Have my baby, Bungalo Bill. (lead tape = sexy)

[perfmode]

Man, I never thought something so simple could help my game so much. Last week I read your reply in a thread in which you said that you have over 3 ounces of tape on your racquet and that a player should add as much tape as they can handle. Well, I took your advice and spent $8 on two packs of Gamma lead tape.


I put some on and decided to put 3 grams and 3&9 to test it out. Then I counterweighted a and add 3 grams on the inside of the throat. I went out and hit a little bit and didn't notice much of a difference, so I added the entire pack. A total of 9 grams @ 3&9 and 9 grams in the throat. That's 18 grams which brings stock HPS6.1 (12.4oz/351g) racquet to 369g or 13.01oz. I have a Wilson Pro overgrip on it but that adds a negligible mount of weight.


I have to say, I couldn't believe how much easier it was to change directions of shots. My racquet felt like it was really telling the ball where to go. I was playing leaps and bounds better than yesterday. It's hard for me to even stomach right now. I just can't believe it. I played a match today against the guy who was #1 at my high school before graduating last year. He is now going to Boston University but I don't know if he is playing on their team. We played 3 weeks ago and he beat me 3-6, 3-6. I just got destroyed. Today was a different story.


My one hander was smooth since I could just let the racquet muscle the ball instead of taking a huge backswing. My forehand was heavier and I could really change the direction of the ball with a lot more confidence even against deep, heavy returns from my opponent. My return of serve improved also. I could really just push right through the ball with a slow swing and hit deep returns crosscourt with ease. My serve had more pop and my volleys were so solid. I hve to thank Bungalo Bill for really helping me get more confidence in big matches.


So he (former #1) and I warmed up a little bit and then played a set. I lost 3-6 as usual. I wasn't focusing enough on my service games and wasn't playing my best. I was hitting too many unforced errors on my backhand side and I just wasn't feeling good about it. That all changed in the second set. I decided to just place my first serves and let the stick supply the pop. Boy did that work. My serves were going in harder and I had at least 75% first serves. I got maybe one service winner per game and two short balls off returns to just whack out. Putting away those balls seemed easy today as I could easily rip one down the line without worrying about it going out. I was seriously feeling like Federer vs. Hewitt in the US Open. Of course, I was not hitting as hard or playing nearly as well as Federer but I was playing that way at my level. I held serve every time that set and won it 6-1. We played another set and I was IN THE ZONE. I had so much confidence. It was the best I have ever played in a match. I hit only one unforced error per game and I held serve at love twice. Usually I am tired after 3 sets but I was so pumped tonight that I came home and did some conditioning. I got down and did 120 push-ups in 6 sets and 3 sets of 50 crunches. I feel like someone injected adrenaline and taurine into my veins. I am SO PUMPED. I know that I won't be able to play like this every day but goddamn, for once I feel like I'm ontop of the world.

Final Score: 3-6, 6-1, 6-0

Bungalo Bill = My Hero

 

[Power Game]

Hmm, very interesting. How is the extra weight affecting your kick serves? I play with a LM prestige mid (12.3 oz) and was thinking of taking the grip off and using 2 overgrips to help me get more kick on my kick serves... I was wondering how it would affect my groundstrokes...

Hey Bungalo Bill,
Did you get a chance to look at my videos? I know you are very busy...

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Hmm, very interesting. How is the extra weight affecting your kick serves? I play with a LM prestige mid (12.3 oz) and was thinking of taking the grip off and using 2 overgrips to help me get more kick on my kick serves... I was wondering how it would affect my groundstrokes...

Hey Bungalo Bill,
Did you get a chance to look at my videos? I know you are very busy...

Boy I am really sorry. :shock: I dont know which videos your talking about. DId I overlook something? I feel very bad if you sent something to me and I dropped the ball. Please remind me what I was suppose to do.

Extra weight will have an effect on the spin you can get on the ball. More mass means a flatter compressed ball against the strings and it means you can really spin the ball with your swing.

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Man, I never thought something so simple could help my game so much. Last week I read your reply in a thread in which you said that you have over 3 ounces of tape on your racquet and that a player should add as much tape as they can handle. Well, I took your advice and spent $8 on two packs of Gamma lead tape.


I put some on and decided to put 3 grams and 3&9 to test it out. Then I counterweighted a and add 3 grams on the inside of the throat. I went out and hit a little bit and didn't notice much of a difference, so I added the entire pack. A total of 9 grams @ 3&9 and 9 grams in the throat. That's 18 grams which brings stock HPS6.1 (12.4oz/351g) racquet to 369g or 13.01oz. I have a Wilson Pro overgrip on it but that adds a negligible mount of weight.


