ADDING LEAD TO YOUR RACKET: WHERE TO PUT IT AND WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS

[@jiboo6850]

a lil tip for you. buy some poster paste and a small scale at 0.1g precision. maybe 15/20 bucks the total. try different weight by cutting the paste in small balls 1,2,3,4,5g and try them on the inside of the frame until you are happy and weigh the piece(s) of paste. like this you can cut the lead tape at the right amount without messing with it. just measure the length of the piece of tape + weigh the piece of tape and do the maths. you'll know exactly how much of tape length will give you the exact weight you need. no messing around with taping, untaping etc... until you're happy. it can be a waste of lead.

[@ReformedFaith1003]

Hi ! Thanks for the video. I play tennis and have been a coach for 15 years. I bought the Blade 98/305gr (What an amazing racket) Even though it is "perfect", to teach and play at an intermediate level,I felt that I lacked power and stability when I actually trained with high-level players. I added 8gr to each racket at 3 and 9 hours. My feedback is: Now I make less effort, I literally just touch the ball and it hits the bottom very easily. I'm difficulty finding control in this beginning. It looks like another racket to me, completely different. Another thing is the rigidity of the racket that is visible increased. Now it vibrates more and that sensation Buttery beat, inherent from Blade v.7 is gone. Handling has also changed, becoming more difficult. It will be a matter of adapting to these points, but in fact, it's amazing that personalization changes the whole of the racket and not just what you actually want. Thanks

[@hannesreinhardt1399]

I believe lead application is especially benefitial for making two raquets equally spect. I have two babolat pure control that differed in weight and distribution. and i added lead to the lighter one until it had the same weight, balance point and swingweight as the heavier one. Two identical raquets now which is awesome. And if now i want a heavier raquet i can just beef both up the same way.

[@EL-em3mn]

That was an explanation and a half. Thank you for covering every angle of this topic for complete comprehension.

[@joso5554]

A very interesting and practical video. One remark though : putting lead at 12 or 6 o’clock increases longitudinal stability and expands the sweet spot up or down respectively. Putting lead on the sides (typically at 3 and 9 o’clock) increases lateral stability and expands the sweet spot laterally. Any intermediate clock positions will produce a combination of some of both effects. Another positive of adding some weight to the head is that you get a better dynamic feel of the racquet’s position and orientation whenever you are swinging it. Just putting some protective tape on top of the frame from 10 to 2 o’clock might be enough weight if you just want that feel without much weight added.

[@MrMSS22]

I wouldn't start with 3 and 9 o'clock, because it changes multiple parameters at the same time: weight, swingweight, recoilweight and most importantly twist weight. By increasing the latter, one trades maneuverability vs better stability, but this comes at the cost of less feedback on whether you hit the sweetspot or not. Instead, I would start with small amounts at 12, since this has the biggest impact on swingweight without altering the static weight too much. It is also easy to counterbalance by putting the same amount in the buttcap.

[@jammies701]

Thank you for the input! Loved this video, but I also feel like going 3/9 first is a faulty way to start, but I couldn’t word why

[@raresticks]

OMG.. That shirt is so dope!! I've wondered for years what my Chinese hitting partners were screaming out loud after a bad miss or an unforced. Out of common courtesy, I never asked for a translation (although I could imagine). Awesome gift idea.

[@stephan552]

Thanks for the video and all the good ideas. Agreed with everything however I would not suggest start with adding lead at 3 and 9 UNLESS the player feels a lack of stability e.g. racquet wanting to twist out of his hand. I had added 2 g at each of 3 and 9 on my Vcore SV 98 and initially liked the increase stability (twistweight). Then progressively added up to 7.5 g in the head but learned to dislike the stability so I removed what I had initially put at 3 and 9. Adding the longer strips of lead at head had increased stability to the point the racquet was not maneuverable enough for me. Good again now without the 3 and 9 strips. The Vcore SV already has a decent stock twistweight of 13.8. I was probably over 15 which is probably excessive for most players (I am a 4.0-4.5 depending on how frequently I play lol). I have stiffened my Hyper G strings by going to a 16L gauge (from 17) and added 9g in the butt (my father in-law had small lead plates lying around the garage that fit perfectly after a little shaping with a cutter). Can't wait to try the stick in a few days.

