Make Your Own Tennis Dampener? The 127 Detailed Answer

Shock absorbers are small button-like materials that are inserted or placed on the underside of the racquet to reduce the effects of vibrations that can be transmitted to your body when you hit it. It’s a device used even by top professionals and if you’ve gotten into the habit of playing with a shock absorber then you might not be able to play tennis without it for some time and you’ll feel pretty uncomfortable without it.

From club level to professional players, all types of athletes use vibration dampeners. Top pros using dampers on the Tour are listed in the table below. (Federer is not suing a damper)

Most professionals use a vibration dampener, but a few don’t. Which pro uses the same tennis dampener as you?

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Vibration dampeners for tennis rackets are an accessory that many players think of. The real question is, “Should I use one?” Whether you are a beginner or a veteran of the game, shock mounts are a matter of personal preference.

At the top is Roger Federer in his Round 4 match at the 2018 US Open (September 3, 2018 – Source: Marek Janikowski/Icon Sport via Getty Images). At the bottom is Serena Williams in her Round 2 match at the 2018 US Open (August 29, 2018 – Credit: Chris Trotman/Getty Images for USTA).

Purpose of tennis racket dampener

The sole purpose of the damper is to reduce the vibration of the racquet’s stringbed. Players who like vibration dampeners use it primarily because it reduces the “ping” noise of the ball at impact. For many players, this is more of a mental than a physical purpose.

Two common misconceptions about dampeners are that they help with tennis elbow problems and reduce a racquet’s power. Although many manufacturers use this in marketing ploys, there is little evidence to support any of these myths. In most cases, manufacturers have built damping properties into the frames to provide better shock absorption than actual vibration dampers. Most dampeners are usually quite small and don’t significantly change how a racquet plays.

Where do you place a vibration damper?

According to ITF rules, players can place vibration dampeners anywhere outside of the cross string pattern. This means they can be placed anywhere (left, right, down and/or up) on the outside edges of the string bed. Typically they are placed in the bottom of the racquet where the middle main string and the first cross string meet. Although there is no strict limit to how many stoppers you can use, many players will only use one as the dampener has little or no effect on the play of your racquet.

Vibration dampers vs. rubber band?

Vibration dampeners are made of rubber, which makes them flexible but still absorb shock, much like car tires. Although these dampeners serve a primary purpose, rubber bands can also be used as vibration dampers in your racquet. Rubber bands are more elastic and come in different sizes, so you can shape them as you like. However, over time, rubber bands eventually become too stretchy and fall off the racquet. There’s really no difference between a manufacturer’s vibration stopper and a rubber strap other than looks.

Above is Jack Sock in his round 4 match at the 2016 US Open (September 2, 2016 – Source: Peter Foley/EPA)

Types of vibration dampers

There are two main types of vibration isolators that you will see on the market. “Button” bumpers are similar in size and shape to a button on your clothing, except they are made entirely of rubber. These are the easiest to install and are more commonly used on the pro tour.

“Worm” mutes usually come in longer sizes and are usually woven between the main strings that are most commonly used. These can be a bit more difficult to install.

Should I use a vibration dampener?

As I said at the beginning, dampers are all a matter of personal preference. Some players will happily play with manufacturers’ dampers, others will happily use rubber bands, and others will not use rubber bands at all. Personally, I’ve always played with a kind of mute since I was a child. I just don’t like the sound the strings make when they hit the ball. However, more and more racquets are being built with dampening features to help you get less “ping” on impact. The best thing you can do is try a vibration isolator and see if you like it.

For more

To learn more about tennis dampeners and accessories, click on the links below:

All links on this page leading to products on Amazon are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What is a tennis racket vibration dampener?

The short version is that a tennis racquet vibration dampener (also known as a tennis racquet shock absorber) is a small piece of rubber that is inserted between a pair of strings at the bottom of a tennis racquet’s head. Tennis dampeners come in many shapes, sizes, materials, and styles, but all have the same intended goal: to reduce racquet grip and string vibration by acting as a tennis racquet shock absorber. This softens the feeling when a ball is hit.

Who Uses a Tennis Racket Vibration Dampener?

Not all players choose to use one and some even prefer to play without one, but the majority of players including top pros like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic use a vibration dampener on their tennis racket.

