Adding weights on the handle

[TennisFan1337]

I got a question about that - if I add weight below the 10 cm (form the buttcap) mark on the handle, then will it affect swinghweight or not?

According to the TW University calculator that I used (don't remember exactly what it was) adding lead to 10 cm from the buttcap won't affect the swingweight. Is this true?

 

[TennisCJC]

I think you can trust the TW calculator. I use the manual racket customization tool in TWU frequently and trust it.

 

[TennisFan1337]

I think you can trust the TW calculator. I use the manual racket customization tool in TWU frequently and trust it.

I mostly do trust it, it's just weird that when I add weight, the swingweight won't change yet the balance will be altered.

 

[sansaephanh]

I mostly do trust it, it's just weird that when I add weight, the swingweight won't change yet the balance will be altered.

I think its because the weight at the top of the hoop is still its static weight.

Lets say you have 10oz above the fulcrum(your hand) and you add weight below the fulcrum.

You'd still have 10oz above the fulcrum. If you swing both rackets at the same speed it will have the same result. Thats just me talking bs though. I don't feel like actually learning physics.

 

[cellofaan]

I mostly do trust it, it's just weird that when I add weight, the swingweight won't change yet the balance will be altered.

It does change the swingweight.
However the effect is very minor.
You'd have to add 10 grams at the end of the stick to increase SW with 1 unit.
Place it halfway the 10cm mark and you'll need 40 grams.

Adding it at exactly 10cm does not affect swingweight, because swingweight has to do with mass rotating around an axis, which is at 10cm.
When the mass is added at the 10cm mark, it doesn't actually move when the racket rotates. All theoretically of course.

 

[TennisCJC]

Adding weight in the handle area has very little impact on SW. Even 7" from butt has bery little impact on SW. You just don't notice the weight as much when it is under you hand or near your hand. You feel it much more the farther from the butt you go.

 

[TennisFan1337]

Thanks guys!

This is exactly what I was looking for!

 

[Hi I'm Ray]

It won't change the SW much but you should be able to feel the increased weight and it might slow down your swing a bit. The other day I went out to the court with only a demo to put it to the test. I spec'd it out on the TW calculator and knew it was a few grams too light in the handle, but I thought it would be alright. On court, my FH was fine but my 1HBH is very timing sensitive and I ended up hitting my Bh's slightly early because the frame swung faster - the shots were going much higher than expected. However, I came prepared with a weighted buttcap/trapdoor piece and after installing it my BH went back to normal. YMMV

 

[JohnB]

It won't change the SW much but you should be able to feel the increased weight and it might slow down your swing a bit. The other day I went out to the court with only a demo to put it to the test. I spec'd it out on the TW calculator and knew it was a few grams too light in the handle, but I thought it would be alright. On court, my FH was fine but my 1HBH is very timing sensitive and I ended up hitting my Bh's slightly early because the frame swung faster - the shots were going much higher than expected. However, I came prepared with a weighted buttcap/trapdoor piece and after installing it my BH went back to normal. YMMV

Hi Ray!

Are you saying that putting weight at the butt-end slowed your backhand (racketface)down? That would be interesting.

 

[ChicagoJack]

Are you saying that putting weight at the butt-end slowed your backhand (racketface)down? That would be interesting.

Hi John,

When you measure sw, the frame is clamped into the rdc at 10cm and it •pivots• around the axis at 10cm. This isnt anything like a real tennis •swing• in which the whole racquet starts in one location, moves through the impact and ends up in another point in space, all while undergoing 4 changes in elevation. The player definately feels that weight when the rdc machine does not. When you understand this, its no big suprise that adding weight •anywhere• has the potential outcome of a slower racquet speed. The term swingweight, ought to be called pivot weight. Would avoid much confusion and uncertainty.

Here is a vid demonstrating the many measurements taken on the Babolat RDC (Racquet Diagnostic Center) SW is measured at 2:32.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67ndPgE5ITU

Hope this helps

Jack

 

[Hi I'm Ray]

Hi Ray!

Are you saying that putting weight at the butt-end slowed your backhand (racketface)down? That would be interesting.

^^ Chicago Jack explained it much better that I would have. Don't forget there is also the length of your arm. That added weight at the handle actually ends up being swung 20-30something inches from your shoulder.

A 12.4oz frame and a 11.4oz frame both with a SW of 335 are going to handle and feel very differently.

 

[JohnB]

Thanks,

I find this interesting because I thought Travlerajm stated that weight in the butt speeded up the whole racket while weight on top of the handle speeds up the racket face relative to the hand.

What I find interesting is that Ray experiences weight in the butt slows his swingspeed down.

I experienced a lot and when I put weight in the butt I feel the racket more
manoeuvrable. (unless I put a lot weight there). Whether that is due the balances point change or what Travlerajm stated, I am not sure.