Reducing Vibration
- Thread starter PigPen
- Start date
True but sometimes hitting high on the racket is inevitable. This happens mainly when reaching for a wide shot. Bothers my elbow on the medial side.
Shroud
G.O.A.T.
Simple.
1. Shocktape as the grip
2. Spray plastidip on the whole racket. 6 coats minimum
Problem solved.
Though it will add about 90g to your racket and your racket will be dead. Dead I tell you.
From Dr. McCoy:
"Jim. That rackets dead Jim"
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
don't hit high on the frame
seriously though, try the Wilson Shock Shield grip and use a cushy overgrip too, like Gamma Supreme Soft. Also, don't squeeze the racquet tight...loose grip = less vibes transmitted to your hand/arm. Use your off arm to help with spacing when setting up for a stroke. Work on reducing the cause as well as the symptoms.
DustinW
Professional
What racket is it? Some are much better than others at having responsiveness and low vibration high on the frame.
some ideas:
1. lead near the tip and you said you are already doing this. Maybe 1 to 2 grams at 10, 2, noon but be aware of the SW and balance changes.
2. string the poly cross 4 to 5 lbs lower than the gut mains to soften the string bed overall
3. lead tape at 7" from the butt end and/or just above the butt cap wrapped around the handle pallet - adding 2-4 grams will absorb a little shock
4. silicone or putty inside of the handle - silicone will mute vibrations - search TT for some of the putty brands that are supposed to be better than silicone
5. install a replacement grip with cushioning or dampening attributes
6. buy a volkl tennis racket as they have a system/substance in the handle that mutes vibrations.
Of all the ideas above, buying the volkl tennis racket is the best idea in my opinion.
1. lead near the tip and you said you are already doing this. Maybe 1 to 2 grams at 10, 2, noon but be aware of the SW and balance changes.
2. string the poly cross 4 to 5 lbs lower than the gut mains to soften the string bed overall
3. lead tape at 7" from the butt end and/or just above the butt cap wrapped around the handle pallet - adding 2-4 grams will absorb a little shock
4. silicone or putty inside of the handle - silicone will mute vibrations - search TT for some of the putty brands that are supposed to be better than silicone
5. install a replacement grip with cushioning or dampening attributes
6. buy a volkl tennis racket as they have a system/substance in the handle that mutes vibrations.
Of all the ideas above, buying the volkl tennis racket is the best idea in my opinion.
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I can see where this might work but I am not a fan of this concept. You cannot remove it and I think it might be difficult to be exact in your positioning and amount applied. I like lead tape on the head as you can be very exact and peel it off later if you want to try something new.
baowow
Rookie
I agree that it won't be as exact as lead tape. Off course test the weight with lead first to find your ideal weight and balance. As long as you have a scale that measures in .1 of a gram and use the measurement on the syringe, it's pretty close. I have tested on 4 racquets and was able to hit my target weight with in .5 of a gram. Pretty good considering most racquets off the shelf can be off by 10 grams. Not the best solution for everyone. Something different to try for us curious folks. Result all have been great for me though.
Shroud
G.O.A.T.
don't hit high on the frame
seriously though, try the Wilson Shock Shield grip and use a cushy overgrip too, like Gamma Supreme Soft. Also, don't squeeze the racquet tight...loose grip = less vibes transmitted to your hand/arm. Use your off arm to help with spacing when setting up for a stroke. Work on reducing the cause as well as the symptoms.
Shockshield was discontinued the last time I tried to order. Thats how I ended up with the Shock tape. Much much much better at reducing vibes than the shock shield, which is one of the best grips for vibes. It shocking how much better the shock tape is.
SCRAP IRON
Professional
Buy a Yonex racket. These frames are engineered for those who hit the ball high on the frame. Check it out...
don't hit high on the frame
seriously though, try the Wilson Shock Shield grip and use a cushy overgrip too, like Gamma Supreme Soft. Also, don't squeeze the racquet tight...loose grip = less vibes transmitted to your hand/arm. Use your off arm to help with spacing when setting up for a stroke. Work on reducing the cause as well as the symptoms.
