The Ultimate Guide to Using Lead Tape on Your Pickleball Paddle

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Links to items in the video:
Pre-cut lead tape strips: bit.ly/423eO4n
0.5g per inch lead: bit.ly/4275cFS
1g per inch lead: bit.ly/41K3pqh
2g per inch lead: bit.ly/44eCu7V
Selkirk tungsten tape: bit.ly/3NlXVxR
3/4" electrical tape: bit.ly/3NrnyNP
1/2" electrical tape: bit.ly/423oQT2
ProLite Edge tape: bit.ly/3HmuZ4U
Scale to weigh your paddle: bit.ly/40MMq5p
Timestamps:
0:00 - Benefits of lead tape
0:42 - What lead tape should you buy?
4:09 - How much lead should you add?
4:30 - Swing weight explained
7:17 - Where should you place the lead?
10:07 - Weighing your lead
11:49 - Covering your lead tape
12:52 - Recap
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[@plumbedout7282]

Just a note about electrical tape. Don't buy the cheapest tape. 3M makes the best tape. It's durable, flexible and trims nicely with a razor blade. Cheap electrical tape is not as flexible and does not stick very well. Thanks for the video.

[@racketrick]

AND watch out for the heat! The cheap stuff gets really gooey if exposed to heat(even still on the roll!). Can make a mess in your goody bag!

[@Hexsyn]

Can agree on 3m tape from the world of nerf modification directly, and car window tinting indirectly. The company seems to throw value to the wind and prioritize quality above all else. I am going to definitely use 3m electrical tape on my new crbn2 paddle

[@andrewherrera8330]

Hockey tape is also a great choice

[@79car]

3m super 33+ is what I use for automotive wiring. It's one of the best electrical tapes you can buy. Flexible and sticky. They make a super 88 thats the same but thicker at 8.5 mil compared to the 33's 7 mil

[@leightodd7335]

Very nice tutorial. Who knew using math, science, and a live demonstration works for everybody! I'm a old teacher and a new pickleball player and believe you have the most useful, unbiased, and honest reviewer of pickleball equipment channel for pickleball players out there. Oh and did I mention that he's funny and his buddies from Oklahoma! Great job.

[@danmartin3714]

You have the very best Pickleball info videos on KZbin! Great Work!

[@annmaes7550]

Chris, you are my go to guy for anything Pickelball Paddle. Looking forward to your branching out videos as well. Your thoroughness and research is amazing. Thank you for your efforts.💕

[@jaycohen5482]

Excellent material. My go to Podcast, for everything PB. Thanks.

[@rickmercer6437]

Great job! Normally longer content is boring. This was very interesting and informative

[@wtang7]

Thank you very much for the details about adding lead tape to the paddle. It will save me a lot of time if I try to figure them out myself.

[@chanpickleball]

That's the video that I need. Thanks so much for the detail explanation on this Chris. You are the best!

[@glenross3093]

Fantastic info. Very clear presentation. Thanks!

[@jimclark7488]

I appreciate the information and how well you presented it.

[@avinashkona2349]

Wow!! Very crisp comprehensive and informative 👌 👍

[@PickleballYall]

Great video. I have a couple of extra tips for applying the lead and the tape. Before applying the lead tape, I use a paper towel with 91% isopropyl alcohol on it to wipe down the application area on the paddle. Then I use the side of the scissors blade to press and form the lead tape to the paddle edge. Then I repeat the alcohol wipe down of the paddle edge and the lead tape and apply the electrical tape ( or whatever tape you use) to cover the lead. I have never had any tape fall off my paddle using these steps. And to agree with another comment, I always use 3M Super 33 electrical tape.

[@michaelroot1313]

wow. absolutely great video. awesome job dude answered every question I had!

[@karaoke888]

I added the Selkirk Tungsten Tape to my Invikta Power Air along the sides to the throat of the paddle and it plays much better to me now. It feels more balanced and the power is still there. On my CRBN 1X I only added pieces along the throat on each side. This makes the paddle more stable while maintaining the power and control.