I have to say, I couldn't believe how much easier it was to change directions of shots. My racquet felt like it was really telling the ball where to go. I was playing leaps and bounds better than yesterday. It's hard for me to even stomach right now. I just can't believe it. I played a match today against the guy who was #1 at my high school before graduating last year. He is now going to Boston University but I don't know if he is playing on their team. We played 3 weeks ago and he beat me 3-6, 3-6. I just got destroyed. Today was a different story.


My one hander was smooth since I could just let the racquet muscle the ball instead of taking a huge backswing. My forehand was heavier and I could really change the direction of the ball with a lot more confidence even against deep, heavy returns from my opponent. My return of serve improved also. I could really just push right through the ball with a slow swing and hit deep returns crosscourt with ease. My serve had more pop and my volleys were so solid. I hve to thank Bungalo Bill for really helping me get more confidence in big matches.


So he (former #1) and I warmed up a little bit and then played a set. I lost 3-6 as usual. I wasn't focusing enough on my service games and wasn't playing my best. I was hitting too many unforced errors on my backhand side and I just wasn't feeling good about it. That all changed in the second set. I decided to just place my first serves and let the stick supply the pop. Boy did that work. My serves were going in harder and I had at least 75% first serves. I got maybe one service winner per game and two short balls off returns to just whack out. Putting away those balls seemed easy today as I could easily rip one down the line without worrying about it going out. I was seriously feeling like Federer vs. Hewitt in the US Open. Of course, I was not hitting as hard or playing nearly as well as Federer but I was playing that way at my level. I held serve every time that set and won it 6-1. We played another set and I was IN THE ZONE. I had so much confidence. It was the best I have ever played in a match. I hit only one unforced error per game and I held serve at love twice. Usually I am tired after 3 sets but I was so pumped tonight that I came home and did some conditioning. I got down and did 120 push-ups in 6 sets and 3 sets of 50 crunches. I feel like someone injected adrenaline and taurine into my veins. I am SO PUMPED. I know that I won't be able to play like this every day but goddamn, for once I feel like I'm ontop of the world.

Final Score: 3-6, 6-1, 6-0

Bungalo Bill = My Hero

Fun isn't it? Adding weight really helps your control. The only thing I caution you and others with is go easy. Increase the wieght slowly. DOnt be surprised in a couple of days your timing gets off. You will be late and it will feel like it is harder to get your swing going.

You have to give it time and let your muscles get stronger. But now you see the benefit of extra weight!

 

[Power Game]

Hi Bungalo Bill,

What kind of increments would you suggest? What do you think the max should be? I am 5'7" and 140 lbs, and have no problem playing long hours with my prestige (12.3oz) or my pro staff (12.7oz). Should I try to keep the balance the same on the racquet?

About a month or so ago I tried to post my videos here but my server wouldn't allow it. Anyway, I emailed them to you and you said that you were busy with some things but would take a closer look when you got a chance. I didn't want to annoy you or anything...
my email is punekas@wilkes.edu
Thanks. I'm on these boards almost everyday, I don't post much, but I read all the stuff that you write

 

[perfmode]

Man, I never thought something so simple could help my game so much. Last week I read your reply in a thread in which you said that you have over 3 ounces of tape on your racquet and that a player should add as much tape as they can handle. Well, I took your advice and spent $8 on two packs of Gamma lead tape.


I put some on and decided to put 3 grams and 3&9 to test it out. Then I counterweighted a and add 3 grams on the inside of the throat. I went out and hit a little bit and didn't notice much of a difference, so I added the entire pack. A total of 9 grams @ 3&9 and 9 grams in the throat. That's 18 grams which brings stock HPS6.1 (12.4oz/351g) racquet to 369g or 13.01oz. I have a Wilson Pro overgrip on it but that adds a negligible mount of weight.


I have to say, I couldn't believe how much easier it was to change directions of shots. My racquet felt like it was really telling the ball where to go. I was playing leaps and bounds better than yesterday. It's hard for me to even stomach right now. I just can't believe it. I played a match today against the guy who was #1 at my high school before graduating last year. He is now going to Boston University but I don't know if he is playing on their team. We played 3 weeks ago and he beat me 3-6, 3-6. I just got destroyed. Today was a different story.


My one hander was smooth since I could just let the racquet muscle the ball instead of taking a huge backswing. My forehand was heavier and I could really change the direction of the ball with a lot more confidence even against deep, heavy returns from my opponent. My return of serve improved also. I could really just push right through the ball with a slow swing and hit deep returns crosscourt with ease. My serve had more pop and my volleys were so solid. I hve to thank Bungalo Bill for really helping me get more confidence in big matches.


