Leather grips are the easiest way to make a racquet slightly more headlight. The Yonex leather grips are amazing quality, just hard to find sometimes. Great video
@@TennCom Amazon is where I find them but they are pricy and easily the heaviest option out there. A solid 5g heavy than any other leather grip and i've tried them all.
I have tried many leather grips. TW is great, Yonex is great, TF is great. Heads just one notch below but have had good luck with them. Kimony is nice too for a super thin leather grip. Tourna were just ok IMO. Wilson leather did not like.
@@tkdhananiI've yet to try the TW one, I'm a big fan of the TF one, I use that with all my racquets, do you think the TW one is good enough to switch from TF
Your enthusiasm for tennis and the equipment radiates off of you, man. The way you go into detail on these subjects seems to flow smoothly and is very digestible for someone who isn't really savvy in this realm. Great information and it makes me want to play some more tennis!
There are 2 additional types of customization you did´t talk about: 1) Changing the shape of the grip that comes with the racket, even more, some pro stock frames don´t come with any shape of grip, it has to be molded by a technician, to the player´s specs. 2) Paintjobs. We know many players don´t use the racket they sponsor so their rackets are painted to look like the ones we buy in stores (some players even use a different brand)
This is such a timely video. I just tried my first racquet customization today by adding a few grams of lead tape (not very tasty btw) to the handle of one of my two vcore 98s. I just wanted to get their static weights to within a few grams of each other.
My trick (my only useful trick!) is to use racket head tape for experimenting with weight in the hoop. Tourna Racket Guard is the best for this because it's fairly heavy and very cheap. Add a bunch, in sections, at each of Beckett's spots (3+9, 10+2, 12) and then go hit. Take off pieces as you practice and play--very easy to do with racket head tape--until you feel like you've got it dialed in. Then take out your trusty kitchen scale and figure out what weight you ended up with. Finally, remove the racket head tape and replace with a more long term/less ugly solution such as lead, tungsten or copper tape. This is so much easier and less expensive than trying to do the same thing with lead, tungsten, or copper. Also, it's usually the case that you'll play better with a racket that's slightly lighter than the one that FEELS best. You can test this with a ball machine (use a ball machine, not a partner, to reduce the variables of the incoming ball). Challenge yourself to hit 50-100 shots at each tinkering of the weight, grading yourself honestly on errors and poor shots. You'll probably like the feel of the heavier racket but your "grades" will be higher with the slightly lighter one. Unless you're Nadal.
I put protection tape over all of my rackets' bumper. It adds like 2.5-3 grams at ~63 cm (equivalently), so like +7~8 SW, and a little bit of TW which I don't appreciate that much but in general great extra stability. Some of them actually look great as well (Kirschbaum for gold letters over black, Pacific for silver over white are my favourites). Overall with protection tape + dampener + overgrip it's fairly +10g to every racket. It's actually a lot but I generally appreciate it.
Amazing well thought out video I started my racket customizing journey back in 2018 with my 2016 roland garros babolat pure aero adding about 20 grams 10g at 10 a clock and 10g at 4 a clock it had great control and spin potential as well as good plowthrough now many years later winning comps using the rafa origin.
When it comes to tuning my racket, I do the standard: add a leather replacement grip (I use Gamma’s leather grip) & then put on a Wilson pro overgrip. As far as lead tape is concerned, I’ve never felt like I’ve ever needed to use it… Each to their own though.
One of my students discovered adding a strip if lead on the V (core) part of the racquet adds amazing stability. I put it on all my solinco and babolat racquets.
The V of the throat is generally the place for maximizing MGR/I. High MGR/I rackets feel like they swing faster through the air. It has more to do with swing-style and timing really, maybe it feels more stable (than if you added it to 12 o'c, of course adding weight always feels more stable) because it's helping you make better contact at tight awkward shots?
Added head and handle weight to my matched pair of Blades and the racquets were totally awakened. For racquets with a handle hatch one doesn’t need to purchase weight disks. Wrap pennies (2.5g) or nickels (5g) in medical gauze to remove the buzzy rattling and just stick them in.
There's also tungsten putty, quite cheap (~6$ or € for 1 oz / 30 g). Not as cheap as pennies of course, but quite denser (so ideal if you want to add 15-20 grams to take the balance down 1.5 or 2 cm). It works on its own for trapdoor weighting pretty well, although better if wrapped as you said for easier removal, otherwise it could be quite messy after a time. You could also use plain play-dough if you happen to have some lying around. Play dough is great too for experimenting how SW and balance change when adding weight here and there if you measure it at home (with a Briffidi or the DIY method), although the math for predicting it isn't that hard. I've actually made a spreadsheet for this intent and it works great.
Luqi grips make an appearance, liked immediately! In terms of leather grips maybe its just me, but having a leather grip along with a tacky over grip feel better than synthetic
This is just my experience, i dont know if others feel like this too. So, I tried adding weight 3&9 and also 12&very small 6 (yes, on the racquet's throat). I noticed though those 2 give the same swingweight, they FEEL very different. Lead tape on 3&9 makes the stringbed stiff, while 12&6 makes the stringbed soft. I don't really care for the TW because i think the TW only works when hitting outside the sweetspot.
Hey Beckett, great video! Just had a question. I have the Percept 97 and as you rightly mentioned in your review, it’s low swingweight makes it feel anaemic so I added weight. However, because of Yonex’s isometric head frame shape, putting the weight at 12o’clock or 10-2o’clock pulls the sweet spot too far up while 3-9o’clock makes the racquet feel like a wooden plank. I’ve actually placed lead at the 4 and 5o’clock position. Any thoughts on placing lead here? I know it’s odd as many people don’t do it and you didn’t mention it in your video. I think it feels the best but maybe it’s just placebo?
Adding weight over the center of the head (more or less, more accurately at ~46 cm) will decrease MGR/I. Below that, it will increase, being the maximum point at ~23cm. Adding a little of weight to 40 cm (or 5 cm) won't have a big impact, but maybe that's what you're feeling. Adding weight between BP and SS generally makes the racket slightly more stable and powerful without making it more sluggish and changing the swing-style. Maybe you could say in general adding weight close to BP changes the racket swing "feel" the least. Or, maybe you could just add less weight at 10&2? In any case, if it feels better for you, go for it! It's always interesting to try and understand why, but ultimately tennis specs are 99% feel.
Excellent video, very clearly articulated in simple terms. Well done! I have a couple of questions: (1) Does the measurement of twist weight differ whether the racket is strung or unstrung? And by how much? (2) How many swing weight points increase a 5 gm over grip causes? I know the number is negligible, but would appreciate to have a figure regardless of how negligible, since you're using a device that accurately calculates these values.
@@raidraid6672 i believe strung but much of conditions for which these values are provided are unknown so best to take the numbers with a grain of salt
Could you please provide more info and examples/options we have to add more weight to the head in every location. Do you have any opinions on dampeners and the impact on your playing? Excellent video, great insights.