[@stephan552]

Follow-up: my racquet being a 355 swingweight and 185 recoil weigt. Just way too powerful along with the stiffer hyper-G 16L at 55 lbs. Lots of respect for the pros who mostly play with sticks in thes weight range. So I removed the weight in the butt and the 3in or so tape i had doubled up at 12 oclock. Played with it again and although better i still had some balls way out and never got a good racquet feel. I don't think i will be able to keep the 16L, may try the SOFT version.

[@michaelp9061]

These shirt is fire. You right It says AI Ya.

[@CahalanTennis]

Ai Ya! Just a meaningless exclamation commonly heard on our courts by Chinese players

[@stignatius1625]

@@CahalanTennis nope, it’s frustration like us saying shit when we miss a ball

[@vincentt7451]

@@stignatius1625 it's more like oh, oops

[@stignatius1625]

@@vincentt7451 chinese exclamation of frustration, annoyance, anger, etc. similar to d'oh, oh crap, ah shit, Yea all similar

[@btf10]

Hi. Thanks for the explanation. After 4 years of using rf97 I am moving to 97 v13. I like every aspect of rf97 except its static weight and maneuverability. 97 v13 is 315 and is more maneuverable. Can I use the led strips to improve aspects that v13 lacks in comparison to rf97? Tnx!

[@RossBayCult]

Yes you can and you can make it a heavier swing weight, but lower static weight than the RF97

[@dimco314]

yes youre right. rafa definitely useing 2 stripes of lead tape all underneath the bumper. Maybe even a 3rd strip right at 12 oclock because its been reported that he upped his swingweight by about 2-3g in 2017 (uncle toni said that in aninterview in 2017). Makes for a swingweight about 370. Think about how fast he whips it around, crazy

[@bradmcnutt9533]

Thanks for the knowledge. This overview is helpful for someone like me that isn’t incredibly meticulous, mathematical or with a lot of extra time to do all the calculations and engineering. While not an exact class in the math/physics, very helpful general direction for someone experimenting.

[@edge7799]

The most important factor for a racquet is overall weight also for preventing shoulder and arm injuries.You need a racquet that weighs at least 12 onz or 340 g and swing weight is how you control the depth of the ball.You need at least 330 for this.Easiest way is 8 grams of 1/4 tape at 12 and 5 to 10 inches.For stability and twist weight stability is at 3 and 9 5 to 6inch of 1/2 inch tape.Rafa and Roger put it at 12 to maximize spin it twists the racquet head quicker.

[@KienPham-vq6uo]

I would recommend adding lead at around either 9 and 3 or around 10 and 2 to get a good baseline

[@KienPham-vq6uo]

@stamadeus6 Should be good, 3 and 9 is perfect for stability and any weight added to the head should give u more power.

[@Keroppikun]

You can get 1/2inch lead from the local fishing tackle shop - Much less expensive than the made-for-tennis packs. Adding double-sided tape takes a little work, mind you.

[@jiboo6850]

you can buy golf lead roller on amazon for nothing. but the sticking face isn't great so i still added good double face sticking tape. works great and way cheaper. actually a tad thicker as well so you don't even have to put as much length on the frame.

[@sherifhassan9791]

Thanks so much that was very informative and detailed...keep up the great work and knowledge sharing brother!

[@JMag94]

Great! Just what I needed to know 🙌

[@brenthargreaves7085]

Ivan Lendl's coach lived in my town and he would come here to train his old racquets were sold in a 2nd hand sports shop , there were dozens of them they were so heavy with lead tape I could barely hold them like a racquet they were more of a club!

