Bumper guard or head tape needed for wood racquets?

[onehandbh]

I started playing with my wood Jack Kramer Pro Staff.
Wood seems quite vulnerable to scrapes on a hard court.
Do people who use them more regularly put head tape on that head?
It seems like when you pull off the tape, it can rip off small chunks or
splinters of wood.

How about on a clay court? Do I need to protect the head?
I don't play very much anymore, but when I do, I'll be playing on a clay
court.

This one in particular:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=8GVpJT8s0BQ

[MAX PLY]

I actually put two layers of head tape on my wood racquets when I play with them to keep them is the best condition possible. I also take the tape off after I finish--so fresh tape each time I play with them. Good luck.

[joe sch]

Head tape is smart to prevent court rash on wood rackets for hard court play. Clay is also abrasive and gets in the holes so tape really helps protect the hoop. Wood likes grass unless its wet

[onehandbh]

Thx for the tips. I'll add some tape. Had not thought of using
fresh tape each time. Seems wasteful, though.

[mmk]

Originally Posted by onehandbh

Thx for the tips. I'll add some tape. Had not thought of using
fresh tape each time. Seems wasteful, though.

I used to use athletic tape, and left it on until it started to wear through.

[MAX PLY]

Originally Posted by onehandbh

Thx for the tips. I'll add some tape. Had not thought of using
fresh tape each time. Seems wasteful, though.

Perhaps, but the reason I take it off after each time is I also don't want to build up sticky residue on the frame either.

[PBODY99]

I use tape, only change it as needed.

[AtTheNet]

Having bought some woodies recently, I am interested in protecting the heads from "court rash". I think that a layer of blue painter's masking tape against the wood, topped with a layer or two of athletic tape would work well. The blue tape is a low-tack tape, and shouldn't leave a sticky residue.

The blue tape is widely available at home improvement stores, hardware stores, paint stores, etc.

I would think it best to remove all of the tape after each use.

[onehandbh]

Not sure if the blue painter's tape would be sticky enough.
Let me know if it works.

Btw, I looked at the strings in my JK prostaff and just
noticed it has a full poly string job!

I asked for synth gut. no wonder it felt kind of weird.
At least it'll probably last a long time...

Originally Posted by AtTheNet

Having bought some woodies recently, I am interested in protecting the heads from "court rash". I think that a layer of blue painter's masking tape against the wood, topped with a layer or two of athletic tape would work well. The blue tape is a low-tack tape, and shouldn't leave a sticky residue.

The blue tape is widely available at home improvement stores, hardware stores, paint stores, etc.

I would think it best to remove all of the tape after each use.

[v-verb]

Originally Posted by MAX PLY

Perhaps, but the reason I take it off after each time is I also don't want to build up sticky residue on the frame either.

Good call. I have racquets from the 90's that have nasty residue after I took off the head tape. Tape also took off some of the paint from my Prince Thunderbolt

[Hi I'm Ray]

Originally Posted by AtTheNet

Having bought some woodies recently, I am interested in protecting the heads from "court rash". I think that a layer of blue painter's masking tape against the wood, topped with a layer or two of athletic tape would work well. The blue tape is a low-tack tape, and shouldn't leave a sticky residue.

The blue tape is widely available at home improvement stores, hardware stores, paint stores, etc.

I would think it best to remove all of the tape after each use.

Masking tape can be very difficult to remove if left on too long - it won't come off in one piece, tearing into little pieces, and can leave a bad residue + discoloration. Wouldn't recommend it for more than a very short application on anything.

[jimbo333]

Originally Posted by Hi I'm Ray

Masking tape can be very difficult to remove if left on too long - it won't come off in one piece, tearing into little pieces, and can leave a bad residue + discoloration. Wouldn't recommend it for more than a very short application on anything.

Absolutely agree. The residue left from old masking tape can be an absolute nightmare to get off!