How To Customize Your Tennis Racquet [My Current Setup]

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Today we're going to break down my tennis racquet setup. I have been asked this question before by a lot of people so we're going to dive into all the details here. We're going to talk about every component in my racquet and I'm going to let you know why I love it.
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#tennisracquets #customizeyourracquet #headextreme

[@MPTennis]

@Spyrex Sorry...I removed your comment by accident. To answer your question...as a club player if you feel like something is missing with your racquet, then I definitely recommend trying out some customization. You never know what you might be missing out on. However, if you like the way your racquet plays right now, then I wouldn't tinker with it. 👍

[@Spyrex.]

Alright thanks for the help!

[@casperharmer2599]

Hi, do you still have the lead tape on the 9 and 3 and 10 and 2? I will never change or take mine off.

[@brittanyaraneta1162]

Hi awesome video! Just a question, if i put lead at 3 and 9, do i still have to put its equivalent weight to the grip?

[@MPTennis]

It depends. If you don’t add weight after you will feel the racket is more head heavy. If you do, it’ll have more of a balanced feel.

[@brittanyaraneta1162]

@@MPTennis thank you so much for the tip!

[@vwmusicplaylist1935]

Good summary. Weight customization is personal each individual player but its useful to see what other people like. Good video.

[@MPTennis]

Thank you

[@LOSTINTENNIS]

Hi, I just found out about your channel and watched a few videos, I'm surprised you just got

[@MPTennis]

Thank you!

[@laurent5628]

Hi Cade, I would like to add more weight to my racquet in order to have a better slice. Without adding weight in the grip, would you go at 3-9 or 10-2 or maybe both? Thank you Laurent (I am a tennis coach in London - UK)

[@MPTennis]

I would try both out. 3-9 are purely stability. 10-2 has more SW and might feel more HH.

[@predatorxct2746]

Hello, I have this racket and I don't know which string to put, I'm between Solinco Confidential and Solinco Hyper g I am a player who likes to play behind the court but I also love to attack. All my shots have a lot of effects (topspin, backspin). I have a very good flat serve even though this racket is for spin and my kick serve is also very good. And I also want some control.

[@MPTennis]

Confidential is more controlled but try both

[@juancardenas84]

Bro, youre uploading amazing content, keep going

[@MPTennis]

Thank you Juan! I'm very happy you enjoy it! What do you want to see next?

[@juancardenas84]

I'd like some stuff related to how to build points or in game planning, I liked the videos about depth

[@MPTennis]

@@juancardenas84 Thank you! So more tactics content basically?

[@juancardenas84]

Exactly

[@MPTennis]

You got it!👍🔥😎

[@MaxWeishan]

hey man, so I just switched to this as well. Do you happen to feel/notice the lead tape after you put the synthetic grip back on? I tried the leather grip and it wasn’t for me either, I feel you on the maneuverability…. so looking for an alternative. Was also considering putting some in the trap door, but wanted to know if you could tell if lead was in the handle after putting the replacement grip back over it Also, go SNHU. Nathan Tasch is one of my dubs partners 👊🏼 small world

[@MPTennis]

Haha awesome! Yes go Snhu! I do not notice anything on the feel side once putting the lead on under the grip. Just obviously the weight difference. Cheers

[@The_T_G]

Just took the plunge on two extreme tours after almost getting either the Yonex Vcore 95, Wilson Blade 98 18x20, or Head Radical Pro. Tried out 335g string static at 6pts HL with putty in trap door, 2G in 3 and 9, 1g added at 12, and Lynx tour 50/ velocity 53. I did not like this combo so I’ll try some more at 10 and 2 with maybe a little more weight in the handle. I’ll also give a full bed of poly at lower tension a go. Hopefully it doesn’t mess with my tennis elbow. So far so good. I switched from the RF97 because of elbow issues. That thing is a tank even though I love it. 😊

[@MPTennis]

Awesome stuff! I hope you will enjoy!

[@felipepoisson9734]

Friend, how can I make this racket a more powerful and stable racket? Obviously adding weight, the swingweight is low in my opinion, I feel like the air slows down the racket. But at the same time I want stability and swing speed in the head extreme tour. Adding a lot of weight at 12 o'clock starts to vibrate a lot, even with an anti-vibrator. If I put six grams at 12 o'clock, how much counterweight should I put on the grip? Or rather, what could I do to achieve what I mentioned I'm looking for in the racket? I would appreciate if you can help me

[@MPTennis]

Stability is 3&9. More power is 12. If you want both try 10&2. You can counter in the grip.

