artists, they try to go abroad and then try Western music.

Trying different cultures is getting more natural than splitting what's K-pop and what’s pop. I think it's all gathering into one because music is one, and we love music.

Is it easier for you to see everything as one because you are Korean, but you lived in America for so many years?

Yes, I think it was more natural for me to try different things. It was fun to get to know things like, Oh, this is Western style music, Western marketing strategy, or Western businesses, it goes on like this, and then Korean businesses go on like this . So it's all about learning.

You mentioned in an interview with Teen Vogue that you like to portray characters in your songs, but recently you have been telling your own story in them as well. How do you find the balance between those two possibilities?

I don't initially choose what to do before I hear the music. I hear it first, and then decide, like Oh, I want to share a story of mine, because I have this experience and my current state of mind is this, but sometimes it's just Oh, this is a new character I've never tried before. I want to be her, or I want to be him, or whatever. Let me try that out, let me see what it tastes like. [ Laughs. ] When new music comes to me, whatever character, whatever story comes up first, I would go with that.

And for this album, are you a character or are you portraying your life story?

I’m portraying my life story in both songs. I had a lot of choices to make throughout the beginning of my new career [after leaving my former company], like choosing a label, choosing a new logo, choosing songs, and other things, but in the end I just like what I like to do.

I came back to the music industry, and I really want people to embrace whatever they want to do. To tell them that they have the freedom to choose more than predetermined answers. I wanted to encourage that.

In another moment of your interview on "Gabee’s Rising Star," you said "When people think of Chung Ha, all that comes to mind is ‘Gotta Go’."Do you still believe in that?

Yes, and no. But I’m very grateful, because that song is what elevated me to the next step, and it gave me the courage to try different genres of music. But "Stay Tonight" and other pieces of music also identify me in different ways.

Who is Chung Ha, then? How would you like to be recognized?

Definitely not "Gotta Go." [ Laughs. ] I'm not that person now. I'm just a girl who loves music, and I'm just grateful and thankful, always. As much as I was diligent before, I want to keep on doing that, and I want to meet my fans more.

As Chung Ha, I want to ask my fans who they think I am, because I try to be as authentic as possible with music and my personality. Also I'm an adventurous person. Love to challenge myself. And I’m ready to go.

It Goes To 11: Meet J.Fla's "Best Friend," Her Acoustic Taylor Guitar

Women's History Month 2024 Playlist Hero

Photos (clockwise, from top left): Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Coachella, Paras Griffin/Getty Images, Lufre, MATT WINKELMEYER/GETTY IMAGES FOR THE RECORDING ACADEMY, Paras Griffin/Getty Images, JOHN SHEARER/GETTY IMAGES FOR THE RECORDING ACADEMY, Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Listen: GRAMMY.com's Women's History Month 2024 Playlist: Female Empowerment Anthems From Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, Jennie & More

This March, the Recording Academy celebrates Women's History Month with pride and joy. Press play on this official playlist that highlights uplifting songs from Taylor Swift, Victoria Monét, Anitta and more.

From commanding stages to blasting through stereos, countless women have globally graced the music industry with their creativity. And though they've long been underrepresented , tides are changing: in just the last few years, female musicians have been smashing records left and right, conquering top song and album charts and selling sold-out massive tours .

This year, Women's History Month follows a particularly historic 66th GRAMMY Awards , which reflected the upward swing of female musicians dominating music across the board. Along with spearheading the majority of the ceremony's performances, women scored bigtime in the General Field awards — with wins including Best New Artist , Record Of The Year , Song Of The Year , and Album Of The Year .

Female empowerment anthems, in particular, took home major GRAMMY gold. Miley Cyrus ' "Flowers" took home two awards , while Victoria Monét was crowned Best New Artist thanks to the success of her album Jaguar II and its hit single "On My Mama." As those two songs alone indicate, female empowerment takes many different shapes in music — whether it's moving on from a relationship by celebrating self-love or rediscovering identity through motherhood.

The recent successes of women in music is a testament to the trailblazing artists who have made space for themselves in a male-dominated industry — from the liberating female jazz revolution of the '20s to the riot grrl movement of the '90s. Across genres and decades, the classic female empowerment anthem has strikingly metamorphosed into diverse forms of defiance, confidence and resilience.

