Dampener - use

[JRstriker12]

Originally Posted by arun_mrk

I have been playing tennis for about 6 yrs and have never should a dampener. However, I see all of my partner use it.

Now, my question is,

Should I start thinking about using a dampener?

Is dampener really useful considering all the improvement that had happened in the racquet technology that happened?

I was following the pro in US open to see what the pro do and found some pro use and some doesn't use dampener.

A dampener only changes the sound and the feel of vibration from the racket. It does nothing to help or improve your game.

I like a more muted sound/feel so I use a dampener. If you don't use one and are fine with the sound / feel of your racket, you don't need one.

[Borrelli]

I've been playing for years without a dampener, never liked the cluttered look of them, I prefer a clean stringbed but recently a hitting partner pointing out the rather annoying "ping" sound coming from my racquet. Using a PSBLX Tour 90 with Gut mains and MSV poly crosses. Sure enough the dampener stopped it and it sounds much better now with a nice "thwack". Sure looks ugly but sounds so much better.

[Scar1358]

you should try it out for yourself.
I recommend any worm type dampener.

[Tennisguy3000]

I have to have a dampener on my stick... that ping drives me crazy. I do wonder if they help with tennis elbow since they lessen the vibration.

EDIT: Looks like the topic of tennis elbow & dampaners has already been discussed... 47 posts worth

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=121842