[@felipepoisson9734]

Will countering with grip weight make it faster in maneuverability? I find this racquet very slow to swing, I added 2 grams at 12 but I still feel it slow against the air.

[@dylanchua1078]

first lol

[@nevinliauw]

Moving my comment here, but I just got one! Thinking of putting 5.5 gram across 10-12-2 since thats what I did with my normal Pure Aero for power, and countering it with 2.5 grams of lead at buttcap, but thinking no counter since the balance is headlighter anyway. now considering putting some in 3 and 9, you for more stability and twistweight and 10 and 2 instead of 12. Definitely excited to try this gem. My only wonder is whether I should go for 16 gauge or 17 gauge head lynx tour. I feel the 17 gauge would give more power/spin, at the cost of durability. Shoutout from Indonesia.

[@MPTennis]

Awesome stuff! Let's me know what you think of it! I know I love mine. It's definitely a racquet you can tinker with. Happy customizing!!🤪

[@casperharmer2599]

Also what tension do you use?

[@nokieng6502]

9 cm is about 3.5 inches. 4 inches of quarter-inch lead tape is 1 gram. Someone in this thread said u added 15 grams to your hoop. Huh???

[@hernangarciareynoso]

Dude, 305 the racquet, 18 strings, 7 an over grip and 4 the dumpener ..you have 334. How can you do 335 with all that lead?!

[@voltron987]

Great video. I also just got the extreme tour and replaced the factory grip with a leather grip as I’m used to pro staffs but want more spin and manoeuvrability. But I feel it needs more stability and will also add lead tape. I will add to 3/9 o’clock but will also need to balance that by adding more either in the handle, or on the throat. I like it head light as I’m one hand backhand. Thoughts on where to place more tape? Why did you remove it from the throat? Thanks

[@MPTennis]

For head light you need most of the weight in the grip. So if you want to load it up put it under the leather grip. Leather grip obviously ways more than a stock grip. I took the lead out of the throat because it felt like it wasn't really doing much and I thought I could use that lead in another spot instead but in the throat just adds weight to the whole racket as in static weight.

[@voltron987]

@@MPTennis thanks. I added 3 g to 9 and 3G to 3 o’clock. And 6 g along the handle. Much better plow through now and much more stable when blocking shots or volleying. 18 gauge luxillon ace. It now destroys balls.

[@tenniswithandy]

Adding weight in the head really transforms this racquet. I agree that 10 and 2 feels much more natural than 12 for this.

[@MPTennis]

Oh yes it does. Still love this racquet

[@lukemeno]

Hey very nice video. Could you maybe link the products in the comment ? Would be awesome.

[@americanbystandard]

did you try Extreme MP at all? It's a different racquet(mold) with more spin/movement on the ball. Extreme Tour is more power-focused and spin is not its best quality. I am always curious to know why people choose Tour over MP.

[@giovannibettini2246]

much better for an advenced player, better feeling, a lot more control, lower launch angle.

[@MPTennis]

I did. My dad actually uses it. I personally thought the tour was overall more controlled. The mp felt more like my pure aero did. Not a bad racquet at all just not what I was looking for. Thanks for the comment!

[@MPTennis]

@@giovannibettini2246 Right on the 💰!

[@Hughmongus555]

I bought the MP recently and it's a great racket. I highly recommend it for beginner to intermidiate players like myself.

[@MPTennis]

@@Hughmongus555 That's awesome!!

[@NexPro-performancetennis]

Hi. Where did you place the 9cm lead tape? Under the original grip or under the over grip? Thanks👍

[@MPTennis]

under the replacment grip!

[@tennis-fan]

what is the total weight of the racket customized and with strings and all? and balance in cm please

[@MPTennis]

Total weight is 330g. For that I don't have the exact balance because I don't have a machine.

[@ttacka]

Thank you for the vid. QQ: Would you say the lead tape added any comfort? Current racket I feel too much of a "shock" upon impact and so I'm wondering if more weight will help cut through the ball like butter. I use Pure Strike with dampener and soft poly strings.

[@MPTennis]

No problem! It will but not that much..... I wouldn't add lead for that reason. Cheers!

[@casperharmer2599]

Hi, I tried my new racket with lead tape and it is the best I have a bigger sweet spot and I have a bigger serve. thank you for making this video.

[@MPTennis]

No problem. I am happy I helped you!!

[@NexPro-performancetennis]

But you have customised a racquet that does not need to be honest🤷‍♂️👍

[@MPTennis]

I'm not sure exactly what you mean?

