Tennis elbow Shock absoprtion: rubber bands vs blu tak vs silicone

pete101 · May 17, 2023

I have tennis elbow so have experimented with blu tak and lead and rubber bands to help absorb shock better in my older rackets which were stiffer ie 65+ RA

Plus also in my very low RA wilson clashes.

I use thick rubber bands which are thick every single side and stuffed them down grip size 2 and 3 rackets: aero pro drive cortex and an old wilson titanium power holes 118 sq inch stretch.

I estimate about 80 of these rubber bands can fit down the handle (40 in each if pushed tight)

It adds quite a lot in weight so using half is possible also but have to be careful how you put them down evenly as the handle can become lop sided, it is better to squash them down so you get an even amount down both chambers.

I find this offers the best shock absorption but better suited to lighter head heavy rackets ie lite versions of pure aero etc.

It really helps absorb the shock significantly.

Even in my clashes i put 6 rubber bands in the handle and it helps further absorb residual shock by 10%.

The only issue i have currently is in my v2 108 clash it is stiffer at 63 and aggravates my tennis elbow if i play more thsn 30 mins with it and cant use 1 hand back hand with it.

I wanted to do the same set up but i have found that one of the chambers is filled with silicone which causes me a major problem first digging it out and secondly working out how much extra rubber bands i need to put in that chamber to get it to be matched out evenly.

I tried blu tak but it is a lot of weight condensed into a smallish area depending how tightly you can squeeze it in i think i can get 15g above the nails.

Interested to know others experiences of dealing with blu tak vs silicone vs rubber bands for tennis elbow shock absorption or advice on what to do about this silicone stuck down 1 chamber.

Thanks

NickJ · May 18, 2023

I only use rubber bands on the strings as a dampener . . .

Have you thought about using a Pro Kennex Kinetic thingy? Experiment with strings & tension, no disrespect but maybe your technique could benefit by having a coach take a look, perhaps? Are you using the correct grip size for your hand? Lots of factors to think about before I'd go stuffing the handle with half of a Costco stationary Dept . . .

nintendoplayer · May 21, 2023

I have tried silicone, rubber bands, lead around the handle, foam.....in several racquets and also the Clashes....and after ruining lots of racquets and testing almost every (arm-friendly) racquet on the market, my conclusion is that these customizations don't nearly matter as much as strings and tension - and the frame itself. Even filling the handle completely with silicone in both chambers doesn't dampen vibrations as much as I would've hoped and imagined. The main thing you achieve is a different balance and weight, you make the racquet more head-light. But then you would also have to counter-balance that with more weight in the head and then you quickly get into "overweight territory" where your customizations make your racquet so heavy that the static weight by itself becomes an issue for your tennis elbow.
To dampen vibration you need mass. So rubber bands don't have that big of an effect compared to silicone. And Blu Tak also isn't a magic ingredient changing the laws of physics.

I can only repeat myself and advise you not to focus primarily on filling up the handle with whatever material - it won't save your elbow.
And I know exactly what's going on in your mind because I've been in the exact same position. I filled up almost every racquet handle with material hoping I could dampen enough vibrations to save my arm - which it didn't.
Customizing your racquet without knowing what you're doing and re-balancing the racquet in the head accordingly can even cause more damage to your elbow. Your racquet already has a low swingweight and by making it a lot more-head-light and not adding any weight to the head you're definitely not on the ideal path of customization. Shock absorption doesn't only happen in the handle, adding weight to the head reduces vibration as well. It is a complicated pattern of finding the right head-light balance, swingweight, static weight.

So in my experience, finding the right racquet, strings and tension will have a much bigger effect on saving your elbow. As well as working on your technique, especially on the one handed backhand which is a common source for tennis elbow.

By the way: Your Clash 108 V2 has a stiffness rating that's far from being low from my perspective. I would advise you to look into the V1 Clashes with a much lower RA. I went back from the V2s to the V1 Clashes because my arm was hurting more from the higher stiffness of the V2. And no silicone or whatever material will change much about that stiffness. The Pro Kennex Black Ace frame would also be a good candidate with a much lower stiffness rating and proven dampening technology built-in.

socallefty · May 22, 2023

Op, what strings are you using? Have your tried using gut at 55 or 57 lbs without all this racquet customization?