No matter how Women's History Month is celebrated, it's about women expressing themselves, wholeheartedly and artistically, and having the arena to do so . And in the month of March and beyond, women in the music industry deserve to be recognized not only for their talent, but ambition and perseverance — whether they're working behind the stage or front-and-center behind the mic.

From Aretha Franklin 's "RESPECT" to Beyoncé 's "Run the World (Girls)," there's no shortage of female empowerment anthems to celebrate women's accomplishments in the music industry. Listen to GRAMMY.com's 2024 Women's History Month playlist on streaming services below.

9 Ways Women Dominated The 2024 GRAMMYs

Megan Thee Stallion (Center) and (from L to R:) J-Hope, Jin, Jungkook, V, RM, Suga, and Jimin of BTS attend the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 03, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

9 Essential K-Pop/Western Collabs: From BTS And Megan Thee Stallion, To IVE And Saweetie

From Jungkook and Usher's tribute to their shared musical idol, to BLACKPINK and Selena Gomez' sugary sweet collab, K-pop and Western artists of all genres are joining forces to create killer hits.

It’s impossible to ignore the growing global popularity of K-pop. Although Korean pop has been around for decades, the genre's meteoric worldwide success over the past 10 years is reminiscent of Beatlemania and the early 2000s American boy band craze. With a steady increase year-over-year in album sales and K-pop groups touring the U.S. and Europe, interest in K-pop shows no signs of slowing down .

Initially launched in South Korea as a music subgenre with Western pop, R&B and hip-hop influences in the '90s, the K-pop industry is valued at around $10 billion .

Given the worldwide appetite for K-pop, several Western musicians are keen to partner with K-pop acts crossing over into more international markets, often with songs sung partially or entirely in English. While K-pop artists do not need Western artists to be successful — BTS sold out London’s Wembley stadium in under 90 minutes back in 2019, and BLACKPINK made Coachella history twice with performances in 2019 and 2023 — K-pop's massive fanbase and multi-genre influence make it an ideal collaboration for everyone from rappers and singers to electronic DJs.

But don’t take our word for it. Here are nine of the most iconic K-Pop/Western collaborations (not in any order; they are all great songs!).

Usher and Jungkook - "Standing Next to You (Usher Remix)" (2024)

The maknae (the youngest member of the group) of global K-pop superstars BTS and the King of R&B are both having banner years: Jungkook released his debut solo album, and Usher just performed at the Super Bowl .

The Bangtan Boys have cited Usher as a significant influence (even singing a callback to his 2001 hit "U Got It Bad" in their No. 1 song, "Butter"), so BTS fans were delighted when the Jungkook tapped Usher for a remix of "Standing Next to You." The song marks the fourth single from his Billboard 200 chart-topping debut album, Golden .

Both singers count Michael Jackson as a major influence. In their collaboration video, Usher and Jungkook pay tribute to the King of Pop as they slide, pop, and lock across the slick floor of an abandoned warehouse.

John Legend and Wendy of Red Velvet - "Written in the Stars" (2018)

R&B singer/pianist John Legend was the perfect choice for an R&B ballad with Wendy, the main vocalist of K-pop quintet Red Velvet. The final song on the five-track SM Station x 0 , a digital music project, "Written in the Stars," is a beautiful, mid-tempo love song. A bit of a departure from K-pop’s typical upbeat sound, Wendy and Legend are in perfect harmony over a warm yet melancholic rhythm.

As Red Velvet’s main vocalist, Wendy was the ideal voice for this collaboration. Additionally, she split her childhood between Canada and the U.S., and has been comfortable singing in English since Red Velvet debuted in 2014. This wasn't her first collab with a Western artist: In 2017, she released an English-language version of the pop ballad " Vente Pa’Ca " with Ricky Martin .

BLACKPINK and Selena Gomez - "Ice Cream" (2020)

A powerhouse debut single, BLACKPINK collaborated with pop royalty Selena Gomez on the massive 2020 hit "Ice Cream."

