Prince CTS buttcap question

[wedge]

I'm going nuts on CTS rackets these days, and finding that I really want to add weight to both handle and hoop. Hoop part no problem, but handle, I'd really rather avoid affixing lead to the pallet, because the amount I'd need to add to hit the spec I'm looking for would make me nervous, and additionally I feel I would run the risk of changing the grip size/contour.

So I'd much prefer to cram stuff in the handle. The buttcap is solid, but I'd be up for some hack and slash if there's an option here. If I were to carefully cut away the bottom part of the buttcap, what would I find in there? Is there any space to add weight? Would love to know if anyone else knows the innards of these pallets before I embark on gruesome exploratory surgery

 

[fritzhimself]

There are several ways to get the job done.
You can remove the end cap - but you have to remove the base grip tape and then reassemble and re-tack everything.

You can remove the plastic logo and then drill an 8mm hole in the butt cap - then vacuum it out to remove any debris that may make noise in the frame later.
Then insert silicone into the hole, refit the logo and you're done.
You can assume that 1 gram will change the balance by approx. 1 mm.

If you take the trouble to determine your new balance beforehand, you will find it easier to fill in the target weight.
Have fun crafting.

 

[wedge]

Thank you! When you say 8mm hole, do you mean an 8mm diameter hole? Or do you mean it's possible to go 8mm deep into the handle?

I've never taken a buttcap off a CTS frame, I'm curious what exactly is under it. I only know what it looks like underneath very modern frames, and very old ones like the Max 200g where it's basically just a wooden broom handle.

 

[fritzhimself]

I meant drilling a hole with a diameter of 8 mm.
Slightly off center to hit the cavity.
If this cavity is foamed, then you can also supplement the weight with a large screw.
Otherwise fill with silicone.

 

[fritzhimself]

I remember that some models were foam-filled.
It doesn't really matter if you want to add weight.
The foam weighs almost nothing, so you can replace it with weight (silicone lead or iron screw).
If the hairpin is hollow, then only work with silicone.
If your butt cap is like the one in the middle with the logo printed on it, then I would remove it and staple it back on later.

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[followthrough]

I have 4 CTS Approach 90 racquets. If your CTS racquets have rubber grips, you can use a box cutter to split them open using length wise cuts on either side of the handle. You can then add more weight into the groove in the middle of the handle. Just tape your rubber handle back using packing tape. Do not cut down to the butt cap since you want to keep the grip intact as much as possible.

 

[wedge]

I have 4 CTS Approach 90 racquets. If your CTS racquets have rubber grips, you can use a box cutter to split them open using length wise cuts on either side of the handle. You can then add more weight into the groove in the middle of the handle. Just tape your rubber handle back using packing tape. Do not cut down to the butt cap since you want to keep the grip intact as much as possible.

It's funny you mention that -- I was just staring at the rubber grip on this Graphtech and just wondering first of all how they got it on there, then if it was possible to slice them open.

From what you're saying, the rubber just comes off after the cut, they're not glued on? And out of curiosity, what exactly is underneath, is the grey grip just stuck on over the frame itself? And there's a groove in the middle of that?

 

[Grafil Injection]

Thank you! When you say 8mm hole, do you mean an 8mm diameter hole? Or do you mean it's possible to go 8mm deep into the handle?

I've never taken a buttcap off a CTS frame, I'm curious what exactly is under it. I only know what it looks like underneath very modern frames, and very old ones like the Max 200g where it's basically just a wooden broom handle.

In fairness, the MAX 200G has medium density PU foam filling the void inside the hairpin, and forming the handle. Much like most high-end rackets today.

 

[followthrough]

It's funny you mention that -- I was just staring at the rubber grip on this Graphtech and just wondering first of all how they got it on there, then if it was possible to slice them open.

From what you're saying, the rubber just comes off after the cut, they're not glued on? And out of curiosity, what exactly is underneath, is the grey grip just stuck on over the frame itself? And there's a groove in the middle of that?

rubber grip is attached with double grip tape underneath

 

[wedge]

In fairness, the MAX 200G has medium density PU foam filling the void inside the hairpin, and forming the handle. Much like most high-end rackets today.

Wow, that's amazing, I just did a buttcap repair on a 200G and I just assumed it was wood somehow -- now I know what foam is capable of actually looking like!

Before I cut into any CTS rackets I really like I'm going to try some exploratory surgery on one I don't. Always knew that Synergy 28 would come in handy

 

[fritzhimself]

It's funny you mention that -- I was just staring at the rubber grip on this Graphtech and just wondering first of all how they got it on there, then if it was possible to slice them open.

From what you're saying, the rubber just comes off after the cut, they're not glued on? And out of curiosity, what exactly is underneath, is the grey grip just stuck on over the frame itself? And there's a groove in the middle of that?

Oh, it's a rubber handle.
With a bit of skill you can get it down in one piece.
I would use some alcohol in the first opening and later when the handle is slightly open, this dissolves the glue and makes it easier to get the thing off.
You could also warm it up with a hair dryer.
It is glued directly to the hairpin.

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But I would rather try it with the 8mm hole before I choke the thing down and possibly can no longer use it.