"Own the Zone" vibration dampeners....

[VGP]

I'm all for making a good product and cutting a profit, but dressed up rubber bands?

C'mon.

http://www.sportsmediainc.com/tennisweek/index.cfm?func=showarticle&newsid=16135&bannerregion=

[Byakuya]

what does it actualy look like?

nvm just saw otzsports.com
looks like Xmas rubberbands for tennis racquets!

[power_play21]

it claims this:

"The Own the Zone vibration dampener enables you to improve your game by significantly reducing vibration, gaining more power, control and confidence."

Wouldnt actually decrease power, accroding to that other thread where somebody actually measured string tension with and without rubber bands and it was tighter with the rubber band, so less power?

weird. marketing nowadays.. i wont even go into confidence. lol. from a rubber band. gotta have a pretty crappy game if confidence comes from a rubber band lol.

[thejackal]

They do seem to be better made and more durable (rubber bands do dry out), but for the price you can buy a bag of rubber bands.

[tennis-skater]

the pro at my club got i think 200 pink ones for free for a breast cancer mixer thing and they seemed pretty nice

[heavyhitter]

The OTZ band is definitely superior to the rubber bands I purchased at Office Depot. Been using one for two months now. I have tennis elbow problems and the OTZ band has helped immensely. I string my racket at 58 lbs and have no problem generating power with the band. I love it.

[VGP]

The OTZ band is definitely superior to the rubber bands I purchased at Office Depot. Been using one for two months now. I have tennis elbow problems and the OTZ band has helped immensely. I string my racket at 58 lbs and have no problem generating power with the band. I love it.

Well, if it works as advertised.

Are they easily reuseable?

[power_play21]

The OTZ band is definitely superior to the rubber bands I purchased at Office Depot. Been using one for two months now. I have tennis elbow problems and the OTZ band has helped immensely. I string my racket at 58 lbs and have no problem generating power with the band. I love it.

vib dampeners do NOTHING for tennis elbow. tennis elbow is a minor "rip" on a muscle tendon ligament thing that runs in your elbow. it can be in two places, consequently two types of tennis elbow. This is due to faulty technique, overuse, etc, NOT to a lack of vibration dampeners. There is no way any vibration dampener can help you IMMENSELY with your tennis elbow, becase in the first place, vibration dampeners only cut out the sound, they dont cut out the harmfull vibrations. you need a system such as babolat's cortex to do that.

[heavyhitter]

Tennis elobow happens Power play_21, for whatever circumstance. The point is when is DOES happen how does one ease the discomfort and continue playing.
As far as "vibration dampeners only cut out the sound, they dont cut out the harmfull vibrations." This statement is unadulterated hogwash.

I had tennis elbow for 20 years. What doesn't work for you doesn't mean it won't work for others. But the above statement simply is not true. Ask the millions of users of dampeners including Agassi, Sharpova, Roddick and I could go on and on. They do not use it to "cut the sound". They use it to IMPROVE their tennis game.

[power_play21]

Tennis elobow happens Power play_21, for whatever circumstance. The point is when is DOES happen how does one ease the discomfort and continue playing.
As far as "vibration dampeners only cut out the sound, they dont cut out the harmfull vibrations." This statement is unadulterated hogwash.

I had tennis elbow for 20 years. What doesn't work for you doesn't mean it won't work for others. But the above statement simply is not true. Ask the millions of users of dampeners including Agassi, Sharpova, Roddick and I could go on and on. They do not use it to "cut the sound". They use it to IMPROVE their tennis game.

ok. whatever floats your boat. i use a dampener. i dont expect it to prevent tennis elbow lol. this s just sad im here talking about this.

[Court_Jester]

As far as "vibration dampeners only cut out the sound, they dont cut out the harmfull vibrations." This statement is unadulterated hogwash.
To quote Dr. Duane Knudson, author of "Biomechanical Principles of Tennis Technique" (Racquet Tech Publishing, 2006):


Tennis elbow is most likely a result of eccentric stretching (activated muscles forcibly stretched) of forearm muscles by the initial shock wave of impact rather than frame vibration (Knudson, 2004)
String vibration dampers(sic) reduce the high-pitched "ping" of string vibration. String vibrations have very little energy and research has shown that string dampers(sic) have no effect on the shock or vibration of the frame that load the player's hand and arm (Li et al. 2004; Stoede et al. 1999).