An electropop-bubblegum fusion filled with dairy double entendres, "Ice Cream" was an enormous success for both Gomez and the BLACKPINK girls. The track peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has racked up nearly 900 million YouTube views to date.

Written by a consortium of hitmakers, including Ariana Grande and BLACKPINK’s longtime songwriter and producer Teddy Park (a former K-pop idol himself), "Ice Cream" shows that YG Entertainment’s golden foursome and Gomez were the correct partnership for this track. The pop-trap bop marked the first time a K-pop girl group broke the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and immediately solidified BLACKPINK as global superstars.

Snoop Dogg and Monsta X - "How We Do" (2022)

West Coast rap godfather Snoop Dogg has quietly become one of the go-to Western acts for K-pop collabs, working with Psy, BTS, Girls’ Generation and 2NE1. K-pop is the Dogg Father's "guilty pleasure, " and he performed at the Mnet Asian Music Awards with Dr. Dre in 2011. Without Snoop's love of K-pop, the world might not have gotten this fun and energetic collaboration with Snoop and Monsta X, a five-member boy group under Starship Entertainment.

The song appears in The Spongebob Movie: Sponge On The Run in a dance segment where Snoop, decked out in a pink and purple Western suit, is accompanied by zombie dancers. Though we do not see the members of Monsta X, their harmonious crooning is the perfect accent to Snoop Dogg’s trademark casual West Coast flow.

BTS and Steven Aoki - "MIC Drop (Steve Aoki remix)" (2017)

No K-pop list is complete with a nod to the magnificent seven, and "MIC Drop" is one of their catchiest Western collabs to date.

"Mic Drop" is quintessential BTS: a nod to hip-hop with a heavy bass line and fun choreography. While the original version of "MIC Drop" is excellent, the remix with EDM superstar DJ Steve Aoki and rapper Desiigner cracked the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 — the first of many hits for the Bulletproof Boy Scouts.

Released at a time when BTS were just starting their ascent to chart-topping Western dominance, the track's boastful lyrics and tension-building electro-trap production offered an excellent introduction to the group that would soon become international superstars.

JYJ, Kanye West and Malik Yusef - "Ayyy Girl" (2010)

A truly deep K-pop cut, you’d be hard-pressed to find many people who know that Kanye West collaborated with a first-generation K-pop group over 13 years ago. Released as the lead single on JYJ’s English-language album The Beginning , West’s signature bravado and wordplay are on full display over a track that sounds like the Neptunes produced it.

The song garnered attention in the U.S., but after a string of bad luck (including a severely delayed U.S. visa process and issues with their management company, SM Entertainment), JYJ could not capitalize on their American success. The group continued to see success in Korea and Japan in the early 2010s but never made a splash in the Western market again.

IVE and Saweetie - "All Night" (2024)

A reimagining of Icona Pop’s 2013 song of the same name, "All Night," sees fourth-generation K-pop girl group IVE partner with rap’s resident glamor girl Saweetie for a funky, electronic-infused pop song that’s perfect for dancing from dusk till dawn.

"All Night" is the first English song for the Starship Entertainment-backed group. Interestingly, none of the members of IVE have individual lines in the song, choosing instead to sing the lyrics in a six-part harmony. This choice is exciting but fun, giving listeners the feeling that they are more than welcome to sing along.

The girl group embarked on their first 24-date world tour in January 2024, with stops in the U.S., Asia, Europe and South America. Given their quest for global dominance, there’s a good chance "All Night" won’t be IVE's last English-language release.

BTS and Megan Thee Stallion - "Butter (Remix)" (2021)

BTS’ "Butter" had already spent three weeks atop the Billboard charts and was declared the "song of the summer" when the group’s label announced Houston rapper Megan Thee Stallion as the guest star for the song’s remix in late August 2021. The GRAMMY-nominated septet is no stranger to collaborating with Western musicians, having worked with Halsey , Jason Derulo, and Coldplay .

Though only slightly altered from the original (Megan’s verse was added in place of the song’s second original verse, along with several ad-libs), the remix was praised by both fans and critics alike, catapulting the song’s return back to the No. 1. Although the collaborators did not release a new music video featuring the group and the self-proclaimed "Hot Girl Coach," three members of BTS’ "dance line" (members J-Hope , Jungkook and Jimin ) released a specially choreographed dance video . Additionally, Megan was a surprise guest during BTS’ record-breaking Permission to Dance LA concert in November of the same year.

