Thanks Ben. I've been playing 10 months and am excited to try out your weights recommendation to improv control with more consistency. Thank you.

Awesome video!! So cool to see how the great Ben Johns prepares his paddles for play

That was darned well-done! IF you don't care for the extra grip showing above the trim tape, just cut the angle to match the finished wrap and tape OVER the end of the grip. The cut will be roughly four inches along the angle. SOME grips are already tapered (both ends) so this cut is made for you(provided the length is just right or you adjust the overlap a bit to finish in the right spot).

It's so nice to see how master Ben does it. In case anyone hasn't tried it, I use table tennis edge tape (12mm : 1/2 width) to cover the lead tape. It's cool to have Butterfly Tenergy tape on a pickleball paddle, and it gets lots of comments. It's also nicer than electrical tape.

I followed Ben’s set up with the exception of the undergrip. I used Bobolat undergrips. I used quarter inch lead tape and used 6 5 inch strips on each side of the throat. The circumference on the handle came in at 4.75 inches and the overall weight is 9.0 ounces. I just played with it and the change in the sweet spot and control was significant. Thanks Ben for sharing your paddle set up.

Love this! I'm sooooo doing this to my paddles. THANKS B!

Thanks much for these tips. Following your instructions, I set my paddle up the exact way you did (except only using four strips of lead tape instead of six) and wow what a difference! Paddle was so much more stable, plowed through the ball for exceptional drives and somehow even made dinks and drops easier to execute. And a bonus, I didn't feel it slowed me down in speed up hand exchanges either. Love it!

@ictkeith3730

Жыл бұрын

What does he add at 2:05 the black part

Thank you for sharing. Always curious about this. Thanks for signing the water bottle for my husband in Denver. Jin

always wondered your lead setup. Thanks for sharing.

Excellent no BS video. Well done

Best Video Ever! - This really helped my game. I was surprised.

Loved that video, helpful insight and I just happened to have received my Ben Johns paddle yesterday. See ya on the courts.

@jasonerpelding1180

2 жыл бұрын

I see you just won gold in your tournament. Was it with your new Ben Johns paddle?

Love the video. Basically tells me to buy something brand new, decompose it, and add a whole myriad of things to it 🤣🤷‍♂️

Crazy to come back after the Perseus. Nuts to find out how much less lead tape is added with how far paddle technology has come

🤯 whaaaat?!! Brilliant!

I did this and I love it . I'm weighing in at 9.2 ounces .

Based on the final weight of 9 ounces, the lead tape is the lighter version, 1 g per inch. At least that is what I have found, in case that is useful to anyone else. The balance point on the paddle is roughly 9 1/8 (Paddle handle hanging off a table and measuring from table to handle when at the tipping point). Let me know if I got anything wrong Ben. Also would love an official Joola Hyperion / Persious paddle setup!!! Thanks for sharing!

I suggest hockey stick tape, kind of a very thin cloth tape, instead of electric tape. It's made to conform and to stay on even if dragged on the ground.

Appreciate the inside look for prepping your paddle. I've just recently purchased your new Joola paddle. Just a quick question on cleaning the paddle face please, I've seen many answers but would like to hear how you clean your paddle face please 🙏 - Thanks in advance!

Thank you very much, Ben. The placement of the lead tape was interesting. I've got 3 inches on each side. Thank you again. Didn't I see you a while ago taping your paddle handle in a cross-section style? Not really sure what it's called. Best of luck on your college tests.

Wow, didn't realise you customised your own paddle, but hey, you would know better exactly what works. Love your approachable style. What about a video on how you play your backhand. Seems to me, one of the things that make you a great player (apart from calmness under pressure) is that your backhand is significantly better than anyone else. You seem to play it later and with a stiffer arm than most, catching out opponents by waiting longer to play.

Spice it up Ben!🔥

Awesome look behind the scenes, thanks Ben! This is a ton of weight!! I tried it and it was not for me, its important to experiment to see what works for you.

@bjalnos20

Жыл бұрын

NBlhpk

This is fantastic Ben - thanks for the insight :)

Great video! Tks! Question: I watched a video about having "soft hands" at the kitchen. It said one of the ways is to increase the grip size like you do. It helps prevent having to grip so tightly. Your thoughts Ben. Also, it seems to me that the set up you do in this video makes for a softer feel anyway due to the actual material you use. Would that be correct?

How many games/matches/tournaments do you play with one paddle? What do you do with them? Great video!

nice video, TKs.

