Apparently, some text in my original post went missing too ...... here's the rest .... A side note on the RKEP King Grip G-03 i used for this example .... I particularly liked how easy it was to 'stretch' and 'twist' this grip to conform to the end result i wanted. I am also impressed that, despite my numerous applications and removals, this grip still held its form quite well. We all know that certain grips when stretched and manipulated, tend to 'fall apart' and tear quite easily. This grip is quite resilient .... but i won't be pushing it to the limit any time soon. Grip feel is quite good and tacky. But i won't be able to comment much on it's durability, playability and 'feel' during game time until i try them out myself on the courts next week.
Excellent explanation and is very informative. Now could you advise us as in where to get the HSS since you mention that it is a industrial application material? I'm very keen on trying this method out.
Hi there isben ...... I see you're in Singapore ..... then it's going to be a cinch for you. Go to a shop called HLC Pte Ltd at Blk 437 Veerasamy Road. This company is the local agent (i was told) for 'Radiform Heat Shrink Tubing'. They sell the HSS by the metre ..... very inexpensive. I cant remember what the actual size of the tubing is, but as long as you can slip the racket handle through, then thats good enough. The HSS also comes in a variety of colours also .... happy shopping.
Dingboy, thanks again for the clarifications. I would definitely vote this thread as one of the more useful and informative threads in this forum section...
No worries bro .... i think bringing your racket along is a great (and safe) idea. Happy shopping + modding.
Thanks ding for a great method.. and the bevel still noticeable..... need to look for HSS first before i could try this method
Every time I read through this article I get confused... my background makes me automatically translate HSS into Hollow Structural Steel, not Heat Shrink Sleeve... obviously quite different
heh heh heh ...... Sorry for the confusion bro ...... i got lazy and just used 'HSS'. The actual product description should be 'Heat Shrink Tubing', but i used 'HSS' instead.
Hi there ..... You are most welcome bro. I'm not too sure where this product is available in Malaysia, but i'm pretty sure you can find it somewhere ..... sorry i cant help much.
Hey Dingboy, Excellent thread!! I have just bought a Li-ning and the racket has a S2 grip size. I usually use a G4 so looking to build up the grip. What were the dimensions you bought? I live in the UK and not sure what HST I'm looking for and we use metric here. Cheers in advance.
Hey Dingboy, Hold fire. I have just reread the thread and saw WD strings sell it. IYO how much weight has it added to the handle of the racket and how has it effected the performance shifting the balance?
Hi diverdan .... so terribly sorry for the late reply bro. I don't really know the dimensions per se bro, as i estimated the width of the tubing (just able to squeeze the handle in). All i know is the brand is called called 'Radiform', and it shrinks to half it's original size.
Yeeah .... a few tennis stores sell the tubing, but they're mostly catered for Tennis rackets. After shrinkage, the tube is still very light and i didnt notice much weight difference. As for balance .... I didn't really measure or weigh the racket after installation, but it hasn't affected me so far and playing characteristics of my racket didn't change dramatically at all. My performance hasn't been affected in any way, partially because i suck to begin with anyway ...
Have you measured the weight difference on a digital balance? Personally I can accept an addition of 1 gram to the handle but if it is more than that I start to feel a difference in the racquet's playing characteristics (all scientifically measured and quantified with a digital balance for my case)
Nah .... i don't have a digital scale ..... i kinda went by the 'feel' method. Although i was kinda tempted to weigh it in my local post office once .... but the mean lady was watching.