If you watch professional tennis, you may have noticed that some players don’t use a tennis racket shock absorber on their strings. Some prefer the feel of playing without one. Others choose to simply wrap an ordinary rubber band around the strings at the bottom of the frame, as Andre Agassi did, since it also absorbs some of the shock without the possibility of it falling out or closing during play often needs to be readjusted.

On a social, recreational and club level, it’s safe to say that the majority of players use a tennis vibration isolator on their racquet strings and it’s rare to see anyone play without one.

Most players enjoy the softer feel offered by a tennis vibration dampener and can hear an immediate difference in sound and feel when a ball hits the strings. Many players also like to use a dampener in their racquets to accessorize them and add a little extra flair to their strings. Most major tennis brands sell their own signature cushions, and several boutique companies produce cute designs for players to mix things up.

There aren’t usually any downsides to using a dampener, other than the possibility of one dislodging and sliding down, or becoming loose in the strings, or being flung out of the racquet after a particularly hard serve or hit. For most players, this is a minor inconvenience that is far outweighed by the convenience of using a racquet dampener. Because the installation of the racquet damper is done by placing the damper on the underside of the strings outside of the “sweet spot,” it is not common for the damper to be hit by a ball with enough force or at a sufficiently direct angle to the spot Where It Hits The ball’s spin or direction and dampeners usually don’t affect play other than comfort and feel.

Racket Expressionspressions is the premier tennis cushioning manufacturer dedicated to helping players in their mental tennis game as much or more than just serving the purpose of absorbing the shock of each shot. Almost all of our designs are sized to not fall out, so players can rest easy knowing that their soothing or humorous visual aid is always there when needed.

Common misconceptions about tennis racket vibration dampeners

Just starting out, some new players mistakenly assume that using a tennis racquet vibration dampener will change the way they hit the ball or how they swing their racquet. Any such change is purely mental.

Some players also mistakenly assume that using a dampener will make you a better player. When Racket Expressions started selling our unique designs on Amazon, one of the only negative reviews came from a customer who was upset that the damper didn’t make him a better player. Just pout, you will NOT become a better player, hit the ball harder, hit with more spin or with better accuracy by using a tennis dampener. However, you can do all of these things because your racquet will feel better in your hand when you touch a ball and be less distracted or thrown off by the noise and over-the-top “trampoline” feel when you hit a ball without one.

Types of vibration dampeners and materials for tennis rackets

Most tennis racket dampeners are made of plastic or rubber. Higher quality dampeners made by top tennis supply companies and racquet manufacturers are primarily made from PVC or silicone rubber of varying grades, although most advertised as silicone are actually made from PVC to reduce manufacturing costs.

Some are round, square, or custom-shaped, measuring about 1 inch square, others are oblong or “worm-shaped”. Some dampeners are embossed and have their designs molded or carved out of soft PVC, like the tennis racquet dampeners we make at Racket Expressions and those made by big brands like Head, Wilson and Babolat. Others are screen printed and flat with the designs printed on them. Racquet dampeners are the same and some act as better racquet dampeners than others due to their design and materials.

All Racket Expressions are made from phthalate-free soft PVC using an environmentally friendly manufacturing process.

Do I need a vibration dampener for tennis rackets?

If you ask this question, the most likely answer is yes. If you’re like most players, you’ll appreciate the feel of a tennis dampener. Luckily, tennis dampeners are a very inexpensive tennis accessory that you can try with very little risk, or borrow from another player to see what you think.

We’re all guilty of having a flashy part installed on our hot rod or engine that doesn’t perform, but we believe the system “runs better” when it’s installed. Now imagine installing a part that doesn’t directly build power, but through its interaction with the rotating assembly of the engine, can free up power that might otherwise have wasted energy in the form of vibration, or maybe the part just reduces the premature one Wear of bearings and associated components. This part – the harmonic damper – is already present on every road driven engine and is often overlooked only as a mounting point for idler pulleys or as a place to add weights for externally balanced engines. The harmonic damper provides a crucial opportunity to optimize your rotating assembly to ensure longer life or free up wasted energy that could be better applied to the tires.