LE SSERAFIM and Niles Rodgers - "Unforgiven" (2023)

GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Nile Rodgers ' first foray into K-pop was a partnership with LE SSERAFIM , a fourth-gen girl group from the same parent company behind BTS. "Unforgiven" was released earlier this year as the lead single from the group’s debut album of the same name.

A darker take on the familiar K-pop formula with A Western feel and look (the young quintuplet dons cowboy hats, boots and bolo ties in the song’s accompanying music video), "Unforgiven" is about rebellion and being a fierce, strong and independent risk taker. That riskiness drew Rodgers' ear.

"It seems like a lot of the K-pop that I'm hearing lately, the…chord changes are a lot more interesting than what's been happening [in other music fields] over the last few years," he told GRAMMY.com in 2023. "I come from a jazz background, so to hear chord changes like that is really cool. They’re not afraid, which is great to me."

15 K-Pop Songs That Took 2023 By Storm: From Seventeen’s "Super (손오공)" to NewJeans' "Super Shy"

1 K-Pop Summer 2024 Guide: ATEEZ, IU, TXT & More Live In Concert & On Tour
2 Leap Into AAPI Month 2024 With A Playlist Featuring Laufey, Diljit Dosanjh, & Peggy Gou
3 Chung Ha Returns: On 'EENIE MEENIE,' The K-Pop Soloist Is Ready To Step Back Into The Spotlight
4 Listen: GRAMMY.com's Women's History Month 2024 Playlist: Female Empowerment Anthems From Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, Jennie & More
5 9 Essential K-Pop/Western Collabs: From BTS And Megan Thee Stallion, To IVE And Saweetie

Justin Thomas explains driver switch at Wells Fargo Championship

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In preparation for this week’s Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club and next week’s PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club – two courses where long and straight drives are imperative – Justin Thomas is making an unexpected driver change.

In his first full season using the TSR3 driver on the PGA TOUR, Thomas ranked a respectable 62nd in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee, but has since seen his ranking fall to 82nd in the same category in 2024.

So, with a couple of weeks off following his latest start at the 2024 RBC Heritage, Thomas sought to re-address his driver setup with the remote help of Titleist Tour fitting expert J.J. Van Wezenbeeck. About two weeks ago, Thomas and Van Wezenbeeck reviewed his recent driver stats, and discussed via phone call some possible driver and shaft combinations for him to try.

After receiving Van Wezenbeeck’s personalized shipment of product options while at home, Thomas found significant performance improvements with Titleist’s TSR2 head, equipped with Thomas’ familiar Mitsubishi Diamana ZF 60TX shaft.

With a Signature Event and a major championship to be played in the next two weeks, Thomas is looking to re-ignite his driver game with Titleist’s new TSR2 driver in the bag. (Courtesy GolfWRX)

Compared to Thomas’ longtime TSR3 model, the TSR2 has a larger footprint and offers slightly higher spin and launch characteristics.

According to Van Wezenbeeck, Thomas has picked up about 2-3 mph of ball speed, to go along with 1.5 degrees higher launch and more predictable mishits.

“I’d say I’d been driving it fine, not driving it great, so I just wanted to, honestly, just test or try some stuff,” Thomas said on Tuesday in an interview with GolfWRX.com at Quail Hollow Club. “I had used that style of head a couple years ago (Thomas used a TSi2 driver around 2021); I know it’s supposed to have a little more spin. Obviously, yeah, I’d love to hit it further, but if I can get a little more spin and have my mishits be a little more consistent, I felt like obviously that’d be better for my driving…

“This (TSR2) has been great. I’ve really, really driven it well the week I’ve used it. Just hitting it more solid, I don’t know if it’s the look of it or what it is, but just a little bit more consistent with the spin numbers. Less knuckle-ball curves. It has been fast. Maybe just a little faster than what I was using. Maybe it could be something with the bigger head, maybe mentally it looks more forgiving.”