I can't really notice the weight difference with a dampener as the change in noise completely overwhelms my ability to detect the 2g add so close to the balance point. I think for most players, the change in auditory experience with a dampener is the most noticeable and the effect on playability is negligible.
as a one hander I have always preferred stabiliy over lightness, never tried weight in handle setup. Typically lighter HL rackets have given me less feeling of stability. otherwise good video, I tinker a lot with lead tape, its fun to play with and unlocks full potential. By the way, have you done videos on lower string tension, pros and cons?
There are not many light AND headlight stock frames out there though, are they? They usually come light and HH or heavy and HL. In fact usually "team" and "light" frames are often the same but with less weight added to the handle. Luca from Rackets & Runners has a great video about one hander frames. He mentions both stability and headlightness iirc as important factors. Worth the watch. Regarding string tension, yes there is a great video on it in this channel, look it up.
What a great video!!!! I loved it!!!! Could you help me tell me a good customization for the Wilson Blade 98 v9? Better 3 and 9 or 12 with leather grip? I am an aggressive baseline player with a devastating serve, thanks ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾
This question has baffled me for decades, and I feel you may have a good answer: do you choose / customise your racquet to enhance your strengths or mitigate your weaknesses? For example, my touch and feel are pretty good, but I lack power. Should my racquet choices be about feel, or about power?
I prefer to tailor to my strengths. I think you can have more fun playing if you feel confident in your favourite shots plus that confidence goes such a long way in match senarios. If the opponent can target your weaknesses and win, then too good. But if you lose because you couldn't execute your strengths, that really hurts.
hey there. i'm a new player who got wayyyyy too into tennis all of the sudden. started this year in january, but have been playing 2 to 3 hours/day, 5 days/wk since, and have switched racquets once (from a blade light, which was no fun and too flimsy, to a babolat pure aero, which i resisted because i'm 54 and don't want to play the same racquet as my 9 year old holger rune fan son, but just hit way better with) and added a second racquet recently on a lark (dunlop sx 300, but strung 42/40 vs my babolat's 52/50). i have been enjoying the comfort and easy ability to generate pop with the lower tension on the dunlop, and wonder if i like the racquet as much or more, but have come to realize that in addition to being different frames and tensions, they're also different weights and balances, (though they spec the same from the factory). the babolat (size 3 grip) is 340.5g w/ 2 over grips on it, with center of g @ 31.5cm, and the dunlop (a size 2 that was heat shrinked up to a bit more than a 3) is 345.5 with one over grip on it, and a center of gravity @ 30.5cm. basically, i need to make a decision on next moves... before buying another racquet (trust me--i really want to try the sx 300 98 tour and the pure aero 98). i need to pick one direction and move with it. either match the tensions, weights and balances, to see which racquet i prefer, or maybe hope the frames are similar enough, match the balance and weights and see which tension i prefer. any advice would be very, very welcome!
I mean if you can get the same performance from the lighter PA98 that's probably better. No need to carry around the extra weight if its not doing anything.
Be aware that heat shrink enlargers add a SHIT TON of weight to a frame (around 20g). Your aero must have come over spec (~305g) and the SX under spec (~295g) to have such little difference in weight even considering the extra OG (~5g). So next time make sure you pick a size 3 or 4, even if you appreciate the extra weight in the handle you can always add it, but it's nice to be able to remove it.
Regarding your choice, SX and PA seem like close enough frames, spec and concept wise, although I haven't tried the SX so can't tell. I'd match the specs and change whatever of both strings is older (or has had more hitting time) to the same tension of the other, that way you'll also have the info or comparing the same frame with two different pensions as well as two different frames with matched specs and tensions. But most importantly, measure Swingweights. It's easily the most relevant factor for how a racket actually performs. Either take it to the shop as Beckett says in the video or look up a DIY method. It's not very complicated. It just takes a hefty book, two pencils, stopwatch and a link to the SW calculator in Tennis Warehouse University.
Nah im a G. When I got back into tennis I got a ps97 thinking light is sexy might be good for me. Nope. I stayed away from RF because I thought it was a fanboy racket just to research and buy it because it was the weight I’m used to. I used to play with a ps 6.0 midsize in my teens. So I leaded up my ps97 to 1 gram less than the RF but it’s only head heavy. Surprisingly I like it. It is kind of overkill after 2 hours of playing but it helped me with my forehand consistency faster. My RF does also have 2 grams on the 10 and 2.
Been thru all stages of customization before, it's a lot to keep up with sometimes ja-ja! Found out frame which is great in stock and with the very tight QC (Yonex RDiS 100) and problems solved. BTW, mentioned Tourna now has new Tourna Blue Tuff OGs with much better durability and still pretty dry feel to them.
It's a good program for sure and is promoting tennis for enjoyment, however just a little bit of a gripe from here in Australia, your mention of Alex de Minaur as won't beat a top player even on his best day. The problem with that statement is it's wrong, Alex who is not a very big player and is beating much bigger players all the time and is still getting better, he is what tennis is all about someone like Alex can beat the best no matter what size and weight they are, Beckett, watch him play as much of a match as you have time for, and you'll see what an exciting and often unbelievable player Alex really is. He exited the quarter finals really bravely with his hip injury, but didn't pull out but played the match against Draper with the British player running him around knowing his hip injury would slow and stop him from putting in a top performance. Australia is producing some very good and rising tennis players and they look up to Alex for his wonderful tennis, his great abilities, and his brave never say die attitude so probably your comment was a little out of line Beckett.
QUESTION: When doing a replacement grip, do you remove the sticky stuff from the grip before you add the replacement grip? I removed a head factory grip and there's this layer of sticky stuff on the handle. Do I remove the sticky stuff before adding the new grip? Thanks!
@@TennCom Sounds good. What about the staple? I see mine has it pretty far in where it's not really protruding. I guess I could just leave it in? Also, when you wrap the replacement (I'm using leather) how do you know how much space to leave at the edges? Is it supposed to feel smooth or have the lines/ridges?
I put too much weight at 12: and was painful on my elbow…was thinking more head heavy would help with racket drop and spin. Copper tape, I find the ends curl up after time more than lead.
@tenncom Wonderful video. thanks a million. There is no mention of weight in the throat. Don't you recommend it? I read somewhere that it makes the racquet stiffer? Does it really? Please advise.
I don't recommend it unless you've got to put it there to match the frames. Throat weight never works well for my technique (forehand or backhand) and I don't think it adds much to the racquet's interaction with the ball. I also can't see how adding weight would make the racquet stiffer. It might FEEL stiffer, but you aren't changing the layup of the graphite in anyway so it couldn't be actually stiffer.
@@TennCom lower flex racquets, eg. A Phantom 100x or Gravity series, normally flexes at the throat. Won't adding weight to the throat act as additional reinforcement and make the racquet stiffer? Maybe it won't affect something like a pure drive. Just a thought.