So is it a balancer or a damper? The two terms are used synonymously, but have technically different functions. A balancer adds weight to aid in the (external) balancing of an engine’s lower rotating assembly, while a damper suppresses vibration during crankshaft vibration, which occurs as a function of the combustion process. Remember that while all harmonic balancers are dampers, not all dampers are balancers. However, for bench racing purposes, both terms are often used to refer to the same part.

keep it simple

During the combustion process, each piston is forced to move down the cylinder as a result of an explosion contained in the combustion chamber. This stroke transmits a sudden rotational force to the crankshaft. Although it is a very strong component, a crankshaft is not completely rigid. During these combustion events, the crank will twist slightly in response to each explosion/impact.

This crank rotation is analogous to a simple torsion bar with a lever arm at one end. Now suppose you hit this lever arm with a hammer. You can imagine that there will be a slight twist on the first hit on the lever arm, but after that the arm will spring back into place and maybe even vibrate briefly before it comes to rest.

In this example we have a torsional twist followed by a torsional vibration (during the springback event). Torsional twist is a function of part length (in-line engines have a longer crankshaft than V configurations) and thickness, material shear modulus (remember: material stiffness), and torque (force from combustion x crank stroke). Similarly, torsional vibration is a function of part length, torsional stiffness, and polar moment of inertia (think of the object’s ability to resist torsion). A detailed explanation of these phenomena can be found in Himmelstein’s Technical Memo #8150.

What is the problem?

Torsional vibrations have side effects that are rarely desired. Because power is transmitted into a crankshaft at discrete points during its rotation (example: every 90 degrees of rotation in a V8 application), the output torque is not continuous, creating momentum and torsional vibrations. In the event that these pulses occur around the resonant frequency of a crankshaft, the effects can be multiplied. When this occurs, the risk of component failure (broken crank) increases, as does the likelihood of premature bearing wear. In some cases, these vibrations can be transmitted to other points in the powertrain such as the valve train (via the timing chain) or down the powertrain to the tires. Either direction is undesirable as they can drain power in addition to potentially killing parts.

technology options

While some methods of dampening have been invented, the vast majority of automotive OEM and aftermarket companies point to two solutions to controlling harmful torsional vibrations; elastomeric and viscous damping.

The process of constructing elastomeric harmonic dampers tends to make them the most cost effective as an OEM replacement or upgrade. Romac Performance Products specializes in elastomeric harmonic dampers, building products for light to full racing applications. The construction is fairly simple and consists of four parts: a hub, an elastomeric band, an outer inertia ring, and a snap ring. The hub is designed to fit over the face of the crankshaft grommet with a keyway. The hub usually has a bolt pattern built into the front that allows for the attachment of accessory pulleys. The rear of the hub may have a cavity built for attaching weights to externally balance the rotating assembly. The elastomeric band, which is made of a rubber polymer, is fitted around the hub. Polymer durometer (hardness) gives Romac the ability to increase or decrease damping ability, tune motor frequency and ensure long life.

The outer inertia ring fits onto the outside diameter of the elastomer band. This outer ring of inertia acts as a small flywheel that wants to stay at a constant speed despite the acceleration and deceleration impulses experienced by the crankshaft. The elastomeric band between the hub and outer ring allows the outer ring to move somewhat independently (or at a more constant speed), while the inner hub spins slightly faster and slower in response to torque impulses. A snap ring is inserted into the outer inertia ring to hold the band and inertia ring in their respective places.

During operation, the band transmits only a portion of the vibrational forces from the hub to the outer ring, while also converting some of that vibrational energy into heat, which is dissipated to the atmosphere. Romac takes great pride in the fact that all of their harmonic dampeners are hand assembled, giving technicians the opportunity to inspect each assembly for best results.

A good example of viscous harmonic dampers are those offered by Fluidampr. Speaking to Fluidampr’s Brian Lebarron, he describes a viscous harmonic damper as “featuring a freely rotating inner ring of inertia that shears through a thin layer of proprietary silicone. Shearing turns destructive vibration into heat. The heat then radiates through the outer casing into the atmosphere.” Easier; The viscous damper includes an outer case, an inner inertia ring (think of a freely rotating ring inside the case), and the case is filled with a THICK silicone fluid that fills the gaps between the case and ring.

Under constant uniform torque applications, the housing and ring rotate together. When torque pulses are initiated, the ring wants to keep rotating at a constant rate while the case is in a constant state of acceleration and deceleration.

