Do you use head guard protection tape?

[Thunderbrat]

I used to use it but stopped because...

...it affects your rackets weight and thus balance.
...it makes your racket less aerodynamic, especially when it gets torn up or
it covers Prince O-Ports.
...it's probaby more expensive to keep replacing than just getting a new
guard every now and then.
...it's definitely more annoying to keep replacing than just getting a new
guard every now and then.
...stringers hate that stuff.
...it's best to treat your racket like a peice of sports equipment as opposed
to protecting it like it's a work of art.
...it looks pretty amateurish.

[Keifers]

I've used protection tape many times instead of lead tape to add weight at 3:00 and 9:00 and 12:00, especially when I've experimenting to find out where and how much weight I want to add.

It's much easier to put on and take off than lead tape. Takes a whole lot less time and effort.

[The_Question]

Originally Posted by Thunderbrat

...it makes your racket less aerodynamic, especially when it gets torn up or
it covers Prince O-Ports.

I used to cut holes at the O ports when I was using the O3 Tour...

Never had problem taking off the protection tape. The only time I had a problem was taking off some tape that was on there since 1991. The glue turned solid.

Originally Posted by Thunderbrat

...it looks pretty amateurish.

I suppose you dress up like a pro when you play? Hehehe...

[tennisdad65]

I use gamma head tape and I use it from 9 to 3, sometime an inch past the 9/3 positions. I volley a lot and scrape the head even at 9/3 positions.

I think it is about 18-20 inches long and weighs about 4-5 gms. This definitely changes the swingweight for me.

Most guys use a lot less than me.. so it would be ~2 gms for most.. effectively felt at 12 position, which makes a difference.

[gunnd5000]

Originally Posted by Tennissee

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

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

Thanks.

wilson is best imo ektelon used once was awful Gamma and babolat are quite good

[bhkimm]

[quote=Thunderbrat;4040084]
...stringers hate that stuff.


You can always just cut it down the middle and put it on either side of the bumper, so you don't have to replace it as much, and you can still string it without removing the tape.
That's what I always do, I add 2 layers on so I won't have to replace, and my racket still stays at about 6-8 points headlight.

[nabbydian]

i haven tried it yet, just came in from Japan.

I usually use the Babolat Super Tape and Technifibre Guard Tape

[cbegap]

I use the Gamma from around 3 to 9 and I think it changes the weight noticeably; however, I have never measured it. I use it mainly because I'm anal and don't like tearing up my bumper and frame, pure and simple, no other reason. I've played tennis with some young bucks whose parents bought them the racquets and they bang them around, spike them and treat them like poo in general. Not my style, not when I'm shelling out the bucks to buy the crap. Treating my racquet well saves me money so I can blow it on my shoe fetish or whatever. Now that I have used head tape for so long, I can really tell the difference when I pull it off. I don't care for the wilson or the unique.

[Outlined]

I use it too, replacing grommets is not a fun thing to do. A roll of protection tape costs about $10. That is not expensive.

[mikeler]

My PSTs are apparently a royal pain to put new grommets in, so I want to avoid that if I can with head tape.

[Nuke]

Black duct tape (or any other color you prefer). Looks good if you apply it correctly. Not super durable, but readily available and cheap enough to change often. Only downside is the buildup of adhesive, but it comes off easily with a rag wet with WD-40 or mineral spirits.

[petema99]

Never used it before so just wondering... when you take it off does it leave an annoying sticky residue like lead tape does??

[Maestro Nalbandian]

Originally Posted by petema99

Never used it before so just wondering... when you take it off does it leave an annoying sticky residue like lead tape does??

No they don't, just make sure you get proper head guard tapes designed for tennis racquets. They are also easier to apply than electrical or duct tapes.

[treo]

I use black Shoe Goo adhesive instead of tape. Never have to replace and leave on when stringing. Pulls off with no residue.

[JT_2eighty]

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.

When I add Gamma head tape to my racquets, the weight increases by 0.2 oz (5.66 grams), and the balance shifts by 0.5 cm HH (0.2 inches). I put it all the way from 8 o'clock to 4 o'clock.

Since I use an out of print racquet, I prefer to protect my stick and headguard as I do go all out on court. I've always used Gamma head tape so I am luckily used to this slight slight change in weight and balance. It is quite durable and protective, and all my PT's have their original grommets/headguards (15+ years old). As long as my sticks don't break, I could care less how it looks oncourt.

[Rozroz]

Originally Posted by treo

I use black Shoe Goo adhesive instead of tape. Never have to replace and leave on when stringing. Pulls off with no residue.

can you please tell some more? interesting solution..

[filphil]

I use 2 layers of gamma head tape from 3-9

[gkamieneski]

I have always used 3M Super 88 electrical tape. It's inexpensive, just thick enough, durable and very easy to replace. Having replaced several grommet and bumper guards, I wouldn't want to have to do that very often.

I disagree with others who say the bumper guard serves the purpose as my son has cracked 2 bumper guards on Head Instincts. Maybe these were just brittle plastic, but once they crack they are of little use.

[LanEvo]

I use it, no difference to be, probably because I balance with an extra overgrip, but nothing too bad.

[Greg G]

I use the clear Gamma head tape (Dura Guard?). Keeps me from scratching the beautiful Yonex 89T paintjob, without covering it up