As far as I'm concerned, lead tape is one of the best things ever invented. It's not expensive, it can be used on any club without having to pull it apart, it's easy to use, the desired swingweight can be achieved easily, and if you change your mind it can be peeled off without damaging the finish of the clubhead. There are some guys who don't like it because of the way it looks. They want their irons to look "stock", and they feel lead tape looks junky.
This is why club manufacturers use tip weights...it's a way to add weight when needed and keep it hidden. This maintains a clean look. Many players are surprised or upset when they find out their expensive new set of irons were built with tip weights, and that it is an indication their club heads were not manufactured to high standards. Keep in mind that due to manufacturing tolerances, iron heads can vary +/- in weight by several grams, and the same goes for grips.
Given the choice, I'd rather use lead tape applied across the back of the head rather than in the hosel. I know there is some debate on how much the weight position affects performance, but I'll throw my thoughts into the ring on this...I think it does take a lot of weight to change the location of the center of gravity, but not as much to affect the ball flight. I have also used powder down the shaft (lead powder & tungsten powder) but this is my least preferred method. If you have powdered weight sitting on top of a hosel and it stretches 5-6" up the shaft, the ball flight would have to be different than if that weight was moved to behind the sweet spot.
