changing replacement grip - need advice

[kicker75]

Just purchased a new Head Youtek Speed and I took the factory grip off, cause I want to change out with a leather grip. with overgrip on top. Anyhow, took the factory grip off and I noticed that there was a very thin clear adhesive sleeve wrapped around the racquet handle. Do I leave this on or off? Does the clear tape sleeve serve a purpose (i.e. does it smooth out the base handle, make the handle more sticky for grips, or does it keep something in place?) I would prefer to take this off and put my leather grip directly on the plastic handle to get better feel, but am concerned that I could screw something up taking it off.

Note, the clear sleeve has some adhesive and left over debris from the original grip, but not much.

Any advice?

 

[toedragger]

I also play Head rackets, and have modified them all to leather grips. I rip off any remaining material - so yes. That sitcky plastic crap needs to come off as well. The cleaner the better before you re-grip. You'll be happier for it in the end.

The grip-pallets won't come off, and you won't be damaging the racket in any way.

 

[hrstrat57]

I have changed out all my head rkts to leather as well....a most excellent mod indeed.

Remove all debris right down to the pallets or bumps will appear quickly in the leather grip