[@stevlehr]

I volley at the net better if the head of my racket is less stable. Head Prestige Rev Pro. Easier to quickly adjust racket face at the net. Use muscle to stabilize racket. So adding weight at 3 and 9 is a no no for me. Lead tape at the 12. I add a leather grip with tourna over wrap for more weight. I originally intended adding one ounce of tungsten putty in the handle, wrapped in a couple cotton balls to get to a 13 ounce racket, but 12 ounces is working well for me now. My best tennis was at 13 ounces, but now 30 years later.

[@repriser9876]

If it is only that simple as he explained!!!! Roger, Rafa, Novak have manufacturer custom racquets for them. He didn't mention to calculate balance, center of percussion, swing weight. I calculate all these. When you put in handle and 3&9 or just 12o'clock the swing weight changed and sweet spot moves towards top and HH. If you only put inside butt cap, the racquet moves toward more HL, that drag you sweet spot towards throat.

[@jaikrishnanarunrajhesh901]

Beautiful explanation, thanks a lot 🙏

[@carloslam2999]

Greetings from Hong Kong. Great explanation! Yes, it is pronounced as aiya!

[@tennisfitapp]

Goos video! Yes most pros put lots of extra weight in the head so racket head crashes the ball!! Amateur players please dont try so much as physically rackets will be too heavy for you! Pros are stronger physically so they can use 360-380 grams racket but not good for recreational players 👏💪🎾

[@alisterzarkar7163]

Great job. This was very helpful. High marks.

[@tchoo18]

really enjoyed this. thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@symonsma]

Great video Harry. I initially started with a Clash 100L but found it too light, so I upgraded to a 100 Pro instead and is perfect. Where would I need to add lead to my 100L to match the 100 Pro?

[@조중한-i6k]

Hi. I’ve been watching your video, I’m wondering about how to match same racket model but different swing weight?

[@ALC-bd1pm]

哎呀 just likes - Oh, Oops, Shoot, Shit, Holy Smoke …. in english

[@itguy713]

I used to hit with pure aero banana. I wonder what he calls Yonex.

[@K4R3N]

Great videos this year Harry and team. Really enjoyed he channel and learned a lot. Some good laughs too. Looking forward to 2021!🏆🎾

[@bassicvegan]

Hi from the UK! I play with the old Head Speed mp315 x2. 18*19... 315g... Prefer stringing with 1.30m poly string or hybrid at 59-60lbs. I felt disconnected from the ball, especially on my OHB. I eventually found that with 6g in the handle's trap door, and 4g total 3 & 9, it gave me a solid feel and plenty of connection through the strike. The biggest drawbacks I have found: with the closed string-bed, I lost both some top spin and racket head speed which in turn decreases my top spin! I will now experiment by spreading that weight more evenly across at 12&6 + 3&9, plus the handle. Do you have any suggestions? Cheers and keep up the great work!

[@lamonevoravongseng9560]

Another great video! Help answer most of my questions about lead tape.-Thanks

[@hybrid11theory75]

Most thinner Beams need more weight at 3 and 9 i guess, to help with torsional stability...

[@veaceslav2419]

Hello! I have a blade v7 18x20. Want to add lead tape and leather grip. Can you please advise where better to apply it? In handle tape with leather and 12 clock lead tape? Thank you!

[@SomeOne-rh5so]

Your video most informative about weight!.

[@Lago799]

I have a regular pure aero and I want to add some weight to my racket to improve power, where should I put the lead tape?

[@jmkazama]

Great vid!! Can you please show how different lead configurations/amounts change the swing weight?

[@tennisone6376]

if you put 5 grams it will be 5 g more wow your stupoid

[@villiam7941]

Superb guidance 👍🏼 thanks a lot bro!

[@AndresIbanezVasquez]

Quick question! Can I paste the lead strips with superglue or something similar to the lead does not fall off ever? My lead keeps falling off after about a month of use. Or would the glue damage the racket somehow? thanks!