@@sreemarar1 No the lead tape is so soft that it would not actually stiffen the frame. The racquet would have more inertia and resist bending a little more due to the increase in mass, but the throat is not an effective place to do this unless you hit the ball at the bottom of the stringbed.
Have you ever changed string gauge to change the weight at the head? (does it even change weight meaningfully?) I like the Solinco Confidential, which you mention in some of your videos, have you ever tinkered with dif gauges or you just go with a standard and never deviate? Thanks for the tips!
The change in weight and swingweight has only ever been meaningful when going up or down more than one gauge for the same string. The swingweight starts to change up to three points when dropping a couple of gauges, which is at the point when that starts to become noticeable. At that point, however, you have to take the playability of the two gauges into account. You have to decide if - in addition to the higher/lower swingweight - you're also willing to play with a livelier/deader string. You'd also want to consider the shape when comparing different strings. Square-shaped polys like confidential are thicker than their round counterparts (Grapplesnake warns you as much with something like Game Changer, for example), and are heavier at the "same" gauge. In my experience, hexagonal strings play the heaviest. Head Lynx tour feels quite chunky, but not as hilarious as the 40 swingweight points 16-gauge Solinco Revolution adds to a 16x20 string pattern.
I personally don't use gauge to adjust weight. I want my setups to work with 1.25mm string as its the most popular gauge and I need to be able to access it for string testing, but I've recommend that path in the past. Very common for Gravity Pro uses, like AC Tennis, to go for a thin string to make the tip faster. The other viewer who replied also made a bunch of good comments that I agree with!
Maybe this is being saved for the level 4 video, but any thoughts on how to optimize for recoil weight? I saw that your site recommended a recoil weight of 162 for a short king like myself, but that's hard to achieve for someone who likes 340+ swingweights. I just couldn't get along with a 335 swingweight at 341 grams, and a 325mm balance. On another note, I thought my choice for best leather grip was the most expensive, but then I saw what the VT Advantec grip cost even after the discount code on this video. In any case, I highly recommend the Oehms leather grips (tan only; black is considerably stiffer and harder to work with). These are - although frequently out of stock - sold on Amazon, and are essentially what the HEAD pro room uses for their Finest Calfskin leather grips. Please keep this on the down-low, UA-cam. I'm still waiting on the premium leather grips to get restocked.
RW and MGRi tuning are defs being saved for later. I've been slowly working with Brando on the RW things for like a year now as we try to figure things out and present the info in a digestible way. Its a tricky topic due to how controversial it is. I heard the Oehms aren't the same source as the prostock Calfskins anymore. Since COVID at least, they weren't able to get the supply. I saw them up there a while ago but not in Canada (maybe like $70 or something + import charges) so that's why I didn't discuss them.
@@TennCom Sweet Christmas 70 dollars for a leather grip? WTF, Trudeau? The Oehms grips still play quite nice, but there's an extreme difference in quality control between the "Pro" and "Premium" versions (They sold me one with a hole in it once). Luckily the premium version is only 20 dollars here in the states. I might try removing the adhesive backing on the VT Advantec next time I want to replace a racket with a leather grip. Looking forward to seeing recoil weight and MGRI explained in a more digestible way. My brain is the equivalent of an NTRP 2.0 for this kind of stuff.
Stunning video! Thanks! I’ve been playing with extreme mp for three years and two weeks ago I tried the vcore100. I loved it but I still prefer my head. So I tried to put some weights to reply some yonex feelings. For the moment 2 gr at 3 and 9 o’clock each. Any suggestions?
nothing that would really replicate the feel of the VCORE, to my understanding, its mostly the beam shape and layup, the weight distribution on those two racquets should be quite similar
Hi Beckett, is it possible to make the racket frame slightly more flexible by drilling a tiny hole in the frame? (Serious question 😅). Going down with the tension is not the same ...
I stick to the factory Wilson grip on my Six Ones, but add a Gamma Supreme overgrip on them all. They are the tackiest I've used, cheap as hell, and would last through a weekend tournament easily. I buy several at a time and keep them in the bag for quick and easy change out. Won't break the bank. I dunno, I worked my way up to 4.5 level and never really given much thought about grips, and none to weights. I put more thought into my game as even a pro could beat me with a $50 beginner racquet. I'm sure I could beat a 3.0 with the same racquet no matter how it was weighted or what grip it had.
I’m thinking about getting the Dunlop 200 95 sq in 18/20, but the 16/19 I’ve heard the kick serves are nice so I don’t know which one to get. The 18/20 (stock or customize?) or the 16/19 customize? And how
I would go to a thinner string first. Con's are durability obviously, but this is pretty common in squash, or was a few years ago when i was following it. People were cutting the bumper completely.
One question - can all the customizations and level 3 measurements be done on a strung racket, or is there a specific reason everyone seems to be doing it on an unstrung one?
Good questions. You can do all 3 strung or unstrung, it just becomes and issue if you have two different racquets strung will different strings. I think customizations are mostly done unstrung because its easier to put lead in the hoop with the strings out + the variable of string weight.
@TennCom what exercises can you do handle a greater static and swing weight? I have been experimenting with lead and leather and love the feel early in the game. By 2h my shoulder is jello. So been taking weight off slowly to find the ideal spot, but taking weight off is decreasing my stability. So wondering what can I do be able to handle a higher swing weight / static weight?
Hah! I think just about all of this stuff is way over and beyond what a club level player needs, but a lot of people want it anyways and I appreciate the Geek out!
Damn, I feel tempted again... Thing is, some racquets need weight, some don´t. For a gram or two you can actually use dampeners to test. Yes, you are allowed to install a dampener at the tip of your racquet. All the ITF requires is that it sits outside your string pattern.
What's one must-try customization and string setup you would make to the Solinco Whiteout 18x20? Recently got a second one on the TW sale to compare different setups haha
Personally, on my racquet I put my lead tape at around 430 and 830. Not exactly sure what this does to my racquet but it feels better than at 3 and 9. I feel like its a good balance of stability and making the racquet more headlight. Any inputs? I use a 98 v9 blade with 2g added.
@@p1xel109 it is uncommon. I'd only seen it on pro's who also have weight around the entire hoop of the frame (Murray and pre-2018 Djoker). It is uncommon because it's not a very efficient placement for the modern game where player's are trying to minimize static and for a given swingweight. I'd be curious to know how you'd like it if you used half as much weight but at 10 and 2.
@@TennCom I'd try it, but I dont usually like to mess with my racquets, ive always kept them stock. And I have pretty well stuck with only headlight racquets, prostaff-> vcore-> v9 blade, which even felt like a big difference only being 2 points more heavy in the head. I'll def give it a go and try it though.
Yo Beckett, is there a good resource for how much weight each brand's leather grip is? Based on trial and error it seems like the Babolat one is the heaviest, but it's harder than expected to find the weight for each
Not that I know of. Natural materials are going to create a lot of variance, and then there's the varying lengths. Even if they could offer like grams/inch of length, there are still varying widths so it makes it even harder to say. I think there's a thread on TT about it, but not sure how well its maintained.
