Hey everyone! Today, I’m walking you through how I set up my pickleball paddle. The good news? My paddle’s designed exactly how I like it, so there’s not a ton of tinkering needed. But depending on conditions—like the blistering Texas heat I’ve been playing in—I tweak it with an overgrip and some lead tape. Here’s my process, plus tips for customizing your own paddle. Let’s get into it!

Step 1: Weigh Your Paddle

First things first: know your paddle’s baseline weight. Mine typically ranges between 8 and 8.2 ounces, but consistency is key. I grabbed my scale, and this one clocked in at 8.3 ounces—a bit heavy for my usual setup. That tells me I’ll adjust how much lead tape I add later. Weighing your paddle gives you a starting point to work from, so grab a scale and check yours.

Step 2: Add Lead Tape (With a Disclaimer!)

Next up: lead tape. Disclaimer: Don’t eat it—it’s not a snack! I’m in Texas, where it’s been over 100°F for six weeks straight. The heat makes the ball mushy, so I’m adding a touch more lead tape than usual for extra pop.

Where I Place It:

• I stick it from the base of the grip up to the bottom of the “XR” on my ProXR paddle (about the throat area).
• Why here? On a 16.5-inch paddle like mine, piling lead at the top slows down my already sluggish hands. Keeping it low adds stability without sacrificing speed. Most pros do the same—though some add a little up top, the bulk should stay lower.

How I Do It:

• Measure out a strip (pro tip: use scissors, not whatever disaster I attempted—don’t try my “rip it with your hands” move at home!).
• Place it along one side of the throat, then repeat on the opposite side for balance. Mine’s the same as Connor’s paddle—just a different colorway (blue for me, purple for him).

Conditions Matter:

• Hot weather = more lead for power.
• Cooler days = less to keep it light.

Step 3: Secure with Electrical Tape

Once the lead’s on, I cover it with electrical tape. Why? Lead poisoning’s no joke, and I don’t want to be touching it all match. A quick wrap over both sides keeps it safe and tidy. This step’s non-negotiable—trust me.

Step 4: Add an Overgrip

Now, the overgrip—my secret addiction. If you’ve never tried one, beware: you might get hooked. They’re tackier than stock grips, and I love the feel. I make mine thicker and extend it all the way to the throat since my two-handed backhand has my hand creeping up there. Here’s how:

• Start at the base and wrap upward, overlapping slightly.
• Stretch it to the throat for full coverage.

It’s personal preference, but this setup gives me better control and comfort.

Final Weight Check

Post-setup, my paddle hits 9.2 ounces—about an ounce heavier than stock. The lead’s low placement means it doesn’t feel sluggish, but I get more stability and pop. I aim for 9.2 consistently—it’s my sweet spot.

Why This Works for Me

My paddle’s a custom job with ProXR, so it’s close to perfect out of the box. But these tweaks—lead at the throat, a thick overgrip—fine-tune it for my game. Your setup might differ:

• Experiment: Try more lead on the sides or less overall, depending on your paddle and conditions.
• Conditions: Add weight in heat, lighten up in cold.

Get This Exact Setup

Want my paddle? I sell used ones—straight from my matches or practice—on my site, zanenavratilpickleball.com. They come with this exact setup (tweaked for conditions). Or grab a new one and customize it yourself. Either way, you’re getting the Zane-approved vibe.

Wrap-Up

That’s it: overgrip, lead tape, and a little elbow grease. It’s how I roll on the court. Want the full paddle review? I’ve got a video for that. If you liked this, leave a comment or share it with a friend. Now, go tweak your paddle and dominate your next game!

Watch on YouTube: My Ultimate Pickleball Paddle Setup Guide