Following up on our popular 1/2 oz, 3/4 oz DIY weighted cap hack, this time we’re stepping it up with an easy way to create a 1 oz weighted butt cap using two U.S. dollar coins (yes, real money!) and a Prince replacement cap. Not only is this mod functional, but it also comes with built-in humor, because even if the cap breaks, at least you’ve got two bucks to show for it! 😂
Why Choose the Prince Cap?
- Heavier than Babolat: The Prince cap weighs 0.42 oz, compared to the 0.35 oz Babolat cap, making it an ideal base for heavier customizations.
- Best Fit Recommendation: I recommend using the 4 1/4 size (aka size #2) for the Prince cap, unlike the Babolat cap where the 4 1/8 size tends to fit best.
- Affordable: Same price! Available for just $3 at Tennis Warehouse, it’s a cost-effective choice for a high-quality upgrade.
Why Use Dollar Coins Instead of Quarters or Pennies?
Dollar coins just make sense for this mod, no gaps, no extra fuss, just a clean and balanced upgrade.
- Perfect Fit: The dollar coin's diameter (1.043 inches) fits snugly in the replacement cap, while quarters (0.955 inches) and pennies (0.75 inches) leave annoying gaps.
- Heavier Weight: Each dollar coin weighs 0.286 oz, making it a better choice than a quarter (0.2 oz) or a penny (0.09 oz) when aiming for a specific weight.
- Thickness: The thickness of a dollar coin is 0.079 inches, slightly more than a quarter (0.069 inches) or a penny (0.059 inches). This extra thickness doesn’t just bring length, it brings value too
- Built-In Value: Instead of joking about spare change, let’s get serious, dollar coins bring the weight, the fit, and the extra length for a true performance upgrade. 💥
What You’ll Need
- Prince Replacement Cap (~$3):
- Weighs 0.42 oz and provides a solid base for adding weights.
- Two Dollar Coins ($2 total):
- Each weighs 0.286 oz, totaling 0.572 oz for two coins.
- Let’s be real, you’re literally adding value to your paddle!
- Super Glue or Epoxy:
- Keeps the coins securely attached to the handle.
- Staple Gun:
- For added stability to the cap.
Open original review figure ↗
Why This Hack Works Like Magic
- Perfect Weight Combo:
- The Prince cap (0.42 oz) + two dollar coins (0.572 oz) = 0.992 oz! So close to the perfect 1 oz, call it the "almost-there special!" Maybe the paddle gods wanted to leave room for a little creativity... or an extra dab of glue!
- Cost-Effective Yet Valuable:
- At just $5 (excluding the reusable coins), this mod saves you $25+ compared to a $30 online-bought weighted cap.
- Emergency Backup:
- If the cap ever breaks, you’ve got $2 ready to use! 😄
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Handle:
- Remove the existing butt cap from your paddle.
- Clean the surface to ensure a strong bond for the coins.
- Attach the Dollar Coins:
- Use super glue or epoxy to securely attach one coin to the handle.
- Stack the second coin on top of the first, ensuring they’re centered.
- Install the Prince Cap:
- Snap the Prince replacement cap over the handle.
- The cap’s snug fit ensures the coins stay securely in place.
- Reinforce the Cap (Optional):
- Use a staple gun to secure the cap to the paddle handle.
- Add 4–6 staples around the edges to prevent it from loosening during play.
- Test and Adjust:
- Swing your paddle to ensure the weight feels balanced.
- Need less weight? Swap out one coin for another quarter or any other disc suggested in the previous one.
The Results
Open original review figure ↗
In the picture, the black marking on the grip was at 5 inches before the mod. After adding two dollar coins, the grip length is now approximately 5.25 inches, a 0.2-inch increase, perfect for those extra reach shots.
After this mod, my paddle feels:
- Balanced and Stable: The 1 oz butt cap adds just the right amount of weight.
- Smooth and Comfortable: Two-handed backhands and dinks feel effortless.
- Hilariously Functional: Knowing I have $2 backup money in my paddle is oddly satisfying!
- Customizable: Use additional coins or discs to tweak the weight further.
Open original review figure ↗
What’s Next?
Stay tuned for our next DIY mod, where we’ll explore more creative ways to hit the perfect balance for under $5. I’ve also ordered some tungsten putty to experiment with the trap door, so I’ll let you know how the next tweak turns out! Have your brilliant ideas? Share them in the comments below!