Lead Tape Help !

mrmo1115 · Sep 7, 2009

I am just pondering what lead tape can do to a Youtek Radical MP... if I add lead tape enough for it to weigh about the same as a Prestige, would the Rad gain control enough to play like a Prestige + pop (given from the Radical line)

If this is true, I may test this experiment, but there's one question I have.... where do I add lead tape and how much should I add?

How much does 1 lead tape strip add?

If anyone can help me with this , I'd appreciate it !!

120mphBodyServe · Sep 7, 2009

Just slap it on and experiment...
POSTS/THREADS LIKE THIS REALLY REALLY ANNOY ME.

Anton · Sep 7, 2009

I've hit with YT Radical MP for two days now and I generally like heavier frames. Having said that this is fairly stable frame for it's weight and has good swingweight.

Try starting by distributing four strips of lead (3"x.025" each) on 3 and 9 and then if you want a little more swing-through on your stroke add a bit of lead at 12.

From there, if you want the frame to be more head-light balanced just replace stock grip with leather one (and overgrip).

Extra weight means more impact to be absorbed by the strings so if the control is lacking and ball starts to fly a bit too far a tighter string job would be a good idea.

P.S. if you like the prestige so much why don't you just get prestige instead of messing around with Rad?

mrmo1115 · Sep 7, 2009

Anton said:
I've hit with YT Radical MP for two days now and I generally like heavier frames. Having said that this is fairly stable frame for it's weight and has good swingweight.

Try starting by distributing four strips of lead (3"x.025" each) on 3 and 9 and then if you want a little more swing-through on your stroke add a bit of lead at 12.

From there, if you want the frame to be more head-light balanced just replace stock grip with leather one (and overgrip).

Extra weight means more impact to be absorbed by the strings so if the control is lacking and ball starts to fly a bit too far a tighter string job would be a good idea.

P.S. if you like the prestige so much why don't you just get prestige instead of messing around with Rad?

Because I am not even sure if the Youtek Prestige will be out and I want to see if the added pop of the Rad will benefit my game if I added lead to the racquet to make it weigh about the same as my Prestige.

Would the lead also give the stick more control as well as giving it weight?

So you think I should start to add lead at the 3 and 9 first? How much will I need and how do I tell how much is needed to acheieve the weight I want it to be? Throw it on a weight scale?

mrmo1115 · Sep 7, 2009

Thanks gugafan. Too bad I can't experiment with a demo rad mp. I'll have to like the stock rad enough to get them and then tinker with the lead tape. What do you think? If I'm looking to gain more power without the loss of control I should go towards the rad after using the flexpoint prestige mp for a while

Steve Huff · Sep 7, 2009

First, what lead tape do you have. Babolat lead tape is heavier per inch than say Gamma lead tape. Pro Supex has some lead tape that is narrower than either the Babolat or Gamma, so you would probably be able to get some better answers if you told what brand tape, or what the weight per linear inch of the tape is. I take mine, cut 2 2-2 1/2" strips. I cut them in half length wise. I apply them, starting at 9 and 3 and go up toward the top of the frame. This raises the sweetspot some, which I like. Best to play with the racket, see where you make contact with the ball most by looking at the ball fuzz in your strings, and putting the tape across from the ball fuzz.

mrmo1115 · Sep 7, 2009

Okay will do. Don't have any lead tape now but I'll see what I get if I decide to switch to the youtek rad mp and lead it up or just wait for the youtek prestige

Meaghan · Sep 8, 2009

Buy a roll of 1/4 inch so you dont have to cut it in half. Get a roll off the bay instead of a brand name.
As someone stated before a llittle goes a long way. The rad is a good custom frame. I did the LM Rad so that it came close to a prestige. I added 20g under the handle (whether you put it at top of handle or bottom is up to you to experiment) and 5g at 12' and 5g at 10/2'.
This brought the spec inline with the prestige line but made the racket a lot more stable and more importantly IMO raised the swingweight to somewhere in the region of 360.

Anton · Sep 8, 2009

mrmo1115 said:
So you think I should start to add lead at the 3 and 9 first? How much will I need and how do I tell how much is needed to acheieve the weight I want it to be? Throw it on a weight scale?

four strips of lead (3"x.025" each)

Just get a roll from TW
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpage-LEADSMALL.html

the tape weight is .25 grams per inch - so for 12" (3"x4) you will add 3grams or 0.1oz.

