How to apply lead tape...

M0rgan77

New User
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What you will need:

Lead tape (at least 6 grams)
Stringers Awl
Super Glue (IF your lead tape doesn't come with an adhesive back)
Pliers


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What lead does in different places:

6 O'CLOCK

Sticking tape in this position will make the racquet more stable, a bit less maneuverable, and a smidgen more powerful. And the sweet spot will be pulled down, a plus for players who tend to make contact near the throat.

10 O'CLOCK AND 2 O'CLOCK

Weight placed at these two positions will increase the frames power, significantly reduce maneuverability, add some stability to the racquet on off-center hits, and stretch the sweet spot toward the upper edges.

HANDLE

Lead tape thats placed on the handle, under the grip, will increase the racquets weight with little effect on swing weight. This configuration best suits serve-and-volleyers who want a heavier racquet without sacrificing maneuverability.

3 O'CLOCK AND 9 O'CLOCK (my presonal favourite)

This configuration is twice as nice: It expands the sweet spot toward the sides of the frame, adding stability on off-center hits, and makes the racquet considerably more powerful.

12 O'CLOCK

Applying lead tape here will give you the greatest power boost and expand the sweet spot toward the tip of the racquet. The potential downside? The racquet might feel unwieldy, especially at the net.

*credit ww.tennis.com*

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Step 1:

Pull the grommets out of the side of your frame. This can be done with your hand but sometimes it helps to use pliars. Choose where you want your lead tape to go before you take your grommets out. I would reccoment putting at
least 6 grams of lead at the chosen spot. However, if you put lead at 12 o'clock usually 3 grams will do.



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Step 2:

For my example I am going to use 2, 3g peices, at 3 and 9 o'clock. Stick you lead inside the frame. Use super glue to make sure that id wont come loose.

step2wl3.jpg


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Step 3:


Next you have to put holes in the lead tape for the grommets to fit through. Take your awl and poke a hole through the lead tape. Do this to both sides until you have nice clean holes that you can clearly see through. It should look like this.

step4uz0.jpg


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Step 4: Put some strings in that racquet! Then you're done!!

Final Product:

hpim0448km6.jpg


*Special thanks to $tring forum.net for the strings*
 

patrick922

Semi-Pro
is that the ncode nsix one? why does it look so dirty. good explanation with lead tape positions but doesnt look too neat
 

andyroddick's mojo

Professional
I'd love to get more weight at 3 and 9 o clock, but my racket is already 12 oz and i don't think i could handle anything more. good explanation though.
 

M0rgan77

New User
Yeah my racquet is pretty ghetto. Thats what happens when you play everyday with the same racquet for 2 years. If you want pics with a racquet that looks nicer, buy me one. ;)

@andyroddick's mojo I've been usin extra weight there since I was 12. Try it, it makes a HUGE difference.
 

M0rgan77

New User
You can take it off. Just don't do it too much or your racquet will look like mine.

"Why not just use 1/4" tape and forgo all that messy looking surgery?

Am I missing something?"

Knock yourself out. THis will stay on better and you can get more weight into a smaller space though.
 

DragonFly

Rookie
I just use electrical tape or head tape to keep the lead on the outside of the frame from falling out. Gotta mess with your lead weighting thought, because tape will add some weight too. Alernatively, if you have the full body type grommets, you could place lead under there.
 
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