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Changing Volkl pallets

Q: Is it possible to replace the handle on a Volkl BB 10? I have a customer with a 4-5/8 grip who wants a 4-3/8 grip. I know how to make the grip larger, but do not know how to make it two sizes smaller. Is the entire grip replaceable?

A: You should be able to change the pallet on any Volkl racquet that uses the Sensor Tour handle system, which includes the BB 10. Underneath the pallet, the racquets are essentially the same, so you can go from any grip size to any other grip size, and this includes the L6 (4-3/4) grip.

Your first step is to contact a Volkl dealer to get the replacement pallet kit, which includes a matching butt cap. Then, remove the grip, and the old butt cap. The pallet is attached to the rubber layer of the Sensor Tour handle system with double-sided tape, so work a broad-blade putty knife into the seam between the two halves of the pallet and gradually pry it away from the tape. It should come away cleanly. The replacement pallet pieces are long enough to fit any racquet, which means you may have to cut them to length for your racquet. Measure using the old pallet, and cut the new pallet pieces to length. If the double-sided tape is still in good condition, you can use it to attach the new pallet pieces, or you can add a bit more tape for extra hold. For insurance, you can wrap some grip tape around the top of the new pallet pieces to keep them in place, but wrap the tape the opposite way you normally would for this customer, so that removing the replacement grip doesn’t peel off the tape that’s holding the top of the pallet pieces. To duplicate the look of the original butt cap, remove the paper decal from the inside of the old butt cap and put it inside the new butt cap, and staple the new butt cap to the pallet. Install a replacement grip, and you’re done.

From the June 2006 issue
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