Thanks Jack. Luckily I have a relaxed and loose grip. I will try the shock shield.
Thanks
The more flexible Vantage 95 with a 16x19 string pattern.
Thanks. Interesting suggestions I tried the Volkl series. I remember liking the C10 but I thought the feel was too muted on many of the other models. I am using a leather grip with a Tecnifibre overgrip.
The Vantage rackets are foam filled which should deaden some vibration I would imagine.
Shockshield was discontinued the last time I tried to order. Thats how I ended up with the Shock tape. Much much much better at reducing vibes than the shock shield, which is one of the best grips for vibes. It shocking how much better the shock tape is.
How is the shock tape installed?
Shroud
G.O.A.T.
just like a replacement grip.
Though reading your post about some of the Vokls being too muted not sure the shocktape would be for you- this stuff works. I can frame the ball and it removes almost all of the discomfort.
http://shocktape.com/shock-tape-no-sting-undergrip.html
After researching the ShockTape, I concluded that it would make the racket too heavy.
So far I placed a full strip of lead from 10 to 2 instead of separate strips at 10 12 and 2. This made a big difference. I also ordered a shock shield grip which will replace the existing leather for the time being. Lastly, I am having my racket strung with a full bed of gut. We'll see what happens.
So far I placed a full strip of lead from 10 to 2 instead of separate strips at 10 12 and 2. This made a big difference. I also ordered a shock shield grip which will replace the existing leather for the time being. Lastly, I am having my racket strung with a full bed of gut. We'll see what happens.
Shroud
G.O.A.T.
I figured you would say that.
Couple of things.
Weight help with vibes and shock.
Its in the handle so it doesnt affect swing weight as it would on the hoop.
You could also just use half the grip if you play one handed and cut the weight in half.
Anyhow glad you are making progress. Surprised you got the Shockshield at TW. When I tried to buy it last they said it was discontinued. No worries if it was in stock I would still be using shock shield...
Here in Italy we have the Noene grip - it is made of a special "rubber" like some plantars - it really, REALLY absorb all racquet vibration. The racquet will feel very muted, but it works like a charm.It is a little heavier than standard grip and it is just 1mm of thickness, so it needs 2 overgrip to get same handle thickness. At the end it will add something like 4gr+6(2nd overgrip)=10gr, but you will not feel any vibration at all.
http://www.noene-italia.com/
Sadly it seems they do not sell outside Italy and I don't find the english site version :-/
http://www.noene-italia.com/
Sadly it seems they do not sell outside Italy and I don't find the english site version :-/
Shroud
G.O.A.T.
Thank you both. This may be exactly what I am looking for. I used Google Translate for the English version.
http://translate.google.com/transla...p://www.noene-italia.com/prodotti/grip-noene/
http://translate.google.com/transla...p://www.noene-italia.com/prodotti/grip-noene/
Hi I'm Ray
Professional
The shock tape and neone grip look very interesting. Too bad they are so expensive for something that we are unfamiliar with..
Shroud
G.O.A.T.
Shock tape is $20. I bought 6 of them...
Has anyone else noticed that really soft squishy grips, a la shockshield or using multiple overgrips, while making the racket more comfortable , seem to make it less powerful compared to adding similar weight with leather, which is very firm? I wonder if some of the absorption going on is also draining some firmness from the moment of contact
Crocodile
G.O.A.T.
I'm not a fan of lead taping anywhere on the top of the frame if vibration is a problem for you, I'm worried that it will impact your arm adversely. I would rather try and make the racquet more stable so I would add at 6 0clock provided that you don't mind forgoing a little manuverability. Most racquets that are weighted in this area play more solid.
Shroud
G.O.A.T.
1st off I have to say that I no longer use the shock tape. Its not needed IMHO. Shock shield is really good for less. Perhaps not QUITE as good but its about 50g less in weight.