BumElbow · May 22, 2023

Go with flexible racquets for tennis elbow. Try the Prince Phantom line. Or, if you want stiffer, try the ProKennex Kinetic line - something with mid-stiffness like the new K-5 (standard length, 64 RA) or, for maximum comfort, the Black Ace line. I own a Clash v1 and can't recommend it. Ditch the other gimmicks - rubber bands, added weight, etc. Make sure you have the correct grip size - stop trying to change it with overwraps and rubber bands - and don't string with a polyester string. Use the racquet manufacturer's middle tension of the recommended string tension range stated on the racquet. A simple string is best to experiment with at the start like Gamma syngut with wearguard. Never string a racquet very tight if you have a tender elbow. If necessary - and it sounds like it is - take a few lessons to make sure your technique is conducive to protect you from elbow, wrist and shoulder injury. Adding junk to your racquet rarely makes it play better. Perhaps a Prince Phantom 107G would be a good racquet for you that's forgiving, stable and powerful? There is no perfect racquet but you can adjust your game to the one that works best for you.

A_Instead · May 23, 2023

I have used sound dampening foam in the grip..
Even shipping peanuts work and they don't weigh that much..

nintendoplayer · May 23, 2023

A_Instead said:
I have used sound dampening foam in the grip..
Even shipping peanuts work and they don't weigh that much..

Aren't shipping peanuts a bit too lightweight?
Acoustic foam reminds me a lot of the stuff Yonex is putting in their handles.

KC! · May 23, 2023

socallefty said:
Op, what strings are you using? Have your tried using gut at 55 or 57 lbs without all this racquet customization?

Gut will make the biggest difference after taking time off to heal.

Rabbit · May 23, 2023

I'll put in a pitch for a synthetic gut/poly hybrid. Best of both worlds, just make sure you keep your tension reasonable and the synthetic gut in the mains. I also like the ProKennex idea. Lots of players I know who have/had arm trouble swear by them. I had TE really bad. The only thing that fixed mine, after a dozen or so cortisone shots, was the Yonex RD Tour 90. I got off the Wilson Hammer 5.0 and (probably more importantly) Prince Pro Blend strung at 65 with the kevlar in the mains. IIRC, once I swapped to the Yonex and strung it with synthetic gut, it took about a month for my arm to fully recover.

BumElbow · May 23, 2023

Instead of putting rubber bands under your grip, why not consider getting a gel cushioned replacement grip. Gamma, Babolat and Wilson sell them. As an example, see: https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Wi...cement_Grip_Black/descpageWILSON-WSSHGBK.html

pete101 · May 24, 2023

NickJ said:
I only use rubber bands on the strings as a dampener . . .

Have you thought about using a Pro Kennex Kinetic thingy? Experiment with strings & tension, no disrespect but maybe your technique could benefit by having a coach take a look, perhaps? Are you using the correct grip size for your hand? Lots of factors to think about before I'd go stuffing the handle with half of a Costco stationary Dept . . .

Yeah i dont want to use a pro kennex unless it gets really bad the clash is fine i am just fine tuning it with rubber

pete101 · May 24, 2023

Rabbit said:
I'll put in a pitch for a synthetic gut/poly hybrid. Best of both worlds, just make sure you keep your tension reasonable and the synthetic gut in the mains. I also like the ProKennex idea. Lots of players I know who have/had arm trouble swear by them. I had TE really bad. The only thing that fixed mine, after a dozen or so cortisone shots, was the Yonex RD Tour 90. I got off the Wilson Hammer 5.0 and (probably more importantly) Prince Pro Blend strung at 65 with the kevlar in the mains. IIRC, once I swapped to the Yonex and strung it with synthetic gut, it took about a month for my arm to fully recover.

