Lead Tape Question

[MonkeyMania]

I want to add lead tape to my APDC to make it heavier, yet not affect the power of the racquet.

If I add lead tape to the 3 o'clock, 9 o'clock and handle to make it go from 11.3 oz up to 12 oz, and add the tape so that it does not affect the overall balance of the racquet, will this work?

Thanks...

 

[burosky]

Have you gone through the info from this thread? http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=309803

 

[kimbahpnam]

i always get more power when i add tape to 3 and 9

 

[Larrysümmers]

how about at the 6 oclock? or in the throat?

 

[LPShanet]

I want to add lead tape to my APDC to make it heavier, yet not affect the power of the racquet.

If I add lead tape to the 3 o'clock, 9 o'clock and handle to make it go from 11.3 oz up to 12 oz, and add the tape so that it does not affect the overall balance of the racquet, will this work?

Thanks...

What are you trying to achieve if not power? What you should do will depend on your goal. Making it heavier isn't a goal, it's a strategy/tactic, so let us know what you're trying to do and why, and we can help you out.

 

[marosmith]

The throat would make it heavier, mostly keep the same balance, and will only add a small amount of power (assuming you still swing the same speed).

 

[orangettecoleman]

Adding lead to the throat would be a good way to increase mass without messing up the power level too much. You could also put lead on the handle under the grip and at 3 and 9. Silicone in the handle works great as well but it's a pain to scrape out if you don't like it so don't do it unless you are sure...

 

[MonkeyMania]

What are you trying to achieve if not power? What you should do will depend on your goal. Making it heavier isn't a goal, it's a strategy/tactic, so let us know what you're trying to do and why, and we can help you out.

Basically, the apdc feels a tad light and unstable...I am just trying to get some more stability and maybe a little more pop on my serves...

 

[pyrokid]

Basically, the apdc feels a tad light and unstable...I am just trying to get some more stability and maybe a little more pop on my serves...

lead at 3 and 9, counterbalance at the 7" mark.

 

[MrAWD]

I want to add lead tape to my APDC to make it heavier, yet not affect the power of the racquet.

If I add lead tape to the 3 o'clock, 9 o'clock and handle to make it go from 11.3 oz up to 12 oz, and add the tape so that it does not affect the overall balance of the racquet, will this work?

If you start for example with 320 g and 5 point HL frame and add some weight at 3&9 and also some more in the handle to make it again 5 points HL but at 345 g, that frame will be less maneuverable then what you started with. It will ended up with more power and slower swing.

In order to make it closer to the original feel that you have right now, you need to make it more HL instead. So, approximately 345 g of new weight but with 9-10 points HL would be much closer to what you originally started with regarding the timing on your serve and ground strokes. Basically, if that overall extra weight is not something that is going to give you problem while playing in the longer run (expect some adjustment for first 7 sets or so, since this will make you more tired quicker at first) after you adjust to it you should have more umph on the serves and ground strokes and your volleys will be more stable too, without almost any negative effects.

Fedja

 

[LPShanet]

Basically, the apdc feels a tad light and unstable...I am just trying to get some more stability and maybe a little more pop on my serves...

In general, when you're looking for stability, the best place to add is at 3 and 9 o'clock and work from there. Whether you should also add counterweight in the handle will depend on what you're more sensitive to. Some people are more sensitive to changes in static weight, in which case they should not add to the handle. Others are much more sensitive to changes in balance and swingweight, but less so to static weight. In that case, adding weight in the handle will help make the racquet seem less different.

In your case I'd suggest a two part process. You can start by adding some weight at 3 and 9, and then play with it. If you like it great. If you don't like the feel that gives you, then try adding a little weight under the handle and see if that helps.

N.B.: The problem with adding weight at the throat is that it doesn't have as strong an effect on stability as putting it at 3 and 9. Even if you end up with the same balance and swingweight, the racquet won't be as resistant to twisting as it would if you do the 3/9 thing. So based on your stated goal of stability, I think you'll be happier, and feel more of a difference from less actual weight added, with the method mentioned above.

 

[Doubles]

i always get more power when i add tape to 3 and 9

Adding weight, unless you add it soley to the handle, will give you a (varying) increase in power, becuse heavier rackets are more powerful...

 

[MuscleWeave]

I would set the racquet up the way you like it, then adjust strings and tension to make it play at the right power level.

 

[John55]

Lead at 3 and 9, and then go. Add some weight around the throat or handle (leather grip) if you want to rebalance.

 

[strokee]

I wanted the exact same thing for my apdc...I added tape to the 3, 9 and handle to make the strung weight 12 oz and keep the balance the same. I then raised my string tension from 57 to 60. It definitely feels more stable and there is a little more power.

 

[BC1]

I am considering taking these suggesstions and do the same thing to my PDGT. But this lead tape thing is new to me - never tried it.

It would be great to see some pics of racquets with the lead tape applied.