Leather would add another 0.3oz (9 grams)

Jewlry scale is very useful too - you can get them dirt cheap on fleabay - get 0.1gram precision with a range of about 0-500grams

joe sch · Sep 8, 2009

mrmo1115 said:
I am just pondering what lead tape can do to a Youtek Radical MP... if I add lead tape enough for it to weigh about the same as a Prestige, would the Rad gain control enough to play like a Prestige + pop (given from the Radical line)

If this is true, I may test this experiment, but there's one question I have.... where do I add lead tape and how much should I add?

How much does 1 lead tape strip add?

If anyone can help me with this , I'd appreciate it !!

How do the weights and balances of these 2 rackets compare ?
What lead tape do you have to use ?
Not much you can do about the flex diffs which is one reason I like the older graphite rackets.

State these starting conditions and Im sure one of the experts that has responded can help you meet the specs of the prestige racket your trying to match.

mrmo1115 · Sep 8, 2009

joe sch said:
How do the weights and balances of these 2 rackets compare ?
What lead tape do you have to use ?
Not much you can do about the flex diffs which is one reason I like the older graphite rackets.

State these starting conditions and Im sure one of the experts that has responded can help you meet the specs of the prestige racket your trying to match.

Well to start off the rad is 11 oz strung and the flexpoint prestige mp is I believe 11.9 strung. I want the rad to get more control and almost play like a prestige but with extra pop

mrmo1115 · Sep 12, 2009

I added lead today 4 strips that were cut up from 2 original strips. 2 strips at the 3 and 2 strips at the 9.

Do you guys suggest some lead at the buttcap to even out the balance? I can feel the weight of the head a bit overweighing the grip

Edit: I will measure each strip of tape I put at the 3 and 9 (2 on each side)...

The tape I used is the Unique brand which doesn't indicate how much weight I am adding on each little strip

mrmo1115 · Sep 12, 2009

Anyone with any advice of what to do now?

PED · Sep 12, 2009

mrmo1115 said:
I added lead today 4 strips that were cut up from 2 original strips. 2 strips at the 3 and 2 strips at the 9.

Do you guys suggest some lead at the buttcap to even out the balance? I can feel the weight of the head a bit overweighing the grip

Edit: I will measure each strip of tape I put at the 3 and 9 (2 on each side)...

The tape I used is the Unique brand which doesn't indicate how much weight I am adding on each little strip

The weight on 1/4 inch lead tape is usually universal-every 4 inches adds one gram. I've got 5g at 3 and 9 on my Prestige Pro and it really helps in the stability department.

I'll be curious to see how that works out for you-that's a lot of lead to add to bring it up to Prestige levels but then again the pro stock Head frames come lighter than standard so you'll be able to get the balance just how you like it.

Good luck with it

mrmo1115 · Sep 12, 2009

PED said:
The weight on 1/4 inch lead tape is usually universal-every 4 inches adds one gram. I've got 5g at 3 and 9 on my Prestige Pro and it really helps in the stability department.

I'll be curious to see how that works out for you-that's a lot of lead to add to bring it up to Prestige levels but then again the pro stock Head frames come lighter than standard so you'll be able to get the balance just how you like it.

Good luck with it

Well I added some lead right now and I'll see how I like it. I will take a picture of it if i can and post it here for you guys to see how I am doing.

I am currently restringing my racquet also... Have Blue Gear in the mains. Quick question do you guys suggest me to finish off the BG in the crosses also or do a PSGD cross hybrid?

PED · Sep 12, 2009

I've used both full BG and also BG with syn gut crosses. I prefer full BG as I prefer full poly but if you are used to a hybrid then I would go with the PSGD crosses.

If you have never used it before, it's fairly unique and fun string. You'll be able to hit out more on your groundies as the gear shape really does drop the ball in.

mrmo1115 · Sep 12, 2009

PED said:
I've used both full BG and also BG with syn gut crosses. I prefer full BG as I prefer full poly but if you are used to a hybrid then I would go with the PSGD crosses.

If you have never used it before, it's fairly unique and fun string. You'll be able to hit out more on your groundies as the gear shape really does drop the ball in.

I normally use PHT/Gut so I just strung it BG/PSGD at 57/59. I will be using it on my leaded YT Rad MP tomorrow

I am not sure how much weight I added on and if I distributed the weight.