[@michaelecarpenter]

I am trying to put lead tape on to a Wilson Clash just like you have, thou not as much as you have. The new plush finishes on the Wilson rackets do not let the tape stick very well, how have you overcome that? Is the gamma tape stickier than most?

[@jiboo6850]

add a new layer of double sided sticking tape under and clean the surface with some acetone on a rag.

[@darioperillo4863]

I I have a question For more spin where is the best position for lead tape? Thk

[@motolines8505]

Excellent stuff!

[@MrMooremelody]

I've got a western forehand grip and i use the Pure Aero and i love the racquet but i'm strong enough to handle more much more weight in general. Where do i put the tape so i get more pop on my shots without it affecting my ability to swing my racquet over the top of the ball with my western grip?

[@Christian3174]

Where do you suggest putting lead on a v8 blade 18x20? Aiming for more power to help with serve

[@petershort936]

the approach to weighting up this Clash Pro/Tour seems to make it like a tweener Blade. Reducing the flex into the low 60s is my guess.

[@thephoenixbionicle]

Hi, where do you recomend to put the lead in the head 360+ speed pro?

[@Sportrush947]

Great just on time, I was Thinking about this. Now i can do it the right way

[@nohlspeck2536]

I want to know if there is weight in Novak’s handle at all. Have you opened the cap to see?

[@BOBBY-et9xb]

Good Day Harry. Many years ago I bought two Head Microgel OS tennis racquets from Midwest Sports in the USA. Few years back they stopped selling the Head racquets to clients in South Africa. I think it's got something to do with Head South Africa complaining. I don't know why as this particular model is not available in SA. They are now retailing at $89.95. Would you be willing to ship to South Africa if it's a model that you sell. Thank You.

[@damiang8253]

I'm starting with tennis and really like your explanations, thank you very much! About lead in particular, when you override some characteristics or technologies of the racket by adding lead, it makes me think a few questions: is this racket a good choice? shoud I choose another instead?

[@jamesdo3841]

I think the same here. It must’ve been a wrong choice of racket.

[@chewsir]

The 'perfect' tennis racquet for you is determined by the frame itself and the string and tension. Adding weight changes certain characteristics of the frame and helps you fine tune the way it plays. So, it's not necessarily a wrong choice. Some players blame the equipment and constantly search for that perfect racquet and never improve their game. Since you're a beginner, buy a frame within your budget and find a friend who can help you with the fundamentals. As you develop your game, you'll test equipment that better suits your playing style.

[@chung729chung]

You can’t change the string pattern/flex point on a racquet, that’s the point of choosing a racquet. When it comes to balance and weight, you can personalize it and make it more suitable for your game

[@siwab4167]

What if I'm hesitant on lead tape but use electrical tape instead. Will it also add weight too?

[@Stanley-gq6lj]

Where can I get this shirt

[@johntesoriero3382]

Great tips and like your sense of humor

[@adrianboyddodd8007]

What tape setup would you recommend for a pure flat hitter ?

[@tonygareth221]

I normally use PS and I used to add lead but now I have 98 Clash and I do not have lead tape but I’m thinking about using some. Not sure how to do it because I don’t want it too heavy, and I don’t know if I should add some in the handle if I have some at head. And so I want 12 o’clock or 3 & 9?. I wouldn’t mind more power but I really want control

[@raturipulkit]

How much weight will on 3-9 quater inch lead stips will add ?

[@davelam4497]

How can I get a T shirt like yours?

[@mypandabear50344]

thanks. didn’t know people put lead tape on the throat area.

[@Escorpio123PS]

This was great.

[@MA-rq6ie]

Hi, I recently got new PS 315, I was very satisifed with control and especially maneuverability but power was very low. I put about 6,7g total from around 1 to 6 and the racquet is a precise monster now, huge increase in power and no loss in precission. However, that maneuverability is now gonne..would I gain that back if I put some lead at the bottom under the cap or is that a tradeoff I have to accept?