The case and ring speed differentials apply a shear force to the silicone fluid between them. The silicone absorbs this shear force in the form of heat, which is released into the atmosphere.

From an OEM perspective, an elastomeric damper covers the vast majority of engines produced today. The primary reason for this choice is manufacturing cost, as the elastomer option tends to be made from tighter tolerance parts and uses raw materials that are more common and do not command a premium price. Viscous dampers are often used by OEMs in high performance and luxury applications.

do i really need one

Those familiar with Sprint car engines know that most Sprint competitors do not use a damper at all. Similarly, a minority of drag racers have decided against a damper, with the theory that less rotating mass allows the engine to rev faster. We’re going to keep this discussion at a high level and just point out that sprint and drag engines aren’t meant to see a lot of miles. Careful component selection can help mitigate some general vibrations and eventual component failures, but the benefits of a damper are undeniable for anyone looking for more than a few quarter-mile passes or a Saturday night mainline.

Choosing a damper

Consider the following topics when choosing your next dampener:

Application Daily Driver to Full Race? If it’s a daily driver, will stock replacements suffice? Care should be taken to avoid the previous failure mode. If Performance or Full Race, what type of riding or racing (sprint/endurance)? What RPM does the engine see? Function before fashion Always prioritize function. After all, what’s the use of fashion if the selected damper leads to engine damage? After the functional requirements are met, you can do all the chrome plating and anodizing as needed. Does the engine need crank pulleys or external counterweights? Are the crank disks attached to the damper body or should they be an integral part of the harmonic damper? Diameter This topic can fall under both application and function, but be sure to choose a diameter that meets both functional needs AND actually fits in the space allotted. SFI or not? If any type of racing or performance is being considered, an SFI-approved harmonic damper should be a requirement. Many sanctioning bodies require an SFI 18.1 approved shock. If not, consider what it would be like if a 6-8 pound metal disc fell off the front of the engine at high rpm… yes, don’t skimp here. To learn more about what is required to meet SFI 18.1 guidelines, read SFI – Crankshaft Hub Harmonic Dampeners. Budget If you’re rebuilding a daily rider’s engine, this $89 muffler from the parts store might be all you need. However, if you’re aiming for extra performance, expect to pay according to your intended rev and speed ranges. This $89 harmonic dampener probably won’t offer much protection if you rev ​​your engine past 7,000 rpm or hang a big supercharger on it and double or triple its output. The old adage “you get what you pay for” definitely applies when it comes to harmonic dampeners.

Finally

There is plenty of choice on the market when it comes to harmonic dampeners; from elastomeric to fluid-based, and each has its place. The final choice is yours, and your engine will thank you for considering its condition during the build process.

By: Tim Hahn, Owner of Aspen Hill Pro Shop

As a general rule, you should re-string as many times per year as you play per week. If you play twice a week, you should restring your racquet twice a year. All strings will gradually stretch and lose tension or go dead, even if you rarely play. When this happens, start swinging harder, gripping the racquet tighter to get the same results with the ball.

Swinging harder and gripping tighter makes control more difficult, fatigue sets in early and can even contribute to tennis elbow. fresh strings will help your racquet play the way it was intended. If you have questions about racquets or re-stringing please visit the Aspen Hill Pro Shop. Tim will be happy to help you. Tim is a member of USRSA, a Master Racket

Technicians, the Yonex National Stringing Team, and the USPTR.

In many ways, the strings are the most important part of your tennis racket as they are usually the only part that touches the ball. No matter how good the mechanics of your shots and no matter how impressive the performance of your racquet frame, if the strings are damaged or of poor quality, you will not be able to put the power and spin you hoped for into the ball. Even if the strings are in good condition, they also need to have a tension that allows you to get the most out of them and suits your playing style. So how should you choose the best tennis string tension?

The best string tension for most players is typically between 48 and 54 lbs. A looser (lower) tension provides more power, but a tighter string allows for better control. Beginners will probably want more control and therefore prefer tighter tension to begin with.

Strings lose tension over time, and pros using a very wide range of tensions are very often given re-tensioning to avoid this. Players can use different tensions depending on the racquet or string they use.

What does tennis string tension mean?