I use multi head rip control super comfy

pete101 · May 24, 2023

BumElbow said:
Instead of putting rubber bands under your grip, why not consider getting a gel cushioned replacement grip. Gamma, Babolat and Wilson sell them. As an example, see: https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Wi...cement_Grip_Black/descpageWILSON-WSSHGBK.html

I already use a shock shield wilson undergrip

The rubber bands in the handle give me an extra 10% shock absorption it is my go to for every racket now

pete101 · May 24, 2023

A_Instead said:
I have used sound dampening foam in the grip..
Even shipping peanuts work and they don't weigh that much..

How well does the sound dampening foam work for you? Must be lighter than rubber bands

pete101 · May 24, 2023

BumElbow said:
Go with flexible racquets for tennis elbow. Try the Prince Phantom line. Or, if you want stiffer, try the ProKennex Kinetic line - something with mid-stiffness like the new K-5 (standard length, 64 RA) or, for maximum comfort, the Black Ace line. I own a Clash v1 and can't recommend it. Ditch the other gimmicks - rubber bands, added weight, etc. Make sure you have the correct grip size - stop trying to change it with overwraps and rubber bands - and don't string with a polyester string. Use the racquet manufacturer's middle tension of the recommended string tension range stated on the racquet. A simple string is best to experiment with at the start like Gamma syngut with wearguard. Never string a racquet very tight if you have a tender elbow. If necessary - and it sounds like it is - take a few lessons to make sure your technique is conducive to protect you from elbow, wrist and shoulder injury. Adding junk to your racquet rarely makes it play better. Perhaps a Prince Phantom 107G would be a good racquet for you that's forgiving, stable and powerful? There is no perfect racquet but you can adjust your game to the one that works best for you.

I need such a massive grip it doesnt come in grip size 6 lol

pete101 · May 24, 2023

socallefty said:
Op, what strings are you using? Have your tried using gut at 55 or 57 lbs without all this racquet customization?

Gut is too expensive

I use multi head rip control 16 super comfy

pete101 · May 24, 2023

BumElbow said:
Go with flexible racquets for tennis elbow. Try the Prince Phantom line. Or, if you want stiffer, try the ProKennex Kinetic line - something with mid-stiffness like the new K-5 (standard length, 64 RA) or, for maximum comfort, the Black Ace line. I own a Clash v1 and can't recommend it. Ditch the other gimmicks - rubber bands, added weight, etc. Make sure you have the correct grip size - stop trying to change it with overwraps and rubber bands - and don't string with a polyester string. Use the racquet manufacturer's middle tension of the recommended string tension range stated on the racquet. A simple string is best to experiment with at the start like Gamma syngut with wearguard. Never string a racquet very tight if you have a tender elbow. If necessary - and it sounds like it is - take a few lessons to make sure your technique is conducive to protect you from elbow, wrist and shoulder injury. Adding junk to your racquet rarely makes it play better. Perhaps a Prince Phantom 107G would be a good racquet for you that's forgiving, stable and powerful? There is no perfect racquet but you can adjust your game to the one that works best for you.

The v1 clash 108 I have like you i remember you mentioned the HL needing to be max 2 pts

My issue is i bought a 100 pro v1 but it is so headlight i cant get it to play like my 108

I added racket saver tape managed to get same balance yet still flies long not even sure why

pete101 · May 24, 2023

nintendoplayer said:
I have tried silicone, rubber bands, lead around the handle, foam.....in several racquets and also the Clashes....and after ruining lots of racquets and testing almost every (arm-friendly) racquet on the market, my conclusion is that these customizations don't nearly matter as much as strings and tension - and the frame itself. Even filling the handle completely with silicone in both chambers doesn't dampen vibrations as much as I would've hoped and imagined. The main thing you achieve is a different balance and weight, you make the racquet more head-light. But then you would also have to counter-balance that with more weight in the head and then you quickly get into "overweight territory" where your customizations make your racquet so heavy that the static weight by itself becomes an issue for your tennis elbow.
To dampen vibration you need mass. So rubber bands don't have that big of an effect compared to silicone. And Blu Tak also isn't a magic ingredient changing the laws of physics.