I get a lot of vibration and a sound like a metallic spring when I try this lead setup. Could it be a defective paddle? (I play the thin version of the Franklin Ben Johns Signature) Ben -- do you ever have a similar issue with lead tape-induced vibration?

When we do lead tape on tennis racquets we try to maximize the whole sweet spot area so we try to distro the lead tape equally or more near the center of the sweetspot area... how u do it here, wouldnt that "hurt" the hits near the top of the paddle and enhance the hits near the middle-down? Or does that placement still enhance the top/tip hits as well? I do support the fact that we dont want to too much tape at the top, speed is critical, but just wondering the trade off here?

My mid weight paddle weighs 9.9 oz after doing this and I only put two layers of lead tape or 20 inches total of 2 gm/in or 1.4 oz lead tape. If you add all 30 inches you are adding over two ounces to your paddle making most paddles over 10 ounces. Quite heavy. I'm not even going to try it at this weight. I'll go with only one lead layer or .7 oz or 20 gm and try that. I also added extensions to the sides of the handle so it has a more oval shape. Doing the grip as in the video does feel great.

That’s an eye opener that you actually “customize” your own paddle! My question is, how often or when do you change your paddle and why?

@zachcarmichael699

2 жыл бұрын

Given he's a pro and thus gets free equipment, I'd say he goes through 2-3 paddles a tournament, all to his specs. And he said in the video he changes that overgrip a few times a tournament as well.

@BenJohns_pb

2 жыл бұрын

1 new paddle per tournament

@artsncrafts259

2 жыл бұрын

@@zachcarmichael699 boi 2-3 paddles per tourney wtf

@davidj7516

2 жыл бұрын

@@BenJohns_pb Thank you for keeping the gossip/exaggerations to a minimum. :)

@cresina

2 жыл бұрын

@Kingdom Cre8tive he made over 400k last year, with his new partnership he’s probably closing to do better this year lol

But where do I get those sleeves?

I did all these things and still lost my match. What the heck?! At least I can suck with the nicest paddle.

Do you use the same paddle/setup for singles and doubles?

Hey Ben, (2) questions 1. "do you think there would be much difference if I use a Gamma over grip rather than the Yonnex?" 2. I know you said the lead tape you use is lighter than it should be but can you tell me is it the (2) grams per inch type?

@shortround889

Жыл бұрын

Checked the link, Amazon has it as 2 gram per inch!!

Why does the lead tape prevent mishits? Can you explain?

Noice!

hey @ben - your new Joola paddles- are they designed to be more like these specs with the heavier throat, or do you still need to spec them out to your preference?

@jad814

Жыл бұрын

Would love to see a reply here!

@Ben Johns do you also setup your new Joola paddle similarly?

I have seen the comments saying the black paddle is coming out sometime this month, but does anyone know if it's just a new color or a different model altogether from the current Ben Johns Signature Paddle?

@zachcarmichael699

2 жыл бұрын

Same model, just different color. Same with Zane's, which is just a blue Ben Johns paddle.

Hey Ben, how much different would it be if you just added the overripe to the original Franklin grip. would it be to thick? please elaborate .

@BenJohns_pb

2 жыл бұрын

Too thick for me at least

Is there any difference between your previous signature paddle and this new black one? Like width, length, thickness, handle length, or core materials? Either way still going to buy it! It looks sweet!!!

Hah!! The secret is OUT!!!!

Is there a link we can get the new black paddle yet?

I remember the days you would wrap it like a Katana handle. But that is too time consuming.

Great video. When is that black paddle coming out? Really cool looking!

@smkras

2 жыл бұрын

Asked Franklin and they said in the Fall

@parkereggli341

2 жыл бұрын

I asked Ben on Instagram. He said September. Can’t give specific day but in September.

@BenJohns_pb

2 жыл бұрын

October 5

Ben - Does the lead tape damage the edge guard? If you choose to remove it, is there any lasting damage? Or permanent sticky residue? (What about the electrical tape.. Same questions!) Thanks!

@zachcarmichael699

2 жыл бұрын

No. Because it's just your basic adhesive.

@BenJohns_pb

2 жыл бұрын

No damage. Lead can leave some stick residue

Exactly how far down does your hand go on the handle or in other words where is your pinkie

Thanks Ben. I have been trying to figure out where you put your lead tape. It looked like you had some lead tape on the sides of the grip?

@BenJohns_pb

2 жыл бұрын

It’s as in the video only. None in the grip

@theclip5462

Жыл бұрын

@@BenJohns_pb Hey Ben, do you know what your grip circumference is when all is said and done? Curious how thick it is

I know what you mean about the grip getting slippery.