[@AdamN-uq9fy]

Perfect timing, my Legacy Pro just came in today!

[@Scotty_pickleball]

Best explanation ever regarding lead tape. Clear, relatable, useful and quick. Well done!

[@yNotFPS]

Great video, wish I had this before I bough 2 rolls of different lead tape not knowing what to buy. This will help a lot for people.

[@racketrick]

You're fine. I've gone through a dozen rolls of tape for me and my Pball peeps.

[@rolypoly7143]

I liked how you explain the how's and whys in a manner that everyone could find helpful. Instead of expensive lead paddle tape, I use small thin flat lead fishing weights or motorcycle thin tire lead weights with electrical tape to hold them. Both are easy to cut and flatten (if needed) and are much more cost effective that the lead paddle tape. Thank you again for your hard work. The school system needs teachers like you!

[@Richard_Palmer1]

Pennys and nickles work as well. Use a hot glue gun, which will allow you remove them if needed.

[@scubaseppy]

One of the best if not the best videos I've seen on youtube.

[@edburgler5161]

Well done. Very informative.

[@rstrack7293]

Great information; thank you!

[@jhors7777]

Thank you for posting this helpful video

[@GIO_RUBBLE]

awesome video thanks so much!

[@dallinloosli9175]

10/10 video. Very well done!

[@cpadurar]

Great presentation, thx

[@ianmacdonald5278]

Excellent video as always Chris! Remember to factor in your grip first before adding weight if you are changing it. I have a Gearbox cx14e. Most people have to make the grip bigger on Gearboxs. I put a full grip on it(thereby adding 'weight' to the handle) and then it became head light so I had to add weight further up the paddle to get the swing I wanted. My paddle is a full oz heavier than my wife's but she says it feels the same weight...and I agree with her...of course😉

[@racketrick]

Be sure not to sweat, because the extra weight in the grip material can adjust the balance, too!!!

[@adammccutchan2357]

Great video very helpful 👍

[@gabethegladiator5374]

Great video, Chris! One note I found with tape: Since Tungsten is expensive, there’s a way to make it “cheap”. Only buy it once. If you adhere it to another edge guard tape, you can layer it under another fresh edge guard tape. So, when you get a new paddle, just remove it from that outer edge guard tape and place it under your new tape. Never have to buy another set of tungsten strips that way. Also, I got the thick Gearbox edge guard tape, and cut it in half lengthwise. So I get double the length for the price. More savings! The ProLite tape looks sexy. I’m going to have to try that one. ✌🏼

[@OMAHA_MIKE]

Taleb said tinkering is worth 1000 IQ points...nice fix man .

[@ianmacdonald5278]

Thanks!

[@brandonjmcbride]

Fire thank you

[@amit212543]

Thanks. You doing a 14mm double black diamond review soon?

[@mariacopre4106]

I use pre-cut strips...easy-peasy! 🙌💪 8.3oz is my sweet weight.

[@mariacopre4106]

@@nadzoll You should try different weights...age doesnt matter bc it's what YOU feel comfortable with, esp at the net. The heavier the paddle, the harder it will be to swing it quickly during hand battles. Besides, one should never ask a lady how old she is (wink). Hope that helps!

[@KenLimPhotography]

Golfers have clubs set to a certain swing weight, as mentioned, swing weight is a personal preference. I used lead weights in the back of the putter and on my driver, I would add more to get to a certain swing weight.

[@gk-qf9hv]

The balance is one thing, the swing wait is something else.

[@AJCsr]

8:54 In order to have more balanced weight distribution, I started out with the lightest elongated paddle and added weight to the bottom of the handle.

[@jathan.underwood]

What do you think about the PCKL power series paddle? Do you plan on making a review on it?