So he (former #1) and I warmed up a little bit and then played a set. I lost 3-6 as usual. I wasn't focusing enough on my service games and wasn't playing my best. I was hitting too many unforced errors on my backhand side and I just wasn't feeling good about it. That all changed in the second set. I decided to just place my first serves and let the stick supply the pop. Boy did that work. My serves were going in harder and I had at least 75% first serves. I got maybe one service winner per game and two short balls off returns to just whack out. Putting away those balls seemed easy today as I could easily rip one down the line without worrying about it going out. I was seriously feeling like Federer vs. Hewitt in the US Open. Of course, I was not hitting as hard or playing nearly as well as Federer but I was playing that way at my level. I held serve every time that set and won it 6-1. We played another set and I was IN THE ZONE. I had so much confidence. It was the best I have ever played in a match. I hit only one unforced error per game and I held serve at love twice. Usually I am tired after 3 sets but I was so pumped tonight that I came home and did some conditioning. I got down and did 120 push-ups in 6 sets and 3 sets of 50 crunches. I feel like someone injected adrenaline and taurine into my veins. I am SO PUMPED. I know that I won't be able to play like this every day but goddamn, for once I feel like I'm ontop of the world.

Final Score: 3-6, 6-1, 6-0

Bungalo Bill = My Hero

Fun isn't it? Adding weight really helps your control. The only thing I caution you and others with is go easy. Increase the wieght slowly. DOnt be surprised in a couple of days your timing gets off. You will be late and it will feel like it is harder to get your swing going.

You have to give it time and let your muscles get stronger. But now you see the benefit of extra weight!

It's unbelievable. I can change the direction of the ball at will. My racquet really goes straight through the ball without changing path. The ball doesn't affect my swingpath at all. My angled drop shots got better as I can just put my racquet behind it and know that it will block the ball back without taking a big hit. Angled soft volleys also got better. I can't really think of anything that got worse with the lead tape added.

 

[bcaz]

I believe a little lead tape goes a long way, especially on the racquet head on a stick that is heavy already. Regarding Wilson Pro overgrip, you'd be surprised. It adds (with finishing tape) 0.2-0.3 oz., all on the handle. My PBBs with Wilson Pro and before adding lead tape went from about 10 pts. HL stock to about 14-15 pts. HL. Way too HL! I tried lead at 10 and 2, then switched to 3 and 9, to a total of 12.9-13 oz. and 9-10 pts. HL. I eventually concluded it was too much weight to swing for three sets against heavy pace/spin (I'm 50). I took the lead off 3 and 9 and now just use a total of 4 inches of 1/4" lead tape at 12 -- just 0.1-0.2 of added weight, still more HL (don't forget the Wilson Pro) than stock. They play great.

 

[perfmode]

I'm going to really increase my arm workouts and try to do them more regularly now that I have this tape on. Hopefully I won't noticed too much of a dip in timing like BB said.

Bill, what are the specs of your frame?

ie. lead config, balance etc.

I don't know the balance of mine with all the tape added, do I need a balance board or can I come up with a homemade one?

 

[Bungalo Bill]

I'm going to really increase my arm workouts and try to do them more regularly now that I have this tape on. Hopefully I won't noticed too much of a dip in timing like BB said.

Bill, what are the specs of your frame?

ie. lead config, balance etc.

I don't know the balance of mine with all the tape added, do I need a balance board or can I come up with a homemade one?

Believe it or not, I am just not a specs kinda guy. I dont know. I generally go by feel. I always buy a players racquet and the smaller head sizes. I then go from there.

I add weight around the 6 o'clock area to beef up the racquets static weight. I rarely place tape on the frame (i.e. 3-9 position, etc.)

Everything new has a drop off effect. It is natural to feel real good for a couple of days and then the drop happens. This is the point people give up. They become afraid. Since people do not like to work through things and develop the same excitement they had when they first made the change, they revert back to what was comfortable.

Keep swinging the racquet and do your workouts, your muscles will adapt. Make sure you maintain that fixed wrist and grip the racquet firmly. It will pay off.

 

[Rickson]

I don't think Bill is a female so your title request is not gonna happen.

 

[Tennis Guy]

I don't think Bill is a female so your title request is not gonna happen.

That title kinda bothered me also.

 

[JohnThomas1]

I think perf knows that lol

 

[Frodo Baggins]

Can't belive you guys don't get the title..Even I get the title.. An I would uh N/m heh heh ..

 

[perfmode]

I don't think Bill is a female so your title request is not gonna happen.

If I was looking for nookie, I would have said, "VamosRafa, have my baby".

 

[ShooterMcMarco]

this is probably a stupid question, but did u add the lead tape with the racket unstrung or strung. i always thought that it should be unstrung for easy access and all that

 

[ffrpg]

It's easier to adjust lead tape amounts when you cut them in strips (when it's strung). When you apply lead tape to an unstrung racquet, you kinda have to already know exactly how much lead tape you want and where you want it.

