Racquet Customization [3 Applications | Adding Weight to the Handle of a Racquet]
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- Опубликовано: 1 июн 2022
- There are two main benefits when adding weight to the handle of your racquet.
1) Give your racquet a more solid feel.
2) Make your racquet balance point more head light.
Although adding weight to the handle will change the balance point, it does not affect the swingweight of the racquet. Ultimately, it's the swingweight of a racquet is what players will feel.
Here are the three applications of adding weight to the handle of your racquet:
1) 2:55 - Tungsten putty
2) 5:50 - Lead tape under the grip
3) 9:20 - Lead tape at the top of the handle
REFERENCES
Here's where I get my tungsten putty www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06...
7:26 - Grip Sizer tool - • Racquet Customization ...
8:37 -Audio Sound Deadening Application Rolling Wheel Roller - • Racquet Customization ...
10:22 - Custom Overgrip Wrap video - • Racquet Customization ...
4TH APPLICATION USING SILICONE
If you're a Premium Member, check it out here - gssalliance.com/iart-member-c...
Check out the International Alliance of Racquet Technicians, their community of passionate racquet stringers, and what they have to offer!
gssalliance.com/
For information about becoming a Master Racquet Technician or Certified Stringer, go to the United States Racquet Stringers Association - racquettech.com/
For more information about private stringing lessons, either in-person or by FaceTime, go to my website - amstringing.com/stringing-les...
REFERENCES
AM Stringing - amstringing.com/
Email - amstringing@gmail.com
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I’m really loving your videos. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge!
Aloha,
I'm happy to share and appreciate your support! I noticed your "handle name." Do you have a tennis shop or racquet stringing business in the US? 🤙
@@amstringing1 I do. My name is Jay Bazinet. I’m located in Connecticut. I operate out of the club I work at, Lyme Shores Racquet Club. I am an MRT who is always looking to learn new and better ways to do things.
@@shorelinestringingracquetc9550 Cool, glad to make your acquaintance! In addition to your MRT certification, I'm assuming you're a USPTA teaching professional! Nice to see you have both! Mahalo, Albert
Great! Thanks for spreading love for the game!
Great video and analysis. Very much appreciated. One variable that you did not mention to Roman was the Twist Weight. In my opinion, that's the variable most difficult to come to terms with as it hinders the manoeuvrability of the racquet face. Solutions for that would be grateful.
Aloha, That would have been an interesting question to ask Roman. To be honest, I don't really factor in the twistweight measurement when customizing frames. Here's a good resource if you want more information about twistweight. Tennis Warehouse University - twu.tennis-warehouse.com/learning_center/specsandspeed.php
Lead at the top of the handle helped the recoil weight on my racket that's a spec that rarely gets talked about.
What do you mean by that? If you dont mind explaning! Thanks
@@brunoalves3736 More stability so the racket doesn't twist in your hand or cause extra vibrations. Feels like a more "solid" hit
@@brunoalves3736 most people think of stability only on the axis around the 3/9 but there’s stability that helps it from recoiling backwards at impact
Trying this next 👍
It also helps the racquet come through contact faster. I usually put around 30g at the top of the handle.
Aloha Coach AM! Mahalo for another excellent & informative vid. A helpful word of caution to your younger viewers is about the safety on handling of lead. Even for yourself if you’re customizing many rackets is to wear gloves & always wash your hands after handling lead as lead even in small amounts will accumulate and build up over time in our bodies becoming neurologically harmful & even potentially fatal. Worst is that lead poisoning isn’t reversible. Don’t wanna be a Kevin here, but just be safe 👍 It’s a very good reason why Tungsten is also preferred besides its density. The only issue with Tungsten tapes, is that the way they are made being rubber infused or coated, they just aren’t as malleable & thin as lead, but the putty definitely works well under the buttcap. The ending of your vid felt a little rushed & sudden, but it made sense to save the best for IART 😅 When will your wifey, Mrs. M, come on an episode to help you out? 😜 Mahalo & take care 🤙 You left out your motto/ outro of letting your strings play 🕸🎶 😇
Good advice.