Hi Pro.. planning to get a head prestige mpl. i have a one handed backhand. sadly no chance to demo one. i know this is subjective to person but what weight mods to do think is appropriate to the head and grip if needed?
Oddly enough I find on old Jr Ace Pro Powercontour aluminum Red/blue with white writing my favorite as black an yellow with white wiring year newer/older version of same racquet is a bit softer when I was feeling racquets in 2003. I am only 5 foot 2 and 106--110 pounds as an adult so I find model big enough not needing an adult grip in 4 & 1/2 to 5 inch and an older kid/young teen is fine at 4 & 1/4 inch for grip. I bought 2 more of identical color aluminum racquet in 2023 of e-Bay in good shape for replacement/backup as one I had became odd in a clear coat was put on in 2010 but was able to get rid of sticky issue. I used black sports/hockey cloth like tape and a minimum amount of Loctite Ultra Gel an all weather super glue I can get on very bottom end for holding in place as I like grip harder for more feel in hands of vibrations using only a single layer where tape is on very tight in a spiral pattern. I was okay with original cheap vinyl grip before it was peeling on one racquet I bought in 2023 and 2 others cheap vinyl leather was sticky only issue is grip became slick in sweat and would have a way of wiping off using a small towel.
@@TennCom Thanks a lot.Just ordered it! Between this string and Luxilon Alu power which one would be better for my main racket (wilson blade v9) the other one will go on my 2nd racket that I also use.(Again thanks a lot for replying)
What about the DIY method for measuring swingweight? It's not super-accurate but it's a decent approximation, and within everyone's reach! Not to disregard the Brifidi, I actually think it's a great idea and wish I could get one! Especially since it seems like the only SW machine that offers adaptors to actually measure twistweight! Also love that they developed apparatus to measure balance with a scale. I use to DIY with little pieces or wood but it's quite awkward and clumsy. BTW if anyone knows how to get one (Briffidi SW1) from Europe without paying some nasty shipment + customs extras please tell!
Does anyone have any racket recommendations for low swing weight between a 95-in and a 98-in head size. I recently just recovered from shoulder injuries. Was using a Tecnifibre TF40 305 18x20 was at a 334 swing weight
The 315 versions of tf40 or tfight would be similar with lower SW (more HL). Bit more power/stability with the tfight, which would help compensate for the lower SW, compared to your 305
I appreciate the level of detail you get into here, but at a certain (quite early) point you just have to go out and practice more. You'd get much more stability if you would practice elongating your strike zone than any amount of tinkering with the racket. In fact, I recommend training with different rackets all the time to get used to having to play on your feeling. Its (almost) never the equipment, it is you.
I disagree that amateurs 3.5-4.5 should have matching racquets unless you break strings often. I think if you're not breaking strings often, it's better to have different setups for more or less controls for those days where everything sails long. A more powerful setup if you're facing an opponent that you need to stop bullying you on the court. A more maneuverable setup for windy days, etc. We aren't like the pros, we don't re-string every match, we often don't know who we are playing against, we're not as rich to be able to afford these setups and we don't switch racquets on ball changes since there are basically no ball changes (another reason to have a different setup should you wish). I think the name of the game for amateurs is versatility whereas for the pros, it's consistency.
What are the odds. I look for a refresher vid on proper racket balancing and find my new racket in the thumbnail of a video posted day before by my favorite tennis channel ✨ ...wait just a minute (he picks up a TF!?) is AI generating thumbnails now?? Please reply with the racket shown in your thumbnail so i can know if it is synchronicity or spooky tech lol
You forgot the Poor Man's Custom: Handle stuffed with cotton balls 3 pennies minted after 1983 in the buttcap And electrical tape wrapped around the hoop. 😂😂😂
Leather grips are the easiest way to make a racquet slightly more headlight. The Yonex leather grips are amazing quality, just hard to find sometimes. Great video
I need to try a Yonex leather, not sure I've even seen one for sale before!
@@TennCom Amazon is where I find them but they are pricy and easily the heaviest option out there. A solid 5g heavy than any other leather grip and i've tried them all.
I have tried many leather grips. TW is great, Yonex is great, TF is great. Heads just one notch below but have had good luck with them. Kimony is nice too for a super thin leather grip. Tourna were just ok IMO. Wilson leather did not like.
@@tkdhananiYeah, TW are great, especially for the price. Plus they have different options for thickness and width.
@@tkdhananiI've yet to try the TW one, I'm a big fan of the TF one, I use that with all my racquets, do you think the TW one is good enough to switch from TF
Your enthusiasm for tennis and the equipment radiates off of you, man. The way you go into detail on these subjects seems to flow smoothly and is very digestible for someone who isn't really savvy in this realm. Great information and it makes me want to play some more tennis!
The quality of this video is great. This channel is so good for tennis enthusiasts!! Good job
There are 2 additional types of customization you did´t talk about: 1) Changing the shape of the grip that comes with the racket, even more, some pro stock frames don´t come with any shape of grip, it has to be molded by a technician, to the player´s specs. 2) Paintjobs. We know many players don´t use the racket they sponsor so their rackets are painted to look like the ones we buy in stores (some players even use a different brand)
This is such a timely video. I just tried my first racquet customization today by adding a few grams of lead tape (not very tasty btw) to the handle of one of my two vcore 98s. I just wanted to get their static weights to within a few grams of each other.
Amazing! That's exactly what I was hoping to learn about racket tuning, as I'm taking my baby steps with customization. Waiting for level 4 ;)
The very best intro on this topic I have seen so far! Fantastic!
I really like your videos. They are always descriptive and I can tell you enjoy making them. Good job! Thank you for the good info
Thank you very much!
Great video! The TW leather grips are awesome and very affordable.
My trick (my only useful trick!) is to use racket head tape for experimenting with weight in the hoop. Tourna Racket Guard is the best for this because it's fairly heavy and very cheap. Add a bunch, in sections, at each of Beckett's spots (3+9, 10+2, 12) and then go hit. Take off pieces as you practice and play--very easy to do with racket head tape--until you feel like you've got it dialed in. Then take out your trusty kitchen scale and figure out what weight you ended up with. Finally, remove the racket head tape and replace with a more long term/less ugly solution such as lead, tungsten or copper tape. This is so much easier and less expensive than trying to do the same thing with lead, tungsten, or copper.
Also, it's usually the case that you'll play better with a racket that's slightly lighter than the one that FEELS best. You can test this with a ball machine (use a ball machine, not a partner, to reduce the variables of the incoming ball). Challenge yourself to hit 50-100 shots at each tinkering of the weight, grading yourself honestly on errors and poor shots. You'll probably like the feel of the heavier racket but your "grades" will be higher with the slightly lighter one. Unless you're Nadal.