 

[kevhen]

Yes, I am playing better too now that I added an ounce of tape to the racquet I bought in January. I had given up on that racquet and now I like it better than my Volkls as my groundstrokes are very solid and I am placing even deeper and wider when going crosscourt with my backhand plus my serve has more spin and well placed too.

The main reason I asked about adding weight was that I thought vollies would improve from hitting with my opponent's 14 ounce frame for a little bit, but it seems like most parts of a person's game can improve.

The first time I hit with the heavier frame, I felt a little bit slow and late on my swing and struggled going up the line ending up wide, but now I have adjusted to the frame and enjoy how solid and consistent it is.

Thanks Bill for the advice. I am still at 12 ounces but maybe some day I will get to 15!

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Yes, I am playing better too now that I added an ounce of tape to the racquet I bought in January. I had given up on that racquet and now I like it better than my Volkls as my groundstrokes are very solid and I am placing even deeper and wider when going crosscourt with my backhand plus my serve has more spin and well placed too.

The main reason I asked about adding weight was that I thought vollies would improve from hitting with my opponent's 14 ounce frame for a little bit, but it seems like most parts of a person's game can improve.

The first time I hit with the heavier frame, I felt a little bit slow and late on my swing and struggled going up the line ending up wide, but now I have adjusted to the frame and enjoy how solid and consistent it is.

Thanks Bill for the advice. I am still at 12 ounces but maybe some day I will get to 15!

Just dont rush it. I would hate to hear about you guys getting hurt. I am actually thinking about going down an ounce since I dont play that much tennis anymore. We will see. The weight gets addicting.

 

[kevhen]

Yeah, I am just planning to stay around 12 ounces after having gone from 10.5 ounces 2 years ago, to 11 last year to 11.5 this year to 12 now. If I notice my swing slows down too much, I will remove tape. It's good to experiment though and nice now that I am starting with a HL racquet. My 10.5 ounce racquet was evenly balanced and I didn't like the slow and uncontrollable feeling of a HH racquet. HL still allows for a quick whip around when needed for passing shots.

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Yeah, I am just planning to stay around 12 ounces after having gone from 10.5 ounces 2 years ago, to 11 last year to 11.5 this year to 12 now. If I notice my swing slows down too much, I will remove tape. It's good to experiment though and nice now that I am starting with a HL racquet. My 10.5 ounce racquet was evenly balanced and I didn't like the slow and uncontrollable feeling of a HH racquet. HL still allows for a quick whip around when needed for passing shots.

If your swing slows down I would recommend keeping it on and letting your muscles grow acustomed to it. As long as it is not hurting you, the muscles are simply tired and there is more blood flow in them to help them grow.

Dont give up on it so soon. There is a reason you are hitting the ball well right now. There is also a "drop off" time as well. That is the time you need to get stronger and keep with it to break through.

 

[kevhen]

I have played 10-12 sets with the extra weight now with no dropoff. I think it has made my stroke a little more solid. My swing was slow during the warmup before the first set but adjusted after that. I haven't gotten tired. 12 ounces is still pretty light for a 207 pound man.

If my game drops off, it will be from my friends and girlfriend making me drink too much this weekend. Now I feel a little sick!

 

[Bungalo Bill]

I have played 10-12 sets with the extra weight now with no dropoff. I think it has made my stroke a little more solid. My swing was slow during the warmup before the first set but adjusted after that. I haven't gotten tired. 12 ounces is still pretty light for a 207 pound man.

If my game drops off, it will be from my friends and girlfriend making me drink too much this weekend. Now I feel a little sick!

Understand!

 

[Bungalo Bill]

this is probably a stupid question, but did u add the lead tape with the racket unstrung or strung. i always thought that it should be unstrung for easy access and all that

Ideally you want to add lead tape when the racquet is unstrung. You will punch holes in the tape to fit nicely over the grommets of your racquet frame.

But when you are trying to "find" the proper weight on the racquet, I would suggest cutting the strips lengthwise in half and placing on both sides of the grommets for balance. Then see if you like it and if you do, wait for your next string job and place it correctly.

If you dont feel like doing that, it is also ok just to put the tape on without fitting it over the grommets. Different strokes for different folks. Some people want to be precise and others dont care - it is close enough.

 

[papa]

SM wrote:

"this is probably a stupid question, but did u add the lead tape with the racket unstrung or strung. i always thought that it should be unstrung for easy access and all that"

Slotted self sticking lead tape is available which can be easily added any time - won't interfere with anything.

 

[fastdunn]

Since I never experimented with weights on 6 o'clock or throat
area, I'm going to try it. My Yonex supposed to have weights
on 3&9 o'clock already.. By the way, adding weights on 6 o'clock
or throat area should still affect the location of the sweet spot, right ?


