The Official Lead Tape Placement+Racket Customization Thread - Page 14

Stringers · 11-13-2012, 03:49 PM

Just wanted to add to the thread.

My current racquet of choice is my Volkl PB10 Mid. Completely love the racquet, the low flex rating, buttery soft feel and great stability I get from this stick.

The past couple months, I've been playing more than I have in the past year. I still love my frame, after hitting tonight, I found that I am not get the power off of my backhand side and serve that I would like, no matter what string I try.

After hitting for about an hour tonight, went into our shop, grabbed the lead tape and added about 5 grams from 10-2. Promptly went outside to see the difference. WOW. I couldn't believe the difference just a little lead made. All the sudden my serves came to life! I loved it!

I can't wait to go back out tomorrow and experiment some more

Stringers · 11-13-2012, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Love Anet

That's understandable, please, it's a wonderful thread. As a tennis player you are always wondering if you are using the most suitable racket. Usually you just try different rackets and hope for the best, it's all kind of vague. It's good to know there could be a more systematic approach.

In my question I was asking where on the entire racket do you add the weight, but you seem to be indicating that it should be on the handle. Is that correct? If so, why not at the 12 O'clock position, for example?

I could be be wrong in my thinking since I just started experiment with tape myself, but continuing to add to 12 only seems like it could be painful depending on how head heavy the racquet gets.

Like I said, I could be way off. Just the first thing that popped into my head.

Carefree · 11-15-2012, 01:24 PM

I have a Head YT IG Radical Pro, and I just added some lead to the handle to get a more HL balance.

I was shocked at the results. I added 10g under the grip, that's it. The racquet has quite a high SW in stock form (especially for something that light, 310g - spec). It was so much more solid. Everything I hit felt heavier. I did have some problem with depth though, it took a while to get used to it.

The biggest change was to my serve. When I hit it well, I could feel how heavy it was, however, my serve is inconsistent at the best of times, and getting used to the new weight didn't help, though it will come around eventually.

I wasn't expecting to have depth issues without adding any weight to the hoop, that was a bit unexpected. The plow through seemed to carry the ball further.

It doesn't sound great now that I've red my post, but I'm actually quite happy with the new feel. So much more solid.

marcus2908 · 11-21-2012, 06:19 PM

hey guys, i am currently using the head ig prestige pro, and i love the balance of it. how do i set up the lead placement in order to keep the EXACT balance of the racket? i only want to increase weight. balance the same

El Nino · 11-22-2012, 01:59 AM

I'm currently using the HEAD Youtek Ig Speed 300 and I am currently experimenting with lead tape. My main weapons are my forehand and volleys. My FH is become more spinny but if I use a polarised setup, my volleys might suffer. Should I used lead at 3&9 then add a small amount to 12? Or what should I do?

3fees · 11-22-2012, 08:26 AM

good thread

CCH4TENNIS · 11-22-2012, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by El Nino

I'm currently using the HEAD Youtek Ig Speed 300 and I am currently experimenting with lead tape. My main weapons are my forehand and volleys. My FH is become more spinny but if I use a polarised setup, my volleys might suffer. Should I used lead at 3&9 then add a small amount to 12? Or what should I do?

Hi El Nino

Speaking from experience from customising my BIomimetic 300, 200Lite, 200 and 100, adding weight at 9 N 3 will definitely help your volleys as it will increase twist weight.

Cheers !

djNEiGht · 12-06-2012, 10:59 AM

My racquet mods started w a leather grip and then added sapras (0.5 oz each i think) power strips at 3/9. I then added the same strips to 5/7 and I think the weight is close to 13 oz now and has brought the balance back close to stock (BB London) I've been using this set up for almost 2 years but think it's time to cut down the weight.

I would still like to use leather and am wondering how to cut down the amount of lead in the hoop while bringing the balance back to stock. Maybe a 0.5 oz at 10 and 2? I take it the sweet spot might move up which I wouldn't mind. What type of playing characteristics could I expect from that change and are there any other suggestions? I also play on trying the Gamma lead tape and have noticed it is thinner than the Tourna Sampras strips.

mikeespinmusic · 02-11-2013, 03:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Funbun

Why is it that you get less spin with a depolarized setup? I thought you would get more upwards momentum because there's more weight on the sides of the racquet, therefore a faster swing. I thought weight on the poles of the racquet (aka polarized setup) only gave you more plowthrough, not spin.

Is there something wrong with my reasoning?

Also, if I'm wrong (which I'll most likely be), would adding a tad bit of lead tape at 12 increase the amount of spin by a little in a depolarized setup?

Its technically not less spin being depolarized. Its just that polarized has the bigger loop action with its spin whereas as Depol is flatter. Pol allows a whippier shot.

TRVX1912 · 02-11-2013, 05:23 PM

I have Racquet A at 11.03oz, 6hl, 301 sw

Racquet B I have at 11.05 oz, 6.5Hl, 295 sw

Where and how much lead do i put on each racquet to match them up?

The Doctor · 02-12-2013, 04:53 AM

Hey guys, I always use a 4 3/4 grip, I found a racquet on the great bay with a 4 1/2 grip. Would I be able to slim down the grip(sanding) without there being any side effect to the playing(excluding weight, swingweight ect...) to put it more plainly would the racquet still play close to the same without breaking the racquet somehow?

prestige.head · 02-12-2013, 09:25 AM

(I use a Head IG Prestige Pro)

If I put 2g at 3&9 how many grams would I use on the butt cap to counterbalance?

