Quick and easy or precision? Determining the best method for achieving the correct swing weight
While all three certainly have their merits, each has some downsides that may help you choose one method. Let’s take a look at these three options so you can decide for yourself:
TYPE | PROS | CONS |
LEAD TAPE | Convenience and Speed | Not visually appealing |
TIP WEIGHTS | Cleaner Look, wide range | Modifications require complete teardown |
HOT MELT GUN | Great combo of weighting and precise CG location |
Once in the injection port, it’s there for life |
Lead Tape
Lead tape is the most versatile when it comes to convenience and speed. Weigh the amount of tape on your digital scale to tip the swing weight scale in your favor and stick it where desired. The process can be completed in seconds. It’s also highly clutch in the fitting bay if the customer needs a heavier weight on the fly. And if you don’t like it, peel it off; no tools are required! And while heavy lead tape has a cult following among gearheads, some would describe it as “unsightly.” Or really, just flat-out ugly. It also carries a Cancer and Reproductive Warning under California if that concerns you.
Tip Weights
If you want a cleaner look, tip weights can achieve your swing weight goals while hiding your craft inside the club’s shaft. For steel, tip weights can range from one to ten grams, taper tip or parallel. To simplify the builder’s life, Mitchell Golf offers a universal Brass Tip Weight Kit that takes the guessing out of the assembly process. Remember, you add the tip weights during the gluing phase. The downside is that swing weight modifications require a complete teardown after curing. You’ll also need to watch your CG as the weights sit solely in the heel. The heavier you go, the likelier the hook.
Hot Melt Gun
Your third in-house option is the hot melt gun, which some feel offers a solid one-two punch in weighting and precise CG location. It can also go for the complete knockout if one of the goals is muting the sound of your club at impact. That is if your clubhead allows you to use this method. Most clubs have a hot melt port for injection. If not, you’ll likely find another way by removing adjustable weights or unscrewing the adapter. But be forewarned: once the glue is in your club, it’s in there for eternity. Because after congealing, there’s no way to liquify the glue and drain it from the head.
Any of these options will suit your swing weight goals when building your final product. It’s just a matter of which method works best for you.