With a Signature Event and a major championship to be played in the next two weeks, Thomas is looking to re-ignite his driver game with Titleist’s new TSR2 driver in the bag.

Although Thomas is making a seemingly significant driver model switch-up this week at the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship, he’s finding comfort in the fact that he’s only switching the head, not the shaft, too.

“I trust (Van Wezenbeeck) and I trust the guys at Titleist,” Thomas said. “I feel I can make a swing and it’s doing what I want it to do, or I feel like it should do. Just putting a different head on and using the same shaft I’ve used forever is nice. There’s definitely some other shafts he sent that were great, but I think changing two things at once… it eliminates a question mark. At least if something is off, it’s like, OK, it’s maybe something with the head because I have the same shaft.”

Stray Kids to head on “40-city tour”, Tommy Hilfiger reveals at Met Gala 2024

The K-pop boyband made their Met Gala debut earlier tonight

K-pop boyband Stray Kids seem primed to tour this year, according to a recent interview the group did with Tommy Hilfiger at the Met Gala 2024.

READ MORE: ATEEZ are ready to write an even bigger next chapter of their tale: “It’s the start of a new journey from here”

Tommy Hilfiger and Stray Kids were speaking to Vogue on the red carpet of the Met Gala 2024, when the iconic American fashion designer let it slip that the K-pop boyband “[are] embarking on a 40-city tour”, which had previously been unannounced.

While the moment itself has since been removed from the official Vogue interview with Stray Kids and Hilfiger on YouTube, fans of the K-pop boyband have reposted the unedited version of the clip on X (formerly Twitter) with the fashion designer’s original remarks.

Stray Kids siendo entrevistados junto a Tommy Hilfiger en la alfombra de la #MetGala 2024 STRAY KIDS REAWAKENS MET GALA #StrayKids_MetGala #스키즈_멧갈라_축하해 @Stray_Kids pic.twitter.com/3zvOmlukAQ — yuri 🤘🏻 (@skzwifi) May 6, 2024

Earlier tonight, Stray Kids made history as the first-ever group to attend the Met Gala together. The boyband were invited to the event on behalf of Hilfiger, having previously starred in the fashion label’s spring 2024 campaign.

The night also saw an appearance by BLACKPINK singer Jennie , who had made her debut at the event in 2023. Take a look at what the K-pop stars wore to the Met Gala 2024 below:

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SXMPRA And 9LIVES Go Head-To-Head On GOAT Showdown Season 4

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GOAT Showdown is back, and on this week's episode, we ventured across the ditch to visit our New Zealand neighbours and returned with SXMPRA & 9LIVES—two of New Zealand’s fastest rising stars. If you’re not familiar with SXMPRA, where have you been? Boasting over 4 million monthly listeners on Spotify, more than half a billion streams across his discography, and collaborations with artists like Ski Mask the Slump God and Pouya , it’s safe to say SXMPRA deserves a spot on your rap radar. While SXMPRA delivers fire on the mic, his frequent collaborator, 9LIVES, excels in production. With well over half a billion streams himself and more than 6 million monthly listeners on Spotify, partnering with SXMPRA for this episode makes for one of the most formidable New Zealand musical pairings in GOAT Showdown history. In this episode, SXMPRA goes head-to-head with 9LIVES to see who will drink one of the least-offensive smoothies ever featured on GOAT Showdown. Watch along as the guys discuss the worst New Zealand stereotype, their least-enjoyable fan interactions, the greatest hangover cure, the most epic hip-hop beef, and the best of New Zealand slang. Are “sheep shaggers” the worst New Zealand stereotype of all time? What tops the old 'hair of the dog' trick for curing a hangover? Can anyone surpass Drake as the king of hip-hop beef? All these questions and more will be answered in this week's episode . Tap in! Episodes drop weekly at 6pm on Wednesdays on Complex Australia's YouTube channel.

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New father, new head pro becomes rare Rockford golfer to reach PGA Tour Major championship

Jeff Kellen dreamed of making the PGA Tour when he finished third in the Men’s City as a junior at Rockford Lutheran, one of the best finishes ever by a high school player. He dreamed of being a pro golfer when he was a three-time All-Missouri Valley Conference pick at Illinois State, finishing one stroke out of first place as a senior.

