The HEAVY RACQUET LOVER'S CLUB

[harryz]

Having recently polarized my MG mid, I may never go back to a frame that is less than 12.6 oz with a 360g swingweight. The stability, plow through, control and weight of shot make tennis much more enjoyable for me, and after a few hours my body feels just fine with the adjustment. So much so that I've leaded up an LMP mid to try out today.

Others on these boards-- travelrajm, jollyrodger, and cc to name a few-- have written persuasively about their experiences with modifying frames and using heavier sticks. Some detractors seem to think that we're nuts and that this is not "scientific." That's fine with me. They can keep playing with whatever they like.

There are good reasons why the vast majority of pros lead up their frames. It's not some sort of religion or illogical belief system. They go by what works and by what feels good to them, and so should we.

So anybody else in? Here's what I'm thinking for Club "requirements":

Frame swingweight (pre or post customization): at least 355g

THAT'S IT. I can't think of any others. Let me know if you can. In the meanwhile, note your frame, it's head size, it's stock weight and SW, and how you customized it (if you did) and the final swingweight

THE HEAVY RACQUET LOVER'S CLUB

1. HarryZ: Head MGPM 93 sq in (89.5) stock 12.2oz, SW 328, polarized, >365g

 

[HydroYang]

Having recently polarized my MG mid, I may never go back to a frame that is less than 12.6 oz with a 360g swingweight. The stability, plow through, control and weight of shot make tennis much more enjoyable for me, and after a few hours my body feels just fine with the adjustment. So much so that I've leaded up an LMP mid to try out today.

Others on these boards-- travelrajm, jollyrodger, and cc to name a few-- have written persuasively about their experiences with modifying frames and using heavier sticks. Some detractors seem to think that we're nuts and that this is not "scientific." That's fine with me. They can keep playing with whatever they like.

There are good reasons why the vast majority of pros lead up their frames. It's not some sort of religion or illogical belief system. They go by what works and by what feels good to them, and so should we.

So anybody else in? Here's what I'm thinking for Club "requirements":

Frame swingweight (pre or post customization): at least 355g

THAT'S IT. I can't think of any others. Let me know if you can. In the meanwhile, note your frame, it's head size, it's stock weight and SW, and how you customized it (if you did) and the final swingweight

THE HEAVY RACQUET LOVER'S CLUB

1. HarryZ: Head MGPM 93 sq in (89.5) stock 12.2oz, SW 328, polarized, >365g

Does my 345g RQiS 1 Tour count??

 

[harryz]

That's heavy compared to most frames

But the club requires a minimum of 355g! Just kidding. Send your specs.

 

[VGP]

I've got four sets of frames with which I'm messing about at the moment....

1. Wilson PS85 Taiwan - 13.5 oz, 8pts headlight
2. Wilson PS85 China - 13.1 oz, 6pts headlight
3. Dunlop HM200g - 13.7 oz, 10pts headlight
4. Dunlop McEnroe Master II - 13.9 oz, 10pts headlight

I'm not on the court much.....matching and stringing frames is my winter time activity.....

 

[robJAR]

Dumb question, but how do you calculate swing weight? I leaded up two n6.1 95's to match weight and balance.. And I don't know how many pts. HL it is or swing weight...

-robJAR

 

[Tofi]

I cant send specs but i use a k90 that i love because of wieght and head size.

 

[swedechris]

what is the true definition of a polarized racket??.. merely putting equal amounts of lead top and bottom of the racket??help me out ..

 

[harryz]

RobJar- try the TW customization page link

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/LC/lcfrontpage.html

I'll find you the link for how to polarize or de-polarize the frame by adding lead to get to your desired weight.

updated club

1.
2. HydroYang: Yonex RQiS 1 Tour 345g
3. VGP: Wilson PS85 Taiwan - 13.5 oz, 8pts headlight
Wilson PS85 China - 13.1 oz, 6pts headlight
3. Dunlop HM200g - 13.7 oz, 10pts headlight
4. Dunlop McEnroe Master II - 13.9 oz, 10pts headlight

 

[harryz]

Whoops, Corrected Post

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/LC/lcfrontpage.html

I'll find you the link for how to polarize or de-polarize the frame by adding lead to get to your desired weight.

NOTE: Please note your main frame. I'll only post one going forward since I don't have enough time to enter, copy, paste and edit all info. Thanks!

updated club

1. HarryZ: Head MGPM 93 sq in (89.5) stock 12.2oz, SW 328, polarized, >365g
2. HydroYang: Yonex RQiS 1 Tour 345g
3. VGP: Wilson PS85 Taiwan - 13.5 oz, 8pts headlight
Wilson PS85 China - 13.1 oz, 6pts headlight Dunlop HM200g - 13.7 oz, 10pts headlight
Dunlop McEnroe Master II - 13.9 oz, 10pts headlight

 

[Tofi]

can i join???