I can only repeat myself and advise you not to focus primarily on filling up the handle with whatever material - it won't save your elbow.
And I know exactly what's going on in your mind because I've been in the exact same position. I filled up almost every racquet handle with material hoping I could dampen enough vibrations to save my arm - which it didn't.
Customizing your racquet without knowing what you're doing and re-balancing the racquet in the head accordingly can even cause more damage to your elbow. Your racquet already has a low swingweight and by making it a lot more-head-light and not adding any weight to the head you're definitely not on the ideal path of customization. Shock absorption doesn't only happen in the handle, adding weight to the head reduces vibration as well. It is a complicated pattern of finding the right head-light balance, swingweight, static weight.

So in my experience, finding the right racquet, strings and tension will have a much bigger effect on saving your elbow. As well as working on your technique, especially on the one handed backhand which is a common source for tennis elbow.

By the way: Your Clash 108 V2 has a stiffness rating that's far from being low from my perspective. I would advise you to look into the V1 Clashes with a much lower RA. I went back from the V2s to the V1 Clashes because my arm was hurting more from the higher stiffness of the V2. And no silicone or whatever material will change much about that stiffness. The Pro Kennex Black Ace frame would also be a good candidate with a much lower stiffness rating and proven dampening technology built-in.

You hit the nail on the head

My 100 pro v1 is too head light i added racket saver tape to try to get it to 2 pts HL

But because the grip is too small it is even more headlight i need to strip weight from it

And yeah you're right about the 108 v2 63 RA is not comfy

Normally i would just stick rubber bands down the handle like i did with my aero pro drive and other racket

Instead I have put rubber bands down to behind the nails wear they left silicone in 1 chamber

So have an extra 8 instead of 6 i normally leave above nails so 14 total and it is def helping

Just if i take the silicone out and fill it with much more will i still be able to swing it who knows but i def know rubber bands help.

80% shock is gone in my APD although it still pings annoyingly

pete101 · May 24, 2023

nintendoplayer said:
I have tried silicone, rubber bands, lead around the handle, foam.....in several racquets and also the Clashes....and after ruining lots of racquets and testing almost every (arm-friendly) racquet on the market, my conclusion is that these customizations don't nearly matter as much as strings and tension - and the frame itself. Even filling the handle completely with silicone in both chambers doesn't dampen vibrations as much as I would've hoped and imagined. The main thing you achieve is a different balance and weight, you make the racquet more head-light. But then you would also have to counter-balance that with more weight in the head and then you quickly get into "overweight territory" where your customizations make your racquet so heavy that the static weight by itself becomes an issue for your tennis elbow.
To dampen vibration you need mass. So rubber bands don't have that big of an effect compared to silicone. And Blu Tak also isn't a magic ingredient changing the laws of physics.

I can only repeat myself and advise you not to focus primarily on filling up the handle with whatever material - it won't save your elbow.
And I know exactly what's going on in your mind because I've been in the exact same position. I filled up almost every racquet handle with material hoping I could dampen enough vibrations to save my arm - which it didn't.
Customizing your racquet without knowing what you're doing and re-balancing the racquet in the head accordingly can even cause more damage to your elbow. Your racquet already has a low swingweight and by making it a lot more-head-light and not adding any weight to the head you're definitely not on the ideal path of customization. Shock absorption doesn't only happen in the handle, adding weight to the head reduces vibration as well. It is a complicated pattern of finding the right head-light balance, swingweight, static weight.

So in my experience, finding the right racquet, strings and tension will have a much bigger effect on saving your elbow. As well as working on your technique, especially on the one handed backhand which is a common source for tennis elbow.

By the way: Your Clash 108 V2 has a stiffness rating that's far from being low from my perspective. I would advise you to look into the V1 Clashes with a much lower RA. I went back from the V2s to the V1 Clashes because my arm was hurting more from the higher stiffness of the V2. And no silicone or whatever material will change much about that stiffness. The Pro Kennex Black Ace frame would also be a good candidate with a much lower stiffness rating and proven dampening technology built-in.