But he never made it. He didn’t even make it to the top minor league tour. Not even after he became one of the few pro golfers in history to birdie every hole on the back nine , shooting a 27 in the second round of the Summergrove Classic near Atlanta on the Hopkins Tour a decade ago.

Now, though, all his other dreams were coming true. He and his wife of eight years had their first child in November. He also got his first job as a head PGA pro, at North Shore Country Club in Glenview that same month. His life had never been better.

More: From golf stars to teaching stars

“It’s been a year full of blessings,” Kellen said.

And, now, the same is true of his golf life. Kellen joined Guilford grad Brad Benjamin (2010 Masters, 2011 U.S. Open) and Byron grad Chris French (2023 PGA Championship) as the only Rockford golfers to qualify for one of golf’s four Major tournaments in the last 45 years.

“It’s the realization of a dream,” Kellen said. “I always wanted to play on the PGA Tour and have a chance to play in events like this.”

Kellen gave up on being a pro golfer in 2017 to become a golf teacher instead when Ed Slattery hired him to be his top assistant at Mauh-Nah-Tee-See. In 2020, he moved on to Butler National, one of Illinois’ most exclusive clubs, as its top assistant pro.

“We were just lucky to have him for three years,” Slattery said. “This is wonderful. I am really happy for him. I can’t wait to see how he does.”

Kellen’s career as a teaching pro rose quickly.

“I love it,” he said. “The childhood dream of playing golf was born out of my love for the game. To be able to transition that into the business of golf on the club side is wonderful. It’s not the same thing day after day after day. Every day presents its own opportunities and challenges. I get to share my passion for the game. That makes it a lot of fun.”

More: How Rockford's Chris French make it to PGA after quitting golf in his 20s

It doesn’t allow him to play that much golf, though. On the other hand, the PGA has its own series of tournaments for its teaching pros. Kellen has played in 10 or 12 of those every year, never earning more than $5,545 in any one of them. But the big carrot is the PGA sends the top 20 players from its tournament for PGA professionals all around the country to the PGA Championship. That’s how French, the head pro at Aldeen, made it last year. And that’s how Kellen got in this year, tying for eighth there to qualify for the PGA Championship, which runs May 16-19 at Valhalla in Louisville, Kentucky.

“I was well aware that I was capable of qualifying,” Kellen said. “Seeing Chris do it was super exciting. He and I are friends. I know where my game stacked up against his. It made it more real and showed me it was something that should be a goal, something that should be achievable.”

Kellen began closing on his dream hard when he shot a 68, tied for the low round of the day, in the second round in Frisco, Texas. That put him tied for fifth , four strokes off the lead. But he skied to an 80 in a windy round 3, dropping to 29th.

That is when his dream life helped him keep his golf dreams alive. Rather than get down, Kellen was returned to his rental house and was uplifted by his son, Remi, and his wife, Sierra, who played soccer on Lutheran’s 2006 state championship team.

“Years past, I would have been dejected and down,” Kellen said. “Those other life things made it easier to keep in perspective. I just figured I’d play tomorrow and see what happens.”

What happened was Kellen was on the exact cut number with four holes to play. They had leaderboards on each of the last six holes, so Kellen — and his dad, who caddied for him — knew exactly where he stood. He birdied 15 to get three shots clear of the line. A bogey on 16 dropped it back to two. He needed to make a six-foot par putt on 17 to retain that two-shot edge.

“That putt on 17 for par was the one moment that if i made that putt I knew I was probably good,” Kellen said. “It was a slightly uphill right edge putt. The wind was blowing 35 miles per hour left to right. I aimed it right inside the edge and hit it firm. I wasn’t going to let the wind blow it out of the hole. I hit it dead center.

“That was my theme for that whole round. I hadn’t practiced much, so I made the decision that come hell or high water on that round, I was going to make a good aggressive swing all day and let the chips fall where they may. The worst thing you can do in this game is take guided swings. You should let it rip and see what happens.

“I tell my juniors when they get nervous to swing hard. When you try to baby things or be delicate, it’s far more difficult than swinging as hard as you can.”