[@Josh49546]

Exlnt delivery

[@richardscalzo8675]

You should try and review the new Onix Evoke Premier Pro Raw Carbon

[@mingez]

What this video isn't mentioning about weight in handle, is that the handle weight decreases "recoil weight." That's the amount the inertial impact of the ball has on the face of the paddle. Handle weight gives the feeling of stability vs. the impact of the ball...a side effect of this means miss hits (which effects twisting) will be less impactful because the counterweight in the handle. So, while twist weight isn't technically increased, the feeling will be that it is. It will also feel more stable when blocking. For an example of this, imagine the paddle is in a swing weight machine. If you throw a ball at the face, it will recoil less (move back from the impact) than when unweighted. The other effect is that, while unweighted, the maneuverability is better, not when making full swings (main fulcrum is the shoulder and your moving your entire arm) but when engaging the wrist. Flicks, speedups, and any movement using your wrist as the main fulcrum. There will be more weight making long strokes feel heavier like drives which use the whole arm because the swing weight is increased, but the wristy movements will be vastly improved. It does make your paddle more poppy though (IMO) because there is less give in the face when the ball hits it.

[@PTL4179]

Do you need to add both sides on exact location to keep the paddle balanced?

[@shanewilson9906]

Talking about swing weight…..I have been wondering after watching your videos if swing weight changes much if at all with a specific paddle but different weights. For example, take a Legacy Pro 7.7oz & a Legacy Pro 8.3oz. Will the 120 swing weight apply to both?

[@grahmmo8595]

Just weighted my Selkirk vanguard invikta and had a question I put copper tape on the curved bottom and the sides is this a good place to put it?

[@kabnis2022]

What’s the difference between adding at the bottom corners vs the throat of the paddle near the handle?

[@Ed_e_BeTo]

Been waiting on this... Lfg

[@littlebigface]

Is there any reason to covering the entire edge guard with electrical tape if you're only using lead tape on the throat of the paddle?

[@erikedin7910]

Great video! If you haven't on an earlier video, it would be nice if you gave examples of how much swing weight increases on different paddles with different weights in different places. I have a legacy pro and powerair invikta I added about .6 oz mostly towards the head. I know approximately my starting SWs from the spreadsheet, but I don't know how to approximate the new swing weights. I did start heavier and trimmed til they were about right, but I'm wondering where I am for swing weight. Thanks and great work!

[@PickleballStudio]

Pickleball Effect recently made a video that covers this! 😊

[@erikedin7338]

Thanks. Exactly what I was looking for. :)

[@Yeshuite]

I am getting the Vatic Pro Prism 16mm and plan to add lead tape to the bottom. My current paddle is my first and is the Onix Z5. It has a weight of 8oz with swing weight 101 which likely needs a lot. What would you recommend I add with lead tape to this paddle? It seems like it has decent power, but control is bad. Would this be lead tape all around?

[@sohosterable]

Does adding lead tapes also increase spin?

[@golfmaniac007]

swingweight is such an important part of a paddle. surprise not to see an affordable weight measure machine in the market.

[@Jack-yx2zh]

I started playing with a Neonic and love it, but I feel like the sweet spot is too low on the face. Is there a way to apply lead to move the sweet spot higher?

[@nightmareztv4483]

Where would you put lead on the power air invitka?

[@dpole8]

can you put lead tape on all 3 spots? or does that defeat the purpose? should you choose just one spot (top,middle,bottom)?

[@jessejagoda4653]

If 8.5 is my goal, is there an advantage to weighting my 8.1 paddle to reach 8.5 vs my other paddle that weighs 8.5 (includes .2 for overgrip)? How will they play different? Using Engage Pursuit MX 6.0.

[@LewisRathgeber-sf8nl]

how do I download the swing weight pdf? Can not seem to find

[@LacuzziJ]

Is lead tape worth using on a beginner level paddle (joola essential) and not ready to buy a new paddle yet?

[@jimalaiyah]

What’s your setup with your DBD?

