Help on putting silicone in handle please...

[10SDad]

Looking for any assistance/experience in putting silicone in the racquet handle. I've got two LM Prestige MP and I'd like to add some weight/dampening to the handle by injecting some silicone. I'm looking for any "how-to" assistance regarding measuring corresponding weight, how much to put in (how far up the handle is needed to achieve dampening), how best to inject it into the handle (a caulk tube seems rather large and difficult to work with...disposable syringe?), and any "gotchas" that I should look out for.

I tried fishing weights in cotton, and eventually they just start rattling around.

Thanks.

10SDad

 

[[d]ragon]

Search, there are a couple threads on this.
I tried this a couple times and decided it wasn't for me. The dampening of the silicone made my racquets feel TOO soft. But then again, I like crisp feeling racquets/strings so if you like soft and flexible feel, then it could work for you.
It is somewhat reversible; you kinda get something and try and scoop it out as best you can. There will obviously be residue but it shouldn't be a problem

 

[10SDad]

Thanks for the advice. I did do a global search, and was unable to track anything down. Sorry if I missed them...I'll try again.

 

[Brent Pederson]

If you just want dampening, it doesn't take but a dab on the inside of the buttcap (I'd just remove the buttcap, put about a dime's worth inside it, let it dry overnight, then replace it). It you want extra weight, it takes a bigger dab, then you're going to need to put in the cotton to keep it in place, then squeeze some into the cavity (not too much, the stuff is surprisingly heavy!) then replace the buttcap. I'd let it dry with the racket standing up on the buttcap to keep it in place until it dries. If you want to see how much it weighs, you can always squeeze a dollop onto some waxed paper on a scale and get a pretty good feel for it.

 

[Blade0324]

I have done this in my frames and it worked quite well. First of all I would suggest that you decide how many grams of weight you are willing to add. In my experience it will add between 10-15 grams depending on how far up the handle you want to go. first get some cotton balls or similar and take a large enought wad that you have to force them gently up inside the frame. I went almost 4". Do this on both sides of the divider. Then weigh your frame in grams. Begin injecting Silicon out of a caulk tube into the frame and weigh it every little bit. Once you have added about half of the desired amount of weight then proceed to repeat this on the other side of the divider.

Just a side note. Make sure to have the head of the frame towards the ground when you are putting the silicon in and try to get it as even as possible. Leave the racquet in this position for about 24hours or more until the Silicon is pretty dry before putting the buttcap back on or playing with it. I really like this as a method of adding weight but even more so the dampening effect is great IMO.
Just take your time and have fun.

 

[film1]

You can cut up a gel insert for shoes.
Just get a piece large enough for your weight needs, add a little fiber fill like you find in a pillow (better than cotton imo) to keep it firmly in place.