KPS88: Does adding lead tape to the handle contribute easier backhand swing?

[Roadway]

I've just got a KPS88. It was difficult for me get more topspin with it at the backhand side.
So i think of adding lead tapes (about 20 grams）in the handle to get more head light. I wonder if this actuallly works as some of the post said.
I'm reluctant to uncoil the new leather grip if it doesn't make any sense.

[BobFL]

KPS88 with 20grams of lead tape? Hmm, I think I would need a bionic hand to use that combo...

[Keifers]

I have a KPS88. Yes, your idea should work, but I doubt that you need as much as 20g. I would start with 5-10 grams. Add in small increments.

Good luck.

[movdqa]

I've added weight to lighter racquets to get them more head light and it has had benefits. I've tried adding weight to the handle of the KPS88 and it just makes it sluggish. Adding weight to the handle while not really affecting swingweight turns it into a boat anchor. I find the KPS very good for hitting topspin on the backhand side. I string it at 54 pounds which works well for spin. Also, you definitely need early preparation.

[Noisy Ninja]

^ Totally agree.
Experimented with adding weight to the handle and the racquet felt noticeably more sluggish in coming around.
I utilize a ohbh and find there is plenty of spin potential swinging the KPS88 in stock form. As mentioned earlier, prepare early and allocate a bit of time to acclimate to the new racquet.

[Devilito]

Originally Posted by Roadway

I've just got a KPS88. It was difficult for me get more topspin with it at the backhand side.
So i think of adding lead tapes (about 20 grams）in the handle to get more head light. I wonder if this actuallly works as some of the post said.
I'm reluctant to uncoil the new leather grip if it doesn't make any sense.

A lot of people complain about the heft of racquets and avoid the most obvious solution. Strength training. Tennis isn’t darts. Get in the gym and start pumping some iron.

[Jonny S&V]

With a racquet of that heft, focus on letting the racquet do most of the work. The plow-through of the KPS88 is great enough that you should only have to make solid contact.

[leeroy85]

Adding lead to handle will also change the sweet spot on the racquet, making the sweet spot much less sweet.

[morten]

1: cut the bumper if not working buy a new racket, The K88 is seriously sluggish, a shame, a bummer they did not make it swing like the ps85...

[Devilito]

Originally Posted by Jonny S&V

With a racquet of that heft, focus on letting the racquet do most of the work. The plow-through of the KPS88 is great enough that you should only have to make solid contact.

that's a great point. You dont have to grip tight and swing it like a club. Let the racquet do the work.

[olliess]

Originally Posted by Roadway

So i think of adding lead tapes (about 20 grams）in the handle to get more head light. I wonder if this actuallly works as some of the post said.
I'm reluctant to uncoil the new leather grip if it doesn't make any sense.

Originally Posted by Keifers

I doubt that you need as much as 20g. I would start with 5-10 grams. Add in small increments.

If you want to experiment with ~5 grams without uncoiling the leather grip, you could try playing with an extra overgrip. As I side benefit, I find that the racquet (perhaps due to its weight and balance) is a bit easier for me to handle with a grip on the larger side (I usually play with a slightly undersized grip).

[Stick It Wear?!]

I just added a small amount of lead at the very end of the leather grip. Yes, I did put it on top of the leather but underneath the Wilson overgrip. I did this so I can experiment with an optimal setup. In addition the racket has so much heft and stability that the weight did not detract.

Soon, I got used to the racket and removed the weight completely. But one thing that immensely helped is my string setup.

I noticed certain strings had a big affect on the racket's swingpath. All poly was way too heavy. Then I had Tecnifibre Black Code mains and Gosen Micro 16 as the crosses. This lightened things up. I then had the pleasure of meeting Taylor Dent and asked him about his racket and his association with Wilson. Taylor was having arm problems and was looking for more spin. The Wilson rep told him to put the poly as the cross and the multi-fil as the mains.

I tried this and haven't looked back. Black Code 16g 56lbs cross and Gosen OG Micro 16 57lbs as the mains. String bed is waaay softer and has waaaay more spin! I could also feel the increased tension going from side to side (57lbs) has a lighter effect on my swingpath than having it run up and down on my mains.