[@ninnyhammer77]

Got a new Ben Johns paddle to replace my old one (think it is dying and has dead spots / less power). My new one is about 10 grams lighter, and it all seems to be off the head/tip. Feels too light when swinging compared to old one. So I just taped 5 dimes to the end with masking/painters tape to see if it "felt" like the old one when when swinging, and it does! I didn't think 10 grams (5 dimes is about 11 grams) would make much difference, but it does. Guess I need to get some tape.

[@ninnyhammer77]

Better than dimes is 12 gauge copper (solid core) wire!

[@alexandercochran806]

I don’t think the Hyperion is 127 anymore as those first runs were heavier than the later runs. My first run paddle was 8.7. Paddles since then have not been above 8.3 so I’d suspect the sw is less

[@almarcovitz4057]

I didn’t see headway on your spreadsheet. But there was something called swing weight. Is that it?

[@PEETEEd]

Anyone have any intel on where to add to CRBN 1x? 😬. I know it’s personal preference but curious

[@cpadurar]

I am looking on the chart, I am using Engage MX 6.0 I don't think the rpm is 1520, is definitely one of the spiniest paddle. Also, would be nice to make a clip to explain the advantages of a slower paddle, this one has 127 swing weight, and I added lead as well close to teh handle. I tried hard to play with a faster paddles. Ruby, Ace, Joola but for my singles game this one seems to be the best, all the others are too soft to transfer weight during passing shots, 70% of my points are not finished at the kitchen or if at the kitchin, not after dinking but heavy shot swing volleys.

[@Anthony_Jiang]

Damn might have to do this lol

[@CyberSonic157]

Why would you want to add weight in the handle to increase static weight?

[@35strange]

Is it hard to remove the lead tape if you decide you aren’t liking it?

[@rshappy123]

Thanks for the info Did you use 3/4 " electrical over the lead tape on your zero 6 16mm double black diamond?

[@jordinkleton]

what electrical did you end up going with? also what lead setup did you end up using for your dbd

[@86309]

So with the Selkirk Tungsten a whole strip is 0.1 ? or is it 0.1 per inch of strip, - if its 0.1 the whole pack only weighs 0.4 oz or 2.8 grams per whole strip. Seems a bit light to me.

[@Renzmarcelo]

Is pre-cut lead tape still toxic and should it be covered with electrical tape or is it okay to just leave it exposed?

[@nblumenfield]

Thanks, Chris. Are there paddles that you would not add lead tape? For example, paddles with foam injected edges?

[@fcpchop88]

How would the foam injected edges effect it?

[@dr.lefort1596]

In tennis, we place our lead tape based on where the natural sweet spot of the racket face is, which is center and towards the throat. Thus, we rarely place lead tape towards the throat, since it would do little to expand the natural sweet spot towards the contact zone. So it would be much more helpful to include in your information where the natural sweet spot of a pickleball paddle is located to help guide the recommended tape placement.

[@jeffreinardy7570]

New guy question. If you add lead, and you would like to have edge tape as well for protection, do you put the edge tape on and then the lead or lead and then the edge tape? Thanks for any advice.

[@douglasmurdoch7247]

Tape on top of lead. The whole point of the tape is to cover over the lead, because lead is toxic.

[@durdicamac9662]

Was this your phd thesis video?

[@nurbbro3778]

Here’s a good companion vid that demonstrates how location of adding weight affects swing weight…kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4akpH5jrrihjKc

[@benking2271]

would love to know how you calculate swing weight??

[@PickleballStudio]

Using a Briffidi SW1

[@youngsuit]

don't discount adding weight to the grip itself, it is true that yes the swing weight will go up but your strokes really can feel better. I do recommend trying this if you feel like adding weight to the head made it feel "off"

[@paulobarroca3977]

Hi Chris, where did you add the tape on your DBD 16mm, and what kind of diference did it make?, thanks.

[@TheStudleyDooright]

Same question here. I have the DBD as well.