[@casperharmer2599]

Can you serve and hit ground stroke easily with the lead tape at the 9 and 3 and 10 and 2 position?

[@MPTennis]

For me yes I have no problems

[@neilmcnairjr]

Great video Cade! I think I’ll try adding some tape @ 3 and 9 to my Dunlop CX 200. It has good maneuverability but it could use a bit more stability or power.

[@MPTennis]

Good idea!! Always good to try things out!!

[@timothyyoung6059]

What’s the balance of the frame after customizing?

[@MPTennis]

I don’t have the tool for it. Sorry for late reply

[@LiLi-il6px]

Which tennis bag are you using now with this new bag? Same color head bag?

[@MPTennis]

I'm using the head gravity duffel bag .... I will do a review. Awesome bag.

[@DamianTran]

They ran out of grip size 3. So I got grip size 2 and just changed the replacement grip to the Hydrosorb comfort pro to increase the size. It only made my racquet go from 325 to 328 grams. So far it's a good racquet and stable and I'll add lead once I feel it's too light or unstable. I love using Head Lynx Tour at 34 lbs in this cold weather ❄️😂

[@MPTennis]

Haha! That is awesome. I'm happy you are liking it.

[@Hurry19671]

Hy Damian, I tried this Hydrobsorb Comfort too true its thicker but so soft that no effect.meaning very soon it becomes a thinner grip. the opposite effect I experienced with 1.5mm (thin) premium leathergrip. feels like a more solid grip.

[@casperharmer2599]

I just put my lead tape on my racket just like yours and I am about to try it

[@MPTennis]

Awesome! Let me know what you think!

[@danieldirezende]

How many grams in this 9cm tape? Another question, did you put the tape inside the cable or outside?

[@MPTennis]

It was ¼ of inch size at 9cm length. I do not know how much it was in weight. The tape is NOT under the grommet.

[@nokieng6502]

9 cm of his tape is less than 1 gram.

[@LiLi-il6px]

Whaf is the benefit of head light? Or heavy head?

[@MPTennis]

Honestly I don't like to think of it that way...... What feels better for you? It is not like 50% like HL & 50% like HH. Everyone is all different. Generally though HH have lower static weight and HL can be heavier static weight. What feels better when YOU hit the ball? Then you are all set😀

[@viniciusbarbosa1815]

Did you use lead tape from Tourna? Its 1g to each 10cm.

[@MPTennis]

No gamma ¼ inch

[@nokieng6502]

@MP Tennis…10 cm of your tape is I think also 1 gram. Regardless of manufacturer.

[@EddieGrootes]

Hi Cade, great video! Did you try the Extreme Pro (315 grams)? Or is this version not for sale in Canada? I have the pro with the same set-up as you (Lynx tour, 51 pounds, dampener and same replacement and overgrip). But no need to customize with lead tape. First racket I have ever tried where stock was perfect. Regards, Eddie from The Netherlands

[@MPTennis]

Hi Eddie! Thanks for the comment. The pro looks nice but, unfortunately, the pro isn't in Canada (2021 version) therefore,I couldn't try it.

[@martinadriantennis]

I switched to the pro today the power you get with lynx is just crazy

[@MPTennis]

@@martinadriantennis Awesome stuff!!

[@koongfu00]

Moved from Pure Drive to Extreme Pro and I’m so happy now.

[@peterbedford2610]

Do you think stringing the crosses and mains at different tensions could increase spin?

[@MPTennis]

That is a great question. I actually am not sure if that is true. Try it out and see. A lot of people string at different tensions on crosses because of a feel thing. Sorry I couldn't give you a better answer.

[@shriramoka]

Depending on the string.. if ur crosses r softer like natural gut or syn.gut or m.filament and ur mains r polys.. u will need to string ur crosses 2-3lbs tighter to get good spin w.o too much trampoline effect. The poly mains will do most of the work snapping back after the ball strike and the softer cross will give better pocketing

[@Hurry19671]

》how much extra weight in grams? 》 racket specs after tuning job: how much weight, balance, SW (unstrung)?

[@MPTennis]

It was about 325g when it was done. Therefore 20g because the racquet is static 305g out of the box. Each racquet was a little bit different though because of quality control. I don't know the same way I don't have a machine

[@Hurry19671]

Wait! you put on lead tape on both sides of the frame. 9cm x 4 (at10 and 2) 4.5cm x 4 (at 9 and 3) 9cm x 2 (on 2 sides of the handle) = 36cm +18cm +18cm =72cm if your racket is 20g more now. (20g÷72cm =0.27777777777g/cm >> >> 9cm = 2.5g / 4.5cm.= 1.25g) So you increased only 5g extra weight in your handle, but 15g in your head ( more in the middle of the head) 》I think that setup makes sense I will give it a try;) 🤩 (maybe I will make some minor adaptions: e.g.maybe I double the weight in the handle :4x 9cm = 10g extra weight for more stability, and maybe reduce the same amount of weight in the head: 4.5cmx 8, at 9 and 3, & at 10 and 2, for better handling;)

[@MPTennis]

@@Hurry19671 you got it!

