Leaded or Non-Leaded?
This used to be a decision you made when putting gasoline in your car, but not so much anymore. It is, however, a decision you make when it comes to racquet performance.
For this discussion, “lead” means “weight”. There are, of course, other types of weight.
Racquet performance can be enhanced with the proper placement and amount of lead used. Conversely, racquet performance can be frustrated when lead is used improperly.

I imagine every tennis player has experimented with lead. This is sometimes encouraged by the racquet manufacturers by marking racquets with “place lead here” areas. This may be OK for gross adjustments but you want the racquet to perform for you, and you alone!
You can continue to experiment with lead, and placement, or you can seek out a racquet technician that has been trained in the best location and amount of lead for your game and has the diagnostic equipment to achieve the goal.
When I “customize” and “match” racquets it requires a few iterations based on the consistency of the racquets. For example, out of six (6) racquets there may be six (6) different specifications. This is due to manufacturing tolerances and that is OK, but, at the point of manufacture the easiest method of “matching” is adding weight to the rear end of the racquet. That is why “balance” is still used instead of the more definitive “swing weight”.
Typically all racquets will be matched to the “heaviest” racquet primarily because removing weight from a racquet is not cost effective (meaning it is really difficult).
When six (6) racquets are matched you may see slightly different locations and amounts of lead. This is common and should be expected. With the proper equipment and expertise every racquet should be within one (1) unit of each other. This is the typical tolerance of diagnostic equipment. In real life it is quite satisfactory to have the racquets within 2% of each other. I prefer, however, to have each racquet return the exact number.
So, if you have experimented with lead without success please don’t give up. The proper application of lead can really make a positive impact on how your racquet will perform.
If you have any questions about customization please let me know, and, let me know if you prefer leaded or un-leaded!
Comments (5)
What software do you use for this?
Alexander, I use Racquet Record that I developed several years ago for calculation and data, but I do not use a tool such as available on USRSA site for weight location(s).
Hi John,
Good Day!
I have question regarding adding lead tape of the frame.
1.What are common scenarios or players needs why they want to add weight on their frame?
2.What are the players benefits when adding lead on the 12, 3 , 6 o’clock or from throat & handle of the racquet.?
3. Recommended lead weight in grams to use for a start?
Hope to hear from you soon.
Regards
Cris
Hi, Cris and thanks for the questions!
1 & 2. A heavier racquet, suited to the player, will enhance power and stability and therefore control. Adding weight at the sides will add torsional stability while adding weight at the very tip will add swing weight with minimum added weight. Adding weight at the butt end can increase the overall weight without affecting swing weight much. Adding weight at the butt end will change the static balance.
3. We start with ¼ wide strips 6 inches long and place them in the most effective position. This may add 5-6 grams to the overall weight.
When it comes to tennis racquets weight is your friend!
I hope this helps!
John,
Thank you so much for sharing your expertise about racquet customisation.
It’s a big help for me.
Regards
Cris