 

[swedechris]

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/LC/lcfrontpage.html

I'll find you the link for how to polarize or de-polarize the frame by adding lead to get to your desired weight.

updated club

1.
2. HydroYang: Yonex RQiS 1 Tour 345g
3. VGP: Wilson PS85 Taiwan - 13.5 oz, 8pts headlight
Wilson PS85 China - 13.1 oz, 6pts headlight
3. Dunlop HM200g - 13.7 oz, 10pts headlight
4. Dunlop McEnroe Master II - 13.9 oz, 10pts headlight

ok, great thanks harryz for looking it up and posting it.. look forward to reading that and being able to try it out

 

[harryz]

Customization tool link

RobJar and SwedeChris, I hope that this helps

http://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/learning_center/customization.html

My understanding is that a polarized frame has extra weight at the butt cap and at 12 o'clock and a de-polarized frame has weight at 3 and 9 o'clock. Both are useful depending upon playing style and the types of results you want. The SW2 threads are very helpful on this.

THE HEAVY RACQUET PLAYER'S CLUB

1. HarryZ: Head MGPM 93 sq in (89.5) stock 12.2oz, SW 328, polarized, >365g
2. HydroYang: Yonex RQiS 1 Tour 345g
3. VGP: Wilson PS85 Taiwan - 13.5 oz, 8pts headlight, Wilson PS85 China - 13.1 oz, 6pts headlight, Dunlop HM200g - 13.7 oz, 10pts headlight, Dunlop McEnroe Master II - 13.9 oz, 10pts headlight
4. Tofi: Wilson K90, 12.5oz, 354g, SW 336 (Add some lead!)

 

[Thepowerofchoice]

Having recently polarized my MG mid, I may never go back to a frame that is less than 12.6 oz with a 360g swingweight. The stability, plow through, control and weight of shot make tennis much more enjoyable for me, and after a few hours my body feels just fine with the adjustment. So much so that I've leaded up an LMP mid to try out today.


THE HEAVY RACQUET LOVER'S CLUB

1. HarryZ: Head MGPM 93 sq in (89.5) stock 12.2oz, SW 328, polarized, >365g

Same experience here...

I'm using Head Radical Twin Tube 95 Zebra. I just CAPped it with Head Microgel Prestige grommets. I don't recall the weight before it was fully CAPped (may be 12.2oz 7 pts head light) but now it weight 12.9 oz and 4-5 points head light. Yes it is heftier to swing but it improves everything about my game. I'm in!!!

 

[Thepowerofchoice]

Same experience here...

I'm using Head Radical Twin Tube 95 Zebra. I just CAPped it with Head Microgel Prestige grommets. I don't recall the weight before it was fully CAPped (may be 12.2oz 7 pts head light) but now it weight 12.9 oz and 4-5 points head light. Yes it is heftier to swing but it improves everything about my game. I'm in!!!

Correction Zebra 1995. It is a Midplus 98 sq.in.

 

[orangettecoleman]

I lead up all my racquets to about 12 OZ and 8 pts headlight. i just like the stability and feel, and i rely on racquet mass to create power since i don't really swing that fast...
2 head ti 5300
1 prince cts precision OS
1 head LM radical OS
1 Wilson NPS

all 12 oz... maybe that gets me in the club...

 

[RestockingTues]

Wilson Javelin Mid (95)
13.7 oz
After I tried playing with my FXP Prestige Mid again it felt like a toy; I was scared I would shank the ball because I was swinging so fast

 

[swedechris]

Wilson Javelin Mid (95)
13.7 oz
After I tried playing with my FXP Prestige Mid again it felt like a toy; I was scared I would shank the ball because I was swinging so fast

ahh.. the javelin.. i loved that racket .. can you post a few pics.. i recall that one + the sting .. old school but no tennis fool stcks.

 

[markwillplay]

3 max 400i's

all at about 12.8 oz and 6-8 pts headlight (I have not officially measured the balance). Nothing less now. Too addictive. Love it.

 

[Pet]

Can i subscribe to the club of the men without one handbackhand because they always hit late?

 

[quest01]

I use a 12oz Babolat APDC.

 

[Mick]

anyone in this club has a heavier racquet than my stock kneissl white star big?

it is 14.4 oz (strung weight)

 

[goosala]

Can I join? I have owned:
POG mid
Yonex RDX500
Yonex RD-Ti 70 88
Wilson PS85
Wilson Sting mid
Yamaha Secret 04
Kneissl White Star Pro Masters
Prince Power Pro 90
Wilson Pro Staff Classic 6.1 95
Pro Staff Tour 90
KFactor 90 ( a beast)
Donnay Pro One International
Pro Kennex Redondo mid

I currently use the Yonex RDS001 90. I can not use anything under 12 ozs. because there is no stability in my swings.