[@vitpag]

​@@MPTennis I'm curious about the balance and swingeight, I think he got a heavy head with swing over 330g.

[@nokieng6502]

@HV…9cm does not = 2.5 grams. 9cm = less than 1 gram. 10 cm = 1 gram.😮😮 If we r talking about quarter-inch lead tape…

[@wildmanauh]

Do you think this setup would be stable enough for a one handed backhand? Thank you

[@MPTennis]

Great question.... Yes I think so. Maybe more lead at 3-9 than 10-2? It's definitely worth a try. With lead you can always change it up.

[@wildmanauh]

@@MPTennis i will flip your setup between 3-9 and 10-2 , and I’ll see if that works. Thank you for your response.

[@MPTennis]

@@wildmanauh no problem at all! Good luck

[@danieldirezende]

hi, how many grams was placed in positions 3 and 9, and 10 and 2?

[@MPTennis]

Hi...... I don't have an exact number for grams as I don't have a scale. I did it by centimeters 4.5cm at 3-9 and 9cm at 10-2.

[@danieldirezende]

Tnks

[@MPTennis]

@@danieldirezende No problem. Once again sorry for late reply. I didn't get the notification for this comment. Take care.

[@tenniseagle9280]

Bonjour, désolé j'ai du mal en anglais. Je parle français. Superbe vidéo. Je voulais savoir deux choses. Tu mets la bande de plomb en haut du manche ou plutôt en bas du manche (les 9cm). Et aussi, est ce que tu met 1/4 inch d'un côté et de l'autre ou bien tu mets deux fois 1/4 de inch de chaque côté. Merci beaucoup

[@MPTennis]

Bonjour Tennis Eagle. Je vais essayer mon Francais pour toi. Merci pour le commentaire. Le plomb a 9cm va sur le position 10 et 12 heure et le 4.5cm va sur le 3 et 9 heure. Aussi, je place 18cm en total sur le grip. 9cm pour chaque côté. Je utilies ¼ inch pour tout le plomb sure le racquet. Merci, Cade

[@tenniseagle9280]

@@MPTennis Je reviens vers toi...merci pour ta réponse. Tu as mis au total 36cm + 18 cm dans la tête. Et tu as mis 18 cm dans le manche Pourquoi tu n'as pas mis pareil dans le manche, seulement 18 cm? L'équilibre de la raquette est passé en tête...

[@MPTennis]

@@tenniseagle9280 Quand je parle apropos la plomb qui est sur la tête c'est 9cm total a 3h (parce que tu double... 4.5x2) Commprendre? Alors, c'est ca même choses a 9h. Pour 10h c'est 9cm total oui mais tu besoin double aussi parce les deux côté alors c'est 18cm(9x2). Car, c'est 9cm total a 2h et tu besoin double cab aussi (9x2) Em TOTAL 9+9(3h&9h) + 18 + 18(10h&2h) + 18 en le grip. =72cm J'espère que ça aide désolé. Et oui, la balance "head light" changer beaucoup.

[@tenniseagle9280]

@@MPTennis Oui, j'ai bien compris. 9+9+18+18 en haut et 9+9 sous le grip. C'est ce que j'ai fais, mais j'ai rajouté encore 18 sous le grip☺pour pas trop déséquilibrer. Merci pour tes conseils qui m'ont inspirés. J'espère tu pourras faire des vidéos de tes matchs, ce serait vraiment enrichissant et intéressant.

[@MPTennis]

@@tenniseagle9280 Parfait!!! 😀Pas de probleme

[@danieldirezende]

hi, how many grams was placed in positions 3 and 9, and 10 and 2?

[@MPTennis]

I don't have a scale. Sorry for the late reply. It was 4 and 1/2 cm at 3 and 9 and 9 cm at 10 and 2.

[@nokieng6502]

According to my calculations you added (only) 2.65 grams to your hoop.

[@nokieng6502]

Opps…sorry. U added 5.3 grams (forgot the 2.65 grams on the other side).😊

[@nathanmiller6051]

Thank you! interesting and informative

[@MPTennis]

No problem, glad you like it!

