The Front of The TennisCompanion Vibration Dampener Package

TennisCompanion Vibration Dampener
~ Test & Review

There are many quality vibration dampeners on the market, but none have ever fully lived up to my expectations. So, in 2020, I set out to build a better product that met all of my lofty expectations, and eventually, the TennisCompanion vibration dampener was born.

This article is less of a review (after all, I’m biased) and more of a backstory. I discuss its design, fit, installation, and what you can expect from its performance while sharing the type of player I think will appreciate it and those who might want to look elsewhere.

Key Specs	Measurement
Weight	4.5 grams
Length	25.0 mm
Width	25.0 mm
Thickness	10.0 mm
Firmness	Soft
Dampening Effect	Medium
Quantity Per Pack	4
Popular Retailers	Price
TennisCompanion	» Check Price
Amazon	» Check Price

Video

Here’s a brief video where I share an up-close view of the TennisCompanion Vibration Dampener’s design, including how to install it.

What I Hoped To Fix

I used vibration dampeners on and off throughout my tennis career. However, having tried numerous brands and styles over the years, I was never fully satisfied with their design, performance, and style.

Here are some of the main issues I encountered:

Cumbersome to Install: Not all dampeners are easy to install, and without throwing anyone under the bus, some are downright frustrating. I wanted a dampener I could install and remove from my racquet without resulting in sore fingers and frustration.
Unsecure Fit: Once I hit high school, I gravitated toward button-style dampeners, but they often flew unexpectedly out of my racquet during a point. When it happens, it’s distracting; half the time, I couldn’t find where it went. I wanted a smaller dampener that reliably stays in my racquet when playing.
Lackluster Performance: Every dampener influences your racquet’s sound and feel. Its material, density, and shape all play a role, and some simply don’t work as well as others. I wanted a dampener that softened the ping sound of my racquet while enhancing its feel, allowing some feedback to pass through to my hand for a responsive feel that wasn’t overly muted.
Sub-Par Materials: Some dampeners either crack or break due to the quality of the material and design, which is frustrating. I wanted a dampener that was durable and long-lasting.
Unnecessary Bulk & Weight: The larger the dampener, the heavier it is, which influences a racquet’s balance and swingweight. We’re talking subtle differences, but I wanted a dampener that offered high-end performance without unnecessary weight.
Loud Branding: If you like a particular tennis brand, you may happily use their dampener with a prominent logo, but some can be obnoxious. I wanted a dampener with subtle branding, matching my racquet independently of my racquet’s color or brand.

With those in mind, I set out to create a dampener that would address these issues and that I’d be happy to use in my racquet.

Design

I first started by testing various materials to gauge their performance and feel. Eventually, I landed on silicone as an ideal candidate because of its highly resilient and durable properties.

Next up, I experimented with the hardness or density of silicone, which I found to significantly impact a dampener’s performance. Eventually, I settled on a softer, almost gummy compound that provided an optimal feel while delivering an appealing sound on impact.

Once I had the material selected, I evaluated a variety of shapes and sizes that would provide ideal coverage of my strings and ensure a secure fit without unnecessary bulk and weight.

During my research, I stumbled on a unique geometric shape called a reuleaux triangle, which works incredibly well, providing an optimal balance between the right amount of dampening material and weight.

I also developed internal teeth along the inside edge of the dampener, forming distinct grooves for the strings to sit and ensuring a secure, locked-in fit while remaining easy to install.

Visually, I didn’t want the dampener to stand out unnecessarily, so I opted for a subtle matte black design with a debossed TennisCompanion logo intended to look great on all frames.

The final product measures 25.0 mm wide, 25.0 mm tall, and 10 mm thick, and it’s lightweight at only 4.5 grams, so it has a minimal impact on my racquet’s specs.

Regardless of the racquet model, head size, string pattern, or string gauge, the TennisCompanion vibration dampener delivers the exceptional performance that players should expect.

Pros	Cons
Lightweight	Less dampening than others
Easy to install
Fits all string patterns
Eliminates ping
Enhances feel
No loud branding
Highly secure fit

Fit & Installation

To install the dampener, I slide it between the center vertical strings of my racquet under the bottom cross string, then push it up for a secure fit where the teeth surround and grab the strings.

Its soft and resilient silicone material and flat edges allow me to press it between the strings of my racquet effortlessly. Likewise, removing with a gentle push or nudge from my thumb is just as easy.

Once installed, the dampener maintains its clean look and distinct shape without unnecessarily spreading apart the strings, and its teeth hug them for a secure fit to ensure it won’t fall out during play.

Performance

Hitting with the TennisCompanion vibration dampener substantially reduces my racquet’s ping sound, replacing it with a satisfyingly authoritative thud and a soft, uber-brief trailing ring that I can only hear when bouncing a ball on my racquet in a quiet space.

Regarding feel, the dampener focuses my racquet’s scattered vibrations, softening its response while allowing the subtle ball contact feedback to travel to my hand for a comfortable yet crisp response.

Downsides

I designed this dampener to enhance my racquet’s sound and feel by reducing vibration without feeling overly dead or muted. Therefore, players looking for maximum vibration-dampening may prefer a more substantial dampener, further reducing feel for the softest response.

Test Summary

The TennisCompanion dampener is lightweight, effective, and secure, significantly reducing my racquet’s ping while softening its harsh vibration for a softer response that’s comfortably crisp and enhances its feel.

Who Should Buy It

The TennisCompanion vibration dampener is ideal for players who want a clean-looking dampener that doesn’t fall out and significantly reduces vibration while maintaining sufficient feedback for an optimal response that enhances their racquet’s feel and sound.

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