FAQ: Changing grip pallets

[philbhp]

I've seen several threads discussing racquets having differently shaped grip pallets i.e. Wilson pallets are square/boxy, Head pallets are rectangular, etc.

Forum member dr325i has mentioned that it's possible to acquire these pallets from distributors like TW Europe and install them yourself instead of shelling out big bucks for racquet customizers like **** to do it (they quoted me $195 per frame to change the grip pallet on my existing racquets!). The process seems like it would take a little time and dexterity but its definitely more appealing than paying **** the price of a new racquet to just change my pallets on my existing racquets.

To this end, I was wondering if any of you could give your advice on the convertibility of grip pallets between different racquet manufacturers. Basically, how can you verify if a wilson pallet will fit on a prince racquet? Or is it more that all pallets are made to fit on all racquets but that some slight modificaition to the pallet is needed during installion?

Thanks in advance for your comments.

 

[ace0001a]

As far as I know, it's more of a challenge to go from different brands to different brands that have removable grip pallets than it is to go from same brand to say a custom made pallet or simply a brand's different pallet. I only have Head racquets and so that's all I really can comment about. I did get a batch of custom Wilson-like grip pallets from a fellow member here before and most recently, he's come up with a clone of both Head's TK82S and the current Wilson grip shape being used.

 

[philbhp]

As far as I know, it's more of a challenge to go from different brands to different brands that have removable grip pallets than it is to go from same brand to say a custom made pallet or simply a brand's different pallet. I only have Head racquets and so that's all I really can comment about. I did get a batch of custom Wilson-like grip pallets from a fellow member here before and most recently, he's come up with a clone of both Head's TK82S and the current Wilson grip shape being used.

Thanks for this...unfortunately I found out yesterday that prince does not have a pallet system which means I would have to get my grips remolded...

 

[goran_ace]

yeah not so sure you can switch pallets between brands. now you can at least get the speed series pallet if you have a head and don't like the regular head pallet shape, or with volkl/BB you can go to the volkl attiva shape. for prince and wilson though I think you are out of luck and if it bothers you that much just go buy a different racket ($195 per frame is ridiculous).

 

[LafayetteHitter]

You can find a very good place to do this for much less than ****.

 

[basil J]

where would that be?

 

[140.6]

(they quoted me $195 per frame to change the grip pallet on my existing racquets!).

$195 seems quite high as I just had a Youtek Prestige Pro pallet removed and a Wilson mold installed for $123.00 including two-day shipping. Their quote to me was $105.00 for the mold.

I must say the folks at **** spent plenty of time on the phone with me regarding my request. They offered my two different options; 1) to replace the existing pallet with a prince/wilson like pallet for $60, or 2) replace the existing pallet with a wilson mold. I chose the mold as it was a true Wilson mold and that is what I am used to. They also explained all of the potential ramifications of changing from a pallet to a molded grip base. I think they were quite thurough.

While that is some where between 50-60% of the cost of a new frame I thought it was worth the experiment. And if it works out I will send them my other three frames. If the experiment is a failure I will be buying 4 new BLX Six-One Tours and selling my Prestige Pros.

 

[jayserinos99]

$195 seems quite high as I just had a Youtek Prestige Pro pallet removed and a Wilson mold installed for $123.00 including two-day shipping. Their quote to me was $105.00 for the mold.

I must say the folks at **** spent plenty of time on the phone with me regarding my request. They offered my two different options; 1) to replace the existing pallet with a prince/wilson like pallet for $60, or 2) replace the existing pallet with a wilson mold. I chose the mold as it was a true Wilson mold and that is what I am used to. They also explained all of the potential ramifications of changing from a pallet to a molded grip base. I think they were quite thurough.

While that is some where between 50-60% of the cost of a new frame I thought it was worth the experiment. And if it works out I will send them my other three frames. If the experiment is a failure I will be buying 4 new BLX Six-One Tours and selling my Prestige Pros.

The pallet feels more like Prince than Wilson. I had (3) matched TGK238.2s from **** with the rounded pallet. I believe they were for Ferrero because the pallet itself had Ferr on it; he also switched from Prince to Head and then back to Prince.

In my view, one should definitely try to find the right grip shape for themselves. If you love the feel of a particular racquet but hate the grip shape (ex. Volkl, Head), then a bit of customization is in order...either using electrical or duct tape or some balsa wood.

 

[140.6]

If you love the feel of a particular racquet but hate the grip shape (ex. Volkl, Head), then a bit of customization is in order...either using electrical or duct tape or some balsa wood.

I totally agree, that was the entire reason for the experiment. While it would have just been easier, and probably cheaper, to switch to the BLX Six-One Tour I just like the Prestige Pro a little better, once its loaded up with some lead and the balance is changed to be a little more head light. Provided, of course, as long as I can fix the grip issue which I should know this weekend.