I have in minimal capacity. I don't buy in to the idea that adding lead tape to a frame can fix problems. Customizers need to answer me this (off topic, but whatever, it was brought up)...Is an extra 10g or whatever of lead at 12oclock in the hoop EQUAL to if there had merely been an extra 10g in the CONSTRUCTION of the hoop to begin with?
If those 2 things are NOT the same, I will never customize a racquet. I'll find a racquet that has the weight I need where I need it within the frame itself.
Does that make sense? If I would only like a stick with lead, then I don't really like the stick...
Basically you are saying that if you don't like the racquet stock you can't be bothered to try it modified??
Also, what do you define as problems? Lack of Stability, Plow Through, Lack of power, small sweet spot, dead in the upper portion of the string bed, lack of spin?
Lead can correct all of these things. If lead can't fix problems then why would anyone modify? Are you suggesting it's a figment of my imagination that I get any quantifiable benefit from adding weight.
In previous threads you made the point that people get all worked up over adding 1 or 2 grams here or there, and how could someone really feel the difference over 1 or 2 grams. I would agree. But, adding 4 to 8 grams in certain spots certainly can be.
Pro Stock racquets have a certain layup. But with out lead, none of the pros would play with a pro stock in it's original form. Distribution of weight makes a huge difference. As is evidenced by retail frames with different weights, swing weights and balance points. Also, graphite is a light weight material. Adding just extra graphite to increase weight doesn't create enough polarization or depolarization that most professional players seek. If that were the case, every pro would have the manufacturer just make the racquet out of graphite to meet their exact spec. Yet, almost every pro adds lots of lead to their racquet.
Why wouldn't we mere mortals benefit from using the same principles to modify our own racquets?
I guess I just don't see the harm in adding some weight to a frame and playing around with different setups before discarding it.
That being said, I fully recognize that lead can't solve every problem, and the distribution of weight in the frame to begin with can positively or negatively impact the gains that can be achieved in any one problem area.
Once you realize the limitations and the gains that can be made from adding lead, you can play with a racquet and recognize with in a few hitting sessions what mods you would make to get the gains you are seeking. TW's Chris does it all the time.
You could always just stay in the closet. While maintaining your status on the boards as a guy who only plays stock racquets :twisted: