Do you use head guard protection tape?

[Maestro Nalbandian]

Any of you actually use head guard protection tape like this?http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/desc...AMMA-GHTR.html

Does it alter the swing weight? If so by how many points usually?

Thanks

[Maestro Nalbandian]

Notice theres already a thread on this page but its a little misleading talking about lead tape.

[NadalClone]

I use the Wilson and Head versions of the bumper tape. I don't notice a difference in weight. Its a pretty thick tape, much thicker than electrical tape. It works well and you can see the rips in the tape that may have been scratches on the bumper.

[ChuDat]

i used to use head guard protection tape but i stopped, mainly because I don't have time to go to the store and buy any

[hoodjem]

I use Babolat black headguard tape. It is durable and protects the head from scrapes well. I think the weight change is not much, if any.

[Maestro Nalbandian]

Originally Posted by NadalClone

Its a pretty thick tape, much thicker than electrical tape.

That's what I'm worried about, the thicker tape will surely add weight to the head? I like to keep the head light balance of my racquet.

[hoodjem]

Originally Posted by Maestro Nalbandian

That's what I'm worried about, the thicker tape will surely add weight to the head? I like to keep the head light balance of my racquet.

Do you have a scale? It couldn't weigh much.

I put 10 inches on and I can't tell much difference. I wish it weighed more, then I wouldn't have to get lead tape.

[Loco4Tennis]

if your worried about the weight of it, think about the fact that a whole overgrip like the yonex overgrap, pretty thick, is about 3 grams, the single 10 inch tape your talking about would provably be half that, max 2 grams, not enough to be noticed by most people

but if your really concern about this, do what i did and pick up a letter scale at walmart, they are under $20, specially good if you have more then 1 similar racquets you play with and need to balance your racquets

[iradical18]

I don't use it, I'm not bothered by scratches on the bumper guard. But I'm pretty sure it doesn't affect SW.

[bagung]

head tape from 2oclock to 10 oclock , roughly 2-3grams... overgrip VS weight 4.2-4.5g... wilson and yonex overgrip is +/- 6.5grams...

[Cruzer]

I use hockey tape and any additional weight added is not apparent. While using head tape may add a gram or two to weight to the head gradually scraping away the bumper guard during play will reduce weight in the head also probably by an indiscernable amount.

[Geezer Guy]

I use it, but I don't always add it immediately after stringing.
I can't tell any difference before or after application.

[Swissv2]

When I use wilson or head tape, I do not notice a huge difference in weight, but I notice a huge difference in weight change for Gamma head tape. Wilson/Head tape doesn't protect the racquet as well as the Gamma tape, so its really up to your personal preference.

[GoochMoney]

IMO this looks silly...as long as your not abusive with your racquet it doesn't take that many licks...if you are abusive that tape isn't going to help -

[Swissv2]

Originally Posted by GoochMoney

IMO this looks silly...as long as your not abusive with your racquet it doesn't take that many licks...if you are abusive that tape isn't going to help -

Head tape prevents the occasional scratches against the ground for slices which could cause paint chips - and has kept my racquets in great shape if I were to ever sell them.

[Tennissee]

Would y'all care to compare/rank the head tapes you have used?

• Babolat
• Ektelon
• Gamma
• Wilson
• ...

Thanks.

[Maestro Nalbandian]

Originally Posted by hoodjem

Do you have a scale? It couldn't weigh much.

I put 10 inches on and I can't tell much difference. I wish it weighed more, then I wouldn't have to get lead tape.

The Babolat black headguard tape weighs 4 grams on my scale. I used this http://www.usrsa.com/store/learningc...nedswtbal.html customizer to calculate it's effect on swingweight. In short, it increases stock SW from 322 to 335! Racquet used- RDS001MP strung weight 330g.

Does that sound right or am I missing something? That's a big change in SW.

[gamerx52986]

I've always used Babolat head tape on my racquets. Definitely keeps scratches from occuring and keeps the frames looking nice if I ever sell them.

[tbini87]

i don't use any. i restring pretty often and wouldn't want to mess with it.

[Maestro Nalbandian]

Originally Posted by Maestro Nalbandian

The Babolat black headguard tape weighs 4 grams on my scale. I used this http://www.usrsa.com/store/learningc...nedswtbal.html customizer to calculate it's effect on swingweight. In short, it increases stock SW from 322 to 335! Racquet used- RDS001MP strung weight 330g.

Does that sound right or am I missing something? That's a big change in SW.

Any thoughts anyone?