[@muhammad1chsan]

how the lead you place at the racket? which posision and how long ?

[@cezarysipurzynski7119]

How can I put lead, if i want more HL like 10HL? Under overgrip or base grip? Should I delete base grip, and put lead under base grip?

[@jonathane40]

Does lead in the hoop changes the stiffness of the frame?

[@bilobj]

Where shall I put my lead strip if I want to change the specs of my clash to clash pro?

[@benjaminrier7641]

How about adding weight by multiple bumpers?

[@chrispageau6375]

Do you think adding lead tape would help or hurt any shoulder issues/pain?

[@IanSmith-ly7zj]

I would say no depending if you can swing racket and maintain head speed. The frame will absorb impact(less vibration going to your shoulder wrist etc. not your shoulder. Or wrist or elbow.

[@MrMSS22]

@@IanSmith-ly7zj I partially agree. The effects you are mentioning are correct, however, the first part you said is import: "if you can swing racket and maintain head speed". The higher the swingweight, the harder the timing because of a quicker fatigue. Thus, if your racquet is very underpowered and you try to compensate it with muscle action, a higher SW might lead to a smoother swing and less pain. But once the SW gets too high, the stress on the wrist and shoulder increases, 1) because of the bigger forces when accelerating and decelerating the racquet and 2) since they have to counteract improper timing.

[@AJPHIL-bt4me]

What happens if I add lead tape on 4 and a half holes cause currently that's wat myn is using on my Yonex Vcore 95 & I only applied lead tape to one half of my tennis racquet & not the otha end 😢 does it still impact anything or it's still owkk

[@jamesleung89]

Great tips. Thanks. My challenge is to convert a 97S to play like a 97. How would you do it please?

[@johnmcintyre8110]

Really enjoy the channel .. the question I have is I’ve been back playing tennis for the last 4months playing 4 times per week but I’m having some discomfort over my forearm it not bad but I don’t want to get worse .. where would I add weight to counter act this .. the racket is a Babolat pure aero team .. any help would be appreciated

[@LagartoChicloso]

That discomfort means you are adapting at a muscular level to the movements but it should go away in 1-2 months 100%, maybe you are not eating enough meat and eggs or maybe its a problem or articulations 👽

[@martinnunez9529]

That is a massive amount of lead on your racket. Curious how much does it weigh after all that lead? Balance and swing weight?

[@florencewu2456]

You are not the only one puzzle his informed decision. I was hoping he will use less lead tape after all the lessons from coach Gu.

[@martinnunez9529]

Lol....At the end of the day, we all like what we like. I'm old school as well and can't get away from the heavy sticks. I still play with a Wilson KFactor coming in at 12.3 ounces strung.

[@jiboo6850]

@@generallobster i agree LOL at this point better off getting a heavier frame. but if pro players do it then why not club players? all that matters is comfort and having the expected behavior. but i do agree with you.

[@TheCraxXie]

Hi, that is a very informative video!. I have a question. Because my pure drive's grip is too small I added a 10 grams heat sleeve to increase my grip size. How many weight I should add to the head to balance out? 10 grams to the head maybe too much right?

[@jiboo6850]

a lil tip for you. buy some poster paste and a small scale at 0.1g precision. maybe 15/20 bucks the total. try different weight by cutting the paste in small balls 1,2,3,4,5g and try them at 12 o'clock on the inside of the frame until you are happy and weigh the piece of paste. like this you can cut the lead tape at the right amount without messing with it. just measure the length of the piece of tape + weigh the piece of tape and do the maths. you'll know exactly how much of tape length will give you the exact weight you need. cheers sorry for being late lol.

[@johnnatanbarrozo1721]

What about the head extreme tour any recommendation ?

[@dlepicard1]

Can you do a review of the various versions of the iconic Wilson 6.1? I have had 3 different versions and found them to be so different, even though they share the same specs ( I play with the 332g, 18/20, full red color)

[@casperharmer2599]

In your own opinion, which is better, Roger and nadal or djokovic lead tape position

[@yashpurohit9641]

How do you put silicone in the handle

[@chuckfriebe843]

There are many videos on KZbin that teach you how. Go find them.