Aloha Kenzo, Thanks! Yes, good point about washing your hands. I was assuming anyone working with lead would know, but I'll point it out when I do my next video (Part 2 - Adding Weight to the Head of the Racquet). When I customize junior player racquets, I'll advise the child and parents regarding the (non) handling of lead on their racquets. In addition, I apply four layers of clear coat to provide extra protection too.
Our husband and wife video is in the making but will probably be more than a couple of weeks. I have some new products arriving and will be showcasing them first.
I watched the video again and noticed the closing motto is still there. I'm not sure if your feed was shortened. Someone else mentioned that parts of the video didn't play for him in another video. I'm not sure what that's all about?
Tennis Warehouse Tungsten Tape is the best. Never comes off and is just as good as lead if not better. It comes with M3 Adhesive at the back.
A really useful video, thank you.
The presenter sounds just like Michael Collins, legendary astronaut. I’m not American, so can I ask: Is that a regional accent, or just individual variation?
Aloha Rob,
Thanks for watching and glad it was useful!
Thank you for the history lesson. 😃 I had to Google Michael Collins to hear what you meant about the accent since I didn't realize I had one. 🤣I don't think I have a regional accent, so it must be an individual thing.
I'm not sure if you know this, but have you heard of the Pidgin Language used in Hawaii? Although I can speak it, I don't think I'll be using this in any of my videos! 🤣
Here's a funny video I found on RUclips created by a local comedian.
ruclips.net/video/OaolMcl8v0I/видео.htmlsi=avCqJ5ZkVPnUBfy-
Great video. Whatabout putting silicone in the handle to make it more head light? This is my preferred method, even though it's irreversible. Woops, I should've watched the video to the end before commenting.
Aloha, Thanks! Yes, silicone works great too! I posted that video on the IART website.
Thank you for the video. Quick question: where did you get the grip sizer? I've been searching for something like that but no luck so far.
Aloha Papa,
Thanks for finding my channel and watching the video!
I make these Grip Sizers. Check out this video and follow the instructions if you'd like me to send you one. 🤙
ruclips.net/video/qAdo1wtPt40/видео.html
Great video. I’d like to add weight at 8 inches from the buttcap. What do you recommend ? Silicone in the handle ? Lead on the handle under the grip ? Regards
Aloha Clement, I would recommend adding lead to the top of the handle. Watch this video from 9:20.
@@amstringing1 Need to add 12g at 3cm from buttcap (sorry aboug grams and centimeters ;-)) Should go directly in the handle using cotton and silicone ?
@@3DNeuroTennis Yes, You can inject 6 grams of silicone in each chamber of the handle. However, you may have to inject the silicone deeper than 3cm from the butt cap in order to get up to 12 grams of weight.
Hi coach. You said adding weight on the handle do not affect maneuverability. That applied to one hand backhand too? Cos in my mind if a racket is heavier on top its harder to maintain an one hander backhand. I'm askin it because thats why I've ended up here. Just bought an Ezone Tour with 4pt HL and was thinking on maybe add weight on the handle to improve my one hand backhand with that racket. Could you give me your opinion about that?
Aloha Leonardo,
As I mentioned, adding weight to the handle will not change the swingweight but will give the racquet a more solid feel. This applies to 1-handed and 2-handed players alike.
Your Ezone 98 Tour has a high swingweight of 332 in stock form. Your racquet is listed as 332 grams strung, which is also high in terms of static weight. However, these numbers can affect players differently, especially competitive, sensitive players that can actually feel these things.
For example, I have a 1-handed backhand and my preferred racquet specs are 340 swingweight, and 340 grams in static weight. To be honest, I could probably play with your racquet specs since it's pretty close to my specs. However, I know I can handle the higher spec numbers, so I always customize my frames to match those numbers. Some of it might be psychological too . . . 🤓
Question: What aspect of your backhand are you trying to improve?
If you're looking for more power, then you might want to consider adding weight to the head.
If you're looking for more spin, then you might want to consider switching to another racquet with a lower swingweight to increase your racquet head speed.
