How Lead Tape Changes the Swing Weight of Your Paddle

Pickleball players will add lead tape to their paddle to increase stability and add power to their paddle. But how does lead tape in places affect the swing weight of the paddle? In this experiment we place lead tape in four different places and measure the change in swing weight.

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[kimleith]

So glad someone (you) did this video. Been using "trial and error" for this for years. That device you have is great.

[Elephantish]

This video is super helpful! I like putting the tape near the throat. This video validates what I expected. Keep up with this great content!!

[MP-tfcc]

Good video. Half an ounce of tape is a lot of weight to add to a paddle. I'd like to see some experiments with less weight, maybe 2 - 8 grams in different positions.

[bretts]

I use the pickleball lead tape, the 3g bars on the sides, 3 and 9 o'clock. Great video and analysis!

[jfine]

I have a cx14 ultimate E and am looking to increase power without decreasing hand speed. Any advice on where to put lead tape??

[sarniasurfer]

Interesting experiment . I think putting the tape near the bottom makes a lot of sense if you want a lighter swinging paddle with about a 4-5% gain in power. (As per your ball speed experiment done several months ago.) You should link that video too Braden. Thanks !

[johnwillson]

Would you mind seeing what it would do if you had tape at all four corners and sides? So all six positions at same time. I am a bigger guy so assed weight is too much of issue. I am an intermediate player so the benefits at all positions at same time might be good. Thank you!

[lelwil]

Thanks for doing this.
Is there a SW calculator for an 8 oz paddle that is 10 points HH? (1pt = 1/8")

[CyberSonic]

So the swing weight can vary among the same paddle models?

[adimperial]

Which would you choose dbd 14, dbd16, or crbn 1X? Thx

[bewithU]

Perfect video. I am expecting the delivery of 6.0 double diamond 16mm in sakura. I saw all the video about adding a bit of lead to soften up the paddle a bit. Your video will be a good baseline.

[MrLouisjB]

I would like to know what adding lead tape to the handle alone and in combination with the lower sides will do.

[terraXR]

It would be interesting to see how repeatable the machine's measurements are - will multiple measurements of the same paddle all yield similar numbers? Also, in your Double Black Diamond review video, you had lead tape in the lower corner and side - was that combination what ended up working best for you?

[robedwards]

How many ounces did you add to your double diamond? If you were using an extended paddle instead of the hybrid shape (double diamond) where do you like the weight and how much?

[robedwards]

I have the Six Zero Black Diamond Power. With the over-grip and weights on by throat extending up to the side it is approximately 8.6 ounces. It still feels mobile to me. Do you think adding additional weight in the same spot, getting it to 9 ounces, will increase the swing weight by too much? Stock swingweight is 115 according to your database.

[BrockRzesnowiecky]

Very cool to see and looks like fun to experiment with. I wonder if put lead in the handle would change the swing weight too?

[peteherrera]

if not only effects the swing rate it also can give you better control of the Pickleball paddle when striking the pickleball.

[qauckerman]

can you link where you bought this from?

[imhody]

How is the pop and control/reset in double black diamond 14mm ? Is this equivalent to legacy pro or Joola bj 14mm ?

[Zenon-fgdw]

Great video. However, I have a question: Is it possible to reduce the swing weight of a paddle by means of placement of lead tape?