effects of adding weight to the top of the racquet

[danielbeckera]

can you guys explain me whats the benefits of adding weight to the top of the racquet?

i have a semi-western grip with a top spin based game, what would this interfere in my game?

 

[30grantw]

Its a great way to add swing weight to your racquet while adding minimal static weight. Adding weight at 12 then some in the handle would be considered a polarized setup. I find polarized setups allow you to produce more spin because the tip of the racket is coming through faster. Maybe start by adding 2, 4 inch strips of lead at 12 ocklock, and 2 grams on tungsten putty or blue take in the handle and see what you think.

 

[danielbeckera]

Its a great way to add swing weight to your racquet while adding minimal static weight. Adding weight at 12 then some in the handle would be considered a polarized setup. I find polarized setups allow you to produce more spin because the tip of the racket is coming through faster. Maybe start by adding 2, 4 inch strips of lead at 12 ocklock, and 2 grams on tungsten putty or blue take in the handle and see what you think.

i dont get how adding the same amount of weight at 12 and on the handle would increase the top spin.
maybe adding more on 12?

 

[time_fly]

If you don't add counter-balance in the handle, the racquet will become more head-heavy which may hinder racquet head speed. If your racquet is already very HL then you might not need it. Just don't add too much at the tip; a little weight goes a long way.

 

[30grantw]

Adding weight to the poles of the racket just provides a different feel. The middle of the racket feels a little more whippy I think. I have experimented a lot and have found polarized setups have increased my ability to generate topspin. If the weight slows down your stroke then it will not help you increase spin.

 

[Voytek Bunia]

Add some weight to the handle first.

It’s a very personal question.

But in general. Weight in the handle produces a faster swing.

 

[naturallight]

Adding weight at 12 o'clock will reduce racquet head vibration and increase overall comfort. I tried it for a while and it seemed to work.

 

[am1899]

Typically you add weight at 12 o’clock if you you’re looking for a bit more pop. Always a good idea to counterbalance at the handle any weight you add to the hoop - else the balance may change enough to cause undesirable characteristics.

 

[Simplicius]

can you guys explain me whats the benefits of adding weight to the top of the racquet?
i have a semi-western grip with a top spin based game, what would this interfere in my game?

I can't say that those changes are 100% a benefit...
Depending of the point of view of each one you can view the same change as benefit or as disadvantage...

Anyway, with the added weight ( recom. 3-6g) in 12...

Power = up
Swingweight = up
Cumbersome = up
Spin = more
Stiffness (actual not the RA) = up

For me adding some weight in 12 it's an easier way to adjust the MGR/I close to 21...
(contrary to the "theory" which suggests the addition to the top of the handle).

 

[Ramon]

It's going to give you added plow while the penalty in maneuverability will be less than with a 3 and 9 setup. The 3 and 9 setup will prevent twisting. To see for this yourself, just try adding about 6 grams of weight to the top of the head of one racquet and add two 3 gram weights at 3 and 9 on an identical racquet. The racquet with the polarized setup (all 6 grams at 12 oclock) will be noticeably easier to swing.

 

[Jakesteroni]

i dont get how adding the same amount of weight at 12 and on the handle would increase the top spin.
maybe adding more on 12?

I always use the hammer analogy since it's something people have used at least once in their lifetime I would think. A hammer is made with mass at one end to give you force when swinging. Let's say you're given metal pieces to make your hammer. If you put all the pieces in the middle you'll wield that thing with one hand no problem, move it further away it gets harder and harder. How do you get more top spin? Again, think of the hammer same as a racket. Your putting weight at the tip of the frame which is furthest away from where you hold the racket, so as you swing the weight carries through the zone on its own with mass. So when you swing upward towards the ball the mass carries through the zone with less resistance and effort from you than a frame that has less weight going through the zone. So the ball being the nail and the hammer your racket. Sure the metal piece is in the middle, but as you hammer that nail you'll feel it more and require more effort from you. Hope that helps.

 

[JustTennis76]

can you guys explain me whats the benefits of adding weight to the top of the racquet?

i have a semi-western grip with a top spin based game, what would this interfere in my game?

First question - what are you trying to achieve by adding weight to the top of the racket? Having said that, here is a general rule from my experience:
Pros- it increases the swing weight of the racket if that's what you want which will give you more plow through
Cons - It may slow down your racket head speed with the extra mass at the tip and may fatigue you in a longer match - refer the hammer analogy above.
It depends on what your needs are and go from there and strike a fine balance between the two.

 

[Crocodile]

I'm not a fan of adding weight at the tip as while it adds more power it also increases vibration in my opinion and makes the frame feel less scalpel like. Off course it depends on the racquet.