Tennis racquets are strung using specially designed machines that can stretch the string to a predetermined “tension”. Tension is measured in pounds or kilograms and represents the amount of weight effectively used to stretch the string. Some machines actually use a physical weight to achieve the desired tension, although most use either a spring-loaded mechanism or electronic tension.

Choosing a String Tension: Power vs. Control

A looser string tension is associated with the so-called “trampoline effect”. The key property is called “dwell time,” which is the amount of time the ball remains in contact with the strings before being pushed away. A longer hold time means the string will stretch further and launch the ball with more power. Lower string tensions produce longer dwell times and more power.

Greater string tension means the strings stretch less when the ball hits the racquet. This will, all other things being equal, produce less power than a lower voltage. The higher tension also means the ball flattens out on the face, allowing for more topspin. The combination of a reduced trampoline effect and a greater ability to generate spin means that higher tension offers more control.

A player who is very strong and produces a lot of power will probably prefer higher string tension to give him control. On the other hand, a more supple, less physically strong player may prefer less string tension to develop power with relative ease.

Ideal tension for beginners

No two players are the same, but most beginners will be interested in keeping as many balls in the field as possible. Using relatively high string tension gives them the best possible chance of controlling the ball and makes the game a little easier for them. As they become more experienced, they can experiment with different string tensions to find what suits their playing style. One condition is that an older beginner with little physical strength might want to learn with less string tension as it makes it easier for him to hit the ball harder and may be more encouraging for him.

How quickly do tennis strings lose tension?

Tennis strings lose some tension during the stringing process. After the tension is applied and the string is clamped, there is a slight movement that reduces the tension by a few percent. This can be made possible by slightly increasing the applied voltage. However, once the string has set, there is a further loss of tension due to the nature of the string.

It is generally believed that a polyester string loses about 10% of its tension in the first 24 hours after being strung. The loss is significant but smaller for multifilament strings and natural gut. Thereafter, tension loss is slower, but is an unknown variable that top players are not willing to risk.

Not only will the highest ranked players require a load of freshly strung racquets every time they go to play, but some will request that these be strung a certain amount of time before their scheduled start time to try and get an accurate racquet with consistent tension .

What tension do pro players use?

The tensions that the pros use will vary from time to time as they experiment and adapt to different playing conditions. The majority of the very best players use tensions in the mid to high range, but there are some interesting outliers.

Roger Federer typically uses tensions in the 55-60lb range, which is slightly above average for the racquet he uses. Rafael Nadal uses 55lbs in the mid-range, while Novak Djokovic, whose game is based on control and accuracy, uses a rather high 62-64lbs.

The Williams sisters also like high tension, as flat, powerful hitters that require control and typically use around 65 pounds. Jack Sock is an example of an aggressive player who finds it easy to generate spin and enjoys lower tension, typically around 35 pounds.

Kei Nishikori, as a lightly built player who needs strength, is perhaps a less surprising example of a player who prefers tension under 40 pounds. A player who likes to generate power with ease, the unorthodox Mikhail Kukushkin is known for using tension in the low 20’s!

Final Thoughts

String tension is a personal choice. Some players crave control and use high string tension, while others will enjoy the “bouncy” feel of low string tension. Club players would often benefit from trying a few different tensions to find the feel that suits them best.

In any sport, adding tools to improve your game is often a hot topic of discussion. There will always be players trying to gain an edge over others by using various tools and you will usually find a lot of critics saying that these tools make the game unfair. In tennis, some players choose to use what is known as a tennis vibration dampener.

A tennis vibration dampener is a cool gadget to add to your racquet strings that will dampen or reduce vibration when you hit the ball – changing the volume of the “ping” noise that could distract you during your game.

Additionally, some tennis enthusiasts believe that a tennis vibration dampener is a helpful tool in reducing the chances of suffering from tennis elbow pain, allowing you to stay in the game, not out.

In this article we will cover some of the most common questions about anti-vibration mounts and hopefully you can decide whether or not these devices are good for your tennis game.

How do tennis vibration dampeners work?

Essentially, a vibration dampener just absorbs the vibrations caused by your racquet hitting the ball. These tennis cushions are usually made of rubber, a highly absorbent material. Adding the dampener to your racquet makes the sound and feel of hitting a tennis ball less noticeable – and some players enjoy that.