I reuse led weight by taping protection tape over led. It's invisible and easy to reapply after restringing.
I put protection tape over all of my rackets' bumper. It adds like 2.5-3 grams at ~63 cm (equivalently), so like +7~8 SW, and a little bit of TW which I don't appreciate that much but in general great extra stability. Some of them actually look great as well (Kirschbaum for gold letters over black, Pacific for silver over white are my favourites).
Overall with protection tape + dampener + overgrip it's fairly +10g to every racket. It's actually a lot but I generally appreciate it.
Amazing well thought out video I started my racket customizing journey back in 2018 with my 2016 roland garros babolat pure aero adding about 20 grams 10g at 10 a clock and 10g at 4 a clock it had great control and spin potential as well as good plowthrough now many years later winning comps using the rafa origin.
Beckett! Good to see you, man. Great tips, thx for that. Cheers from Vic Town.
A very comprehensive and easy to understand content
Great watch
„even though it looks pretty delic….“ -> first time I had to laugh while watching your videos :) keep them coming :)
It was great to see that Yonex R-7. It was my first real racket when I was starting out back in 84-85. I’ve stuck with Yonex racquets ever since.
When it comes to tuning my racket, I do the standard: add a leather replacement grip (I use Gamma’s leather grip) & then put on a Wilson pro overgrip. As far as lead tape is concerned, I’ve never felt like I’ve ever needed to use it… Each to their own though.
One of my students discovered adding a strip if lead on the V (core) part of the racquet adds amazing stability. I put it on all my solinco and babolat racquets.
The V of the throat is generally the place for maximizing MGR/I. High MGR/I rackets feel like they swing faster through the air. It has more to do with swing-style and timing really, maybe it feels more stable (than if you added it to 12 o'c, of course adding weight always feels more stable) because it's helping you make better contact at tight awkward shots?
How come I've never seen any of your videos up till now? Excellent info
thanks for finding me!
Added head and handle weight to my matched pair of Blades and the racquets were totally awakened. For racquets with a handle hatch one doesn’t need to purchase weight disks. Wrap pennies (2.5g) or nickels (5g) in medical gauze to remove the buzzy rattling and just stick them in.
There's also tungsten putty, quite cheap (~6$ or € for 1 oz / 30 g). Not as cheap as pennies of course, but quite denser (so ideal if you want to add 15-20 grams to take the balance down 1.5 or 2 cm). It works on its own for trapdoor weighting pretty well, although better if wrapped as you said for easier removal, otherwise it could be quite messy after a time.
You could also use plain play-dough if you happen to have some lying around.
Play dough is great too for experimenting how SW and balance change when adding weight here and there if you measure it at home (with a Briffidi or the DIY method), although the math for predicting it isn't that hard. I've actually made a spreadsheet for this intent and it works great.
Bought some copper tape and forgot to use your code. Keep up the great content!
thanks so much for the support! Best of luck with the customizations!
Luqi grips make an appearance, liked immediately! In terms of leather grips maybe its just me, but having a leather grip along with a tacky over grip feel better than synthetic
Best leather grip on the market are the Fairways. Downsides are they're pricey & more difficult to put on.
Yes it’s true!!
I think Chris from TW mentioned he uses them because if you don't put an overgrip on it, they become kind of more sticky when wet (like tourna grips).
such a cool video man. Love the backround and your vibe. Keeep iiitt !
thanks man!
Thank you for the comprehensive video! Fire edits as always too!
Wonderful video, keep doing what you’re doing and thank you🙌🏻
Excellent as always Beckett.
This is just my experience, i dont know if others feel like this too. So, I tried adding weight 3&9 and also 12&very small 6 (yes, on the racquet's throat). I noticed though those 2 give the same swingweight, they FEEL very different. Lead tape on 3&9 makes the stringbed stiff, while 12&6 makes the stringbed soft. I don't really care for the TW because i think the TW only works when hitting outside the sweetspot.
Very insightful. Thank you one punch man.
Great video Beckett
Hey Beckett, great video! Just had a question. I have the Percept 97 and as you rightly mentioned in your review, it’s low swingweight makes it feel anaemic so I added weight. However, because of Yonex’s isometric head frame shape, putting the weight at 12o’clock or 10-2o’clock pulls the sweet spot too far up while 3-9o’clock makes the racquet feel like a wooden plank. I’ve actually placed lead at the 4 and 5o’clock position.
Any thoughts on placing lead here? I know it’s odd as many people don’t do it and you didn’t mention it in your video. I think it feels the best but maybe it’s just placebo?
Adding weight over the center of the head (more or less, more accurately at ~46 cm) will decrease MGR/I. Below that, it will increase, being the maximum point at ~23cm. Adding a little of weight to 40 cm (or 5 cm) won't have a big impact, but maybe that's what you're feeling. Adding weight between BP and SS generally makes the racket slightly more stable and powerful without making it more sluggish and changing the swing-style. Maybe you could say in general adding weight close to BP changes the racket swing "feel" the least.
Or, maybe you could just add less weight at 10&2?
In any case, if it feels better for you, go for it! It's always interesting to try and understand why, but ultimately tennis specs are 99% feel.
Excellent video, very clearly articulated in simple terms. Well done! I have a couple of questions: (1) Does the measurement of twist weight differ whether the racket is strung or unstrung? And by how much? (2) How many swing weight points increase a 5 gm over grip causes? I know the number is negligible, but would appreciate to have a figure regardless of how negligible, since you're using a device that accurately calculates these values.
1. Yes, depends on the racquet and strings, but usally around +1kgcm^2
2. 0 basically. Briffidi not accurate enough to really quote 0.0XX
@@TennCom Thank you very much for your prompt response. Keep up the good work.
@@TennCom one final question please, are the values in tennis warehouse twist weight list measured based on strung or unstrung racquets?
@@raidraid6672 i believe strung but much of conditions for which these values are provided are unknown so best to take the numbers with a grain of salt
@@TennCom thanks again
Could you please provide more info and examples/options we have to add more weight to the head in every location. Do you have any opinions on dampeners and the impact on your playing? Excellent video, great insights.
I can't really notice the weight difference with a dampener as the change in noise completely overwhelms my ability to detect the 2g add so close to the balance point. I think for most players, the change in auditory experience with a dampener is the most noticeable and the effect on playability is negligible.
Great video! Still tinkering with my Vcore95 2023 :)
as a one hander I have always preferred stabiliy over lightness, never tried weight in handle setup. Typically lighter HL rackets have given me less feeling of stability. otherwise good video, I tinker a lot with lead tape, its fun to play with and unlocks full potential. By the way, have you done videos on lower string tension, pros and cons?
There are not many light AND headlight stock frames out there though, are they? They usually come light and HH or heavy and HL. In fact usually "team" and "light" frames are often the same but with less weight added to the handle.
Luca from Rackets & Runners has a great video about one hander frames. He mentions both stability and headlightness iirc as important factors. Worth the watch.
