Hairpin Babolat and Head

[Hankenstein]

Background: I love the shape of Heads TK82S pallets (speed line) and i also like the Babolat Pure Storm Tour GT, but i dont really like the grip shape.

I plan to remove the foam from the grip down to the graphite (so the frame looks like a hairpin from the factory) and then add the TK82S, but, has anyone done this before and knows what dimension a Babolat has under the foam compared to a Head? To remove foam, well, patience is the key and it is do-able but takes some work

Thanks for your inputs guys!

[bugeyed]

Originally Posted by Hankenstein

Background: I love the shape of Heads TK82S pallets (speed line) and i also like the Babolat Pure Storm Tour GT, but i dont really like the grip shape.

I plan to remove the foam from the grip down to the graphite (so the frame looks like a hairpin from the factory) and then add the TK82S, but, has anyone done this before and knows what dimension a Babolat has under the foam compared to a Head? To remove foam, well, patience is the key and it is do-able but takes some work

Thanks for your inputs guys!

You could just reshape the Babolat pallet to match the Head.

Cheers,
kev

[niremetal]

Originally Posted by bugeyed

You could just reshape the Babolat pallet to match the Head.

Cheers,
kev

I hate to be the new guy asking a stupid question, but...how?

[db10s]

Originally Posted by niremetal

I hate to be the new guy asking a stupid question, but...how?

Sandpaper?

[bugeyed]

Originally Posted by db10s

Sandpaper?

If you use sandpaper, be sure to use a sanding block to keep it flat. I prefer this method rather than the one proposed by the OP. Even if you have to take the size down to get the shape & then build it up with a shrink wrap. I think it would result in a more solid grip. You will likely need to replace the butt cap too. I am just concerned that you will not get a good fit with the Head pallet.

Cheers,
kev

[Geology_Rocks!]

I was thinking about something similar, putting TK82 pallets on my dunlops.

I tried to measure the hairpins by opening the trap doors of a head and a dunlop, but it wasn't conclusive.

[Hankenstein]

It must not be 100 % perfect match with the hairpin. If its a millimeter difference on the hairpin and the TK82S it´s ok. Sandpaper will do the trick.

I will buy a used Pure Drive GT and see how it goes. Sure all Babolats must have the same hairpin-size? (I know the term "hairpin" is the naked raquet without molded grip and bumpers but it is the term that fits this question best i think)

[Guardian]

Originally Posted by Hankenstein

It must not be 100 % perfect match with the hairpin. If its a millimeter difference on the hairpin and the TK82S it´s ok. Sandpaper will do the trick.

I will buy a used Pure Drive GT and see how it goes. Sure all Babolats must have the same hairpin-size? (I know the term "hairpin" is the naked raquet without molded grip and bumpers but it is the term that fits this question best i think)

Let us know how it goes..

I once checked with a Donnay hairpin, Head pallets did not fit.

[Geology_Rocks!]

Maybe someone with a broken racket could check?

[eman resu]

Originally Posted by Hankenstein

It must not be 100 % perfect match with the hairpin. If its a millimeter difference on the hairpin and the TK82S it´s ok. Sandpaper will do the trick.

I will buy a used Pure Drive GT and see how it goes. Sure all Babolats must have the same hairpin-size? (I know the term "hairpin" is the naked raquet without molded grip and bumpers but it is the term that fits this question best i think)

did you try it?