Head Smartsorb Vibration Dampener
~ Test & Review
The Smartsorb is Head’s only worm-style vibration dampener, and it has proven to deliver excellent results in a lightweight package.
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 | 2.6 grams |
| Length | 110.3 mm |
| Width | 10.5 mm |
| Thickness | 3.2 mm |
| Firmness | Soft |
| Dampening Effect | High |
| Quantity Per Pack | 1 |
| Popular Retailers | Price |
| Amazon | » Check Price |
| DoItTennis | » Check Price |
| Holabird Sports | » Check Price |
Video
Here’s a brief video where I share an up-close view of the Head Smartsorb’s design, including how to install it.
Design
Consistent with other worm-style dampeners, Head designed the Smartsorb to weave between several main strings on your racquet for maximum coverage and vibration reduction.
The core vibration-dampening portion of the Smartsorb is a thin piece of rubber covered with tiny ridges that, once installed, hug the strings, increasing contact for more robust vibration dampening. It also tapers at both ends to help reduce its weight while maintaining coverage.
From a visual standpoint, I appreciate how Head’s embossed logo is the same color as the dampener, making it more subtle for a cleaner look.
It measures 110.3 mm long, 10.5 mm tall, and 3.2 mm thick, giving it a thinner profile and making it lightweight for its size—only 2.6 grams—so it will have a negligible impact on your racquet’s specs once installed.
| Pros | Cons |
| Will never fall out | Heavier |
| Maximum dampening | Only one dampener |
| Subtle branding | Plastic clips are susceptible to breaking |
| Eliminates ping | |
| Enhances feel |
Fit & Installation
Although the Head Smartsorb requires a bit more patience to install, I didn’t find it overly cumbersome because it’s thin and flexible.
I start by clipping one end to the fifth string from either side of the center main strings and weaving it through to the other side. Then, once it doesn’t weave any further, I’ll return to the clipped end and gently pull any slack from the dampener so that I can finish weaving the other side and clipping it to the opposite fifth main string.
Gently removing slack rather than stretching it to clip the opposite end will help reduce the likelihood of it breaking. Finally, once installed, I’ll adjust the dampener’s tension across the strings for a clean fit.
When finished, the dampener should cover eight strings. As expected, I found that the bigger the head size and the more open the string pattern, the farther the dampener needs to stretch, increasing the likelihood of it breaking, so I encourage players to be patient when installing.
Furthermore, the hooks will work sufficiently on any guage string, but you’ll get the most secure fit with an audible click when installing on a 16 gauge string or lower, i.e., thicker. At 17 gauge or above, the hooks will help secure the dampener, but they won’t click into place.
Performance
Once installed, I found the Smartsorb to reduce my racquet’s ping sound to a faint noise that’s difficult to detect. However, it won’t eliminate it, primarily due to its thinner material and lower weight.
As for feel, it markedly reduces vibration, resulting in a softer, more forgiving feel that allows less feedback to travel to my hand. Although I prefer a bit more of a responsive feel, players looking for a more substantial reduction in vibration will likely appreciate its muted feel.
Downsides
The main issue I’ve had using the Smartsorb is that if you pull the dampener too tightly, you risk the rubber snapping at its thinnest portion near the clip, rendering the dampener useless. I’ve found this happens more often during restringing, where after several weeks of use, you remove it and then reinstall it as the rubber degrades.
Similarly, I’ve seen players get into trouble pulling the dampener through the strings to remove it rather than gently unweaving it, which can cause it to break prematurely. Beyond that, I have broken one of these dampeners with a mishit that came in contact with one of the clips, so while a less likely scenario, it’s worth noting that it can happen.
Test Summary
Lightweight for its class, the Head Smartsorb is an effective worm-style dampener that nearly eliminates my racquet’s ping sound while substantially reducing vibration for a soft, more forgiving feel.
Who Should Buy It
I recommend the Head Smartsorb to players who are unsatisfied with the vibration reduction offered by traditional button-style dampeners, regardless of racquet head size or string pattern.
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