By the way, I like to add lead between the grommet and the frame
once I know how much lead I want. I do not want people know
that I added weights. Be ready for my stealthy(?) leaded weapon...

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Since I never experimented with weights on 6 o'clock or throat
area, I'm going to try it. My Yonex supposed to have weights
on 3&9 o'clock already.. By the way, adding weights on 6 o'clock
or throat area should still affect the location of the sweet spot, right ?


By the way, I like to add lead between the grommet and the frame
once I know how much lead I want. I do not want people know
that I added weights. Be ready for my stealthy(?) leaded weapon...

You should purchase the Power Disc sold here at TW. For about 20 bucks it is a great way to get stronger (and it is cheap) and feel what wieght can do!

 

[Exxion]

Question about lead tape, I want to make my racket more headlight but i have a Prince More Precision with an air handle thingie so I dotn think I can put lead balls in there... I asked this question on the racket forums but just making sure...

Should I just put lead tape under my overgrip, but on top of my grip? or put it on the handle butt?

 

[djbrown]

I hit with a mid-plus Hammer H Tour (the orange/black one). Where would you suggest I place the lead tape? It's 10.8 oz strung, 1 point head heavy according to the specs here at tennis-warehouse.

 

[kevhen]

I played better with my 12 ounce racquet over my 11.5 ouncers last night so I am going to bump all of my frames up to 12 and maybe take the 12 ounce one up a little more. When I try to take a big cut with my lighter racquets, I end up swinging too fast and shanking the ball wide. The heavier racquet lows the swing down but the extra weight still adds a solid pop to the ball.

I still want my frames to be evenly balanced or slightly HL. What type of balance do you all have on your frames? I have always been evenly balanced or just slightly HL. Too HL and I swing too fast and make too many UEs and too HH and I swing too slow and lose some directional control and quickness at net and ability to make defensive saves.

 

[Bungalo Bill]

I hit with a mid-plus Hammer H Tour (the orange/black one). Where would you suggest I place the lead tape? It's 10.8 oz strung, 1 point head heavy according to the specs here at tennis-warehouse.

It really depends on what your trying to achieve. You can visit the learning center on this website and the section called customizing your racquet for an understaning on where you would like to try addign weight.

 

[Bungalo Bill]

I played better with my 12 ounce racquet over my 11.5 ouncers last night so I am going to bump all of my frames up to 12 and maybe take the 12 ounce one up a little more. When I try to take a big cut with my lighter racquets, I end up swinging too fast and shanking the ball wide. The heavier racquet lows the swing down but the extra weight still adds a solid pop to the ball.

I still want my frames to be evenly balanced or slightly HL. What type of balance do you all have on your frames? I have always been evenly balanced or just slightly HL. Too HL and I swing too fast and make too many UEs and too HH and I swing too slow and lose some directional control and quickness at net and ability to make defensive saves.

Kehven,

I am sure you're doing this but just in case, please make sure you are wieght training to improve your strenght as well.

 

[vin]

Kehven,
I am sure you're doing this but just in case, please make sure you are wieght training to improve your strenght as well.

I'll second that.

My racquet is weighted to 12.7 oz. I had no trouble adjusting to it and my arm never gets tired. Even after playing 4 hours straight.

If you use free weights, you'll develop the smaller muscle groups that are required to stabilize and balance the weight you are lifting. This will strengthen your joints, reduce the chance of injury from using a heavier racquet, and as I mentioned above, it will also reduce or eliminate the strength adjustment you'd need for the extra racquet weight.

Besides, it will help the rest of your game, make you more injury resistant, make you healthier, make you look better, etc, etc. Personally, I don't understand why anyone who is able wouldn't lift weights.

 

[kevhen]

I lift but not on a consistent basis. In my younger days I was a football player (TE) so I do have a fairly strong core strength. I am going to keep adding weights to the frame until my game gets worse. So far it seems to be improving. I will do it slowly and steadily. I like to experiment more in the off season anyway and this is my off-season now (Oct-Mar).

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Th shoulders are the key in weight training for tennis regarding the subject of this post. Strong shoulders assist you in reducing your chance for tennis elbow and help you stablize the swing path on fast exchanges.

The only problem with weight training, tennis, and the shoulders is I firmly believe you need to do light weights with the shoulders as they take a beating from tennis. The shoulders are also very easy to injure.

But you cant avoid weight training with your shoulders. When you find your swing is slowing down and your late make sure you first see if it is your anticipation that needs to improve. It is very easy to point to the weight but with extra weight on the racquet it will test your anticipation a preparing skills.

Work on that first while you are stengthening your shoulders and keep the extra wieght on the racquet.

