Recently, I stumbled upon Flick Weight’s website, and I couldn’t help but laugh. They charge $37 for four copper weights designed to "enhance your pickleball paddle’s performance." While the idea of adjustable weights is valid, pricing and marketing are massive gimmicks. Let’s break it down with realistic numbers and comparisons.
Flick Weight Pricing and Dimensions
Flick Weight offers copper weights with a 28 mm diameter. Using copper’s density (8.96 g/cm3), we calculate their corresponding thickness:
- 6 g Weight: Thickness = 1.09 mm
- 9 g Weight: Thickness = 1.63 mm
- 18 g Weight: Thickness = 3.26 mm
At these prices:
- Full Set (4 Weights, 36 g total): $37
- 2 Weights – 18g: $24
- 2 Weights – 9g: $18
- 2 Weights – 6g: $17
While these weights and thicknesses seem reasonable, the price is exorbitant for what are essentially small copper disks.
DIY Alternatives: AliExpress, Coins, and Amazon Metal Disks
You can achieve the same results with coins or affordable disks online. Here’s how they compare:
1. AliExpress Copper Disks (28mm Diameter)
If you want exactly the same 28 mm diameter, AliExpress offers inexpensive copper disks (Link):
- 1 mm thickness: 5.52 g, $2.47 for 5 pieces.
- 2 mm thickness: 11.03 g, $4.72 for 5 pieces
These are significantly cheaper than Flick Weight, offering nearly identical weight options at a fraction of the price.
2. Mexico 10 Pesos Coin (eBay Listing: $1.15)
This coin is extremely close to Flick Weight’s 9g weight and can be easily used as a substitute.
- Thickness: 2.3 mm
- Diameter: 28 mm
- Weight: 10.33 g
3. USA Coins:
- Quarter (25¢): Weight = 5.67 g, Thickness = 1.75 mm, Diameter = 24.26 mm
- Dollar Coin ($1): Weight = 8.1 g, Thickness = 2.00 mm, Diameter = 26.5 mm
- Half Dollar (50¢): Weight = 11.34 g, Thickness = 2.15 mm, Diameter = 30.6 mm
4. Amazon Metal Disks:
Amazon offers affordable metal disks that align with Flick Weight’s dimensions:
- Stainless Steel Disc (28 mm x 1.8 mm): Weight = 8.9 g Price: $11.29 for 30 pieces (Amazon Listing)
How to Install Discs/ Coins
- Check for a Logo Sticker: First, determine whether your paddle butt cap has a logo sticker. If it does, carefully remove it using a small knife. Removing the sticker creates a clean surface for attaching the coin.
- Attaching the Coin or Disc: Use either Gorilla Clear Glue or Super Glue to attach the coin/disc. Apply the glue, press the coin in place, and let it sit for a couple of hours to ensure a strong bond. If you ever decide to flip the paddle, you can easily remove the coin with a small knife.
- Alternative Option for a Cleaner Finish: For an even simpler approach that avoids using a knife, consider using a 1-inch circular piece of double-sided 3M tape. You can purchase it on Amazon for $4.99 for 30 pieces. [Amazon Link]
Existing Butt Cap Adjustment:
15–16 g Butt Cap:
- Option 1: Use a dollar coin (8.1 g) on an existing butt cap (7.5 g) → Total: 15.6 g
18–19 g Butt Cap:
- Option 1: Attach a 2mm AliExpress Copper Disk (11.03 g) on an existing butt cap (7.5 g) → Total: 18.53 g
- Option 2: Use a Mexico 10 Pesos coin (10.33 g) on an existing butt cap (7.5 g) → Total: 17.83 g
20–21 g Butt Cap:
- Option 1: Use a dollar + quarter coin (8.1 g + 5.67 g) on an existing butt cap (7.5 g) → Total: 21.27 g
- Option 2: 1mm + 2mm AliExpress Copper Disks (5.52 g + 11.03 g) on an existing butt cap (7.5 g) → Total: 21.05 g
25–26 g Butt Cap:
- Option 1: Use a dollar + half-dollar coin (8.1 g + 11.34 g) on an existing butt cap (7.5 g) → Total: 26.94 g
These DIY methods are cheaper and more versatile than Flick Weight.
Why Flick Weight is a Gimmick
- Overpriced Material: At $37 for 36 g of copper, you’re paying almost $1 per gram when raw copper costs less than $0.01 per gram.
- Limited Innovation: Adding weight to paddles isn’t new, coins, lead tape, or affordable disks do the same job.
- Excessive Pricing: Amazon offers 40 metal disks for $19, each with a similar weight (9.42 g) and thickness (1.8 mm), providing better value.
- DIY Works Better: With coins or affordable disks, you can hit your target weights and customize easily.
Conclusion: Save Your Money!
Instead of spending $37 on Flick Weights, use spare change or affordable disks from Amazon. Whether you need a slight weight increase (14–15 g) or a substantial one (27–28 g), coins or metal disks provide the same result at a fraction of the cost.
Don’t fall for overpriced marketing. DIY your paddle upgrade and keep your game strong without breaking the bank!
LMK what combinations you used for your DIY butt cap adjustment! Did you go with AliExpress copper disks, Amazon steel discs, Mexico 10 Pesos coins, or a mix of other US/ Other Country coins? Share your setup and results!