& if I were to do 4g at 3&9 how many grams would I use on the butt cap to counterbalance?

rolliges · 02-12-2013, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRVX1912

I have Racquet A at 11.03oz, 6hl, 301 sw

Racquet B I have at 11.05 oz, 6.5Hl, 295 sw

Where and how much lead do i put on each racquet to match them up?

If you like how they play but just want them more equal, then A should get a little weight at 6 o'clock or in the upper throat and B a little weight at 12 o'clock.

Relinquis · 02-12-2013, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prestige.head

(I use a Head IG Prestige Pro)

If I put 2g at 3&9 how many grams would I use on the butt cap to counterbalance?

& if I were to do 4g at 3&9 how many grams would I use on the butt cap to counterbalance?

you might want to check out these two tools. Will help you estimate how much and where to add weight to achieve certain specs.

http://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/lear...tomization.php
http://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/lear...ionReverse.php

you can get your specs from the reviews section, or measure them yourself for an even more accurate approach.

prestige.head · 02-12-2013, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Relinquis

you might want to check out these two tools. Will help you estimate how much and where to add weight to achieve certain specs.

http://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/lear...tomization.php
http://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/lear...ionReverse.php

you can get your specs from the reviews section, or measure them yourself for an even more accurate approach.

well i just want to keep the balance point the same as it was before adding lead to 3&9.
someone told me if i put 2g at 3&9 i would need to put 1g in the buttcap and if i did 4g i would need to put 2g in the buttcap.

is this correct?

Relinquis · 02-12-2013, 01:24 PM

prestige.head,

if you use the 2nd link i posted and enter your racquet specs it will tell you what changes when you add lead to 3&9... then you can insert different values for lead in teh buttcap to see how much gets the balance back to where it was originally.

novak.20v · 02-13-2013, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prestige.head

well i just want to keep the balance point the same as it was before adding lead to 3&9.
someone told me if i put 2g at 3&9 i would need to put 1g in the buttcap and if i did 4g i would need to put 2g in the buttcap.

is this correct?

its neither correct or not correct. Just keep adding weight to the buttcap until your balance point is where it was/where you want.

I also use the IGPP, but I don't counterbalance because I like where the balance point is after adding 2g of lead at 3 & 9.

volleynets · 02-16-2013, 10:14 PM

Benjamin Becker gave me his racquet this week. He has two layers of lead at 3 and 9 o'clock. There is also lead under the bumper at 12 o'clock!!!! Racket is really heavy and it looks like he is using both polarized and depolarized.

Praprad · 02-18-2013, 04:59 AM

Is there any way to have a polarized setup without raising the sweetspot up? Maybe by counterbalancing at 6 o clock?

heartattack · 02-18-2013, 05:30 AM

sorry guys. i just want your help here.. because im going to put lead at 10 and 2 o clock and the grip handle as well. now i change my mind to put it at 3 and 9. Should i go down an inch or up on my lead placement on the handle? Thanks.

11-21-2012, 06:19 PM	#264
marcus2908 New User Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 9	hey guys, i am currently using the head ig prestige pro, and i love the balance of it. how do i set up the lead placement in order to keep the EXACT balance of the racket? i only want to increase weight. balance the same __________________ HEAD Youtek IG Prestige Pro with signum pro poly megaforce 16G 57lbs

11-22-2012, 01:59 AM	#265
El Nino Rookie Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Cairo Posts: 103	I'm currently using the HEAD Youtek Ig Speed 300 and I am currently experimenting with lead tape. My main weapons are my forehand and volleys. My FH is become more spinny but if I use a polarised setup, my volleys might suffer. Should I used lead at 3&9 then add a small amount to 12? Or what should I do? __________________ Biography: 2 x Head Speed 300 With Babolat Pro Hurricane @ 57 pounds

12-06-2012, 10:59 AM	#268
djNEiGht Semi-Pro Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, CA Posts: 584	My racquet mods started w a leather grip and then added sapras (0.5 oz each i think) power strips at 3/9. I then added the same strips to 5/7 and I think the weight is close to 13 oz now and has brought the balance back close to stock (BB London) I've been using this set up for almost 2 years but think it's time to cut down the weight. I would still like to use leather and am wondering how to cut down the amount of lead in the hoop while bringing the balance back to stock. Maybe a 0.5 oz at 10 and 2? I take it the sweet spot might move up which I wouldn't mind. What type of playing characteristics could I expect from that change and are there any other suggestions? I also play on trying the Gamma lead tape and have noticed it is thinner than the Tourna Sampras strips. __________________ Married into a tennis fam-trying2keep up after4knee surgeries. I almost have more racquets than my wife and in-laws (don't tell the wife)

02-11-2013, 05:23 PM	#270
TRVX1912 New User Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 68	I have Racquet A at 11.03oz, 6hl, 301 sw Racquet B I have at 11.05 oz, 6.5Hl, 295 sw Where and how much lead do i put on each racquet to match them up? __________________ Bounce Hit Bounce Hit Bounce Miss WTF?!?! Anybody play in NJ?

02-12-2013, 04:53 AM	#271
The Doctor New User Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 37	Hey guys, I always use a 4 3/4 grip, I found a racquet on the great bay with a 4 1/2 grip. Would I be able to slim down the grip(sanding) without there being any side effect to the playing(excluding weight, swingweight ect...) to put it more plainly would the racquet still play close to the same without breaking the racquet somehow? __________________ Dreaming of the Robin Soderling comeback 2013.