 

[djbrown]

I hit with a mid-plus Hammer H Tour (the orange/black one). Where would you suggest I place the lead tape? It's 10.8 oz strung, 1 point head heavy according to the specs here at tennis-warehouse.

It really depends on what your trying to achieve. You can visit the learning center on this website and the section called customizing your racquet for an understaning on where you would like to try addign weight.

I'm going to take it up to 12-12.5 oz, placing weight at 3 and 9. That'll effectively leave the balance the same (in terms of HH/HL), right?

Also, how can one measure if the racket is 1 pt head heavy, etc? I know it's finding the balance point, but where does the "1 point" measure from?

 

[Bungalo Bill]

I hit with a mid-plus Hammer H Tour (the orange/black one). Where would you suggest I place the lead tape? It's 10.8 oz strung, 1 point head heavy according to the specs here at tennis-warehouse.

It really depends on what your trying to achieve. You can visit the learning center on this website and the section called customizing your racquet for an understaning on where you would like to try addign weight.

I'm going to take it up to 12-12.5 oz, placing weight at 3 and 9. That'll effectively leave the balance the same (in terms of HH/HL), right?

Also, how can one measure if the racket is 1 pt head heavy, etc? I know it's finding the balance point, but where does the "1 point" measure from?

It measures from the balance of the racquet. did you read the section on weighting in the learning section? I would rather not type out what is already here. Also, you have some outstanding racquet technicians here that know far more about racquets then I do, you might want to ask them these racquet questions.

The 9-3 weighting widens the sweetspot and it does slightly make your racquet a tad more head heavy.

 

[djbrown]

I hit with a mid-plus Hammer H Tour (the orange/black one). Where would you suggest I place the lead tape? It's 10.8 oz strung, 1 point head heavy according to the specs here at tennis-warehouse.

It really depends on what your trying to achieve. You can visit the learning center on this website and the section called customizing your racquet for an understaning on where you would like to try addign weight.

I'm going to take it up to 12-12.5 oz, placing weight at 3 and 9. That'll effectively leave the balance the same (in terms of HH/HL), right?

Also, how can one measure if the racket is 1 pt head heavy, etc? I know it's finding the balance point, but where does the "1 point" measure from?

It measures from the balance of the racquet. did you read the section on weighting in the learning section? I would rather not type out what is already here. Also, you have some outstanding racquet technicians here that know far more about racquets then I do, you might want to ask them these racquet questions.

The 9-3 weighting widens the sweetspot and it does slightly make your racquet a tad more head heavy.

I didn't see the specific mention of what it meant when a racket was 3 points head light, but I found that info elsewhere. Thanks. (for those that don't know, it's a racket that balances 3/8" toward the handle from the mid way point)

 

[kevhen]

Yeah, I was thinking it was like 1/4" for each point of balance below or above the bottom of the frame but it sounds like it's 1/8" from what you posted. My racquets are all in that 1-4 points HL range. What do all you 4.5 and 5.0 players use for racquet weight and balance-wise?

 

[perfmode]

If my racquet is 27" and it balances 1 1/8" from the midpoint, is it 9pts headlight?

 

[papa]

Well, I’ve always thought of a “point” to be 1/8 of an inch.

If you take a racquet (any racquet) measure it lengthwise with a tape measure – more than likely it will be 27” or in some cases 27 ½” or longer. Simply divide the overall length by two and then find the exact middle of the racquet – for most racquets that point will be 13 ½” from either end. Put a small pencil mark on the racquet or use a little piece of tape to indicate that point – lets call this point “A”.

Then take the racquet and using a ruler or anything with a fairly sharp edge, balance the racquet lengthwise – see-saw fashion. Again place a small pencil mark or piece of tape indicating this position – lets call this point “B”.

Measure the difference between “A” and “B”. If there is no difference between the two points than the racquet would be considered a “balanced” racquet.

If the difference is, for example, 3/8” of an inch toward the strings (“B” is 3/8” closer to the strings than “A”) then that racquet would be considered 3 points head heavy (HH) – 3/8” divided by 1/8” = 3. If the difference was the same (3/8”) but toward the butt end than that racquet would be considered 3 points head light (HL). If the difference was an inch than that would be 8 points and so forth.

Although the overall racquet weight will be the same, there is a big difference where weight is added. In other words, weight added close to the balance point (where BB likes to add his) than the “balance” of the racquet would not be effected anywhere near what the same weight added to the tip/butt would have on the balance – just basic physics. Again, back to the see-saw principle, you can add any weight you desire to the center a see-saw is not going to move. However, a small weight added to one end of either side can change the balance – distance away from the center x weight. For instance, a 2lb weight added 4 feet from the center on one side can be balanced by a 4lb weight added 2 feet from the center on the other side – both equal 8 --- same thing applies to racquets.