Jeff Kellen’s life has become more complicated these last few months. The biggest golf tournament of his life looms ahead. His everyday life has more responsibilities, too. As a father. And keeping golfers happy at a top country club.

“Life is way busier. More obligations. More things to keep your hands on. Managing a team. All that stuff,” Kellen said. “But it’s been wonderful. We’ve got a great team here. North Shore Country Club is a wonderful place to be.

“It’s been a year of a lot of great things. We feel very lucky.”

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On European Tour, Xi Jinping Heads to Friendly Territory in the East

After leaving France later Tuesday, the Chinese leader landed in Serbia and will visit Hungary, two countries whose authoritarian leaders offer a haven for China as tensions grow over the war in Ukraine.

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A man in a navy blue suit walks past a military band in full uniform.

By Andrew Higgins

Andrew Higgins, who has visited Chinese projects in Hungary and Serbia reported this article from Warsaw.

When China’s leader, Xi Jinping, last visited Europe’s formerly Communist east in 2016, the president of the Czech Republic hosted him for a flag-bedecked, three-day state visit and offered his country as an “unsinkable aircraft carrier” for Chinese investment.

That vessel has since sunk, scuppered by China’s support for Russia in the war in Ukraine and bitter disappointment over projects that never materialized. Also capsized are many of the high hopes that took hold across Eastern and Central Europe for a bonanza of Chinese money.

So when Mr. Xi returned to the region this week, after a visit to France, he headed for Serbia, arriving there late Tuesday before moving on later in the week to Hungary — two countries whose long-serving authoritarian leaders still offer a haven for China in increasingly turbulent political and economic waters.

“The Czechs, the Poles and nearly everyone else are really pissed at China because of the war,” said Tamas Matura, a foreign relations scholar at Corvinus University of Budapest. “But in Hungary that is not a problem, at least not for the government” of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Mr. Matura said.

Nor is China’s Kremlin-friendly stand on the war in Ukraine a problem for President Aleksandar Vucic of Serbia, who, like Mr. Orban, has maintained warm relations with Russia and China while securing billions of dollars in Chinese investment.

In an interview this week with Chinese state television, Mr. Vucic gave a foretaste of the flattery that will dominate Mr. Xi’s visit: “There are thousands of things that we can and should learn from our Chinese friends,” the Serbian president said.

“Taiwan is China — full stop,” he added.

Milos Zeman, the Czech president who welcomed Mr. Xi in 2016, was replaced last year by a former senior NATO general, Petr Pave l. Mr. Pavel has angered the Chinese government by talking with the president of Taiwan, which Beijing claims as part of its territory, and saying in an interview that China “is not a friendly country.” Chinese investment in the Czech Republic has slowed to a trickle.

Meantime, Chinese money has poured into Hungary and Serbia, cementing close ties underpinned by a shared wariness of the United States.

China’s showcase infrastructure project in the region, a high-speed railway between Belgrade and Budapest, has been slowed by regulatory and other issues. Of the about 200 miles of track planned, only about 60 miles are operating after five years of work — a sluggish pace for a project that Beijing sees as a key part of the Belt and Road infrastructure program, Mr. Xi’s pet foreign policy initiative.

But promised Chinese investment in other projects has raced ahead, totaling nearly $20 billion in Serbia , according to its minister of construction, transport and infrastructure, and totaling nearly as much in Hungary, including loans, the terms of which are secret.

Ivana Karaskova, a Czech researcher at the Association for International Affairs, an independent research group in Prague, said Hungary and Serbia look to China “not only for economic gains but also to demonstrate to their domestic electorate that they pursue an independent policy.” That demonstrates to the European Union and the United States that “they are not the only game in town,” Ms. Karaskova said.

China, she added, “understands this dynamic” and Mr. Xi will use it to try to reverse a steady souring of opinion on China in Europe, both among ordinary citizens and in institutions like the European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union.

A s urvey last year of Eastern and Central European countries by Globsec, a research group in Slovakia, found that “negative perceptions of Beijing have soared,” particularly in the Baltic States and the Czech Republic. Even in Hungary, only 26 percent of those surveyed had a positive view of Mr. Xi, compared with 39 percent with a negative view. The rest said they were undecided.