[@mkg3313]

Thank you for the guidance, it was right on!

[@myrkotennis]

Does Roger really add lead to his black RF97 Pro Staff Autograph V13? Or is his current racket already build like he wants it? Who knows?

[@jamesgibson3242]

I remember the lead tape looking different in the 80s and 90s. Like he said it is like lead stickers but back then it looked more like actual shiny metal. Now it looks more like duct tape.

[@Greenappleszz]

Maestro at work!!

[@jamesgibson3242]

Lead is good. The Babolat Tungsten strips lose it's stick and falls off.

[@wendellroden7037]

What is the effect of adding lead tape in the handle?

[@goldencalf5144]

You would increase the overall weight and make it more headlight

[@janjakobusweyers6976]

Is adding 25g of lead tape to a raquet to extreme because I have a Head MP Challenge and its 275g and I wont 300g

[@jacksoncavaness3539]

I really like that red rf bag in the back and I can’t find it anywhere else where can I get it

[@thanos602]

you can still find some in eBay (2017 Model DNA Bag)

[@rbutthamilton]

I understood everything except for the part about negating the flex. How can the lead tape stiffen the graphite structure?

[@IanSmith-ly7zj]

Negating the flex is frame not flexing at ball contact, (Not bending) because of lead tape at throat. With the added weight the racket won't flex as much = solid more consistent response. Hope that helps.

[@mplslawnguy3389]

@@IanSmith-ly7zj Sorry, I'm skeptical of this. Lead tape doesn't structurally change the frame at all, it just adds weight to it. It's still just tape stuck to the frame. I don't see how this could physically change the flex of the racquet. The only thing it changes is how it swings. I'm basing all this on a basic knowledge of physics, I'd like to see an engineer actually show what happens.

[@LunarEclipsism1]

@@mplslawnguy3389 it does not affect the flexibility of the racket at all, no, but because it increases the *inertia* of the racket the incoming ball has a reduced ability to deflect and deform the beam of the racket when it's swung at speed. There's more mass pushing the ball out of the way. Hence the racket flexing less during the swing and *feeling* stiffer at impact despite having unchanged flexibility in a vaccuum.

[@WaltKurtz68]

Good info. One question: why do you keep talking in inches and numbers of grommet holes? I wanna know how much WEIGHT you add to those different spots on the racquet. For example 2 or 4 grams at 3 and 9 o' clock. And maybe the same at 12 o' clock and in the handle. That'd make the video lot more useful.

[@KreationPhotography]

7:31 "Lead me explain a couple things to you"

[@jurajstiksa4123]

Hi there , my head speed (305 g, 32 cm balance point) is somehow to much into head, do not want to play with a lead tape to increase the weight, can I brush some weight from the head ??

[@jordanchong7311]

Put tack it at trap door, 3-5g to try first

[@dingweimin]

Are you in bay area? Is lead health for human health if I use rge lead sticker?

[@shabzone]

What I don't get is how the pros are adding weight to rackets that are already super hefty. Isn't that too much power for them since they can generate their own power? I added 2 grams total at 3 and 9 and I feel like it's already too much power.

[@jonathanberggren9805]

I accidentally bought a pure aero, instead of a pure aero tour. Where would I add lead to turn my pure aero into a pure aero tour?

[@santhoship2677]

Would the swingweight increse if i add lead at the handle or use a leather grip

[@itsmeyourfren]

If you add a weight to the racquet you will increase the swingweight. Yes even to the handle however in it the least noticible. 20 grams of weight in the handle will maybe increase swingweight of the racquet by 1 point if any. Me personally when I replace my grip with heavy leather grip I don't count it as a increase in SW.

[@learn_azure_ez]

I love your Ai Ya T-shirt 😂

[@jpwjpwjpw]

Rafa has 12g at 12 o'clock (added in the racket) and 5g i the handle.