Ask the millions of users of dampeners including Agassi, Sharpova, Roddick and I could go on and on. They do not use it to "cut the sound". They use it to IMPROVE their tennis game.

I don't see any vibe dampeners on these pics of Maria Sharapova:

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showpost.php?p=1032542&postcount=2025

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showpost.php?p=1040773&postcount=2036

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showpost.php?p=1053575&postcount=2136


A couple of weeks after I started playing tennis again after being away for more than 6 years, I developed TE and not once did I ever play without a vibration dampener.

After reading Knudson's book, I seriously looked into my tennis technique, not the equipment. I found out that I flex my wrist while doing my 1HBH, which led to my TE. I have since fixed this technique flaw and now I'm pain-free, hitting dozens of 1HBH in a row and without vibe dampeners.

[Tour 90]

from a rubber band. gotta have a pretty crappy game if confidence comes from a rubber band lol.

I wonder how they would respond to that! :-D

[PhoenixAce]

I've been using the Own the Zone band dampener on my racquet for more than 6 weeks. I think its great! I really like the sound and excellent dampening effect. The color is cool too. I'm a 4.0 player. I previously used an ordinary rubber band on my racquet but it would quickly dry out and crack in the dry Phoenix air. I wasn't sure why the OTZ band is special, so I checked out their website at www.otzsports.com and found some good answers.

I think it is an individual preference to use a band or not.:)

[TheSnowMan]

To quote Dr. Duane Knudson, author of "Biomechanical Principles of Tennis Technique" (Racquet Tech Publishing, 2006):


Tennis elbow is most likely a result of eccentric stretching (activated muscles forcibly stretched) of forearm muscles by the initial shock wave of impact rather than frame vibration (Knudson, 2004)
String vibration dampers(sic) reduce the high-pitched "ping" of string vibration. String vibrations have very little energy and research has shown that string dampers(sic) have no effect on the shock or vibration of the frame that load the player's hand and arm (Li et al. 2004; Stoede et al. 1999).




I don't see any vibe dampeners on these pics of Maria Sharapova:

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showpost.php?p=1032542&postcount=2025

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showpost.php?p=1040773&postcount=2036

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showpost.php?p=1053575&postcount=2136


A couple of weeks after I started playing tennis again after being away for more than 6 years, I developed TE and not once did I ever play without a vibration dampener.

After reading Knudson's book, I seriously looked into my tennis technique, not the equipment. I found out that I flex my wrist while doing my 1HBH, which led to my TE. I have since fixed this technique flaw and now I'm pain-free, hitting dozens of 1HBH in a row and without vibe dampeners.

Sharapova does have the rubberband dampener in the last picture. She doesn't have it on her Sharks because back then, she did not have her rackets strung and customized by Roman Prokes who introduced them to her.

[DrTennis]

"The bows of the Own the Zone band, which are not attached to the racquet strings, transfer vibration energy away from strings & frame". Makes sense.

[nViATi]

The bows of the Own the Zone band, which are not attached to the racquet strings, transfer vibration energy away from the strings & frame. Makes sense.
Self promotion?

[DrTennis]

In addition, the initial shock of ball impact is absorbed by the knot... the bows then dissipate vibrations away from the racket (your arm).

I don't know of any other dampener that can deflect vibrations away from the racquet.

Sometimes the simplest solution is the most elegant and best solution.

[diredesire]

I find it rather suspicious that the biggest proponents of this glorified rubber band have <2 posts each. Sounds like someone registered just to talk about bands? (I think nViATi got it right)

[DrTennis]

With all due respect, I have used a rubber band as a vibration dampener for the past six years and have always liked their performance and wondered why they seemed to work so well (subjective I know, but good enough for Agassi, Roddick and others).

I’m happy that there is an alternative to ordinary rubber bands, which have always had a short life span and now (thanks to the Own the Zone website) know how they work and why they work.