But Hungary under Mr. Orban, no matter what the public thinks, has become a “safe political space” for Beijing, Mr. Matura said, and can be counted on to try to soften European Union policy on China and protect it from the fallout from the war in Ukraine.

The merging of economic and geopolitical interests is particularly pronounced in Serbia, which aspires to join the European Union but has balked at joining the bloc in imposing sanctions on Russia and frustrated E.U. efforts to broker a settlement over Kosovo. A former Serbian territory, Kosovo declared itself an independent state after a NATO bombing campaign, a status that Serbia, supported by Russia and China, has refused to accept.

Mr. Xi’s arrival in Serbia on Tuesday coincided with the 25th anniversary of a mistaken strike by NATO warplanes on the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade during the 1999 bombing campaign. Three Chinese journalists were killed.

That incident, which many in China believe was not an accident, created a “strong emotional bond between Serbs and Chinese,” said Aleksandar Mitic of the Institute of International Politics and Economics in Belgrade.

As part of a series of government-sanctioned events in Belgrade ahead of Mr. Xi’s visit, Serbian Communists on Monday unfurled banners reading “Welcome President” and “Kosovo is Serbia — Taiwan is China” outside the Chinese Cultural Center in Belgrade, built on the site of the bombed embassy. They demanded that the street outside the center be renamed “Chinese Victims of NATO Aggression Street.”

Hungary, too, has bristled at what it sees as bullying by Washington and Brussels, despite its membership in NATO and the European Union, from which it has received billions of euros in aid.

Mr. Orban’s main interest in China, however, is money and he hopes to turn Hungary, with help from Chinese investors, into a manufacturing hub for E.V.s, batteries and other new technologies.

In just the past two years, China has committed to invest more than $10 billion in Hungary, most of it in ventures related to E.V.s — at a time when the European Union, worried about China’s growing dominance of the sector, is investigating whether Chinese E.V. manufacturers are unfairly subsidized and should be penalized with high tariffs.

BYD, China’s electric-vehicle juggernaut, announced in December that it would build an assembly plant in Hungary, its first production facility in Europe. Plans for a second, even bigger Chinese electric car factory in the country with investment from Great Wall Motor are expected to be announced during Mr. Xi’s visit on Wednesday and Thursday.

Those assembly lines will take years to build but, in the long run, will help protect Chinese E.V. manufacturers from any future efforts by the European Union to prevent China from dominating the market through tariffs.

Tariffs imposed on imported Chinese electric cars would not apply to those assembled in Hungary, which can ship goods duty-free across the E.U., though they could hit parts imported from China to Hungarian plants.

Unlike in most of Europe where governments regularly change — a democratic churn that can upset Chinese investment plans based on close ties to a particular leader — Mr. Orban and Mr. Vucic have both been in power for more than a decade and show no sign of going anywhere.

“The Chinese feel comfortable in Hungary,” Mr. Matura said. “The public might not be very fond of China but the government is.”

The start of construction last year on an enormous $7.8 billion Chinese battery factory in eastern Hungary stirred protests from local residents but applause from Mr. Orban’s government.

President Vucic’s government has also brushed aside public anger about a huge Chinese-owned mining venture in southern Serbia that environmental activists and residents say is poisoning the water supply.

By visiting Hungary and Serbia, Mr. Xi, according to analysts, wants to show that while China may be down as an influential player in East and Central Europe, it is not yet out. And, they say, it indicates he has not given up on a Chinese diplomatic initiative known as 16+1, a grouping of China and formerly Communist European countries built around Mr. Xi’s flagship Belt and Road program.

Furious about the war in Ukraine, three Baltic States have formally quit the grouping, which dates to 2012 and has been a cornerstone of Chinese diplomacy in Europe throughout Mr. Xi’s rule. Others, like the Czech Republic, Poland and Romania, technically remain as members but have largely disengaged.

“The big debate now among experts around the region is whether 16+1 is dead or just a zombie,” Mr. Matura said.

Andrew Higgins is the East and Central Europe bureau chief for The Times based in Warsaw. He covers a region that stretches from the Baltic republics of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to Kosovo, Serbia and other parts of former Yugoslavia. More about Andrew Higgins

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