Tourna O Damp Sampras Vibration
Dampener ~ Test & Review
Made popular by American tennis player Pete Sampras, the Tourna O Damp is a classic vibration dampener that has stood the test of time and remains a popular option for players at all levels of the game.
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 | 2.0 grams |
Length | 23.4 mm |
Width | 23.4 mm |
Thickness | 7.5 mm |
Firmness | Medium |
Dampening Effect | Low |
Quantity Per Pack | 2 |
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 Tourna O Damp Sampras’s design, including how to install it.
Design
The Tourna O Damp features a distinct donut-shaped “O” design. Around the dampener’s side, the name “Pete Sampras” is printed in light text, a subtle reminder of the player who made it famous.
Its diameter is 23.4 mm, and its thickness is 7.5 mm. Since it’s hollow, it’s lightweight at only 2.0 grams, which means it’ll have a negligible influence on your racquet’s static weight, balance, or swingweight.
Unique to this model, the dampener’s shape and hollow center allow it to adapt to the space between the center main strings.
Pros | Cons |
Lightweight | Susceptible to falling out |
Easy to install | Not ideal for oversized racquet heads |
Fits all string patterns | |
Reduces audible ping | |
Low impact to feel | |
No loud branding |
Fit & Installation
I found Tourna’s O Damp to be easy to install. Its material is soft and flexible, with a subtle firmness at the center, allowing easy manipulation when pressing it between the center main strings.
Once installed, its shape changes from a perfect circle to an oval as the strings that hold it in place squeeze the dampener from the sides. I tested it on several racquets with varying string patterns and head sizes and found it to fit well on all of them.
Performance
The Odamp noticeably reduces the ping sound of my racquet, but it’s not entirely muted; there’s a subtle ring that’s still audible.
Meanwhile, it minimally impacts my racquet’s feel, allowing moderate feedback to flow through to my hand, which I appreciate, especially when hitting lighter finesse shots up at the net, such as touch volleys.
Downsides
Its biggest downside is staying in place, especially when I’ve used it with more open string patterns, i.e., more space between the strings.
I’ve found this happens because of its circular internal design, which limits friction and contact with the main strings to stay put. This was less of an issue for me with racquets with tighter string patterns, so players with oversized racquets should weigh this factor.
I found it’s also an issue early on when first using the dampener because the rubber is more resilient. However, it becomes more likely to fall out as it conforms to the space between strings over time.
For the best results, I recommend replacing it every few months to reduce the likelihood of it falling out during a point.
Test Summary
The Tourna O Damp is a lightweight and easy-to-install vibration dampener that moderately reduces my racquet’s ping while subtly enhancing its feel, helping to maintain more feedback while playing.
Who Should Buy It
Players who are new to vibration dampeners and want to experiment with them to soften their racquet’s ping sound without significantly impacting their racquet’s feel will enjoy the Tourna O Damp.
Home > Gear > Vibration Dampeners > Tourna O Damp Sampras
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!