When choosing a tennis vibration dampener, you have a few options: you can use a smaller one that resembles a button, or one that is slightly longer, similar to a worm. Some even look like your favorite emojis that appeal to all generations (especially next-gens), including professional tennis players.

The hardest part is first determining if you need to use a vibration isolator and then deciding which one to use. All of these different types are essentially doing the same thing, but their feel might be a bit different. You have to find the one that works best for you.

Once you’ve decided on the type that suits you best, it’s important to place it correctly on your racquet to get the best performance. The video below is a great tutorial on how to properly place your shock.

The video above is a good place to start. Also, make sure your tennis vibration dampener is placed on the outside of your cross strings, not on the inside and near the neck area of ​​your racquet. This aligns well with best practices for gaming under the U.S. TennisAssociation.

Individual preference

In a nutshell, how tennis vibration dampeners work: A rubber-like device meets the strings of a tennis racket, which are positioned to optimize a player’s performance. It does this by reducing the “ping” and vibration sensation when holding the racquet.

However, using a tennis vibration dampener may not increase your chances of winning. Some tennis enthusiasts claim that tennis vibration dampeners are more of a psychological benefit than an actual racquet rave. Others believe tennis vibration dampeners improve their winning streak and they wouldn’t play without them.

The Gist: It really depends on the personal preference of the individual player whether or not to add a tennis vibration dampener.

Some things to consider

Grab your racquet

go out and play

Does the “ping” sound bother you when playing games?

What about the feeling of vibration?

Opt for a vibration dampener to see if you notice a difference while playing your game with it.

ease of comfort

While deciding whether to add a tennis vibration dampener to your racquet is a personal choice, finding the best one that meets your needs will not be easy. Since it can be difficult to find the one that works exactly how you need it, we recommend that you either buy some of these off Amazon or go to a local tennis store and ask for recommendations. Some are more dampening than others, and again this comes down to personal preference.

Ace it

Once you start learning tennis, you will quickly learn how tennis vibration dampeners work and don’t work for you. Regardless of your age, playing tennis is fun and good exercise – and chances are you’ll quickly become competitive in the process. Learning how tennis vibration dampeners work can be that extra element you need to play your best game.

Here’s a tip for keeping your vibration dampeners on and in good condition, because if you decide to use one you’ll want to learn how to keep them on during your games.

While not all tennis pros have used tennis vibration dampeners over the years, there are a few players today who choose to use dampeners. Four current pro tennis players who choose vibration dampeners on their racquets are:

Frances Tiafoe, USA Bianca Andreescu, CAN Kyle Edmund, UK Kim Clijsters, BEL

snack

You don’t have to play like a pro to enjoy tennis, but you can glean some tips on what works best for you – and it might also align with your game goals. That old adage, practice makes perfect, seems inspirational as you try to get better at tennis. Improving the performance of your game by simply adding a vibration dampener to your tennis racket does not equate to guaranteed success, you won’t know until you try one for yourself.

By now you know what tennis vibration dampeners are – cool rubber gadgets shaped like buttons, worms and emojis. You should know where they go – on the outside of your crosses, not on the inside and near the throat of your racquet. And you’ve learned how tennis vibration dampeners work – they dampen/reduce the “ping” noise and vibration sensation. But most importantly, you need to know that when it comes to choosing the best tennis vibration dampener for you, it comes down to your individual preferences.

Vibration dampeners for tennis rackets are an accessory that many players think of. The real question is, “Should I use one?” Whether you are a beginner or a veteran of the game, shock mounts are a matter of personal preference.

At the top is Roger Federer in his Round 4 match at the 2018 US Open (September 3, 2018 – Source: Marek Janikowski/Icon Sport via Getty Images). At the bottom is Serena Williams in her Round 2 match at the 2018 US Open (August 29, 2018 – Credit: Chris Trotman/Getty Images for USTA).

Purpose of tennis racket dampener

The sole purpose of the damper is to reduce the vibration of the racquet’s stringbed. Players who like vibration dampeners use it primarily because it reduces the “ping” noise of the ball at impact. For many players, this is more of a mental than a physical purpose.

