Why Add Weight
There are a few reasons you might want a heavier paddle than what you bought:
More power on drives. Better stability on volleys. Less vibration on hard hits. A paddle that started to feel too light as your technique improved.
I added weight because I wanted more punch on my third shot drives. Worked pretty well, though it took some getting used to.
The Tradeoff
Heavier paddles are slower to maneuver. Quick exchanges at the net become more demanding. If your hands aren't fast enough, you might actually play worse with a heavier setup. Something to keep in mind before you go crazy with the tape.
Where to Place Lead Tape
Placement matters as much as the amount. The same weight in different spots creates totally different feels.
At the Top (12 O'Clock)
This is the most common placement for power. Adding weight at the top increases the swing weight and momentum. Great for players who want more pop on groundstrokes. Downside is it makes the paddle more head-heavy and slower to react.
On the Sides (3 and 9 O'Clock)
This adds stability without changing the balance as much. Helps on off-center hits and gives you a larger sweet spot feel. I keep about half an inch of tape on each side of my paddle.
Combination Approach
Many players do a bit at the top and a bit on the sides. Gives you power and stability. Start with less than you think you need and add from there.
At the Handle
Less common but some people do it to counterbalance head-heavy paddles. Makes the paddle feel lighter in the head even though overall weight increases. Worth trying if your paddle feels too tip-heavy.
How Much to Add
This is where people go wrong. They slap on a bunch of tape and wonder why the paddle feels terrible.
Start Small
Seriously, start with like 2-3 grams. That's maybe a 1-inch strip depending on the tape width. Play with it for a few sessions before adding more. You'd be surprised how much even a small amount changes the feel.
The Sweet Spot
Most people end up adding between 5-15 grams total. More than that and you're probably better off just buying a heavier paddle. I'm at about 8 grams split between the top and sides.
Tape Types and Brands
Lead tape comes in different widths and thicknesses. The 1/4 inch width is most common for pickleball since paddles are smaller than tennis racquets.
Any brand works honestly. I've used both golf and tennis lead tape with no issues. Just make sure it's actually lead tape and not some lighter alternative unless that's what you want.
Tungsten Tape
Some people use tungsten instead because it's denser. You get the same weight with less tape. Costs more but looks cleaner. I haven't noticed a performance difference, just aesthetics.
Application Tips
Clean the paddle surface first. The tape sticks better without any dirt or oils. Press it down firmly. Some people put a layer of edge guard tape over it for extra security, especially at the top where it might catch on net shots.
Is It Legal
Yes, lead tape is legal in all sanctioned pickleball tournaments as far as I know. You're modifying the weight, not the surface texture or anything that would affect how the ball interacts with the paddle. Just don't go so overboard that your paddle exceeds any weight limits in your specific league.