Lead tape for me?

[i.Radical]

Hey guys... I've been feeling like my racquet is very light recently (I don't know if I'm getting stronger or what) but it's just extremely light and very easy to swing around, but as a result, I seem to be spraying balls more often and shanking more often as well... I don't know if racquet weight has anything to do with this, but I also have 3 overgrips applied (since I needed a temporary way to increase grip size) so the weight has shifted to the handle.

In the past I have had more success and felt better with heavier racquets, so would lead tape be a wise decision? I'm not sure if it will help with my racquet stability and minimize my off-center shots and shanks.. Would I lose any more feel? If lead tape is a good choice, where would be the ideal location to put it?

I'm kind of new to this whole lead tape thing so I would appreciate any feedback..

 

[SageOfDeath]

spraying as in its going off the court? That wouldn't be because of a racquet in my opinion of yes a heavier racquet often torques less on off center hits.

Personally I don't think lead tape is a great idea because if you want to add a noticable ammount of weight on a very light racquet it takes a lot of lead tape and cosmetically I think its ugly that way. If you want the same feel you have to counterweight, add weight to the handle as well as the head.

Where you want to put the lead tape is up to you but If you google they can show you the benefits and plusses of where you put your lead tape.

Search *lead tape*

 

[Lakoste]

SageOfDeath,

Are you saying dont use something if its not pretty, even if it'll help you.

Radical, I'd say experiment with LT, TW's site has great info on where to put lead tape if you want to increase stability, increase sweet spot, etc.

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/LC/Customizing/customize.html

 

[SageOfDeath]

SageOfDeath,

Are you saying dont use something if its not pretty, even if it'll help you.

Radical, I'd say experiment with LT, TW's site has great info on where to put lead tape if you want to increase stability, increase sweet spot, etc.

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/LC/Customizing/customize.html

no but for me its a reason not to. I'd rather just use a different racquet but that's my opinion not something I suggested him to do.

 

[Rickson]

Lead tape doesn't make a huge difference so if you hate a light stick then get a heavier one.

 

[smittysan89]

what about at 2 and 10? does that move the sweetspot up?

 

[SageOfDeath]

what about at 2 and 10? does that move the sweetspot up?

Any weight that makes the racquet more head heavy will move the sweetspot higher. but by how much I'm not sure. Any weight that makes the racquet more heavy light will move the sweetspot lower.

 

[nViATi]

Any weight that makes the racquet more head heavy will move the sweetspot higher. but by how much I'm not sure. Any weight that makes the racquet more heavy light will move the sweetspot lower.

not necesarily. 3&9 o'clock make the racquet heavier but move the sweetspot sideways.
a more correct way to say that is : The sweetspot expands to where you put the weight.

 

[All Court]

nViATi, 3 and 9 o clock is on both sides of the racquet. Why would it move towards one direction sideways?

If you just want to make it heavier, putting lead tape in the throat helps. But I believe it's better (more performance) if you put some lead at 3 and 9, and some under the grip or inside the handle to keep the balance the same.

 

[SageOfDeath]

not necesarily. 3&9 o'clock make the racquet heavier but move the sweetspot sideways.
a more correct way to say that is : The sweetspot expands to where you put the weight.

where did you get this information? So if someone designed a racquet with most of its weight on the 3&9 o clock positions then the sweetspot would look like an oval cept flipped on its side?

 

[mishro17]

sweetspot

the sweetspot moves with the weight. it is important to consider other things when taping too.
1. always counter balance in the handle
2. taping also changes the momentum of the raquet, head speed will increase with increased weight. therefore taping may not be the answer if you are spraying balls

 

[mdmicawber]

Lead placement:

12- Brings the head down. More power on serves. Raises the sweetspot.

10 & 2 - Draws the sweetspot up. Brings the head down. Increases power on serves depending on how much weight you add.

3 & 9 - Increases the stability of the racquet. In my opinion doesn't do a damn thing to the sweetspot.

Throat - Draws the sweetspot down. makes the racquet head-lite.

Handle - Makes the racquet head-lite.