I have been searching for quite awhile and now I am really pleased with this setup. The KPS88 is a fussy racket, but dialed in. It has been fantastic.

[Roadway]

Tkank you very much for all the information!
I've put 15 grams under the leather grip and will see what it affects next time playing.
Hope it will work!

[ender666]

I bought my first KPS88 with 4 1/2 grip. new two months ago. The seller had it customized to 9 pts HL and 372 grams strung (13.1oz), with a 1/2 size heat shrink sleeve and a little lead under the leather grip.

I recently bought a 2nd KPS88 with 4 5/8. This one is stock: ~ 6 pts HL and 363 grams strung (12.8oz).

I play much better with the 9 pts HL stick. Where on the handle should I place 1/4" (1/2") strips of lead to make the 2nd racquet also 9 pts HL?

[Fuji]

I use a 13.7oz modded KPS88 at 9 points HL, and you really have to have a fluid motion with a heavier stick. I only have a touch of lead on the handle, not a lot though. To hit Topspin well, you just need to really coil and uncoil with a lot of shoulder turn. The closer you can get to being as fluid as water, the better your strokes can be with such a "demanding" stick!

-Fuji

[wrexel]

Originally Posted by Roadway

I've just got a KPS88. It was difficult for me get more topspin with it at the backhand side.
So i think of adding lead tapes (about 20 grams）in the handle to get more head light. I wonder if this actuallly works as some of the post said.
I'm reluctant to uncoil the new leather grip if it doesn't make any sense.

I have the same exact problem with you to generate heavy topspin using the KPS88. The problem was partially solved by using a hybrid string job with poly on the mains and syn gut on the crosses and adjusting the string tension to something that is comfortable to you.

FYI, I came from a leaded PS85 (my stick for more than 10 yrs) which I had no problem generating lots of topspin and weighed exactly the same as a standard KPS88 except for the balance. My PS85 was 10.5pts HL compared to 6pts HL for the KPS88.

[Tar Heel Tennis]

I play with the KPS88 weighted to 390 grams. My frames are customized with 15-17 grams of lead beneath the leather grip (5.5-7" from butt), an overgrip, head protection tape (one strip), and strung with VS Team gut.

The weight in the handle certainly adds to the plow-through of the frame providing an extremely heavy ball for my opponent. But the racket doesn't feel cumbersome. I also like that the racket is now even more headlight - it certainly "feels" more nimble when volleying.

Heavy topspin is a result of the path of the racket - anyone who claims that topspin is tough to obtain with this racket simply isn't using proper low-to-high form. As mentioned earlier, a classic long, fluid motion is beneficial with this frame. I have no doubt that I can hit a tennis ball with as much spin as someone playing with full poly. I hear it all of the time when I'm playing a league or tournament match against an opponent for the first time - "I thought that ball was going to sail out by three feet, but somehow it spun in!" - i just smile and say, "must have been luck."

I haven't played with a frame that feels more natural to me. But, then again, I was a competitive junior player in the early-mid 80s and am accustomed to rackets in the 14 oz range.

[Tar Heel Tennis]

Originally Posted by leeroy85

Adding lead to handle will also change the sweet spot on the racquet, making the sweet spot much less sweet.

lol.....i haven't found this to be true with my KPS88s. of course, it may simply be a case of my ability to hit the sweet spot consistently, but i disagree with your opinion irt the KPS88.

[Jake Speed]

I've played a "head heavy" racquet my entire life.

I weigh and balance them, on the same point.

Generally, and I've said this in another Thread, the removal of material from the grip area accomplishes this, I drill holes.

I also trim a bit off the racquet. Obviously, this brings the weight forward also.

This doesn't work for everyone.

JS #1

[Harry_Wild]

Originally Posted by Roadway

I've just got a KPS88. It was difficult for me get more topspin with it at the backhand side.
So i think of adding lead tapes (about 20 grams）in the handle to get more head light. I wonder if this actuallly works as some of the post said.
I'm reluctant to uncoil the new leather grip if it doesn't make any sense.

I use a half dollar coin in the handle cap and tape it in place with foil tape. But it fits very tight already. I kind of gave away my secret. Enjoy!