[@tonygareth221]

I know RF has lead @ 12 o’clock because his stringer said so, but where did you hear about Rafa?

[@ivanpalaca6230]

Advice for wilson blade v7 305grams

[@wychen66]

哎呀!

[@Simon-Simon-Simon]

they can add LEAD strips in CARBON layup IN THE mold

[@butopiatoo]

Slice is also spin. Not all of us are hitting top spin

[@davidw9095]

How many grams does lead weigh? I have six grommets worth of 1/4 inch on each side at 3 and 9. Curious how many grams I have added.

[@pl4851]

i think 4 inches long 1/4 width lead tape is around 1gram

[@calvin9187]

6 strips of lead on each side right? Then you have added 12 grams of lead tape. It's generally like this: 1 gram at 12 = 3 SW (swingweight units) 1 gram at 3 + 9 o' clock = 2 SW 3g at 12 = 10 SW points To be more exact: 1 gram at 12 = 3.3 SW units 1 gram at 3/9 o' clock = 1.8 SW units (Both are broad approximations though) In your case, it seems like: 6 strips of lead tape x 2 SW = 18 6 strips of lead tape x 2 SW = 18 ---------- 36 Just to confirm, you added 6 strips of lead on each side right? If so, then you have added 36 SW points

[@bengray5013]

@@calvin9187 I think they’re saying they added a strip that is the length of distance between 6 grommets

[@calvin9187]

@@bengray5013 ok

[@davidw9095]

I have four strips that each run the length of 6 grommets on the racket

[@bettybetty3211]

Tennis Warehouse has tungsten tape that is denser than lead, sticks as well as lead tape, and it isn't toxic. I've tried all the others, but they don't stick as well. It is more $$$, but I'm afraid to use lead.

[@chuckfriebe843]

Use rubber gloves if you are afraid. Lead, if handled correctly, is completely safe. Wash your hands afterward and keep your fingers out of your eyes and mouth until you’ve washed your hands. You’ll be fine.

[@raresticks]

I'd have to agree with you on this one. Tungsten is the way to go these days. It is 1.7x denser then lead and is NOT toxic as is lead. Can you use lead tape safely? Yes you can, but why on earth would you want go through that extra effort to use a product safely if you didn't have to. Besides, the tungsten tape is more malleable and looks better too. I've used the Wilson brand with great success when applied properly. It is my standard tape now. I rejected the TW tape because the weight/inch ration ratio is too low limiting your customization options. I found the Babolat tape had major issues with the adhesive and was pure garbage. Maybe they've improved the quality control by now, but haven't heard anything positive so far.

[@walterhayley7252]

Makes sense to me, especially if you have small kids around the house, or if you plan to have small kids around the house in the future. Why take chances to save a few dollars. A quick postscript: Wilson also makes tungsten strips. You may want to look for it on Amazon and compare it to whatever you may be buying from TW...

[@triskaidekathirteen724]

My racket from the 80s used to be about 390 g...used it from 1987-2018 Over the years I watched all the rackets get lighter and lighter and lighter everyone kept saying you have to have a lighter racquet your racquets too heavy... Now I used the Federer 97 brand... Now I hear people telling me they're trying to make the rackets heavier again? Why Fad?

[@jiboo6850]

it's better to have lighter and then work your way up with lead tape than being blocked with a frying pan that's too heavy by nature. you can really customize to your need.

[@Ae1gu]

What will be the effect if I add lead on 10 o clock, 12 and 2 o clock?

[@gelatinousbeing]

A very head heavy racket

[@TheGeohart]

Harry, what year did the wilson hyper hammer 5.6 come out, and was it a good racket?

[@FerV78]

How can you add weight in the handle, but not silicone?

[@adrianrx123]

Tungsten Putty is a pretty good option and it is available at tennis warehouse. Also foam injection is another method but it is very difficult to gauge how much mass your placing in the handle.