In my experience rubber bands has been the best solution for me vs blu tak (terrible) or lead (even worse)

I dont think anyone else has experimented with it like i have it is a god send for the tennis elbow issue for me like in my 108 clash v1 i dont have it anymore with that set up

sureshs · May 24, 2023

I use a $18 dampener but cannot discuss it here

NickJ · May 25, 2023

sureshs said:
I use a $18 dampener but cannot discuss it here

nintendoplayer · May 25, 2023

pete101 said:
In my experience rubber bands has been the best solution for me vs blu tak (terrible) or lead (even worse)

I dont think anyone else has experimented with it like i have it is a god send for the tennis elbow issue for me like in my 108 clash v1 i dont have it anymore with that set up

How many grams of rubber bands have you put into the handle? Did you "secure" them somehow so they don't slide up into the frame? Or just put them in and done? Can you take a picture?

weelie · May 25, 2023

I use blutac, when I get a new racket I start by stuffing 10g of blutac in.

I have never considered it actually affecting the comfort in any other way than just by adding weight and making the racket headlight.

I have used gel grips, sorbothane grips... those do affect the feel. Also just keeping the grip fresh and holding as lightly as possible makes a BIG difference. And not arming the ball, of course.

Tennisist · May 25, 2023

Rubber bands offer best dampening.
Grip material also matters a lot. Wilson ShockShield is a lot better than leather.
Weight in the head also works — if you can adjust to the raised swingweight. Cloth tapes / rubber tapes work much better than lead.
And - of course - strings! Get the softest you can play with.

ichaseballs · May 26, 2023

the two products i think that might actually have some efficacy is

RTP shocksorb
VTadvantec strips

BumElbow · May 27, 2023

pete101 said:
In my experience rubber bands has been the best solution for me vs blu tak (terrible) or lead (even worse)

I dont think anyone else has experimented with it like i have it is a god send for the tennis elbow issue for me like in my 108 clash v1 i dont have it anymore with that set up

I just ordered a Prince Phantom 107G to replace my POS Wilson Clash 108 v1. I find the Clash 108 v1 to be unplayable.

ey039524 · May 27, 2023

I used to play w the Clash when I came back from TE. Now using the phantom 97p. Much more control w just as much comfort. Can't beat the price.

pete101 · May 27, 2023

BumElbow said:
I just ordered a Prince Phantom 107G to replace my POS Wilson Clash 108 v1. I find the Clash 108 v1 to be unplayable.

Do you find it unplayable because it flies out if you hit the outter realms of the head?

I find it plays amazing as long as i dont hit around the frame area. The sweet spot is bigger than the old flexi rackets of the 90s but still smaller than stiff rackets of today we are accustomed to.

I put 6 rubber bands in the handle and an extra undergrip and 2 overgrips changing the balance so it is a bit more head light i think 2pts like you recommended in the clash thread plus a shock trap dampener.

What do you find your issues are with it? Volleying takes some time getting used to though

pete101 · May 27, 2023

ey039524 said:
I used to play w the Clash when I came back from TE. Now using the phantom 97p. Much more control w just as much comfort. Can't beat the price.

Seems a lot of people jumping back onto prince now what is the RA of these phantoms generally?

pete101 · May 27, 2023

ichaseballs said:
the two products i think that might actually have some efficacy is

RTP shocksorb

VTadvantec strips

They're quite expensive to replace often?

pete101 · May 27, 2023

Tennisist said:
Rubber bands offer best dampening.
Grip material also matters a lot. Wilson ShockShield is a lot better than leather.
Weight in the head also works — if you can adjust to the raised swingweight. Cloth tapes / rubber tapes work much better than lead.
And - of course - strings! Get the softest you can play with.

Yeah you're on my wavelength

Rubber bands are miraculous i dont know why everyone says blu tak is good i find it causes more vibration not less though it is useful as easy to mold for easy customisation

pete101 · May 27, 2023

weelie said:
I use blutac, when I get a new racket I start by stuffing 10g of blutac in.

I have never considered it actually affecting the comfort in any other way than just by adding weight and making the racket headlight.