Is there any difference between the new Black paddle and the original white one?

@Cosmos-Marvel

2 жыл бұрын

Black absorbes more solar energy therfore more power on sunny days :)

What is the thickness of the jigsaw health ones? They are out of stock and so expensive compared to Yonex/Wilson/gamma 30 packs.

@TheBham54

2 жыл бұрын

Plus the link takes you to a product that's called a Fun to Feel Good OVERgrip, not a grip, does that matter??

@BenJohns_pb

2 жыл бұрын

Don’t know the thickness measurement of them, they just work for me. You could likely find a lot of things that are appropriate. Overgrip vs replacement grip generally just means overgrips are thinner and more meant to be changed out regularly - but they don’t have to be if you don’t have it as the top grip

Where can I order the black branded paddle. The Link is only for the white paddle.

@parkereggli341

2 жыл бұрын

Can’t order it yet. I asked Ben on Instagram and he said September. Can’t give specific date but in September!

What does your paddle weigh after adding the lead tape? Lead tape comes in different gram weights per inch.

@mattporter8486

2 жыл бұрын

I don’t think he put the correct lead tape. That tape with three strips on both sides would weigh over 10oz.

@Josephcpratt

2 жыл бұрын

Just to add to this, I use lead tape that weighs 1 gram/inch. Three 5” pieces on each side would add 30 grams to the paddle weight, which is roughly one ounce. So this paddle, which starts out at about 8oz, would weigh in at 9oz with the lead. If the tape is the 2 grams/inch variety, then it adds two ounces. Chances are that his tape is the 1gr/inch variety. Ben Johns, how about it? What’s the ending weight?

@zachcarmichael699

2 жыл бұрын

The one he recommended is 2 grams per inch. So 30 inches would be 60 grams, which is 2.11oz. If you assume the paddle to be 7.8 stock, now you're at 10.1. Then factor in the electrical tape and overgrips. I read somewhere that the total weight is usually in the 10.5 ounce range. Pros play heavier, but I don't see how...anything over 8 ounces and it just feels really heavy for me.

@BenJohns_pb

2 жыл бұрын

My paddle is 9oz when done. The lead I buy is incorrect on its weight - lighter than advertised. Also the weight of the paddle is slightly reduced by taking off the original grip.

@HemanLee

2 жыл бұрын

@@BenJohns_pb I think you linked to the wrong tape on Amazon, from the video it looks like you are using the 1g per inch rather than the 2g per inch.

where do I find edge guards, looking but can't find and when I google it, they always take me to someone TAPING the edge on youtube... grrrrrr please help.

How many ounces are you paddles? For example this one with the lead tape?

@BenJohns_pb

2 жыл бұрын

9oz

Ok can anyone tell me if you are a lefty does it matter what direction you wrap the grip?

Hey Ben. Great video. Thanks for sharing. I calculate your paddle weight (with lead tape) to be about 8.5 ounces? Is that correct? What would you estimate is the weight of paddle for most high level pros? 8.5?

@btucker8312

2 жыл бұрын

Pros are around 9oz or more

@BenJohns_pb

2 жыл бұрын

Mine comes out to 9oz. Pros who have weights I know range from 7.7-9.0. With the average being around 8.2 or 8.3

@HemanLee

2 жыл бұрын

@@BenJohns_pb How is it 9oz, I purchase the same lead from Amazon, it's 2g per inch, 5 x 6 = 30 X 2gm = 30g which is over 2oz additional weight, that mean your paddle must be over 10oz, right?

@HemanLee

2 жыл бұрын

Correction 30 x 2 = 60g which is over 2 oz.

@LowDinksHijinxPickleball

2 жыл бұрын

@@HemanLee Are you accounting for the fact that he's only using 1/2" width strips (i.e. halving your calculations)?

What is the difference between the Jigsaw overgrips and the Yonex overgrip? In other words, why not use three Jigsaw or three Yonex? Why the 2 and 1 set up?

@LeoVasquez

2 жыл бұрын

Hi David, the It's Fun to Feel Good grip are undergrips that are thinner and not as durable as the Yonex overgrip. The undergrips are almost like a build up and then the Yonex is the good overgrip wrap.

@davidhenry8789

2 жыл бұрын

@@LeoVasquez Thanks, Leo - much appreciated.

Hi, according to what Ben described in the video, a total 60 gram (2 gram each inch) from lead tape was added?