Adding weight to the sides of a racquet (lets say the 9 and 3 o’clock positions) the “balance” of the racquet changes and the “sweet spot” widens somewhat. Adding weight to the top of the racquet will raise the “sweet spot” whereas adding weight to the butt end will lower the “sweet spot”.

I think you should know how the racquet is originally balanced BEFORE you add weight so you have a reference point. Just removing the leather grip, tip guard or using string dampeners will effect the overall balance somewhat. Bottom line is that if you want to increase the racquet weight and not effect the racquet balance, add the weight close to the middle (or point “A”)

 

[wshhmm]

The most accurate way to check the balance of a racket is to use an accurate scale. First, measure the Total Weight of the racket. Then, with the racket horizontal, weigh first one end and then the other. The sum of the two end weights must equal the overall weight of the racket. If not, you may not have the frame level, the frame might not have been suspended from both ends or the scale readings are fluctuating.

Once these three weights are available, the balance point can be calculated. Multiply the weight of the head by the length of the racket, then divide by the total weight of the racket. It doesn't matter what the units of measure are used for the weight as long as they are consistent. If the balance point is wanted in centimetres then use centimetres for the length. Using the numbers from a typical racket; 165 (weight of the tip in grams) times 68.58 (length in centimetres) equals 11315.7. Dividing this by 350 (the total weight) gives a balance point of 32.31 cm. for this racket.

If the balance point is required expressed in points, perform the procedure above, using inches for the length. Divide the length of the racket by two to calculate the mid-point(in this case 13.5inches) and subtract this number from the balance point, 12.729 minus 13.5 equals -0.771 inches. (The negative number is because this racquet is head light.) To convert to points, multiply by eight. for the racket in this example, the balance is 6.17 points head light.

This method works for tennis, racquetball, squash and badminton rackets.

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Well, I’ve always thought of a “point” to be 1/8 of an inch.

If you take a racquet (any racquet) measure it lengthwise with a tape measure – more than likely it will be 27” or in some cases 27 ½” or longer. Simply divide the overall length by two and then find the exact middle of the racquet – for most racquets that point will be 13 ½” from either end. Put a small pencil mark on the racquet or use a little piece of tape to indicate that point – lets call this point “A”.

Then take the racquet and using a ruler or anything with a fairly sharp edge, balance the racquet lengthwise – see-saw fashion. Again place a small pencil mark or piece of tape indicating this position – lets call this point “B”.

Measure the difference between “A” and “B”. If there is no difference between the two points than the racquet would be considered a “balanced” racquet.

If the difference is, for example, 3/8” of an inch toward the strings (“B” is 3/8” closer to the strings than “A”) then that racquet would be considered 3 points head heavy (HH) – 3/8” divided by 1/8” = 3. If the difference was the same (3/8”) but toward the butt end than that racquet would be considered 3 points head light (HL). If the difference was an inch than that would be 8 points and so forth.

Although the overall racquet weight will be the same, there is a big difference where weight is added. In other words, weight added close to the balance point (where BB likes to add his) than the “balance” of the racquet would not be effected anywhere near what the same weight added to the tip/butt would have on the balance – just basic physics. Again, back to the see-saw principle, you can add any weight you desire to the center a see-saw is not going to move. However, a small weight added to one end of either side can change the balance – distance away from the center x weight. For instance, a 2lb weight added 4 feet from the center on one side can be balanced by a 4lb weight added 2 feet from the center on the other side – both equal 8 --- same thing applies to racquets.

Adding weight to the sides of a racquet (lets say the 9 and 3 o’clock positions) the “balance” of the racquet changes and the “sweet spot” widens somewhat. Adding weight to the top of the racquet will raise the “sweet spot” whereas adding weight to the butt end will lower the “sweet spot”.

I think you should know how the racquet is originally balanced BEFORE you add weight so you have a reference point. Just removing the leather grip, tip guard or using string dampeners will effect the overall balance somewhat. Bottom line is that if you want to increase the racquet weight and not effect the racquet balance, add the weight close to the middle (or point “A”)

Holy cow Papa! Geez...you one smart cookie! Great response.

 

[Trey]

lead tape is sexy

Well I have finally decided to try out some lead tape after reading all these posts I put 18 grams of tape on my 11 oz racquet at 3, 9 o'clock and also in the throat to balance. I have to admit I like the feel. Everything just seemed more solid.

I think I am going to add another 9- 18 grams because I didn't feel any difficulty in swinging even after playing 2 hours. 8)

 

[perfmode]

Re: lead tape is sexy

Well I have finally decided to try out some lead tape after reading all these posts I put 18 grams of tape on my 11 oz racquet at 3, 9 o'clock and also in the throat to balance. I have to admit I like the feel. Everything just seemed more solid.

