How to Replace the Headguard on a Prince O3 Speedport

Modern tennis rackets have a built-in bumper guard near the top of the frame to help protect the graphite composite material from scrapes on the tennis court. Over time, this bumper guard can wear down and eventually will need to replaced. The replacement is sold with a full grommet kit, so you might as well also replace all the grommets on the frame.

Things You'll Need

  • Replacement grommet/headguard
  • Awl
  • Hair dryer
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Instructions

  1. Getting Started

    • 1

      Remove the old grommets (little silver attachments) and bumper guard from the frame. Gently loosen the old grommets from the frame from the inside out. If they are difficult to remove, try using the flat part of the awl to gently push them out. As they loosen, pull them out of the frame from the outside.

    • 2

      Push in the bottom grommet strips on either side of the racket first. The O3 has a unique grommet pattern with holes open at the midpoint. If the grommets don't insert all the way, use the awl to gently push them in.

    • 3

      Start at one side and push in the first few grommets of the top bumper guard/grommet strip..

    • 4

      Warm the rest of the grommet strip/bumper guard slightly with the hair dryer to soften it. As you move over the top of the racquet to the other side, it will get harder to slot the rest of the grommets, so warming them helps.

    • 5

      Use an awl to set each individual grommet at the end of the racquet. Do this gently and take your time. It can be a frustrating process to get the last grommets into the frame because of the curve of the frame, but forcing them will destroy the grommet strip and you will need to buy another.