Racquet Head Tape - Tricks?

[Peppershaker]

Attempted to search for this topic, but the search function doesn't appear to be working and I don't believe that I've ever seen this question posted.

Seems as if either the tape that I use (Gamma) has changed it's adhesive formula over the past year or so, or the resin or finish on head grommets has changed but I seem to run into more situations where head tape just will not adhere adhere.

Just happened to me again. Had strung up a racquet a couple of days ago for someone, they are coming over to pick it up and I looked over and about 1/3 of the tape on both sides of the frame simply separated. When I first started to string I stocked a Wilson brand tape, it was thicker and more expensive but stuck every time. Seems like ever since it's hit or miss, sometimes the tape sticks well other times I have to remove and reapply.

So does anyone have any little tricks that they use.....or am I the only one with this issue?

 

[esgee48]

[1] Clean the surface with alcohol and let dry.
[2] Apply tape; press down/smooth. If it does NOT stick, hit it with hot air from a hair dryer and press down/smooth.
Adhesives need to be warm or hot to be sticky. I use Head, Gamma and Babolat head protection tape and they all stick when hit with heat.

 

[Irvin]

Could just be old tape too.

EDIT: Isopropel alcohol is alcohol and water. Both should evaporate and leave no residue unless it has been contaminated, but I use 91% all the time because it cleans better and evaporates faster.

 

[Dags]

I've had a similar issue with lead tape that doesn't stick to the paint on certain racquets. My workaround there is to put down a base layer of electrical tape, because that seems to stick to anything. If the alcohol and heat suggestions don't fix the problem for you, it might be worth a whirl.

 

[eelhc]

What's the use for head tape? Bumper guard/grommet sets aren't that expensive...

Racquet scraper?
Add weight in lieu of lead tape?
Old frame with bumperguard/grommet set no longer available so you want to make the frame last?

 

[jim e]

What's the use for head tape? Bumper guard/grommet sets aren't that expensive...

Most racquet manufacturers quit offering grommet sets only after a few years with some models.
It's why I use the bumper tape, ( and I also have a good stash of grommet sets for my racquets ) , as I have multiples of same racquets.
It's sad that manuf. only have so many grommets avail. as that is why I let customers know when they find a racquet they like to get a few extra grommet sets, as they are cheap enough, as they get discontinued fast.

 

[Peppershaker]

What's the use for head tape? Bumper guard/grommet sets aren't that expensive...

Racquet scraper?
Add weight in lieu of lead tape?
Old frame with bumperguard/grommet set no longer available so you want to make the frame last?

Reason is a combination of Racquet Scrapers, old frames w/o replacement bumper sets and in a few instances have for some customers replaced far too many bumper sets so use this as preventative steps. I don't mind replacing full sets except all to often they come in when I'm already overloaded and it's far easier (should be) to simply add a layer of tape. I had suggested they shorten their arms....but wasn't practical.

Isn't "old" tape....go through enough of this that I don't have rolls too long. Now since none of the stock w/purchase is dated or lot controlled not certain all vendors/distributors follow FIFO for inventory.

Irwin (as usual) has made some good suggestions.

 

[MathieuR]

I try to avoid tape. It weighs ~5 gram, and when collecting dirt/clay even more.

5 gram at the head adds 15 to the SW.

 

[scotus]

Get Babolat Super Tape.

It works great. If you are a frequent stringer like me, then you'd be glad to know that the adhesive works over and over and over again.

 

[lwto]

I cut strips of old bumpers and super glue it on.. just an inch or so, around the 10 oclock position where I really need protection.
Sand it off at the edges and just super glue it on.. you can't tell it's there and gives you really good protection, add a new piece when it wears down.

 

[swizzy]

you need to put the gamma head tape on under perfect conditions.. like in the house. whenever i put some on at the court and it's cold or humid it won't stick properly.

 

[GlennK]

I cut strips of old bumpers and super glue it on.. just an inch or so, around the 10 oclock position where I really need protection.
Sand it off at the edges and just super glue it on.. you can't tell it's there and gives you really good protection, add a new piece when it wears down.

This sounds very interesting. Do you mind sharing a picture?

 

[lwto]

This sounds very interesting. Do you mind sharing a picture?

Sure.. one of my older racquet

If you do this, you want to make sure that the edges(corners are rounded) so that it minimizes any chance of getting snagged... Also rough sand the inside surface, Clean well and apply generous amounts of Super glue to the frame and the piece to be applied.