[@johnyblue3985]

Same

[@racketrick]

A few 1/2 gram per inch options out there...almost like a foil tape...very pliable. Generally agree with most of what you said; but the math approach followed by putting the lead on a scale was overkill. Just use a scale or do it enough that you can go by feel only. Additionally, I'm personally not crazy about the pre-cut tabs...I've had too many pop off(I'm a banger, remember). Cost is 4x what I pay for rolls(you mentioned cost) and I'd rather be able to burnish the edges of roll tape vs the pronounced edges of the tabs. Kudos for helping dispel the notion that hand speed can be increased by adding weight...anywhere; but -10 points for talking about how "hard" it can be to swing (any) paddle of typical weight.

[@leightodd7335]

You evidently have never taught a class or cut a board before. If you had you would know why the old measure twice and cut once saying is true. Now the math thing. lol Dang it I hate when facts get in the way of "How I feel". Yep your one of those smart Bangers!!!!!

[@racketrick]

@@leightodd7335 Remember how easy it is to apply, remove and reapply lead tape? Yeah, that's why you don't cut to 1/4" and then put it on a scale. It ain't rocket surgery...it's easy to change(unlike trying to lengthen a board you just cut too short). The numbers don't matter if it doesn't feel the way you like. I have three decades of tennis clients who appreciate that("only" five years of Pball clients).

[@tristenluna6024]

for the anna bright paddle would you add weight at the throat or the sides of the paddle??

[@PickleballStudio]

Depends on the person. Throat for me

[@scottm6261]

I went to the link for the cheat sheet, signed up for the newsletter, but can’t find the cheat sheet!

[@wolf-xf6hf]

Something I’ve noticed for hand speed is that counter intuitively when moving up from a 7.9 ounce paddle to around an 8.2-8.4 ounce paddle peoples hands actually get faster. In my experience it’s because it acts much like a compression sleeve or a weight which allows your muscles to more fully push against resistance rather than your muscles only working at 80% because they don’t have as much to resist against. Just some food for thought.

[@racketrick]

I don't think a half-ounce is going to make a difference to someone who used 13oz tennis rackets for decades.

[@rickmercer6437]

It will once they learn to dink and master drop shots

[@billkennedy401]

I sometimes wonder what my swing weights are - when I start, I calculate the balance of the stock paddle and then start adding weight and then adjust my balance points. (I tend toward +10 to +12)

[@racketrick]

Static balance points are almost as non-informative as static weights. I can add a pound of weight to you paddle and maintain the same static balance point...but it won't feel very good to swing ;)

[@randymoss1818]

@pickleballstudio Link does NOT work for the cheat sheet can you update or send??

[@Livestock17]

I am having a problem with the pre-cut lead strips. They fall off during play.

[@PickleballBatman]

I heard waters paddle weighs 10 ounces with lead added

[@dynastyalex3642]

I have the CRBN 1x power serious and am looking to add some lead to my paddle. What I want the the lead to do for me is make my hands a bit quicker at the net. Where should I place my lead? Throat?

[@dynastyalex3642]

16mm

[@NJCheenz2388]

I'm wondering that also

[@johnlemma5407]

You once mentioned that your brother has used the Electrum E for a long time, but recently changed to a new (for him) paddle. What paddle was his choice?

[@PickleballStudio]

He’s still on the Model E actually (I have two brothers). He’s going to start testing the Model E Elite

[@johnlemma5407]

@@PickleballStudio Thanks for bothering to reply. I haven't found anything I like more than the E as well. If your brother finds a better paddle, please mention the change in one of your reviews, I watch them all.

[@lesterma1608]

With the new thermoform paddles that have lots of pop, pop does not relate to power, those are separate characteristics!

[@michaelbrohl1625]

I read one of the reviews on the Selkirk tungsten tape site and they said it was illegal by USAPB rules. This seems crazy to me but is it legal ?

[@PickleballStudio]

Completely incorrect. Fully legal.

[@michaelbrohl1625]

@@PickleballStudio Thank you.

