Heavier frame or gradual increase of weight with lead tape

[mrozkar]

Hello,
I am currently playing Babolat Pure Strike 16x19 (305g unstrung weight). I like the Pure Strike line of rackets, it suits me and my playing style, but I feel like I could benefit from slightly heavier racket on stronger ball returns and better stability. So I am wondering, should I buy Pure Strike Tour (320g unstrung weight) frame or increase weight slowly on my current racket by gradually adding more and more lead tape? Is it better to increase racket weight slowly or will I be fine just buying heavier frame? I am also wondering about your experiences with increasing racket weight? Did it take you long to get used to it? Should I expect any arm sorness? Is there a big difference in feel, performance gain?

Thank you all for your time.

 

[SinneGOAT]

I’d say gradually increasing weight will help you tailor what you want to change rather than go straight to the tour, such as instead of having 6 pts headlight you can make it even more with the standard Strike and customization.

 

[GeoffHYL]

If you do go to a heavier (or even lighter) racquet, I recommend transitioning to using it full time. Use your current racquet for most of your session, then hit with your new racquet for 10-15 minutes, increasing the time with the new racquet until you have your strokes grooved with it. Then you can switch over to it full time.

 

[LOBALOT]

I just added weight to my racquets and made gradual increases and it worked well for me. It did not take long at all for me actually. I overshot a little making the racquet a little too even balanced so ended removing some lead from 3/9 and believe I have it dialed in to what I want now.

 

[golden chicken]

I made wholesale changes. I switched from a racket 10.8oz strung to one that was 11.7oz strung and extended, and then to one that is 12.8 oz strung.

I think if your technique is solid it shouldn't affect you too much. If your technique is not solid, hopefully the extra weight forces you to make the correction.

 

[Deleted member 776614]

If you generally like the racket you have, which is about 4pts head light, then I would go the route of adding lead to gain a little more stability. Changing to the Tour model will give you a different balance / racket feel. You might find that it's too head light for you, and then you still want to add weight to the hoop.

Determine the balance of your racquet. Add 2-3 grams lead tape to either side of the hoop for stability, then add lead near the butt to bring back to the same balance point. To make it temporary, you can leave the backing on the lead tape and just attach with masking tape while you experiment.

 

[MixedMaster]

I played with the PS100 1st edition for over 6 years. Immediately upon getting one I started playing around with lead tape and found my comfort zone within a month. If you already have the racquets, play with them. Lead tape isn't that expensive and easy to adjust up or down. Remember to put equal amounts in the handle under the wrap if you want to maintain balance. There are a number of links on here about adding lead. Give it a shot. I recently changed, this past summer, to Yonex VCore 100 and finally decided last week to try some lead tape and I can tell you that I'm happier already!!!!

 

[movdqa]

I prefer modding light platform frames as they give you the most flexibility as to what you can do with the frame. Getting something heavy means that you have fewer options available to you.

Gradual is better as a big change can result in injury.

 

[temnik]

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