Two common misconceptions about dampeners are that they help with tennis elbow problems and reduce a racquet’s power. Although many manufacturers use this in marketing ploys, there is little evidence to support any of these myths. In most cases, manufacturers have built damping properties into the frames to provide better shock absorption than actual vibration dampers. Most dampeners are usually quite small and don’t significantly change how a racquet plays.

Where do you place a vibration damper?

According to ITF rules, players can place vibration dampeners anywhere outside of the cross string pattern. This means they can be placed anywhere (left, right, down and/or up) on the outside edges of the string bed. Typically they are placed in the bottom of the racquet where the middle main string and the first cross string meet. Although there is no strict limit to how many stoppers you can use, many players will only use one as the dampener has little or no effect on the play of your racquet.

Vibration dampers vs. rubber band?

Vibration dampeners are made of rubber, which makes them flexible but still absorb shock, much like car tires. Although these dampeners serve a primary purpose, rubber bands can also be used as vibration dampers in your racquet. Rubber bands are more elastic and come in different sizes, so you can shape them as you like. However, over time, rubber bands eventually become too stretchy and fall off the racquet. There’s really no difference between a manufacturer’s vibration stopper and a rubber strap other than looks.

Above is Jack Sock in his round 4 match at the 2016 US Open (September 2, 2016 – Source: Peter Foley/EPA)

Types of vibration dampers

There are two main types of vibration isolators that you will see on the market. “Button” bumpers are similar in size and shape to a button on your clothing, except they are made entirely of rubber. These are the easiest to install and are more commonly used on the pro tour.

“Worm” mutes usually come in longer sizes and are usually woven between the main strings that are most commonly used. These can be a bit more difficult to install.

Should I use a vibration dampener?

As I said at the beginning, dampers are all a matter of personal preference. Some players will happily play with manufacturers’ dampers, others will happily use rubber bands, and others will not use rubber bands at all. Personally, I’ve always played with a kind of mute since I was a child. I just don’t like the sound the strings make when they hit the ball. However, more and more racquets are being built with dampening features to help you get less “ping” on impact. The best thing you can do is try a vibration isolator and see if you like it.

For more

To learn more about tennis dampeners and accessories, click on the links below:

Although it looks like a small rubber ring that you stick on your racquet, the United States Tennis Association has some rules about where you can place your dampener. The damper needs to be placed on the outside of the crosses, over the neck of the racquet, and slid onto the bottom or outside of the crosses portion of your string bed.

So if you choose to use a vibration dampener, it has a few benefits that can help your game. Don’t take our word for it, give it a try and see if it’s right for you.

If you play tennis, you may be familiar with the various customization options for racquets – common choices are string type, string gauge and tension. Not so common is an inexpensive device called a shock absorber or vibration dampener. These devices don’t affect your performance, but some gamers can’t play without one. It is a personal choice and if you use a mute, its placement must comply with International Tennis Federation rules.

What do you do? Shock absorbers, or vibration dampeners, are small devices placed in the strings of your racquet designed to absorb and eliminate frame or string vibrations that occur when a tennis ball is hit. Although that may be the manufacturer’s intention, these devices only eliminate part of string vibration, explains Howard Brody, tennis researcher and physics professor. The most noticeable effect is the feel and sound you hear when you hit a tennis ball. Without a damper, you will hear a high-pitched ping. If you play with one, the feeling will be muffled and you will hear a deeper hit. Many believe that playing with a cushion can prevent tennis elbow, but there is no clinical evidence that this is the case.

What the Rules Say The placement of a vibration dampener is dictated by the ITF rules, which state that you can only install one under the bottom cross or over the top cross. You can slide it up or down to touch the cross string, but it can’t be anywhere else, including inside the string bed. This is because a ball hitting a damper installed in the string bed could bounce off the strings in a strange way, which could cause your opponent to lose the point.

Design Features and Options The more common vibration dampeners are round knobs, rubber donuts, tiny balls of foam, or 2-3 inch flat or round worm-like shapes. These devices are made of solid silicone or foam, and some are filled with a silicone gel. The round designs feature grooved edges to keep them in place between strings. The longer styles are woven in and out from multiple threads and held in place by a hook or other fastening design. In a pinch, you can even use a large elastic and just tie it around two pieces of string. Some companies make custom mutes with hearts or squares, smileys, and even school mascots.