question about adding weight to your irons - lead tape vs. heavy grips?

[bjwestner]

I have a quick swing that I am working on slowing down and my new irons are swing weight D1 versus my old irons that were D2.5.  I can tell a difference in that the new irons are lighter.  I'd like to make them a bit heavier.  I've read online and cannot seem to get a consensus answer on adding lead tape to irons.....What about getting those Boccieri grips installed?  I'd like the feel to be a bit heavier as I believe it will help me slow down my tempo/swing a bit more with the extra weight (for example going to D2 maybe?).  Assuming that my swing speed does not change, then wouldn't the extra weight cause a distance increase as well.

FWIW, I have a lot of room to grow into my swing as I've only been playing golf for 2 plus years but my backswing is nowhere near parallel.  I continue to work on my flexibility and balance.  Two years ago I was "falling out of" shots and did not have much of a backswing where as now it's a bit more than halfway from parrallel I'd estimate.  Thanks for the help.

[boogielicious]

I have a quick swing that I am working on slowing down and my new irons are swing weight D1 versus my old irons that were D2.5.  I can tell a difference in that the new irons are lighter.  I'd like to make them a bit heavier.  I've read online and cannot seem to get a consensus answer on adding lead tape to irons.....What about getting those Boccieri grips installed?  I'd like the feel to be a bit heavier as I believe it will help me slow down my tempo/swing a bit more with the extra weight (for example going to D2 maybe?).  Assuming that my swing speed does not change, then wouldn't the extra weight cause a distance increase as well.

FWIW, I have a lot of room to grow into my swing as I've only been playing golf for 2 plus years but my backswing is nowhere near parallel.  I continue to work on my flexibility and balance.  Two years ago I was "falling out of" shots and did not have much of a backswing where as now it's a bit more than halfway from parrallel I'd estimate.  Thanks for the help.

Adding weight to the grip will lower swing weight but increase overall weight.  To adjust swing weight back to D2.5, you would add a bit of weight to the head.

[Golfingdad]

I have a quick swing that I am working on slowing down and my new irons are swing weight D1 versus my old irons that were D2.5.  I can tell a difference in that the new irons are lighter.  I'd like to make them a bit heavier.  I've read online and cannot seem to get a consensus answer on adding lead tape to irons.....What about getting those Boccieri grips installed?  I'd like the feel to be a bit heavier as I believe it will help me slow down my tempo/swing a bit more with the extra weight (for example going to D2 maybe?).  Assuming that my swing speed does not change, then wouldn't the extra weight cause a distance increase as well.

FWIW, I have a lot of room to grow into my swing as I've only been playing golf for 2 plus years but my backswing is nowhere near parallel.  I continue to work on my flexibility and balance.  Two years ago I was "falling out of" shots and did not have much of a backswing where as now it's a bit more than halfway from parrallel I'd estimate.  Thanks for the help

As Boogie already mentioned, adding weight to the clubhead is a very different thing that adding weight to the grip.  So if you want it to feel heavier during the swing, I don't think adding weight to the grip is the route to go.

The beauty of lead tape is that it is just that: tape.  It can be removed.  It's also cheap.  Just experiment with it and see if you like it.  If you don't take the tape off and try something else.  It certainly can't hurt.

[1badbadger]

As Boogie already mentioned, adding weight to the clubhead is a very different thing that adding weight to the grip.  So if you want it to feel heavier during the swing, I don't think adding weight to the grip is the route to go.

The beauty of lead tape is that it is just that: tape.  It can be removed.  It's also cheap.  Just experiment with it and see if you like it.  If you don't take the tape off and try something else.  It certainly can't hurt.

I have a lot of experience with lead tape, and I agree with Dad 100%.  Lead tape is a great way to increase the swingweight of your clubs, it's inexpensive, easy to use and you can't make a mistake...worst case scenario peel it off and start over.  It won't hurt the finish of your clubs either.

The grips that you mentioned will actually decrease the swingweight and make the clubhead feel lighter...make sure you avoid any type of "counterbalancing" weights.

[vangator]

Add the lead tape to the back of the club near the toe and heel increasing the perimeter weight. If the ball starts to go left or right, you may need to adjust the position of the tape.

[Dedicated2Journ]

Of note, if you use lead tape make sure you use a screwdriver to press it down. It will fall off rather easily if you don't put some elbow grease into it when you apply it.

[garybbq]

Does anyone know of specific tour players that use lead tape? or do they just have custom made clubs to the weight they want?

[Ernest Jones]

Does anyone know of specific tour players that use lead tape? or do they just have custom made clubs to the weight they want?

I think Jonas Blixt has tape on all his irons.

[WUTiger]

Consider using tungsten rubber squares to increase the swingweight.. Each 1/2" x 1/2" square weighs 2 grams, and adds one swingweight to the club.

Golf Galaxy is one source: http://www.golfgalaxy.com/the-golfworks-rubber-tungsten-swingweight-tape/ss12gwrubbertape/product

[trickyputt]

Most pga players I know who do use tape weight the toe, holding it back and open. Consider lighter grips, UST make some about 40-45g that should be just right.

[WUTiger]

Consider lighter grips, UST make some about 40-45g that should be just right.

From my GolfWorks notes: A grip that is 4 grams lighter than original will raise the club's swingweight +1.

[1badbadger]

From my GolfWorks notes: A grip that is 4 grams lighter than original will raise the club's swingweight +1.

This is a good option for players who don't like the look of lead tape on their clubs.  It's more expensive than lead tape though, and it's not as easy to un-do if you change your mind, but if you prefer your clubs to look "stock" it's worth considering.

A number of years ago lead tape was more common on tour, and it seemed like almost everyone had tape on at least one club, but there are guys who still use it.  Here's a couple of pics of Boo Weekly and Adam Scott's bags:

[trickyputt]

That there is pictures of a buziness opportunity boys and girls!

[trickyputt]

The site timed out on an edit, but I have to wonder why there is that much lead in those pics. I can only surmise a heavy shaft has imbalanced the situation? Say +20g shaft and stiffer than the shaft for which the head was designed?

[1badbadger]

The site timed out on an edit, but I have to wonder why there is that much lead in those pics. I can only surmise a heavy shaft has imbalanced the situation? Say +20g shaft and stiffer than the shaft for which the head was designed?

There are several reasons why there is that much tape on those irons...if the player had some grinding done to get a certain look or shape, that will lighten the head weight.  If they use a grip that is heavier than normal grip like a midsize, or if they put extra tape under the grip to build it up this will cause the swingweight to get lighter and it could take a number of strips of tape to get the weight back up.

A heavier shaft will actually increase the swingweight, but a light shaft will cause a decrease in s.w. and Boo uses graphite shafts in his irons (not his wedges though which coincidentally don't have tape on them) so this could be a reason, but he's always been a lead tape guy.  I think he really likes feeling the head during his swing and likes the s.w. pretty high.