There maybe better glue to use, I'm not sure, I found some of this car glue that you use to glue trim to the car that is very sticky. Mom had a slight fender accident that I had to reattach some trimming.

 

[GlennK]

Thanks. I do have a tendency to scrape in a certain area. But I would have to do that on a couple of areas (since I spin my racquet while waiting on a serve). Thanks for sharing the idea, picture, and tips.

Not sure I will get a chance to try this on a racquet as I may or may not ever play again. Had surgery last week and the dr. completely removed my medial meniscus. Appt is tomorrow and will get his opinion.

 

[lwto]

Thanks. I do have a tendency to scrape in a certain area. But I would have to do that on a couple of areas (since I spin my racquet while waiting on a serve). Thanks for sharing the idea, picture, and tips.

Not sure I will get a chance to try this on a racquet as I may or may not ever play again. Had surgery last week and the dr. completely removed my medial meniscus. Appt is tomorrow and will get his opinion.

We all spin our racquets, it's just that I only scrape it on my back hand slice when I slam the racquet into the ground, forehand side, not so much.

Sorry to hear that, hope all comes out for the better.,, get well.

 

[Overheadsmash]

I use Gamma all the time - secret is to hold the end down with your hand, and pull it really tight as you lay it across the top of the racquet. Then take your thumb and smooth it out, making sure it is tamped down. And yes, inside is best.

 

[PBODY99]

@GlenK ;
Good luck. I look forward to you saying like Arnold.

 

[TheOtherBecker]

Anyone know a brand that isn’t “branded”? Ie, no logo? My local shop only has logo tape. Would prefer the stealthy look of plain black.

I’ve been using black gaffer’s tape, which is cheaper, but wears out quicker. Also seems more like what I used to use back in the 80’s or so. Also doesn’t grab on the court like the official stuff does when I’m trying to retrieve stray balls.

It’s not as flexible around curves, so I get more creases, but I’ve also been splitting it down the middle, so it exposes the strings in case I need to re-string, but also wraps further around the edge for extra protection past the bumper. Win-win!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[norcal]

I try to avoid tape. It weighs ~5 gram, and when collecting dirt/clay even more.

5 gram at the head adds 15 to the SW.

Never knew head tape was this heavy!

I always have replacement grommet strips for my rackets but I have always put a strip of head tape on after each re-string, keeps from having to replace the bumper guard for a long time. I have friends with 1hbh/slice a lot and they wear through the guard and into the graphite pretty quickly, not sure why they don't put head tape on.

 

[1HBHfanatic]

@TheOtherBecker I picked up a roll fom a computer room somewhere/sometime
its "shurtape", hickory, nc 28603, usa
looks a lot like the material on your picture

 

[frank52]

West System G/flex 655 two-part thickened epoxy is my go-to protector. I use a finger (in nitrile glove) to spread a very thin, smooth, smear of epoxy onto the top of the bumper guard. The epoxy leaves a shiny hard surface that looks nice. Lasts a long time and you can always touch it up when desired. This particular epoxy is good for gluing plastics, including the cracked seat support on my kayak.

 

[1HBHfanatic]

on a side ugly note
I see people use:
-electrical tape - big fail!
-duct tape- fail!
-thin plastic packing tape (tan colored one) - super big fail!

if its not a thick heavy duddy tape,, its not performing the function it was expected to..

 

[am1899]

@TheOtherBecker Gamma’s guard tape is black, without any branding. If there’s maybe a nitpick about it, it doesn’t stick quite as well as some of the others I’ve tried. But I’ve found if I clean the area w alcohol first, that usually does the trick.

 

[Irvin]

Instead of using racket head tape why not put black shoe goo on you bumper to protect it.
https://www.amazon.com/Shoe-GOO-110...hoe+goo+black&qid=1556792550&s=gateway&sr=8-3

EDIT: Shoe Goo won’t mix with water. Wet your finger (or tool) to smooth on the Shoe Goo and it will not stick to your finger. Make sure the bumper is clean and dry.

EDIT: You can get it cheaper and quicker if there’s a Hobby Lobby or Michaels near you. Check for 50% off one item coupons on net.

 

[Irvin]

 

[Muppet]

Gamma head tape is great for dampening the hoop and adding weight. If you don't want the dampening but you want the weight, you're better off using lead tape. HEAD head tape is a little thicker, doesn't wrinkle as much, and doesn't dampen as much either.