Babolat Custom Damp
~ Test & Review
One of Babolat’s most popular accessories, the Custom Damp, is the iconic vibration dampener Rafael Nadal used in his Babolat Pure Aero racquet throughout his legendary career.
In this test and review, I provide detailed insight into the dampener’s design, fit and installation, and performance while sharing my honest assessment of its downsides to help you decide if it’s a good fit.
| Key Specs | Measurement |
| Weight | 3.1 grams (2.2 g w/o insert) |
| Length | 21.8 mm |
| Width | 21.8 mm |
| Thickness | 12.3 mm (8.1 w/o insert) |
| Firmness | Soft |
| Dampening Effect | Medium |
| Quantity Per Pack | 2 |
| Popular Retailers | Price |
| Amazon | » Check Price |
| Holabird Sports | » Check Price |
| Dicks Sporting Goods | » Check Price |
Video
Here’s a brief video where I share an up-close view of the Babolat Custom Damp’s design, including how to install it.
Design
The Babolat Custom Damp gets its name from the design, which allows you to customize the level of dampening either by using or forgoing a small rubber insert filled with tiny metal beads in the center.
Although not apparent from most photos online, this model comes with three teeth at the top of the dampener, which is ideally suited to help maintain a secure fit; it’s never fallen out of my racquet.
Its circular design boasts a 21.8 mm diameter, and its thickness is 12.3 mm with the rubber insert and 8.1 mm without. Its weight is 3.1 grams with the insert and 2.2 without, so the insert weighs 0.9 grams. Combined, these will have a negligible impact on your racquet’s specs.
As a side note, when I first used this dampener, I wondered if I could hear the tiny metal beads within the rubber insert when hitting. Although you can hear it when shaking the racquet, it’s a non-issue when hitting, as the sound on contact with the ball completely drowns it out.
| Pros | Cons |
| Innovative design | Loud branding |
| Easy to install | Only one plastic insert |
| Secure fit | |
| Fits most string patterns | |
| Eliminates ping | |
| Enhances feel |
Fit & Installation
Due to its smaller profile, I found the Custom Damp quick to install. It easily slides between the two center main strings, and its pliable edges allow me to manipulate the dampener regardless of string spacing.
Although it hardly makes a difference, it’s worth noting that the dampener with the rubber insert requires slightly more effort to install in a tighter string pattern because it doesn’t flex as much. However, it’s still straightforward and easier than most.
Performance
In my testing, the Custom Damp with the plastic insert worked well to reduce the audible ping sound of my racquet to a faint noise, which, if I paid extra close attention, was slightly more prominent without it.
With its softer rubber and unique bead-filled insert, I expected this dampener to provide a material change in my racquet’s feel, and I was happy to see that it delivered. It does a great job absorbing vibration without overly muting the responsive feedback I crave for optimal feel.
Downsides
Babolat’s Custom Damp could improve in one area: its visual design, which is busier than most and not the most aesthetically pleasing. As a result, I’d be less inclined to use it in many racquets other than Babolat’s, which inspired its design, and I think it looks best.
Test Summary
The Babolat Custom Damp, ideally used with the included rubber insert, is an innovative dampener that significantly reduced my racquet’s ping while providing a tangibly softer feel that doesn’t overly minimize feedback.
Who Should Buy It
Although versatile, I found the Custom Damp perfectly suited for stiffer, high-powered racquets like those in the Babolat family, namely the Pure Drive and Pure Aero, which are also the best visual match.
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