Regarding string tension, yes there is a great video on it in this channel, look it up.
This video has been GOATed!
Best video you ever did.
Solid video 10/10. Thank you for the detailed infos. Subscribed
What a great video!!!! I loved it!!!! Could you help me tell me a good customization for the Wilson Blade 98 v9? Better 3 and 9 or 12 with leather grip? I am an aggressive baseline player with a devastating serve, thanks ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾
Loving the new music
This question has baffled me for decades, and I feel you may have a good answer: do you choose / customise your racquet to enhance your strengths or mitigate your weaknesses? For example, my touch and feel are pretty good, but I lack power. Should my racquet choices be about feel, or about power?
I prefer to tailor to my strengths. I think you can have more fun playing if you feel confident in your favourite shots plus that confidence goes such a long way in match senarios. If the opponent can target your weaknesses and win, then too good. But if you lose because you couldn't execute your strengths, that really hurts.
Can you talk about the difference in adding weight at the bottom of the handle near the butt cap vs at the top of the handle near where the grip ends?
yeah next vid
hey there. i'm a new player who got wayyyyy too into tennis all of the sudden. started this year in january, but have been playing 2 to 3 hours/day, 5 days/wk since, and have switched racquets once (from a blade light, which was no fun and too flimsy, to a babolat pure aero, which i resisted because i'm 54 and don't want to play the same racquet as my 9 year old holger rune fan son, but just hit way better with) and added a second racquet recently on a lark (dunlop sx 300, but strung 42/40 vs my babolat's 52/50). i have been enjoying the comfort and easy ability to generate pop with the lower tension on the dunlop, and wonder if i like the racquet as much or more, but have come to realize that in addition to being different frames and tensions, they're also different weights and balances, (though they spec the same from the factory). the babolat (size 3 grip) is 340.5g w/ 2 over grips on it, with center of g @ 31.5cm, and the dunlop (a size 2 that was heat shrinked up to a bit more than a 3) is 345.5 with one over grip on it, and a center of gravity @ 30.5cm.
basically, i need to make a decision on next moves... before buying another racquet (trust me--i really want to try the sx 300 98 tour and the pure aero 98). i need to pick one direction and move with it. either match the tensions, weights and balances, to see which racquet i prefer, or maybe hope the frames are similar enough, match the balance and weights and see which tension i prefer.
any advice would be very, very welcome!
I mean if you can get the same performance from the lighter PA98 that's probably better. No need to carry around the extra weight if its not doing anything.
Be aware that heat shrink enlargers add a SHIT TON of weight to a frame (around 20g). Your aero must have come over spec (~305g) and the SX under spec (~295g) to have such little difference in weight even considering the extra OG (~5g).
So next time make sure you pick a size 3 or 4, even if you appreciate the extra weight in the handle you can always add it, but it's nice to be able to remove it.
Regarding your choice, SX and PA seem like close enough frames, spec and concept wise, although I haven't tried the SX so can't tell. I'd match the specs and change whatever of both strings is older (or has had more hitting time) to the same tension of the other, that way you'll also have the info or comparing the same frame with two different pensions as well as two different frames with matched specs and tensions.
But most importantly, measure Swingweights. It's easily the most relevant factor for how a racket actually performs.
Either take it to the shop as Beckett says in the video or look up a DIY method. It's not very complicated. It just takes a hefty book, two pencils, stopwatch and a link to the SW calculator in Tennis Warehouse University.
keep it going beckett!
Nah im a G. When I got back into tennis I got a ps97 thinking light is sexy might be good for me. Nope. I stayed away from RF because I thought it was a fanboy racket just to research and buy it because it was the weight I’m used to. I used to play with a ps 6.0 midsize in my teens. So I leaded up my ps97 to 1 gram less than the RF but it’s only head heavy. Surprisingly I like it. It is kind of overkill after 2 hours of playing but it helped me with my forehand consistency faster. My RF does also have 2 grams on the 10 and 2.
Been thru all stages of customization before, it's a lot to keep up with sometimes ja-ja! Found out frame which is great in stock and with the very tight QC (Yonex RDiS 100) and problems solved. BTW, mentioned Tourna now has new Tourna Blue Tuff OGs with much better durability and still pretty dry feel to them.
It's a good program for sure and is promoting tennis for enjoyment, however just a little bit of a gripe from here in Australia, your mention of Alex de Minaur as won't beat a top player even on his best day. The problem with that statement is it's wrong, Alex who is not a very big player and is beating much bigger players all the time and is still getting better, he is what tennis is all about someone like Alex can beat the best no matter what size and weight they are, Beckett, watch him play as much of a match as you have time for, and you'll see what an exciting and often unbelievable player Alex really is. He exited the quarter finals really bravely with his hip injury, but didn't pull out but played the match against Draper with the British player running him around knowing his hip injury would slow and stop him from putting in a top performance. Australia is producing some very good and rising tennis players and they look up to Alex for his wonderful tennis, his great abilities, and his brave never say die attitude so probably your comment was a little out of line Beckett.
I'm sure Beckett was just having fun at the expense of Minaur. Alex is playing the best tennis of his life and he's never been hungrier. Lets GOOOO!!!
QUESTION: When doing a replacement grip, do you remove the sticky stuff from the grip before you add the replacement grip? I removed a head factory grip and there's this layer of sticky stuff on the handle. Do I remove the sticky stuff before adding the new grip? Thanks!
I usually leave it on. Its just double sided tape that will help you new grip stick
@@TennCom Sounds good. What about the staple? I see mine has it pretty far in where it's not really protruding. I guess I could just leave it in? Also, when you wrap the replacement (I'm using leather) how do you know how much space to leave at the edges? Is it supposed to feel smooth or have the lines/ridges?
wilson black leather grip w the pro over grip is the best in my opinion 😎
I put too much weight at 12: and was painful on my elbow…was thinking more head heavy would help with racket drop and spin. Copper tape, I find the ends curl up after time more than lead.
@tenncom Wonderful video. thanks a million. There is no mention of weight in the throat. Don't you recommend it? I read somewhere that it makes the racquet stiffer? Does it really? Please advise.
I don't recommend it unless you've got to put it there to match the frames. Throat weight never works well for my technique (forehand or backhand) and I don't think it adds much to the racquet's interaction with the ball. I also can't see how adding weight would make the racquet stiffer. It might FEEL stiffer, but you aren't changing the layup of the graphite in anyway so it couldn't be actually stiffer.
@@TennCom Thanks for the prompt reply.
@@TennCom lower flex racquets, eg. A Phantom 100x or Gravity series, normally flexes at the throat. Won't adding weight to the throat act as additional reinforcement and make the racquet stiffer? Maybe it won't affect something like a pure drive. Just a thought.
@@sreemarar1 No the lead tape is so soft that it would not actually stiffen the frame. The racquet would have more inertia and resist bending a little more due to the increase in mass, but the throat is not an effective place to do this unless you hit the ball at the bottom of the stringbed.