If you're looking for a more solid (controlled) feel, then adding weight to the handle might help.
I hope this helps!
@@amstringing1 Aloha coach. My backhand is a flatter hit so I definitely look more for control over power or spin. I guess I will stick to my plan and may use one of your lead tricks to add a bit of weight on the handle. Big thanks for your response !
Hey again Albert do you have a reco on flat head screwdrivers or other tools to pry the staples out from the butt cap without tearing it apart? Im never successful with anything in my toolbox. Cheers
Aloha Akbar,
Yes, as a matter of fact, did you watch the video I published today? I have the perfect tool for you! You can get it from Amazon and the link is in the video description.
Another tool that I use is a beat-up flush cutting plier (not the same one I use to string with). If the staple happens to break, you can use the cutting plier to grab onto the fragment and pull it out that way. I hope that makes sense, otherwise, I'll need to make a video on it! 🤣🤙
@@amstringing1 Hey hey Albert was it the video on awls?
@@applesforakbar Yes, here you go - ruclips.net/video/igDWN2o_qmE/видео.html
@@amstringing1 Thanks Albert!
i have blue tak putty, it weight much less than tunsgten so i ll guess i ll have to put more, do you think it makes any difference in terms of how the racket will feel with blue tak, tunsgten or even silicone compared to just using a leather grip?
Aloha Martin,
In my opinion, here's how the applications you mentioned will affect the feel of the frame.
* Leather grip - Feedback will be enhanced, and the bevels of the grip will be more pronounced.
* Silicone - Feedback will be slightly dampened.
* Blue Tak & Tungsten - Feedback will be neutral compared to the other two applications.
Happy Customization! 🤙
Very informative clear anwer! , thanks a lot!
Would Blu tack work the same as tungsten putty if I put it in the trap door? I’ve tried it in my head speed pro without the cotton and I’ve had no issues so far.
Aloha Emmanuel, I've never used Blu Tack, but it sounds like an alternative to Tungsten putty. I'm curious how dense the material is? Meaning, how much Blu Tack it would take to match the same weight of Tungsten putty?
Hmmm . . sounds like it could be an interesting experiment! Thanks for sharing :)
@@amstringing1 I'm not sure how much it would take to match the same weight of Tungsten putty because I haven't used Tungsten putty yet. I just thought it would make a good alternative because I didn't have any leather grips or lead/tungsten tape in stock to tail weight my racquets. So far it seems like there's been no need to place a cotton ball in the handle before the Blu tack due to it's density.
Is it ok just to add 2 led strips to the handle? Instead of 4? If I do only 2 strips, would you do the top or the ones that face the racket strings? Thanks
Aloha Carlos, Yes, it's perfectly fine to add two strips of lead tape on the handle under the grip. I'm not sure if you're familiar with the bevel numbers of a grip, but if you're not, you can Google, "bevel numbers of a tennis grip." So to answer your question, you can install the lead tape on bevels #3 and #7 or #1 and #5. If you prefer a "squarish" grip shape, go with #3 and #7. If you prefer a "rectangular" grip shape, go with #1 and #5. I hope that makes sense. 🤙
@@amstringing1 Ok, thanks 👍🏽🎾💥🚀
Hello, i used to use to rf97 pro staff for a long time, now its discpntinued and i am trying to addapt the 315 pro staff as the 340 version, but i cant find it. I added weght on 9h -2g, 3h-2g and 12h-1g. Plus i put a leather grip. The racquet now weights 329g but its got too much weight in the head and the ballance feels all strange. Do you have ideas for this customization? Too bad wilson discontinued this prostaff 340g
Aloha Luan,
Thanks for finding this video and checking it out!
Based on the information you provided and from what I could find on the stock racquet specs, your 315 PS should be close to the specs of the 340 PS, with the exception of the static weight. By adding the 5 grams of lead tape at 3:00/9:00/12:00 positions, it should increase the swingweight by about 12 units. The difference between the 315 PS and 340 PS is about 14 units, but there is always the chance that you may have a 315 PS that happens to be on the higher end of the manufacturing tolerance.