I have used gel grips, sorbothane grips... those do affect the feel. Also just keeping the grip fresh and holding as lightly as possible makes a BIG difference. And not arming the ball, of course.

Have you tried blu tak in the butt vs rubber bands?

I find blu tak increases vibration even though it shouldnt as it is a rubber compound

pete101 · May 27, 2023

nintendoplayer said:
How many grams of rubber bands have you put into the handle? Did you "secure" them somehow so they don't slide up into the frame? Or just put them in and done? Can you take a picture?

I put thin layer of cotton wool on top of the nails if you put too much you cant fit more than 1 rubber band inside.

I use ones which are like 1.5mm thick (as oppposed to normal thin flat 0.5mm-1mm ones) and 3mm wide these work best

In a grip size 3 i can fit 3 in each chamber folded in so 6 total then put the butt cap back on beinf careful because if you stuff too many in the butt cap cover can crack.

I have also tried putting rubber bands behind the nails but that is still a work in progress as the cotton wool slips further down after a while when you swing i haven't found a great replacement for it i recently tried a thick sponge as it can be squashed to get through the nails easily and springs back up but doesn't seem to sit against the walls as tightly as i would like

Maybe i need an even wider thicker sponge to push through i cut off the abrasive bit that normally is used to clean plates as thought might scrape the inside of the chamber too much causing particles to break off but in hindsight that abrasive edge may keep the sponge from going further down the handle.

I placed the sponge about an inch behind the nails leaving enough space to add maybe 3 more rubber bands behind the nails but not tightly compacted because if you do the force may push the sponge further down which is a nightmare as it makes the racket lopsided.

Have to report back on whether the sponge instead of cotton wool works better maybe could use both in future)

But the rubber bands above the nails over cotton wool works great i get 10% more shock absorption.

I think the weight is only about 3g as 6 rubber bands is 0.5g each the ones i use anyway.

Dont have a pic also dont know how to upload pics on here doesn't seem to be straight forward when i click attach seems to want me to use an image uploader url

ichaseballs · May 27, 2023

pete101 said:
They're quite expensive to replace often?

i don't think you have to replace them. definitely not often.

ey039524 · May 27, 2023

pete101 said:
Seems a lot of people jumping back onto prince now what is the RA of these phantoms generally?

Mid 50s

Nikae · Aug 23, 2023

How about new Head Speed MP, is it a good racket for someone who has some tennis elbow issues? Stiffness: 62 - but that's just on paper.

ulunxtns · Aug 23, 2023

Nikae said:
How about new Head Speed MP, is it a good racket for someone who has some tennis elbow issues? Stiffness: 62 - but that's just on paper.

Speed MP is very comfortable, should be safe. At least it didn't cause any issues for me.

atatu · Aug 24, 2023

I like the Black Ace 105, very comfortable and lots of power. I also have the Clash 108 v1 and a Clash Pro V2 that I'm going to test.

mmazzinin1 · Aug 26, 2023

Pro Kennex in my view is the way to go if you have TE, combined with multi in the high 40s. I find the slightly less-flexy Kennex with havier Kinetic mass inside to have an even better "healing factor"

KungfuTennis · Sep 1, 2023

All I'm gonna say is that I hit with a Clash for about 2-3 hours and experienced arm pain for the first time in my entire life. Get a Pro Kennex or Volkl.

tlm · Sep 1, 2023

pete101 said:
I have tennis elbow so have experimented with blu tak and lead and rubber bands to help absorb shock better in my older rackets which were stiffer ie 65+ RA

Plus also in my very low RA wilson clashes.

I use thick rubber bands which are thick every single side and stuffed them down grip size 2 and 3 rackets: aero pro drive cortex and an old wilson titanium power holes 118 sq inch stretch.

I estimate about 80 of these rubber bands can fit down the handle (40 in each if pushed tight)

It adds quite a lot in weight so using half is possible also but have to be careful how you put them down evenly as the handle can become lop sided, it is better to squash them down so you get an even amount down both chambers.

