Head pallets on a Pro Kennex Redondo/Black Ace

[Gee]

Last Monday I received the Volkl pallets.

While they were on the way I put a Head TK76 L3 on my PK Redondo that I took off from my old Head FXP Radical Tour.
I didn't use any adhesive materials because there was still enough glue residue on the hairpin. I also didn't staple the buttcap because I had to push (and stamp) very firmly in order to replace it. Maybe I 'll staple or glue the buttcap when I am sure about the grip shape.

I must admit that it feels pretty good. A little bit bigger than a regular PK L3 because of the gaps at 3 and 9 (from a laying down on a table view).

The PK leather feels very comfortable as well that reminds of Volkl leather without that contoured structure.

On top I wrapped a Yonex Super Grap overgrip and I strung the Redondo with Head RIP Control 17g at 26(m)/25(c) kg.

Tomorrow night I 'll play for the first time with the PK Redondo that I 'll review.

 

[scotus]

Did you get a chance to finish this project with the Volkl pallet, or did you decide to keep the Head TK76 pallet on your racquet?

 

[Gee]

Did you get a chance to finish this project with the Volkl pallet, or did you decide to keep the Head TK76 pallet on your racquet?

Last Sunday I replaced the TK76 pallets with the Volkl-S L3 ones because I felt the TK76 is a little too high to my taste.

I shot a few pictures as well during the replacement...

The Volkl S pallets enclose the PK hairpin pretty well (without the use of any tape) as you can see.

I didn't play yet after these customization but it feels a bit smaller than the TK76.

 

[Gee]

To fasten the buttcap I purchased a staple gun. This one costs only € 20,- and it does the job well enough.

 

[scotus]

Last Sunday I replaced the TK76 pallets with the Volkl-S L3 ones because I felt the TK76 is a little too high to my taste.

I shot a few pictures as well during the replacement...

The Volkl S pallets enclose the PK hairpin pretty well (without the use of any tape) as you can see.

I didn't play yet after these customization but it feels a bit smaller than the TK76.

All right, mission accomplished!

That looks really good. I hope it feels as good as it looks.

Congrats on a job well done!

 

[Gee]

All right, mission accomplished!

That looks really good. I hope it feels as good as it looks.

Congrats on a job well done!

Thank you, scotus! I am glad that I managed this. I learned a lot of this job.

 

[Gee]

Last night I played an hour with the PK Redondo customized with Volkl S pallets.

I really enjoyed the grip shape of the S-pallets that feels a bit smaller and more maneuverable than my former setup with the TK76 pallets. Through this I was able to switch my grips more in time.

Unfortunately I heard an annoying cracking sound sometimes. Now I am worried about this. Didn't I attach the pallets well enough? Should I have to put double sided tape on the hairpin first? What might be the cause of that cracking sound?

 

[scotus]

Last night I played an hour with the PK Redondo customized with Volkl S pallets.

I really enjoyed the grip shape of the S-pallets that feels a bit smaller and more maneuverable than my former setup with the TK76 pallets. Through this I was able to switch my grips more in time.

Unfortunately I heard an annoying cracking sound sometimes. Now I am worried about this. Didn't I attach the pallets well enough? Should I have to put double sided tape on the hairpin first? What might be the cause of that cracking sound?

So does it feel more like Wilson grip? And what about the sharpness of the bevel? I recall NoBadMojo mention that the bevels are rounded and are not sharp. Is that true?

Regarding the cracking noise, my suspicions are in this order:

(1) There is space between the pallet and the hairpin, such that when you compress the handle, the 2 pallet halves are pressing against each other. If this be the case, you'd need to disassemble and put a layer or two of tape or something over the hairpin to thicken up the hairpin.

(2) The buttcaps are not securely attached. Heard of all those Babolat racquets and their squeaky buttcaps? That might be it.

 

[Gee]

So does it feel more like Wilson grip? And what about the sharpness of the bevel? I recall NoBadMojo mention that the bevels are rounded and are not sharp. Is that true?

Yes the shape is a little more squarely with less sharp bevels that I actually prefer above the sharper ones. I am able to distinguish my different grips (Eastern FH, Continental and Eastern BH) clearly enough with these ones as well.

Regarding the cracking noise, my suspicions are in this order:

(1) There is space between the pallet and the hairpin, such that when you compress the handle, the 2 pallet halves are pressing against each other. If this be the case, you'd need to disassemble and put a layer or two of tape or something over the hairpin to thicken up the hairpin.

(2) The buttcaps are not securely attached. Heard of all those Babolat racquets and their squeaky buttcaps? That might be it.

These things came to my mind as well. I 'll check these points.

 

[Gee]

Just finished my Volkl S pallets replacement for the second time.
The original PK pallets have a width (from inside) of 22 cm and the Volkl S pallets 20 cm. So I need to fill up that 2 cm with tape on the top and bottom surface of the pallets.

I took pictures during this process as well.

First I cut two strips of double sided at a length of 18 cm to cover the whole length of the handle.

The double sided tape on the hairpin.

 

[Gee]

The Volkl pallets were neatly placed, aligned and fastened by pressing and squeezing carefully.

 

[Gee]

The Redondo is stable vertically so I aligned pallets properly. Then I stapled the buttcap with my staple gun...

and finally the leather grip and overgrip were wrapped around the pallets. It feels a bit thicker and more solid because of the double sided tape.