@@TennCom Thank you
what was that tool you had to measure forehand speed and spin? seems like a good idea see the stats before and after customization
I was just using Swing Vision but I don't think it measures spin.
Leather grip is for me the best feel you can get.
Have you ever changed string gauge to change the weight at the head? (does it even change weight meaningfully?) I like the Solinco Confidential, which you mention in some of your videos, have you ever tinkered with dif gauges or you just go with a standard and never deviate? Thanks for the tips!
The change in weight and swingweight has only ever been meaningful when going up or down more than one gauge for the same string. The swingweight starts to change up to three points when dropping a couple of gauges, which is at the point when that starts to become noticeable. At that point, however, you have to take the playability of the two gauges into account. You have to decide if - in addition to the higher/lower swingweight - you're also willing to play with a livelier/deader string.
You'd also want to consider the shape when comparing different strings. Square-shaped polys like confidential are thicker than their round counterparts (Grapplesnake warns you as much with something like Game Changer, for example), and are heavier at the "same" gauge. In my experience, hexagonal strings play the heaviest. Head Lynx tour feels quite chunky, but not as hilarious as the 40 swingweight points 16-gauge Solinco Revolution adds to a 16x20 string pattern.
I personally don't use gauge to adjust weight. I want my setups to work with 1.25mm string as its the most popular gauge and I need to be able to access it for string testing, but I've recommend that path in the past. Very common for Gravity Pro uses, like AC Tennis, to go for a thin string to make the tip faster.
The other viewer who replied also made a bunch of good comments that I agree with!
Maybe this is being saved for the level 4 video, but any thoughts on how to optimize for recoil weight? I saw that your site recommended a recoil weight of 162 for a short king like myself, but that's hard to achieve for someone who likes 340+ swingweights. I just couldn't get along with a 335 swingweight at 341 grams, and a 325mm balance.
On another note, I thought my choice for best leather grip was the most expensive, but then I saw what the VT Advantec grip cost even after the discount code on this video. In any case, I highly recommend the Oehms leather grips (tan only; black is considerably stiffer and harder to work with). These are - although frequently out of stock - sold on Amazon, and are essentially what the HEAD pro room uses for their Finest Calfskin leather grips.
Please keep this on the down-low, UA-cam. I'm still waiting on the premium leather grips to get restocked.
RW and MGRi tuning are defs being saved for later. I've been slowly working with Brando on the RW things for like a year now as we try to figure things out and present the info in a digestible way. Its a tricky topic due to how controversial it is. I heard the Oehms aren't the same source as the prostock Calfskins anymore. Since COVID at least, they weren't able to get the supply. I saw them up there a while ago but not in Canada (maybe like $70 or something + import charges) so that's why I didn't discuss them.
@@TennCom Sweet Christmas 70 dollars for a leather grip? WTF, Trudeau?
The Oehms grips still play quite nice, but there's an extreme difference in quality control between the "Pro" and "Premium" versions (They sold me one with a hole in it once). Luckily the premium version is only 20 dollars here in the states. I might try removing the adhesive backing on the VT Advantec next time I want to replace a racket with a leather grip.
Looking forward to seeing recoil weight and MGRI explained in a more digestible way. My brain is the equivalent of an NTRP 2.0 for this kind of stuff.
Stunning video! Thanks!
I’ve been playing with extreme mp for three years and two weeks ago I tried the vcore100.
I loved it but I still prefer my head.
So I tried to put some weights to reply some yonex feelings.
For the moment 2 gr at 3 and 9 o’clock each.
Any suggestions?
nothing that would really replicate the feel of the VCORE, to my understanding, its mostly the beam shape and layup, the weight distribution on those two racquets should be quite similar
Hi Beckett, is it possible to make the racket frame slightly more flexible by drilling a tiny hole in the frame? (Serious question 😅). Going down with the tension is not the same ...
I think you would be going into unknown territory with that experiment
I stick to the factory Wilson grip on my Six Ones, but add a Gamma Supreme overgrip on them all. They are the tackiest I've used, cheap as hell, and would last through a weekend tournament easily. I buy several at a time and keep them in the bag for quick and easy change out. Won't break the bank. I dunno, I worked my way up to 4.5 level and never really given much thought about grips, and none to weights. I put more thought into my game as even a pro could beat me with a $50 beginner racquet. I'm sure I could beat a 3.0 with the same racquet no matter how it was weighted or what grip it had.
Got myself a pure strike VS after watching your video. What would u do to make this racket even better
string at 45lbs and add a little weight in the tip!
I’m thinking about getting the Dunlop 200 95 sq in 18/20, but the 16/19 I’ve heard the kick serves are nice so I don’t know which one to get. The 18/20 (stock or customize?) or the 16/19 customize? And how
Do you have any videos on stringing machines? Best budget/value/e.t.c.
I don't know much about machines sorry
I want the same racquet as the one in the thumbnail, what's the brand and specs? (Frame color, string color etc)
Yonex Percept 97 with Toroline Wasabi Red
5:40 had me laughing 🤣
Hi Beckett. Is it advisable to shave the bumper guard to reduce SW? What are the pros and cons? Please advise
I would go to a thinner string first. Con's are durability obviously, but this is pretty common in squash, or was a few years ago when i was following it. People were cutting the bumper completely.
@@TennCom Thanks Beckett for the prompt reply, as always
My best dry overgrip is a Dunlop U-Sweat.
One question - can all the customizations and level 3 measurements be done on a strung racket, or is there a specific reason everyone seems to be doing it on an unstrung one?
Good questions. You can do all 3 strung or unstrung, it just becomes and issue if you have two different racquets strung will different strings. I think customizations are mostly done unstrung because its easier to put lead in the hoop with the strings out + the variable of string weight.
video is great. are you gonna customize your head?
... Are you talking about the brand of racquets, or his actual head????
full head tattoo livestream coming soon
@TennCom what exercises can you do handle a greater static and swing weight? I have been experimenting with lead and leather and love the feel early in the game. By 2h my shoulder is jello. So been taking weight off slowly to find the ideal spot, but taking weight off is decreasing my stability. So wondering what can I do be able to handle a higher swing weight / static weight?
I'm allergic to exercise so I just play more and more and try harder and harder when I can and hope things work out hahaha.
Love this channel
luv u!
Hah! I think just about all of this stuff is way over and beyond what a club level player needs, but a lot of people want it anyways and I appreciate the Geek out!
Are you buying Luqi grips online? I want to get some, but their shipping to Canada is crazy expensive 🤯
ye prob not worth the import fees
try the yonex leather grips they are great quality and affordable
Damn, I feel tempted again...
Thing is, some racquets need weight, some don´t.
For a gram or two you can actually use dampeners to test.
Yes, you are allowed to install a dampener at the tip of your racquet. All the ITF requires is that it sits outside your string pattern.