I find this offers the best shock absorption but better suited to lighter head heavy rackets ie lite versions of pure aero etc.

It really helps absorb the shock significantly.

Even in my clashes i put 6 rubber bands in the handle and it helps further absorb residual shock by 10%.

The only issue i have currently is in my v2 108 clash it is stiffer at 63 and aggravates my tennis elbow if i play more thsn 30 mins with it and cant use 1 hand back hand with it.

I wanted to do the same set up but i have found that one of the chambers is filled with silicone which causes me a major problem first digging it out and secondly working out how much extra rubber bands i need to put in that chamber to get it to be matched out evenly.

I tried blu tak but it is a lot of weight condensed into a smallish area depending how tightly you can squeeze it in i think i can get 15g above the nails.

Interested to know others experiences of dealing with blu tak vs silicone vs rubber bands for tennis elbow shock absorption or advice on what to do about this silicone stuck down 1 chamber.

Thanks

Dampeners do absolutely nothing to protect your arm, they only change the sound.

Say Chi Sin Lo · Sep 1, 2023

Uhh... has anyone told OP vibration, which the dampener addresses, does nothing for tennis elbows?

It's shock that you want to deal with. You can only deal with that via string change, flexible racquets, and heavy racquets.

Cerdany · Sep 1, 2023

tlm said:
Dampeners do absolutely nothing to protect your arm, they only change the sound.

Say Chi Sin Lo said:
Uhh... has anyone told OP vibration, which the dampener addresses, does nothing for tennis elbows?

It's shock that you want to deal with. For you can only deal with that via string change, flexible racquets, and heavy racquets.

Thank you! I was reading this thread and going nuts. Vibration doesn't cause tennis elbow! Dampening vibration doesn't help with tennis elbow!

pete101 · Sep 3, 2023

tlm said:
Dampeners do absolutely nothing to protect your arm, they only change the sound.

The wilson shock trap one does it is 4 dampeners in one.

Try it without it and try it with it and you can feel a noticeable 10% shock reduction.

The little dampeners only dampen sound

pete101 · Sep 3, 2023

Say Chi Sin Lo said:
Uhh... has anyone told OP vibration, which the dampener addresses, does nothing for tennis elbows?

It's shock that you want to deal with. You can only deal with that via string change, flexible racquets, and heavy racquets.

The shock trap dampener reduces vibration noticeably it is rubber and it covers 8 strings of course it will help

The tiny ones which cover just 2 strings will not

pete101 · Sep 3, 2023

atatu said:
I like the Black Ace 105, very comfortable and lots of power. I also have the Clash 108 v1 and a Clash Pro V2 that I'm going to test.

Clash pro v2 is not comfortable at all 59 RA

pete101 · Sep 3, 2023

Cerdany said:
Thank you! I was reading this thread and going nuts. Vibration doesn't cause tennis elbow! Dampening vibration doesn't help with tennis elbow!

Shock vibration definitely affects tennis elbow

Try a stiff racket and a flexi one with and without a wilson shock trap dampener and tell me it doesnt feel better with it on both

pete101 · Sep 3, 2023

Nikae said:
How about new Head Speed MP, is it a good racket for someone who has some tennis elbow issues? Stiffness: 62 - but that's just on paper.

Bit high tbh aim for 55 RA

johnmccabe · Sep 3, 2023

pete101 said:
Shock vibration definitely affects tennis elbow

Try a stiff racket and a flexi one with and without a wilson shock trap dampener and tell me it doesnt feel better with it on both

If you believe a dampener is an important factor for your tennis elbow, good luck with that.

graycrait · Sep 3, 2023

I've used those Wilson "Traps" before. I ended up cutting them up to use them individually. I use these exclusively now: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0017D5X9C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

I think too high of RA with thin walled racket is a culprit for TE. Best get a foam filled racket. Oddly, the RA 66 Prince Twistpower X97 Tour feels really good to me, but it is foam filled at least in the hairpin. Gave away all my APDs and PDs, and just about everything else.

Tennis elbow Shock absoprtion: rubber bands vs blu tak vs silicone

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