 

[harryz]

Updated member list

THE HEAVY RACQUET PLAYER'S CLUB

1. HarryZ: Head MGPM 93 sq in (89.5) stock 12.2oz, SW 328, polarized, >365g
2. HydroYang: Yonex RQiS 1 Tour 345g
3. VGP: Wilson PS85 Taiwan - 13.5 oz, 8pts headlight, Wilson PS85 China - 13.1 oz, 6pts headlight, Dunlop HM200g - 13.7 oz, 10pts headlight, Dunlop McEnroe Master II - 13.9 oz, 10pts headlight
4. Tofi: Wilson K90, 12.5oz, 354g, SW 336 (Add some lead!)
5. Thepowerofchoice: Head Radical Twin Tube 12.9oz 4-5 points HL
6. RestockingTues: Wilson Javelin Mid (95) 13.7 oz
7. Markwillplay: Dunlop 400i 12.8oz 6-8 pts HL
8. Mick: Kneissl white star big 14.4oz stock, strung !!!

Orangettecoleman (great name!), Goosala and others-- 12oz is not HEAVY. Unstrung that is about 336g or so, maybe a bit more. If we keep changing the definition, soon it will be the "medium mass player's club"... So get busy with some lead tape, boys. Once you adjust, you'll be glad ya' did.

PS I have a friend who is a Sports Trainer who used to work on Tennis Players down in LA in the late 80s and practiced with a few pros as well, including Jim Pugh, Pam Teegarden and Brian Teacher (who won the Australian Open in 1980). Teacher's Kennex Black Ace weighed 19.5oz. That's right--- 19.5. AND he played serve and volley tennis with it. Now THAT is HEAVY.

 

[fuzz nation]

The Kneissl White Star...

...endorsed by Soldier of Fortune magazine as "ideal for home defense".

Jiminy Cricket - that thing must volley like a cinderblock with a handle!

 

[ag200boy]

i got a 12.8 oz tour 90 and a 13.2 oz AG200 count me in!

 

[Mick]

The Kneissl White Star...

...endorsed by Soldier of Fortune magazine as "ideal for home defense".

Jiminy Cricket - that thing must volley like a cinderblock with a handle!

haha. my stringer is a big guy (about 6 feet 5) and he told me the racquet i was picking up was too heavy. that's when he measured and told me how much it weighted.

 

[T1000]

2 rds 001 mids

head - 90
sw - around 370
weight - 13.5 oz

 

[Matty G]

i got a 12.8 oz tour 90 and a 13.2 oz AG200 count me in!

Ag where have you place your lead on you 200?

 

[T1000]

double post

 

[In D Zone]

Definitely in this group.

Here are some of the racquet I own.
N90 - 12.6oz
K90 - 12.8oz
RDS001 90 - 12.4oz
DNX10 mid - 12.8oz
BB11 Mid - 12.4oz
Volkl Tournament Pro 93 - 12.5oz
SRD Tour 90 - 12.7oz

13oz and above:
SRD 95 -13.4oz
NXG Mid - 13.1oz
Prince Mono - 13.2oz
Foz WB210 - 13.0oz

 

[JacKKyKung]

Due to unstable AG100, so i added weight up to 371 g.

Not only lead, i added more 1 leather grip, 1 pieces of 1/2 size heat sleeve.

Count me in.

 

[vndesu]

anyone in this club has a heavier racquet than my stock kneissl white star big?

it is 14.4 oz (strung weight)

does my wilson javelin count?
it has a leather grip too

 

[Mick]

does my wilson javelin count?
it has a leather grip too

it would if it meets the club founder's requirement:

"Frame swingweight (pre or post customization): at least 355g"

 

[Matty G]

To take this tread to the next level post pics of your lead set-up's!

 

[RestockingTues]

ahh.. the javelin.. i loved that racket .. can you post a few pics.. i recall that one + the sting .. old school but no tennis fool stcks.

I'll be happy to post pics The racket's too much of a beauty not to!