How can I make sure? Should I take pictures and post them here so you guys can analyze what I have done so far in terms of the lead?

Thanks,
mrmo

PED · Sep 12, 2009

How many inches total did you add in the hoop, tell me that and I can tell you the weight you added. You ought to get a digital kitchen scale and use that to record the weights. I also find it much easier to think about racquet weigh in terms of grams as it's much cleaner and more precise than ounces...just my 2 cents.

Instead of putting it IN the buttcap, I've found that it's neater and easier to wrap it directly on the handle beneath your regular grip. It does not add any noticeable size to the handle and it's easier to add and subtract weight.

You might theoretically add 5g to the handle starting at the buttcap-you'll need to do 20 inches of the Unique tape for that. Just wrap it round and round like you would a grip.

For lead on the handle, I buy the Babolat brand lead tape-it has a vinyl coating and it weighs 4 times what the unique tape does. It's a little more expensive but it's easier to mess with on the handle. To add 5 grams, you only use 5 inches of the Bab tape. TW sells it and a specialty tennis store should too.

When I played with the light APDC, my setup was 8g on the handle and another 5g at the top of the hoop. I've since moved my lead placement on my Prestige down to 3 and 9 and I like punch and stability it offers. On a side note, those YT Rads are hot looking-I love the bright orange.

mrmo1115 · Sep 12, 2009

PED said:
How many inches total did you add in the hoop, tell me that and I can tell you the weight you added. You ought to get a digital kitchen scale and use that to record the weights. I also find it much easier to think about racquet weigh in terms of grams as it's much cleaner and more precise than ounces...just my 2 cents.

Instead of putting it IN the buttcap, I've found that it's neater and easier to wrap it directly on the handle beneath your regular grip. It does not add any noticeable size to the handle and it's easier to add and subtract weight.

You might theoretically add 5g to the handle starting at the buttcap-you'll need to do 20 inches of the Unique tape for that. Just wrap it round and round like you would a grip.

For lead on the handle, I buy the Babolat brand lead tape-it has a vinyl coating and it weighs 4 times what the unique tape does. It's a little more expensive but it's easier to mess with on the handle. To add 5 grams, you only use 5 inches of the Bab tape. TW sells it and a specialty tennis store should too.

When I played with the light APDC, my setup was 8g on the handle and another 5g at the top of the hoop. I've since moved my lead placement on my Prestige down to 3 and 9 and I like punch and stability it offers. On a side note, those YT Rads are hot looking-I love the bright orange.

I think I will just try to take a picture of what I did because I am a bit confused..

mrmo1115 · Sep 12, 2009

Going to post a picture today.

Note: This is a demo that I am just doing this with because I really need to see if I like the racquet customized otherwise I won't bother switching and wait for the YT Prestige MP.

mrmo1115 · Sep 12, 2009

Anton · Sep 12, 2009

That butt cap opens - just use flathead screw driver in that flat hole it has, then stick the lead on to the walls inside that shaft.

But before doing you should hit a few balls with just the tape on the 3 and 9 and see how it feels.

mrmo1115 · Sep 12, 2009

Anton said:
That butt cap opens - just use flathead screw driver in that flat hole it has, then stick the lead on to the walls inside that shaft.

But before doing you should hit a few balls with just the tape on the 3 and 9 and see how it feels.

How much weight do you think it should be now if the strung weight is 11 oz and given the pictures in which I have placed the lead.

I don't want to make any permanent changes because this is a demo. I am figuring out if I like the YT Rad MP leaded enough for me to switch away from my FXP Prestige MP...

Any thoughts? More lead? Need to move lead to other places? How much does my racquet weigh now?

Anton · Sep 12, 2009

mrmo1115 said:
How much weight do you think it should be now if the strung weight is 11 oz and given the pictures in which I have placed the lead.

I don't want to make any permanent changes because this is a demo. I am figuring out if I like the YT Rad MP leaded enough for me to switch away from my FXP Prestige MP...

Any thoughts? More lead? Need to move lead to other places? How much does my racquet weigh now?

well it looks like you've added 0.07oz of lead (8 inches = 2 grams = 0.07oz) and if you have an overgrip that is another .2 or .3 oz so the racket now should be about 11.3 - 11.4 oz with balance similar, if not more headlight then stock.