I think I am going to add another 9- 18 grams because I didn't feel any difficulty in swinging even after playing 2 hours. 8)

You should wait a few days before adding the tape. Things will feel a lot different after the honeymoon is over.

 

[papa]

Trey wrote:

"Well I have finally decided to try out some lead tape after reading all these posts I put 18 grams of tape on my 11 oz racquet at 3, 9 o'clock and also in the throat to balance. "

If you had a see-saw and one person were to sit on one "end", do you think if you placed another person or equivelent weight in the "middle" the see-saw would be balanced?

On a racquet, wouldn't you want to place weight in the butt cap to counter the weight placed at "9" & "12" instead of at the throat area which is pretty much the center of the racquet (same as a see-saw)? Probably would not be the same amount of weight to achieve the same balance and maybe thats not what your trying to do anyway but just some thoughts.

 

[Trey]

"

If you had a see-saw and one person were to sit on one "end", do you think if you placed another person or equivelent weight in the "middle" the see-saw would be balanced?

On a racquet, wouldn't you want to place weight in the butt cap to counter the weight placed at "9" & "12" instead of at the throat area which is pretty much the center of the racquet (same as a see-saw)? Probably would not be the same amount of weight to achieve the same balance and maybe thats not what your trying to do anyway but just some thoughts.

Thanks for the advice.

Actually i did end up adding to the butt cap because I did notice the change in balance and I really wanted to maintain head lightness.

My racquet looks hella ugly tho now. 8)

 

[kevhen]

I added weight to my Volkl to 12 ounce like my SurgeX but the Volkl is now slightly HH while the Surge X is still 3 points HL. I lost the first set (4-6) to a guy I normally beat and was down 1-2 when I switched back to the SurgeX and then won 6-2, 6-4, 6-0. So I took a 1/4 ounce off the Volkl and will test it out again. It seemed slow, lacking control, power, and consistency with the extra half ounce that I had just added, but the SurgeX is playing better than ever now that I have bumped it from 11 to 12 ounces.

 

[fastdunn]

Since I never experimented with weights on 6 o'clock or throat
area, I'm going to try it. My Yonex supposed to have weights
on 3&9 o'clock already.. By the way, adding weights on 6 o'clock
or throat area should still affect the location of the sweet spot, right ?


By the way, I like to add lead between the grommet and the frame
once I know how much lead I want. I do not want people know
that I added weights. Be ready for my stealthy(?) leaded weapon...

You should purchase the Power Disc sold here at TW. For about 20 bucks it is a great way to get stronger (and it is cheap) and feel what wieght can do!

I've got the power disc thingy last weekend. I've hit with a little bit
and seems fine. I'll incorporate it as much as posible to strengthen
my muscle (because I love tennis too much to sacrifice time to hit
the gym!). By the way, it looks like Power Disc is an invention of
a coach who works at a tennis club near my home !

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Since I never experimented with weights on 6 o'clock or throat
area, I'm going to try it. My Yonex supposed to have weights
on 3&9 o'clock already.. By the way, adding weights on 6 o'clock
or throat area should still affect the location of the sweet spot, right ?


By the way, I like to add lead between the grommet and the frame
once I know how much lead I want. I do not want people know
that I added weights. Be ready for my stealthy(?) leaded weapon...

You should purchase the Power Disc sold here at TW. For about 20 bucks it is a great way to get stronger (and it is cheap) and feel what wieght can do!

I've got the power disc thingy last weekend. I've hit with a little bit
and seems fine. I'll incorporate it as much as posible to strengthen
my muscle (because I love tennis too much to sacrifice time to hit
the gym!). By the way, it looks like Power Disc is an invention of
a coach who works at a tennis club near my home !

Cool, let us know how you like it. I actually love mine, it gets addicting.

 

[catskillthunder]

Bungalo Bill -

Seeking advice and a short story for you.

Im fairly new here and noticed you help 100's of people, so I guess your the guy to ask. Im coming back to tennis after 13 years of not playing. Im once again in love with the game, but as you might suspect, Im not nearly at the level I once used to be. I was easily a strong 4.5 player or on somedays a decent 5.0. At the present time Im just learning to find my strokes again. My question to you would be - Would you recommend lead tape for the Head LM Radical Mid-Plus stick? Its rated at 11.2oz. Im just not feeling like Im getting enough zip on the ball as I used to. 13 years ago I used the Wimbledon Eclipse racquet and used to pound the ball. Im not sure of the weight of the Eclipse, but I can tell you it had more pop to it then the Head Radical I use now. Being away from the game for so long Ive not kept up on the technology and really dont know good from bad these days. Could it be that its just me not playing for so long or should I experiment with some leadtape. Any help or advice is greatly appreciated.

Thx in advance.