 

[RestockingTues]

THE HEAVY RACQUET PLAYER'S CLUB

1. HarryZ: Head MGPM 93 sq in (89.5) stock 12.2oz, SW 328, polarized, >365g
2. HydroYang: Yonex RQiS 1 Tour 345g
3. VGP: Wilson PS85 Taiwan - 13.5 oz, 8pts headlight, Wilson PS85 China - 13.1 oz, 6pts headlight, Dunlop HM200g - 13.7 oz, 10pts headlight, Dunlop McEnroe Master II - 13.9 oz, 10pts headlight
4. Tofi: Wilson K90, 12.5oz, 354g, SW 336 (Add some lead!)
5. Thepowerofchoice: Head Radical Twin Tube 12.9oz 4-5 points HL
6. RestockingTues: Wilson Javelin Mid (95) 13.7 oz
7. Markwillplay: Dunlop 400i 12.8oz 6-8 pts HL
8. Mick: Kneissl white star big 14.4oz stock, strung !!!

Orangettecoleman (great name!), Goosala and others-- 12oz is not HEAVY. Unstrung that is about 336g or so, maybe a bit more. If we keep changing the definition, soon it will be the "medium mass player's club"... So get busy with some lead tape, boys. Once you adjust, you'll be glad ya' did.

PS I have a friend who is a Sports Trainer who used to work on Tennis Players down in LA in the late 80s and practiced with a few pros as well, including Jim Pugh, Pam Teegarden and Brian Teacher (who won the Australian Open in 1980). Teacher's Kennex Black Ace weighed 19.5oz. That's right--- 19.5. AND he played serve and volley tennis with it. Now THAT is HEAVY.

:shock: How do you even make a racket that heavy? That's about a month of minimum wage of lead tape...

 

[Petekbladetour1]

mines 340. is that good enough?

 

[RestockingTues]

mines 340. is that good enough?

Frame swingweight (pre or post customization): at least 355g

Get some lead bro

 

[harryz]

Will update the list later...

RestockingTues--- I have a good amount of lead on the handle, a leather grip, and 12" of lead at 12 o'clock. Lots of added weight.

MattyG-- great idea for pics!

Not sure whether the info about Brian Teacher is true; it seems exaggerated to me. I can fathom 15oz but 19+?

Since guys are listing all of their racquets, I'm going to stick to names only going forward. Let me know your thoughts on club requirements. I might have "started" the club but there's no orthodoxy here. I just think that frames are best at a minimum of 12.6oz... Most or many frames, that is....

 

[McLovin]

Are we measuring the frame as I play w/ it, meaning strung & w/ overwrap? If so, mine come in @ 12.6 oz (weighed them on a postal scale), which equals 357g. I've added a few strips of lead in the throat, but thats it.

Stock weight is 334g.

I don't know how to measure swingweight

 

[RestockingTues]

RestockingTues--- I have a good amount of lead on the handle, a leather grip, and 12" of lead at 12 o'clock. Lots of added weight.

MattyG-- great idea for pics!

Not sure whether the info about Brian Teacher is true; it seems exaggerated to me. I can fathom 15oz but 19+?

Since guys are listing all of their racquets, I'm going to stick to names only going forward. Let me know your thoughts on club requirements. I might have "started" the club but there's no orthodoxy here. I just think that frames are best at a minimum of 12.6oz... Most or many frames, that is....

I'll have to edit my post, that was directed at Peter

 

[RestockingTues]

We think we're badass for playing with a 12.6 oz rackets, and Jolly'll show up and make us look like grade school kids...

 

[ag200boy]

Ag where have you place your lead on you 200?

i have 16g along the bevels, 6g at 3 and 9 and 10g wrapped around right above the handle

 

[Matty G]

i have 16g along the bevels, 6g at 3 and 9 and 10g wrapped around right above the handle

Sounds really nice! When i messed around with lead i really enjoyed my groundies with lead @ 12 when just rallying but when it came to flattening them out i liked lead at 3/9 so i just left them stock

 

[madmanfool]

Prince O3 tour MP: 370 grams (13 ounces); swingweight: 370-380

 

[ag200boy]

Sounds really nice! When i messed around with lead i really enjoyed my groundies with lead @ 12 when just rallying but when it came to flattening them out i liked lead at 3/9 so i just left them stock

yeah i was starting to get the feeling that my stock AG200 was getting bullied around now that i am playing higher level players then i used to, but now it feels super stable and i can just RIP my groundies :twisted:

 

[RestockingTues]

Prince O3 tour MP: 370 grams (13 ounces); swingweight: 370-380

How do you lead up a Oport racket?

 

[madmanfool]

How do you lead up a Oport racket?

You put the lead tape next to the holes obviously. I cut the lead tape in stripes of 4 mm.

 

[HydroYang]

HydroYang: Yonex RQiS 1 Tour 12.2 oz 9pts headlight

 

[lilxjohnyy]

got a 13.7 ounce Prestige Classic 600 green and silver. Only reason why it weighs so much is cuz someone put silicon on one side of handle and not other so i added a lot of lead tape to make it balanced.