Lead Tape: Customize Your Tennis Racquet to YOUR Needs

Equipment & Customization

Tennis Express Racquet Customization

I have been playing tennis for twenty years. My tennis journey has evolved over the years, and with that change came the demand for equipment tuned to my playstyle. Until recently, I've been changing my racquet completely to help fit my game. Such changes can be extremely drastic, not to mention expensive. It was about a month ago that I applied lead tape to my tennis racquet for the very first time in my life. The results blew my mind.

I was hitting with more power and spin, and even more control than I thought possible. Am I being overly dramatic? No! Lead tape seriously improved my game, and it can do the same for you. This racquet lead tape guide walks you through what lead tape is and how you can use it to improve your game too.

What is Lead Tape?

Lead tape and Babolat balancer tape for customizing your tennis racquet

Lead tape comprises small strips of lead with one side being adhesive so it can stick securely somewhere on the tennis frame. Its primary function is adding weight to a tennis racquet, making it more stable, powerful, and spin-friendly depending on where you place the tape.

Note: Some brands are making lead tape made out of tungsten instead of lead.

Why Would Someone Use Lead Tape?

Put simply, using lead tape is one of the quickest, easiest, and cheapest ways to add power and stability to your game. Adding power to your tennis game isn't just about how hard you swing the racquet. Likewise, enhancing your topspin doesn't mean you have to strain your wrists trying so hard to brush up on the ball. Yes, your technique is arguably the most important thing, but your tennis racquet should also be doing the work for you. Lead tape might just be a reliable solution.

Does Lead Tape Actually Help?

Yes, lead tape can actually help improve your game. It should be noted, however, that lead tape can also worsen your game. It's all about what you need. If you're lacking power and spin, lead tape can genuinely improve your game in the area. That said, it can also cause injury if your physicality or technique isn't built for more weight. If that's the case, you're better off tuning your strings to match your playstyle. Your tension and the type of string you choose go a long way.

Professional players don't actually play with the same exact racquets the brands sell to the general public.

I hate to break it to you, but professional players don't actually play with the same exact racquets the brands sell to the general public. The best players in the world work with the brands to tune those racquets perfectly to their game, and it's not uncommon for players to re-customize their racquets frequently. That said, the racquets you can buy from those brands and from Tennis Express are the closest thing the recreational player can get, and adding lead tape to said racquets is one of the best ways to customize the frame to fit your game.

How and Where to Put Lead Tape on Your Tennis Racquet

Applying lead tape to your tennis racquet is easy. Just stick the adhesive side to the racquet. But knowing WHERE to put the lead tape is where things get complicated. It's not simply about adding weight to your frame that will help you hit harder and with more spin. The location of the tape drastically impacts how it will impact your swing, and thus your shot. The AMOUNT of lead tape you apply is also important.

Typically, ¼ inch of lead tape amounts to ¼ gram. Most lead tape sets come with the tape pre-cut at ¼ inches, which makes the math much simpler. One full inch of lead tape adds one gram.

For example, if you're hitting with the new Wilson Defyer tennis racquet, and you add ¼ inches to either side of the frame on both sides of the hoop (i.e., 4 quarter-inch tape pieces total), you'll end up with one more gram of weight in the head of the racquet. This may seem small in the grand scheme of things, but it actually makes a big difference when you swing the frame. However, as a player, you should remember that with mass on your racquet, it will require more energy from you on every swing, which may fatigue you faster.

Note: The Babolat Balancer Tennis Tape is 1 inch long and ¼ inch wide, weighing grams each, and is designed to go in the handle of the racquet.

Where to Put the Lead Tape on Your Tennis Racquet

The Handle (Grip)

Adding weight to the handle, underneath your grip, can significantly change how the racquet feels when you swing it. It can make the racquet more head-light, making the frame more maneuverable on every shot. What it won't do is reduce the swingweight of a racquet, so it won't become "lighter"

Throat

This is a solid way of adding mass to the frame without messing with the balance of your racquet. This makes the racquet more stable against heavy hitters.

Head

This is the most common area to add weight to the frame. It makes the racquet more head-heavy, stable, and powerful. If you're looking at your racquet face like the face of a clock, adding lead tape to the 3 and 9 o'clock position is a safe way to add more pop and stability to your game. I would recommend starting at this position if you've never used lead tape. Adding weight higher up the head, at the 2 and 10 o'clock position or even the 12 o'clock position, makes the frame even more head-heavy. This will certainly make the racquet more powerful, but you may feel like you lack the maneuverability to generate topspin like you're used to. A couple of tips: Adding even a small amount of weight at the 12' o'clock position will increase the racquet's swingweight and alter the balance slightly more head heavy.

Lead Tape FAQs

Should I put lead tape on my tennis racquet?

Yes and no! Putting lead tape on your tennis racquet is all about finding the right weight and balance that you prefer. Doing so can certainly improve your game, but it can also hurt your game (and your body) if your setup is not good for you.

How Much Lead Tape do I need?

Start with a gram or two (4 to 8 pieces of ¼ inch lead tape). Depending on where you put the weight, a small amount can make a change to the racquet's balance and swingweight.

Where should I put lead tape on my tennis racquet?

Do professionals use lead tape?

Actually, yes. But it is oftentimes hard to see because they are placed beneath the grip or under the head guards of the racquet frame.

Is lead tape dangerous?

Lead tape is made of lead, which is known to cause cancer. When applying lead tape, make sure to wash your hands afterwards.

Will lead tape make my shots more powerful?

In theory, yes. Lead tape adds more weight to your racquet, which in turn gives you power and spin depending on the placement of the tape.

Lead TAPE CAN always be removed!!!!! So if you don't like it, no worries

Not Sure About Lead Tape? Try Demoing a New Racquet!

Putting lead tape on your tennis racquet is not for everyone. Maybe what you need is to find the tennis racquet that best fits your playstyle. Tennis racquets are expensive, and buying one is a serious financial investment. That's why Tennis Express has a Demo Program for tennis racquets! Tennis Express will send you several tennis racquets of your choosing to experiment with. That way you'll know exactly what you like and what you're looking for. Demo one today!

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