@trisys_

Жыл бұрын

yes

Has anyone used this setup on his Joola CFS 16 Hyperion paddle? I know he said he was working on a video on how he wraps that paddle but until then, any current experiences from anyone? Thanks in advance!

@giffy5775

Жыл бұрын

The Joola paddles have the nicest grips I've ever felt. Nice and thick too. Personally, I don't like the way the paddle face reacts to the ball but, the handle is sweet.

So is the total weight after the mods 9.0 oz?

@nchambers007

2 жыл бұрын

10.3 my best excel guess

What does he add at 2:05??

Ben, what does the total weight end up being after your mods? 9ish oz?

@nchambers007

2 жыл бұрын

he uses 30" of tape. 60 grams. 2.11 ounces. add a little for grip changes, overgrip, and electrical tape ... 8 is factory so probably gets to 10.3 ... maybe 10.4

@Josephcpratt

2 жыл бұрын

@@nchambers007 the lead tape I use is 1 gram per inch. The tape comes in different weights, so it would interesting to find out what weight tape he uses.

@zachcarmichael699

2 жыл бұрын

I've read 10.4

@zachcarmichael699

2 жыл бұрын

@@Josephcpratt He uses 2 grams per inch, if you click the product link

@Josephcpratt

2 жыл бұрын

@@zachcarmichael699 thanks! I did not see the product links until you mentioned them.

What is the purpose of the over-grip, please? Thanks

@NOT_A_TOP_FAN

Жыл бұрын

It allows you to either build up your grip, if it’s too small and/or they are usually a bit more sweat resistant or absorbs sweat better…the under grip usually is meant to be the cushion (that you don’t have to replace as often…if you use over grip)

maybe put a layer of rubber on it to give you a bit of spin.

@nchambers007

2 жыл бұрын

Very funny / illegal

@zachcarmichael699

2 жыл бұрын

I mean, technically there's no guidelines if you want to put a thick layer of something around the paddle and then hit balls with that edge like a samurai sword...

No more Katana eh.

why doesn't franklin just offer a 9oz version, eliminating the need for any lead tape?

@bretts5571

2 жыл бұрын

It probably wouldnt sell very well

@nchambers007

2 жыл бұрын

This one is 10.3 according to my math. nobody want that out the gate

@zachcarmichael699

2 жыл бұрын

Customization. And new players wouldn't like that at all. Most non-pros play in the 7.5-8.2 range

@BenJohns_pb

2 жыл бұрын

I created the paddle initially with the general player in mind - hence its stock weight. This is just how I play it for those curious

where can that black paddle be found?

@zachcarmichael699

2 жыл бұрын

Coming out this month, I heard.

@bradlycruse73

2 жыл бұрын

@@zachcarmichael699 I contacted Franklin today and they told me October.

Ben, can I have your used paddle after the La Quinta tournament?

@doctorcrafts

2 жыл бұрын

No

The question becomes whether or not modifications should be illegal in pickleball. Just playing devil's advocate, but by the time you've added all the layers or overgrip and lead tape, the integrity of the paddle has changed considerably, meaning the original USAPA approval was for the stock paddle only. I wonder if the pickleball rules committee would ever consider this type of change eventually. Who knows what's next now that they're trying to ban the spin serves and wanting to shift to rally play.

@tedmorin9232

2 жыл бұрын

I see where you're coming from, but there's no weight limit for paddles to be certified by the USAPA. If a manufacturer wanted, they could release a 20oz paddle. Adding a little bit of lead tape to bump up your paddle an ounce isn't going to break the game. The certification is related more to overall paddle surface and lots of regulations around depression of the surface under weight (to prevent the paddle from hitting the ball like a spring).

@BenJohns_pb

2 жыл бұрын

What they test for would not be changed by these alterations

WHEN IS THE BLACK PADDLE COMING OUT!!!!!!!!

@parkereggli341

2 жыл бұрын

September

I thought he plays with a Joola??

Hi Ben John, looks super cool. Would you send that to me. Of course I will pay. Very very big fun of you.

So you’re telling me that weights like 18 ounces all together

@nchambers007

2 жыл бұрын

10.3 when i mathed it out

Please give me your paddle.. 🙏😁

I actually changed my mind and chose to dislike this video. I understand the handle grip can get sweaty and slick at times depending on temperatures and how many games you play but can't you just dry it off from time to time? Some of the players I play with or against have your paddle and I think it's deserving of the premium cushion grip title. It's arguably the best handle grip I ever felt.