The best way to judge how much lead you need is to go hit and then make adjustments as needed.

mrmo1115 · Sep 12, 2009

Anton said:
well it looks like you've added 0.07oz of lead (8 inches = 2 grams = 0.07oz) and if you have an overgrip that is another .2 or .3 oz so the racket now should be about 11.3 - 11.4 oz with balance similar, if not more headlight then stock.

The best way to judge how much lead you need is to go hit and then make adjustments as needed.

Thanks Anton ! 11.3 - 11.4 seems like okay. I don't really need it more than that.

Anton, do you know what else I will get from adding the lead tape other than weight? Will it help the stiffness and control at all? (hoping it does) : )

I do have an overgrip on it (Wilson)

I originally only had lead tape at 3 and 9, however it felt a little too heavy on the head so I took some lead and stuck it to the buttcap.

Anton · Sep 12, 2009

mrmo1115 said:
Thanks Anton ! 11.3 - 11.4 seems like okay. I don't really need it more than that.

Anton, do you know what else I will get from adding the lead tape other than weight? Will it help the stiffness and control at all? (hoping it does) : )

I do have an overgrip on it (Wilson)

I originally only had lead tape at 3 and 9, however it felt a little too heavy on the head so I took some lead and stuck it to the buttcap.

Lets be careful about what you mean when you say "felt a little too heavy on the head" - did you actually hit some balls with it or is it just an impression you got from holding the racket in your hands and just swinging it?

If you feel the racket is not swinging through the stroke enough the answer could be just the opposite of adding weight to the butt - try adding 2"-3" of lead tape at the very top tip of the racket's loop. This will carry the racket through the (proper) swing better - the trade of is some loss in initial maneuverability (takes longer to get set for the shot)

Nadal for example uses huge 1"x9" (~9 grams) piece of lead ( hidden under his racket's top bumper.

Lead tape on 3 and 9 will help with off-center stability because your racket's mass will be less effected by balls impact. Adding lead to the loop will also cause the strings to receive more impact, which means strings will be stretching more, that is basically the same effect as having your tension lowered and everything that comes with that.

mrmo1115 · Sep 12, 2009

Anton said:
Lets be careful about what you mean when you say "felt a little too heavy on the head" - did you actually hit some balls with it or is it just an impression you got from holding the racket in your hands and just swinging it?

If you feel the racket is not swinging through the stroke enough the answer could be just the opposite of adding weight to the butt - try adding 2"-3" of lead tape at the very top tip of the racket's loop. This will carry the racket through the (proper) swing better - the trade of is some loss in initial maneuverability (takes longer to get set for the shot)

Nadal for example uses huge 1"x9" (~9 grams) piece of lead ( hidden under his racket's top bumper.

Lead tape on 3 and 9 will help with off-center stability because your racket's mass will be less effected by balls impact. Adding lead to the loop will also cause the strings to receive more impact, which means strings will be stretching more, that is basically the same effect as having your tension lowered and everything that comes with that.

I meant this after hitting a few balls with it. It felt a little odd , that the head's weight was just outweighing the grip a bit too much, that there wasn't enough balance.

mrmo1115 · Sep 12, 2009

I am going to play with this racquet tomorrow and see how I like it. The strings aren't my normal set up ... my regular string set up is PHT/Gut and this is strung up BG/PSGD

Anton · Sep 13, 2009

mrmo1115 said:
I meant this after hitting a few balls with it. It felt a little odd , that the head's weight was just outweighing the grip a bit too much, that there wasn't enough balance.

just take some lead to the courts with you and try putting some on tip and/or butt and see how it feels - it's tough for me to make any further suggestions because I don't know what you feel.

mrmo1115 · Sep 14, 2009

Thanks Anton for all your input. You really helped me.

cellofaan · Sep 14, 2009

The Prestiges are heavier than the Radicals, but the Radicals have a higher swingweight than the prestige midplus and pro. You can however, match the radical to a prestige mid regarding swingweight, weight, and balance.

To do that, you need to add 1.9 grams at 22.8 inches from the butt, and 32.1 grams at 5.1 inches from the butt.
The weight will then change from 312 to 346 grams,
swingweight from 324 to 328,
and balance from 2 to 7 pts headlight

You can use http://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/learning_center/customization.php
for these calculations, there are more distributions possible, but this is the easiest way.
Just fill in your starting specs, and what you want to achieve (so start with the rad, and go for the prestige mid)

Of course, stiffness and headsize are still different, but swinging it should feel exactly the same.

Lead Tape Help !

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