If you want to reduce the swingweight by half (6 units), try adding 1.5 grams to 3:00/9:00. You can keep your static weight as is, or if you want it at 329 grams, then you can add 2 grams to the handle.
If you feel like you want to increase your swing to 9 units, then move the 1.5 grams up to 1:00/11:00 (about 4 holes from the center).
Good luck, let me know if this helps! 🤙
@@amstringing1 Hey, thank you for your so kind answer. I have tried to add weight in the handle, underneath the leather grip. I added about 7g and reduced a little to 1.5g at 3:00 and 1.5g at 9:00. and kept the 1g at the top. It weights overall a bit less than 340, and honesly, I felt great when added weight in the handle. It felt pretty much like the RF Pro Staff.
It may sound a bit scary to add this weight, but feels great with the ground strokes and volleys. It really runs the ball forward.
@@luanlovelyman Great! It sounds like you figured out the winning recipe!! 🤙
Where do I have to put lead tape to reduce the power of the racket to have more control?
Aloha Paco,
Interesting question. 🤔It's not something that is usually mentioned.
Here's my opinion.
1) You can't reduce whatever power is inherent in the racquet. In other words, "it is what it is."
2) However, you can increase control in terms of stability, especially if you tend to hit your groundstrokes flat. Then 3:00 &9:00 locations in the head would make sense.
3) You can also increase control in terms of feeling more solid by adding weight to the throat of the frame.
4) Of course, you can increase the reference tension of your current strings or switch to stiffer strings to enhance the control of your racquet, too. 🤙
@@amstringing1 Thanks for your answer.
What the difference in affect from adding weight to the top of the handle vs the buttcap? Thanks
Aloha,
Good question. Here's how I would explain what I've noticed when adding weight in those two areas of the frame
The BALANCE of the frame will be affected slightly by the weight added to the butt cap (more headlight) compared to the weight added to the top of the handle.
However, the SWINGWEIGHT is hardly affected in either application because both are located close to the player's hand. Swingweight is a dynamic measurement and is what a player will feel when the racquet is swung.
In both applications, the RECOIL WEIGHT will be increased. This will improve the racquet's ability to counterbalance the impact of the ball, and therefore enhance the stability and comfort of the frame. 🤙
@@amstringing1 okay, thank you. I just had my racquet customized. I gave him the static, balance and swingweight I wanted. He reached my specs, but put led at the top of the handle and at the bottom. It felt really handle heavy. I ripped out the top led and put on the bottom. It felt better. Swing weight should be the same which is good, and now maybe 1 cm more headlight. Thanks for the feedback. Still waiting to see how it feels performance wise. Thanks again
@@joseppi4cinqua Now you got me wondering. How much lead tape (weight) did you remove from the top of the handle? And did you fit it inside the butt cap or did you install it under your grip? In either case, the increased weight should feel the most evident when hitting "blocking-type" shots like your volleys and service returns. Happy hitting!
@@amstringing1 it was one revolution of about two finger width led tape that I removed from the top of the handle. I didn’t want to undo the entire grip or take of the butt cap, so I just cut it in half and put the two pieces on top of the replacement grip then put the over grip over it. I haven’t hit with it yet but in my hand it does feel a bit more maneuverable than with that piece at the top of the handle.
It’s a blade 100l v8 that I made 318 static, 33.3 balance and a 320 swingweight. I can’t wait to hit with it.
I added about an ounce of weight using wilson racket head protector
Aloha Joseph, Wow, do you remember how much tape you had to use to achieve 1 ounce of weight? Also, what part of the handle did you apply it to?
@@amstringing1 It was a couple years ago. If I try to peel it back, it looks like 3 strips but maybe there is more hiding underneath. I think I actually did multiple smaller strips at 10,2, and 12, and then two long strips that go all the way from 3 to 9 over the top. Then for the handle I think I put 1 or 2 strips at 3 6 9 and 12 and added 3 over grips.
If you have a scale you could weigh the strips and be precise. It's about 7-8 points Headlight, which is ideal for a racket that weighs 353 grams.