[goober]

$5.95 + 3.80 S&H ! That's $3.25 a rubber band. I think I will pass. You can buy a bag of 80 #64 rubber bands (the ones Agassi uses) for 90 cents at Staples.

[DRtenniS1112]

With all due respect, I have used a rubber band as a vibration dampener for the past six years and have always liked their performance and wondered why they seemed to work so well (subjective I know, but good enough for Agassi, Roddick and others).

I’m happy that there is an alternative to ordinary rubber bands, which have always had a short life span and now (thanks to the Own the Zone website) know how they work and why they work.

Ohhhhhhhhh boy I was DRtennis FIRST!

[BigGriff]

$5.95 + 3.80 S&H ! That's $3.25 a rubber band. I think I will pass. You can buy a bag of 80 #64 rubber bands (the ones Agassi uses) for 90 cents at Staples.

I agree with goober. When the Staples rubber bands dry out just tie another one on. 3 bucks for a glorified rubber band is a bit pricey.

[OrangeOne]

I find it rather suspicious that the biggest proponents of this glorified rubber band have <2 posts each. Sounds like someone registered just to talk about bands? (I think nViATi got it right)

Can't help agreeing - was going to post something to this effect as I read my way through the thread. Three separate posters who have all only ever posted in this thread, who magically all choose to post very positively about this new, dubious, massively-marked-up product?

Way too suspicious in my humble opinion.

(Oh - and for Dr Tennis to have longevity concerns over standard rubber bands, as pointed out by Goober & BigGriff - is absurd given the price of traditional ones...).

[dirkgnuf]

ok, I got this as a christmas gift, and was quite suspicious. It seems to be somewhat better compared to my staples rubberband, I'll have to use it some more

[nyc]

This one smells from 3 threads away.

[dirkgnuf]

This one smells from 3 threads away.


Thanks, nyc
BTW I have a few extra, you want any?

[DiabloTS]

I just bought this, this has greatly improved my self-esteem. Now I believe in myself for the first time in my life just because of a rubberband. Also because of my increased confidence, I have gotten better grades too. I just killed two birds with one stone! Buy the OWN THE ZONE confidence booster rubberband!



:mrgreen:

[DiabloTS]

Well, I've got double the posts you have and have been around here longer than you. Whether you choose to believe me or not is your choice. Notice I said it was somewhat better. I'm not advocating it as the uber-rubberband dampener or anything, i'm just giving my opinion

Does it really matter how many posts you have and how long you have been here?

[nyc]

Thanks, nyc
BTW I have a few extra, you want any?

I think it would be unfair to my opponents, as I know I would be UNBEATABLE with super-duper rubberband! :D

[dirkgnuf]

haha, all right :) Just remember, the size of the rubber bands really intimidate competitors.

[10sfreak]

To quote Dr. Duane Knudson, author of "Biomechanical Principles of Tennis Technique" (Racquet Tech Publishing, 2006):


Tennis elbow is most likely a result of eccentric stretching (activated muscles forcibly stretched) of forearm muscles by the initial shock wave of impact rather than frame vibration (Knudson, 2004)
String vibration dampers(sic) reduce the high-pitched "ping" of string vibration. String vibrations have very little energy and research has shown that string dampers(sic) have no effect on the shock or vibration of the frame that load the player's hand and arm (Li et al. 2004; Stoede et al. 1999).




I don't see any vibe dampeners on these pics of Maria Sharapova:

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showpost.php?p=1032542&postcount=2025

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showpost.php?p=1040773&postcount=2036

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showpost.php?p=1053575&postcount=2136


A couple of weeks after I started playing tennis again after being away for more than 6 years, I developed TE and not once did I ever play without a vibration dampener.

After reading Knudson's book, I seriously looked into my tennis technique, not the equipment. I found out that I flex my wrist while doing my 1HBH, which led to my TE. I have since fixed this technique flaw and now I'm pain-free, hitting dozens of 1HBH in a row and without vibe dampeners.
Hey CourtJester, could you explain in a little more detail "I found out that I flex my wrist while doing my 1hbh, which led to my TE." You flexed you wrist how, exactly? And what kind of backhand grip were you using? Thanks!

