Overview
This episode of Tennis Spin focuses on where and how to add lead or other weight to a tennis racket to achieve a more penetrating shot, based on listener questions and personal experience.
Sponsorships and Announcements
- Episode sponsored by GoSport, promoting their new 2.0 racket bag collection.
- Coffee sponsor shoutout to Seth Sean, who shared a tip about using overgrips for longer handles.
Listener Question: Weighting the Wilson Blade
- Aaron asked about adding weight to a Wilson Blade 16x19 v7 for more shot penetration compared to the heavier Pro Staff 97.
- Lighter rackets may lack plow-through, requiring faster swings for penetrating shots.
- Personal experience echoes that stock form rackets often lack forceful shot penetration without added weight.
Methods for Adding Lead to Rackets
- Tried adding lead at 2 and 10 o'clock positions (about 5-6 inches each), but it was not effective for desired plow-through.
- Found success by replicating the Wilson Perimeter Weighting System: apply lead at 3 and 9 o'clock, six grommet holes wide (starting where paint color changes).
- Use a split method: half the lead on one side, half on the other, for both 3 and 9 o'clock positions.
- For more plow-through, add six grommet holes' worth at the top of the racket (centered at 12 o'clock).
- If further weight is needed, add about four inches of half-inch-wide lead strips to the throat area.
- To balance the racket, place 4-5 inches of lead inside the handle (on the bigger bevels under the grip).
- Modern rackets are designed to be customized with added weight, typically headlight and needing extra plow-through.
Summary Advice
- Begin lead placement at 3 and 9 o'clock positions for improved shot depth.
- Incrementally add weight at the top or throat if more penetration is needed.
- Rebalance with handle lead if desired.
- The process can be applied to any racket that needs more plow-through.
Recommendations / Advice
- Adjust lead placement based on personal feel and playing style.
- Experiment with incremental weight additions for optimal balance and penetration.
- Use these customization methods to let the racket assist more with ball drive and shot effectiveness.