[@vanodne]

What swingweight did you end up with?

[@MPTennis]

I don't know exactly because I don't have a machine but static it's 335g

[@007FlipScot]

Nice video! What is the total weight in the end with everything on it?

[@MPTennis]

thank you! 334-338g (quality control)

[@miguelroda8779]

@@MPTennis just out of curiosity how much does a 9cm lead weights? So I can have an idea of how much weight you added in gm on your racquet! Thanks! I just bought 2 of these and also finding that it needs a little bit of extra free power but I don’t want to change the balance.

[@bojanpalikuca3813]

Which lead tape do you use?

[@MPTennis]

Great question...... Gamma ¼ strips.

[@sowsow6677]

What is that circle thing in the bat

[@MPTennis]

If I understand correctly...... The little circle thing is called a vibration dampener. It takes away the vibrations when u hit the ball.

[@sowsow6677]

Oh yeah now I remember, thanks

[@MPTennis]

@@sowsow6677 no problem have a great day

[@-unknown7472]

Hi! Can I ask you how did you add lead in the handle?

[@MPTennis]

Hi, yes what you can do is take the replacement grip off and the put it under there.

[@-unknown7472]

@@MPTennis oh! Can you put your replacement grip back on after you put the lead tape under it?

[@MPTennis]

@@-unknown7472 Yes of course don't take it all the way off 😀

[@-unknown7472]

@@MPTennis Thank you very much!!🙏🙏

[@lancefrederickzabala2477]

Show us how you racquet match two racquets please.

[@MPTennis]

I'm not sure what you mean? Could you give more detail?😀

[@lancefrederickzabala2477]

@@MPTennis lol, show us how you match the static weight, balance point and swing weight of your customised racquet to your uncustomised racquet. Because two racquets are not really matched coming from the manufacturer.

[@MPTennis]

@@lancefrederickzabala2477 well I only matched with static weight. So the balance point and swing weight on all of them are probably all a little different. I don't have any off those machines. I wish I did!

[@chuckfriebe843]

@@MPTennis if the static weight and the balance are the same, it’s likely that SW will be the same. That’s how you match them when you don’t have a RDC machine.

[@snjvc]

Hello .. I too own this same Raquet. Issue with me is 1. the raquet twists a lot in my hands while hitting/returning heavy balls. 2. I fell that the Raquet generates less forward / penetration momentum Wondering if there is issue with my technique and if any customisation could help me resolve these 2 issues. Thanks !

[@liamdendekker318]

How much cm at 3-9 and 10-2

[@MPTennis]

About 4.5cm at 3-9 and 9cm at 10-2

[@jonathanp639]

Using cm as a measurement is a bit misleading since lead tape comes in different width and thickness.

[@MPTennis]

@@jonathanp639 Sorry. Just get a ruler or use google to convert cm to inches. I'm Canadian so that's why. We don't use inches.

[@jonathanp639]

@@MPTennis sorry didn’t mean to offend you. What I was trying to say is that using length instead of weight can be a bit confusing since tapes have different density per cm. Thanks for ur video.

[@MPTennis]

@@jonathanp639 you are not offending me at all I understand what you mean now. I would have weighed them but I don't have a proper scale to get the exact measurements so that's why I used the length. Have a good day 😁

[@ohyeah466]

335g? Whatttt?

[@MPTennis]

What? 😁

[@ohyeah466]

@@MPTennis is that not really heavy? Like will it not mess up your wrist?

[@MPTennis]

@@ohyeah466 Nope it won't. I mean unless you have really really bad technique. Most don't. My old pure Aero tour was actually 338g static without customization when strung up

[@chuckfriebe843]

@@ohyeah466 club players have been playing with racquets much heavier than that for decades. You must be a noob.

[@ohyeah466]

@@chuckfriebe843 omg such a fucking perfect example of a human. I fucking say something you mildly disagree with and you attack me get your shit together i thought it was heavy. Yes nadal and others play with like 333 g raquet. I just thought it was heavy jesus

[@niesan3565]

2nd.. Haha

[@MPTennis]

🤪

[@stylistxxx]

To save me customizing I just bought this racket in PRO version which with dampener and overgrip is 337g strung

[@lanaolushola8894]

Great video Cade ❤‍🩹❤‍🩹❤‍🩹🤟🤟🤟 Please how would you say the extreme tour compares to the extreme pro? Thanks.

[@MPTennis]

Hi Lana, extreme tour is definitely I'd say more controled from what I've heard. I have not used the extreme Pro. Extreme Pro is 100 square inch and thicker beam.