[tennis_nerd22]

Ask the millions of users of dampeners including Agassi, Sharpova, Roddick and I could go on and on. They do not use it to "cut the sound". They use it to IMPROVE their tennis game.

hey i dont know if it helps improve everyone's games, but it does help mine. however, i dont think its just to say that a dampener will greatly improve your game because pro's use it, its just a perference

[Leoboomanu]

I cut up my old swimming cap into 3inch diameter rings at 1/2 inch thickness... Silicon is lighter (no excess swing weight) and more durable than rubber... Be careful not to pull too much when tightening the band...

[Mdubb23]

Truly a fantstic product. Think whatever you wish to think; the OTZ band is truly the ultimate dampener on the market. More dampening, and less loss in power than a rubber band, and,obviously, any other "real" dampener. And no, I am a legitimate person, OrangeOne, and obviously must be pleased with the product to ressurect this thread after 2 years.

[mental midget]

loss in power? rubberband?

my whole world is unraveling . . .

please let this thread thrive.

[DrTennis]

Truly a fantstic product. Think whatever you wish to think; the OTZ band is truly the ultimate dampener on the market. More dampening, and less loss in power than a rubber band, and,obviously, any other "real" dampener. And no, I am a legitimate person, OrangeOne, and obviously must be pleased with the product to ressurect this thread after 2 years.

I saw OrangeOne's post and have to agree with him that it's the ultimate band. I've been playing with OTZ bands on my racquets for the past 2 years and I think they are great. I feel like I get better touch and less shock all around the court, particularly with my volleys at the net. If you want a good laugh go to the OTZ web site's product page. You gotta see what Obama says about Own the Zone....hilarious!

http://www.otzsports.com/products.htm

[DrTennis]

Truly a fantstic product. Think whatever you wish to think; the OTZ band is truly the ultimate dampener on the market. More dampening, and less loss in power than a rubber band, and,obviously, any other "real" dampener. And no, I am a legitimate person, OrangeOne, and obviously must be pleased with the product to ressurect this thread after 2 years.

I have to agree with him that it's the ultimate band. I've been playing with OTZ bands on my racquets for the past 2 years and I think they are great. I feel like I get better touch and less shock all around the court, particularly with my volleys at the net. If you want a good laugh go to the OTZ web site's product page. You gotta see what Obama says about Own the Zone....hilarious!

http://www.otzsports.com/products.htm

[goober]

loss in power? rubberband?

my whole world is unraveling . . .

please let this thread thrive.

As you know there is a huge loss in power when you use a rubberband. My 90mph forehand went down to 80 mph at least. With Own the Zone it only went down to 89.5 mph.

[TennezSport]

Hey CourtJester, could you explain in a little more detail "I found out that I flex my wrist while doing my 1hbh, which led to my TE." You flexed you wrist how, exactly? And what kind of backhand grip were you using? Thanks!

There are two general major causes for TE in tennis and Court Jesters listing of Dr. Duane Knudson's study is backed up by many others. Both causes come from poor stroke technique either in leading with the elbow or locking the elbow (or flexing the wrist forward) prior to contact (there can be other minor reasons also; timing, fatigue, etc).

Proper technique is the only solution to avoiding TE, by keeping the arm comfortably close to the body and lead with the racquet with a firm (not tight) wrist. Think about throwing a frisbee (nice and relaxed).

With regards to the Vibration Dampner(VD), it has been proven in static, biomechanical and kinetic tests, that no VD[pun intended] can help with TE as the mass is too small to stop the damaging vibrations. It does however help with sound and minor vibrations but not enough to stop TE from bad tecnique.

Cheers, TennezSport :cool:

[VGP]

Thanks for reviving my thread guys.....

I thought it was common knowledge that vibration dampeners only reduce string vibration and do not reduce shock.

TennezSport is correct. I recall reading this like 15-20 years ago.

The OTZ dampeners look to be made of perhaps a softer material than rubberbands and probably don't dryrot.

Those that say that a dampener helped their TE is either a placebo effect or it coincides with a change toward proper technique......