@@Joecuzzi I was mainly concerned that you wrapped multiple layers of head tape on the pallet to achieve the static weight you wanted. In that process, it sounds like the beveled edges of the pallet became more rounded, which I guess didn't matter to you.
@@amstringing1 Oh, no I didn't wrap the handle. The handle has different sides that my coach refers to like a clock. So I placed a strip on 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock on the handle that run parallel with the handle. Not sure if this made the handle rounder but it might have changed the shape. With 3 over grips it's not noticeable, to me. I think next time I will wrap it right above the grip or just add ear plugs to the trap door.
@@Joecuzzi Okay, got it!
If you installed the head tape on those four bevels (3, 6, 9, 12), then the shape of the grip should remain the same. When adding weight to the handle, I prefer to wrap the lead tape at the top section of the grip (up to 1" in width), where it won't affect the grip size or shape. When placed in this location, the swingweight will be the same compared to wrapping head tape on the handle.
The other two options for adding weight to the handle include:
* Inject silicone inside the handle
* Install tungsten putty inside the handle
First of I want to be able to refer to you properly in the future so I am curious as to what your first name is. Tried finding it on your website or on the channel but no luck. But the main reason for commenting was I know your a Prince fan. I saw a can of Prince tennis balls at my Sport Chek here in Canada and I have to say that they were unfortunately really disappointing. But every tennis company has things they are good at and things they aren't good at so it's not surprising. They really aren't known for balls. Just wanted to let you know incase you ever came across them and thought of giving them a try. I would say they are really only worth buying the can for adding to a collection of tennis ball cans.
I believe his name is Albert…
Aloha, Yes my name is Albert Murata. I'm familiar with the Prince balls that were made around 2015. The Tour Extra Duty was their premium ball that was comparable to the Pro Penn Marathon balls. They were very durable and I used them in my teaching cart because of that. I'm thinking you must have purchased their cheaper grade ball called the Championship ball? I've never tried those balls. Sorry to hear about your experience, but yes that would be one can I don't have! Thanks for sharing . . . Mahalo!
@@amstringing1 its definitely a lower quality ball. It isn't labeled championship and I would say it's a little lower quality then what you normally think of with a ball marked championship. I also found the pressure to be quiet low and varied a noticeable amount from ball to ball. The can is black and green and the balls don't have numbers. Just the name Prince™ on them.
@@forgetfulpriestiv14 Wow, maybe that could be a collector's item for that reason . . . lol!
@@amstringing1 well the funny thing is that I hit with this one gentleman and he's like you. Been playing for decades and I told him about the Prince balls. He got really excited for a second because he was telling me about 2 or 3 years ago. Sports Chek in Canada used to carry Prince tennis balls but he said they were his favorite balls and they were very high quality. So he was really excited at first until I told him about the current ones they have in and the problems they have.
How on earth did you get the lead tape to stick to the foam handle? NOTHING STICKS to it. That foam is adhesive resistant.
Aloha,
Yes, some pallets are more slick than others. And I think some lead tape adhesives are stickier than others. The one I use for the pallet is 1" in width but I cut it in half so it can stick better.
If you want to make the pallet more "adhesive friendly," you can lightly roughen up the surface with sandpaper or file.
Here's the 1" lead tape that I use specifically for this purpose from Amazon.
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LFP8GCW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1 🤙
Thank you for the reply. I use Wilson and Prince rackets and both foams are totally resistant. I thought of your method of roughening up the surface but then I thought its the material itself that is resistant...there is no additional coating on the foam. But heck... I'll give it a go anyway. thank you!@@amstringing1
@@OldSkoolLegend Yes, once you break through the outer surface, you should be good. When I have to shave down a pallet to reduce a racquet's grip size, I have to deal with the same issue. 👍
Thank you! reassuring! now on that same racket i felt the buttcap coming loose. haha... got a lot of work to do on it. I use the Ultra Pro from Wilson Pro labs.@@amstringing1
does adding an overgrip increase/decrease the swing weight of the racquet? if so, by how much?