[@ethandysert]

The cheat sheet link isn't working for me. Can you try to repost it?

[@PickleballStudio]

Thank you for letting me know. It is fixed now.

[@jekpapa]

Just discovered swing weight when I switched from Joola BJ Hyperion to Legacy Pro. Exact same weight but the swing weight on the LP is lower than the BJ. LP is a knife and the BJ is a club.

[@sexysurfergal541]

Can somebody smart answer this please: Why would adding Ltape to just the head increase power? I am not saying that it doesn't. I would like to know why. The ball speed (power) increases only if the paddle speed or paddle mass increases (or both). Putting lead at the head will make you swing slower (higher swing weight) so that doesn't help. You can't put much mass there because a small weight feels heavy, compared to locations lower along the edge. So we have a swing speed decrease and only a small paddle mass increase. Why is this the most powerful? I think that for a person with poor swing mechanics, perhaps the higher swing weight could put the paddle in a better laid back wrist position, allowing other things to happen - kinetic chain, better weight transfer, lag and snap of wrist, etc. and all of those things get the paddle moving faster at impact. Is that it, or is there a better explanation? Don't make me call Mark Rober. He's busy with his squirrels. thanks.

[@vito3845]

Believe it or not adding led tape to my ronbus completely eliminated my tennis elbow, out of the box the R3 has way too much vibration and is severely lacking power, but for $99 best deal around

[@donnastancil2086]

Curious where you added the tape and how much? I have the R1.16 and feeling I need more stability and bigger sweet spot.

[@vito3845]

@@donnastancil2086 I added a total of 12grams, 3g strips @ 3,5,7,9 O'Clock

[@carlhillier2301]

I don't really agree with your statement about lead tape in the handle. I have a vatic pro flash with a stock weight of 7.9 oz and 11 points head heavy. I placed lead tape in the handle to bring the weight up to 9.0 oz and now it 3 points head heavy. That changes the swing weight. Your real world example was very good. As for tennis, you'll be hard pressed to find players using a head heavy racquet. Really like your shows 😊

[@neilmm]

Any idea what idea roughly how much weight would need to be added at the throat vs the head of the same paddle to result in the same amount of decrease in hand speed roughly? I know there are many factors like handle length, paddle shape, etc. but I'm thinking the standard elongated shape with one of the common handle lengths. I'm just curious if you have a ballpark intuition how big of a difference it is, like is it 60% or closer to 80% less weight needed if it were added to the head to result in the same amount of hand speed reduction.

[@MikeKal-qw6ml]

Hi I've noticed almost every pro player doesn't cover up the lead tape on there paddle. I've tried it and the paddle balance changes when you wrap the paddle with electric tape. Does anyone have a better explanation for why the pros don't cover up the lead tape on there paddle? Isn't it supposed to be toxic?🤣

[@youngsuit]

also lead tape is cheap. be willing to take it off and throw it away and make SMALL changes at a time

[@peachcityshankar1174]

👌😎🙏

[@Pickleballerr]

Lol prolite makes terrible paddles but great protective tape… because their paddles fall apart without it!

[@racketrick]

Is that what they call a 'backhanded compliment' ?

[@komplex7564]

What’s y’all ronbus r1 pulsar setup?

[@rk-jc9se]

Weight in the handle may not change your full swing but will make easier to flip the paddle at your wrist, just like the hammer example. You missed this critical point.

[@voiceofreason9238]

I would not suggest adding lead unless the stock paddle was lacking something. For instance a woman with weak grip strength might not benefit from additional weight because it makes the paddle less responsive when quick reactions are required. OTOH a strong male wanting more power might consider adding weight around the edges. I've used lead tape in various configurations for years. I don't use it now. I like a single piece of the heavier than plastic woven cloth edge tape to protect the top and top-sides which adds weight. This makes my stock 8.0 ounce paddle a little more head-heavy compared to stock with a feel and balance I like. That may not work for you. You're not me. 😎