And... no cracking sound anymore! Regardless how hard I squeeze into my grip!

Tomorrow I 'll test this setup. I am curious!

 

[Gee]

I played today without any grip issues. No cracking sound and the grip size and shape are just perfect. So I 'll stay with this setup.

 

[scotus]

Glad to hear of your successful racquet modification.

Cheers!

 

[Gee]

Glad to hear of your successful racquet modification.

Cheers!

Thanks for your support. I wouldn't get this job done without your help.

Actually the title of this thread needs to be changed into Volkl S-pallets on a PK Redondo.
I only don't know how to edit the thread title.

 

[scotus]

Thanks for your support. I wouldn't get this job done without your help.

Actually the title of this thread needs to be changed into Volkl S-pallets on a PK Redondo.
I only don't know how to edit the thread title.

You're quite welcome.

Regarding editing thread titles, only moderators can do that. You can try sending a nice email to diredesire and ask him to edit it for you.

 

[Gee]

Lately I bought another Redondo MP (second-hand).

However I was unpleasantly surprised when I noticed it was extended by the previous owner.

I managed to remove the extra length and afer that I customized the grip with Volkl S L3 pallets (same way as I did with my first Redondo MP).

The original leather was very dirty (and curly) because of the glue used. That's why I used my Fairway leather grip instead as I cannot find a shop that sells the Pro Kennex leather grip.

Unfortunately the grip of my second Redondo doesn´t feel the same as my other one. It feels a bit smaller. Maybe due to the Fairway leather grip. I also tried Babolat leather but that didn't make any difference to me.

How to solve this?

 

[scotus]

Lately I bought another Redondo MP (second-hand).

However I was unpleasantly surprised when I noticed it was extended by the previous owner.

I managed to remove the extra length and afer that I customized the grip with Volkl S L3 pallets (same way as I did with my first Redondo MP).

The original leather was very dirty (and curly) because of the glue used. That's why I used my Fairway leather grip instead as I cannot find a shop that sells the Pro Kennex leather grip.

Unfortunately the grip of my second Redondo doesn´t feel the same as my other one. It feels a bit smaller. Maybe due to the Fairway leather grip. I also tried Babolat leather but that didn't make any difference to me.

How to solve this?

Hi Gee,

Sorry I didn't see this sooner. Here's what I would do.

(1) Take grips off both racquets. Take measurements to see that the pallets have identical dimensions. (Even the pallets of the same model and size can give you a slight variance) Also, you have played with your first racquet for a while with the modified handle. That would compress both the pallets and the tape you put under them, resulting in a slightly smaller size and feel.

(2) If the pallets are the same dimension, then take 2 identical brand-new grips of your choice and put them on. Remember an older, used grip would be thinner than a new one due to compression, even if they are the same brand and model.

You can also play with your new racquet exclusively for the next few months, and then make another comparison. By that time, the two racquet handles might feel a lot more similar.

 

[Gee]

Hi Gee,

Sorry I didn't see this sooner. Here's what I would do.

(1) Take grips off both racquets. Take measurements to see that the pallets have identical dimensions. (Even the pallets of the same model and size can give you a slight variance) Also, you have played with your first racquet for a while with the modified handle. That would compress both the pallets and the tape you put under them, resulting in a slightly smaller size and feel.

(2) If the pallets are the same dimension, then take 2 identical brand-new grips of your choice and put them on. Remember an older, used grip would be thinner than a new one due to compression, even if they are the same brand and model.

You can also play with your new racquet exclusively for the next few months, and then make another comparison. By that time, the two racquet handles might feel a lot more similar.

Hi Scotus,

Nevermind, I am still glad you replied. Thanks for your excellent answers!

However... First of all you need to understand that the grip of my first (and most used) racquet with the original PK leather grip and a Yonex Super Grap overgrip feels thicker than my second one and just right for me.

Meanwhile I ordered a Boris Becker leather grip after a recommendation from one TT member.
Just right after my order I received an email from another TT who sells the PK leather (Pure Comfort) grip. I might give that one a try first (and return the BB leather if possible).

 

[scotus]

Hi Scotus,

Nevermind, I am still glad you replied. Thanks for your excellent answers!

However... First of all you need to understand that the grip of my first (and most used) racquet with the original PK leather grip and a Yonex Super Grap overgrip feels thicker than my second one and just right for me.

Meanwhile I ordered a Boris Becker leather grip after a recommendation from one TT member.
Just right after my order I received an email from another TT who sells the PK leather (Pure Comfort) grip. I might give that one a try first (and return the BB leather if possible).

I see. Then I hope one of those new leather grips solves the problem for you.

 

[Gee]

I see. Then I hope one of those new leather grips solves the problem for you.

I installed the BB leather grip on my second Redondo and I must admit the BB leather feels very comfortable. Solid, full and soft feel.

Though it feels very nice it is still slightly too rectangular (thin) to my taste.

I am considering to add one extra layer of masking tape at the wider surfaces (under the grip pallets).

It is only very difficult to remove my current pallets without damage because they are sticked on the hairpin with the double sided tape. I tried this before but unfortunately I broke the pallets.

Do you have suggestions?

 

[racquetreligion]

Back from the dead sorry but does anyone know how to successfully reduce the pallets on older ProKennex frames?