Removing weight from bumper guard

[johnmccabe]

I'm experimenting removing weight from bumper guard to tune the racquet swing weight. Older posts seem to recommend cutting bumper guard to the same shape as grommet stripes on other sides of the racquet. That may remove too much weight and completely lose racquet protection.

Has anyone tried sanding down the bumper guard to make it much thinner instead of cutting it up? If yes, how did you do it? using sand paper, metal file, or Dremel? Is it easier to remove weight more evenly from inside (in contact with hoop) or the outside (scratching court surface)?

 

[ryohazuki222]

Why not just cut out holes. I feel like that’s a pretty standard way to reduce weight in physical objects.

 

[johnmccabe]

Why not just cut out holes. I feel like that’s a pretty standard way to reduce weight in physical objects.

You mean drill additional holes on the bumper guard? That sounds like a great idea!!

 

[mad dog1]

You mean drill additional holes on the bumper guard? That sounds like a great idea!!

If the bumper is removed from the racquet, a hole punch tool for leather can be used.

 

[ollinger]

I've reduced head weight with a dremel tool and grinding bit, no need to remove the headguard, just made many closely spaced small grooves with the grinder, not too deep so as not to go through the headguard to the frame. Worked very well.

 

[johnmccabe]

I've reduced head weight with a dremel tool and grinding bit, no need to remove the headguard, just made many closely spaced small grooves with the grinder, not too deep so as not to go through the headguard to the frame. Worked very well.

Great! Will give it a try...

 

[ryohazuki222]

You mean drill additional holes on the bumper guard? That sounds like a great idea!!

Exactly.

shaving feels like it’ll come at the expense of the durability of the bumper. Holes seems like there would be less trade off. Some older rackets I’ve had had some open pattern portions.

 

[AmericanTwist]

or add some weight to the butt cap area

 

[johnmccabe]

or add some weight to the butt cap area

This was discussed extensively in old posts. Based on what I read, changing balance doesn't fix swing weight problem.

 

[Binatang]

If the bumper is removed from the racquet, a hole punch tool for leather can be used.

A hole punch tool is the way to go. From experience making holes with a drill into soft grommet plastic is not as easy as it sounds.
I recommend a Belt Hole Punch Tool typically used to punch additional holes in leather belts. You can even adjust the hole size very easily!
You can get it for $10 on amazon. It's one of those tools you didn't know you needed until you need it!

That being said removing grommet plastic will not save you much weight as the bulk of the plastic is on the spine of the grommet.
Was trying to match a pair Wilson Clash V1s with 4g difference in the head.
Punched holes every quarter inch on each side on the entire length of the grommet strip. Shaved 1g
But the grommet still looked pretty decent esthetically as Belt Punch Tool provides you with good control.

 

[brownbearfalling]

Few questions: How much weight do you hope to remove to achieve your desired SW? I think it would be smart to calculate if your desired SW is even feasible with removing weight from grommets.
Also I’m curious: what racquet are you working with?

 

[johnmccabe]

A hole punch tool is the way to go. From experience making holes with a drill into soft grommet plastic is not as easy as it sounds.
I recommend a Belt Hole Punch Tool typically used to punch additional holes in leather belts. You can even adjust the hole size very easily!
You can get it for $10 on amazon. It's one of those tools you didn't know you needed until you need it!

That being said removing grommet plastic will not save you much weight as the bulk of the plastic is on the spine of the grommet.
Was trying to match a pair Wilson Clash V1s with 4g difference in the head.
Punched holes every quarter inch on each side on the entire length of the grommet strip. Shaved 1g
But the grommet still looked pretty decent esthetically as Belt Punch Tool provides you with good control.

I actually have this tool set. 1-2 g is probably all I need to take off

 

[johnmccabe]

Few questions: How much weight do you hope to remove to achieve your desired SW? I think it would be smart to calculate if your desired SW is even feasible with removing weight from grommets.
Also I’m curious: what racquet are you working with?

I cut off both wings of the bumper guard reducing 4 g. The full bumper guard is like 9 g. And of course I found the racquet way too low powered. Then I added 3g copper tape. will keep testing and try to post photo later. It looks much cooler than the normal guard.

I'm fiddling with the new ATS tour 100p. I used matching service and found small variance when I bought the 2019 version. So I Ordered the ATS straight and got one noticeably heavier to swing compared to my 2019 one. I actually developed some wrist pain.

 

[Vicious49]

And shaving off 1-2g is going to keep you from getting wrist pain?

 

[johnmccabe]

And shaving off 1-2g is going to keep you from getting wrist pain?

Fair question. It's probably because I'm changing a stroke at the same time. It can't be the new racquet causing wrist problem entirely. I don't have RDC and no way of knowing how much it was off spec. One of the TW reviewers said she got elbow uncomfort because of low sw.

anyone can comment 2g at 12 oclock equals how many points of swing weight?

 

[mad dog1]

I don't have RDC and no way of knowing how much it was off spec.

anyone can comment 2g at 12 oclock equals how many points of swing weight?

If you have an iPhone, get a Briffidi. If you don’t have an iPhone, get an iPhone and then get a Briffidi.

1g of 1/4” wide lead is approximately 4” and when applied at 12 adds approximately 3pts of SW. The reason why I say approximately is because the thickness and width of the lead tape isn’t always consistent.

 

[johnmccabe]

If you have an iPhone, get a Briffidi. If you don’t have an iPhone, get an iPhone and then get a Briffidi.

1g of 1/4” wide lead is approximately 4” and when applied at 12 adds approximately 3pts of SW. The reason why I say approximately is because the thickness and width of the lead tape isn’t always consistent.

oh, 1g makes a bigger difference than I thought...

 

[mad dog1]

oh, 1g makes a bigger difference than I thought...

That’s why there’s this saying…

“a little lead goes a long way.”

 

[LOBALOT]

I was thinking you could leave the bumper guard on and use a drill. You would have the following added benefits:

1. Decreased swing weight (Per OP).
2. New woofer system with reduced air resistance.
3. Ability to adjust the string pattern to ones wishes (Think of the options for fan patterns!).

Who knows maybe can approach the racquet manufacturer with new patent opportunity.