Where can i get Korean Cold Noodles
What's one must-try customization and string setup you would make to the Solinco Whiteout 18x20? Recently got a second one on the TW sale to compare different setups haha
I'd say the Beckett tournament spec lol, my personal fav config: leather grip + 5g Weight Control Module with Tour M8 1.25 @ 49/46lbs
Personally, on my racquet I put my lead tape at around 430 and 830. Not exactly sure what this does to my racquet but it feels better than at 3 and 9. I feel like its a good balance of stability and making the racquet more headlight. Any inputs? I use a 98 v9 blade with 2g added.
No inputs. I think you've basically done exactly what you set out to do, improve off-centre stability without increasing swingweight too much.
@@TennCom is what i did a common thing people do in racquet customization? if so why do you think it isnt talked about/utilized more?
@@p1xel109 it is uncommon. I'd only seen it on pro's who also have weight around the entire hoop of the frame (Murray and pre-2018 Djoker). It is uncommon because it's not a very efficient placement for the modern game where player's are trying to minimize static and for a given swingweight. I'd be curious to know how you'd like it if you used half as much weight but at 10 and 2.
@@TennCom I'd try it, but I dont usually like to mess with my racquets, ive always kept them stock. And I have pretty well stuck with only headlight racquets, prostaff-> vcore-> v9 blade, which even felt like a big difference only being 2 points more heavy in the head. I'll def give it a go and try it though.
What change if any would adding weight to the throat of the racquet. Thank you
That's a good place to add weight if you want a heavier racket with the same balance. It's particularly useful for bare-bones racket matching.
well said, Big Dawg!
Yo Beckett, is there a good resource for how much weight each brand's leather grip is? Based on trial and error it seems like the Babolat one is the heaviest, but it's harder than expected to find the weight for each
Not that I know of. Natural materials are going to create a lot of variance, and then there's the varying lengths. Even if they could offer like grams/inch of length, there are still varying widths so it makes it even harder to say. I think there's a thread on TT about it, but not sure how well its maintained.
excelente video.. gosto mt de personalizar raquetes de varios modelos e marcas. é incrível como mudam dependendo da variação do jogo. =)
Thank you
Hi Pro.. planning to get a head prestige mpl. i have a one handed backhand. sadly no chance to demo one. i know this is subjective to person but what weight mods to do think is appropriate to the head and grip if needed?
Spin player: 3g at 12. Flat: 2g each at 10 and 2 + leather
Oddly enough I find on old Jr Ace Pro Powercontour aluminum Red/blue with white writing my favorite as black an yellow with white wiring year newer/older version of same racquet is a bit softer when I was feeling racquets in 2003. I am only 5 foot 2 and 106--110 pounds as an adult so I find model big enough not needing an adult grip in 4 & 1/2 to 5 inch and an older kid/young teen is fine at 4 & 1/4 inch for grip. I bought 2 more of identical color aluminum racquet in 2023 of e-Bay in good shape for replacement/backup as one I had became odd in a clear coat was put on in 2010 but was able to get rid of sticky issue. I used black sports/hockey cloth like tape and a minimum amount of Loctite Ultra Gel an all weather super glue I can get on very bottom end for holding in place as I like grip harder for more feel in hands of vibrations using only a single layer where tape is on very tight in a spiral pattern. I was okay with original cheap vinyl grip before it was peeling on one racquet I bought in 2023 and 2 others cheap vinyl leather was sticky only issue is grip became slick in sweat and would have a way of wiping off using a small towel.
Ayy big dawg
hi,
what is the best string for spin?
ReString Zero
@@TennCom Thanks a lot.Just ordered it! Between this string and Luxilon Alu power which one would be better for my main racket (wilson blade v9) the other one will go on my 2nd racket that I also use.(Again thanks a lot for replying)
What about the DIY method for measuring swingweight? It's not super-accurate but it's a decent approximation, and within everyone's reach!
Not to disregard the Brifidi, I actually think it's a great idea and wish I could get one! Especially since it seems like the only SW machine that offers adaptors to actually measure twistweight! Also love that they developed apparatus to measure balance with a scale. I use to DIY with little pieces or wood but it's quite awkward and clumsy.
BTW if anyone knows how to get one (Briffidi SW1) from Europe without paying some nasty shipment + customs extras please tell!
Yeah I think the DIY method is good for those with patience. So much room for human error which is why I'm hesitant to recommend it.
Does anyone have any racket recommendations for low swing weight between a 95-in and a 98-in head size. I recently just recovered from shoulder injuries. Was using a Tecnifibre TF40 305 18x20 was at a 334 swing weight
The 315 versions of tf40 or tfight would be similar with lower SW (more HL). Bit more power/stability with the tfight, which would help compensate for the lower SW, compared to your 305
I appreciate the level of detail you get into here, but at a certain (quite early) point you just have to go out and practice more.
You'd get much more stability if you would practice elongating your strike zone than any amount of tinkering with the racket.
In fact, I recommend training with different rackets all the time to get used to having to play on your feeling.
Its (almost) never the equipment, it is you.
Rule Number 1 of TennCom: Always blame your equipment.
@@TennCom heheh, checks out :)
I disagree that amateurs 3.5-4.5 should have matching racquets unless you break strings often. I think if you're not breaking strings often, it's better to have different setups for more or less controls for those days where everything sails long. A more powerful setup if you're facing an opponent that you need to stop bullying you on the court. A more maneuverable setup for windy days, etc. We aren't like the pros, we don't re-string every match, we often don't know who we are playing against, we're not as rich to be able to afford these setups and we don't switch racquets on ball changes since there are basically no ball changes (another reason to have a different setup should you wish). I think the name of the game for amateurs is versatility whereas for the pros, it's consistency.
Interesting idea. The variety would drive me crazy.
Secret level: MGR/I tuning
Shit sir, this is a great video. Thank you. 🙏🏻
Old fairways of Balmouth is the best leather grips
Wilson pro over grip comfort in white or nothing
❤❤❤
There are differnt kind of weights.. some are.heavy
What are the odds. I look for a refresher vid on proper racket balancing and find my new racket in the thumbnail of a video posted day before by my favorite tennis channel ✨ ...wait just a minute (he picks up a TF!?) is AI generating thumbnails now?? Please reply with the racket shown in your thumbnail so i can know if it is synchronicity or spooky tech lol
hahahahaha TF review next week lets goooo
Every like I get I will do a push up
will you provide video evidence
Just gave you a dislike so you don't overdo it 😅. Take care of your body 👍
I also struggle not eating the lead
You forgot the Poor Man's Custom:
Handle stuffed with cotton balls
3 pennies minted after 1983 in the buttcap
And electrical tape wrapped around the hoop.
😂😂😂
Always resisting the urge to eat my lead tape
Hi
Nice coffee scale in the thumbnail
been pouring over since 2015!
You ever try the Single V or Finest Cup beans? Probably my face for pour overs in the Lower Mainland