I dont have ANY vibes any more even on framed shots. Here are the things that are different and I think solves it:
1. I switched to wilson blx frames. I think the BLX actually works
2. I am stringing with higher tensions.
3. I avoid touching the grommets with lead tape and leave a gap now.
4. There is more weight on the frame and some of it is bluetak in the handle.
#2 may be the big thing maybe. I have to see if my dunlop vibes. I dont think it does.
Shroud
G.O.A.T.
HMM. I cant say I have noticed that. Its possible. But I keep the stock grip, add the shock shield over it, add 4 7" vertical strips of another shock shield grip on bevels 2,4,6,8 and I also add two over grips. So I shouldnt get any power....but I manage to hit hard and out far too often. That said I usually counter with 20+g in the hope on some rackets so that probably brings up the power.
You could wrap really tight.
also each racket has a tension range where vibes are at there worse because they are in the resonance frequency. For example, the PS85 is not known as a viby racket, but string it in the 22lb range and viola its a vibe monster. So changing the tensions by a few pounds either direction can change the vibe situation dramatically. This usually happens at lower tensions IME.
This reply is 2 years late, but there are a couple of methods you can use:
1. Use gut mains to string also the top crosses.
Unless your frame has 18 mains, a half set of gut will be long enough to string more than your mains. When you get close to stringing the last mains, use it to string the top 2 crosses before finishing the mains and tying them off. In many cases, you may even have enough gut left to string the top 4.
2. Decrease tension on top 5-6 crosses.
Very simple. When you start tensioning the crosses, don't even tension the top cross. Start pulling from the second, and even then, I would use good 5-7 lbs less tension for the problematic area. This works great also for those frames that give you the dead feel in the upper hoop.
The Dark Knight
Legend
In one word:
DONNAY
DONNAY
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
for the crosses use Yonex Poly Tour Pro string, it is very muted and a s a long lasting round poly might be great as a cross for your gut.
true any foam filled frame like Angell or Donnay should also suppress vibration but Im a firm believer in changing racquets only at last resort.
I actually use the upper hoop for some shots and serves and added 4 string savers at the 5th cross to make it more boardy and alter the trajectory a bit up there (good for low touch shots that are aimed at your feet).
true any foam filled frame like Angell or Donnay should also suppress vibration but Im a firm believer in changing racquets only at last resort.
I actually use the upper hoop for some shots and serves and added 4 string savers at the 5th cross to make it more boardy and alter the trajectory a bit up there (good for low touch shots that are aimed at your feet).
Moveforwardalways
Hall of Fame
Blu-Tak puddy inside the handle.
some of these suggestions are a bit out of the realm of reality...15g between 10 and 2 is going to add around 40 to the swingweight, which is basically switching rackets. I've found just adding a small amount of lead (even 1 g at 10 and 1 g at 2) makes a noticeable difference in sucking up the harsh sensations. don't know the science behind it, but it does. and that adds a swingweight around 5, which is manageable
teachingprotx
Legend
I have found a cheap and reversible solution for this if you would want to try something . It has worked quite well for me and my more picky clients..
Pop off the trap door and depending on how much weight you want cut strips of your old most rubbery over grips Or replacement grips into thirds or halfs .. And stuff them down into the open chambers into the hairpin with the aid of a awl or ice pic or screw driver. Works wonders as a stop gap for harsh frame to handle vibes .. And its recycled and reversible ..
Pop off the trap door and depending on how much weight you want cut strips of your old most rubbery over grips Or replacement grips into thirds or halfs .. And stuff them down into the open chambers into the hairpin with the aid of a awl or ice pic or screw driver. Works wonders as a stop gap for harsh frame to handle vibes .. And its recycled and reversible ..
JonnyAbs
Semi-Pro
what racquet are you using? I have a PR97 which vibrates like a mother in standard form, and the Wilson Shock Trap helps a lot. I would say get a longer vibe absorber like the one I mentioned or one of the worm types.
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
great idea... i actually try to increase feedback by using the smallest rubber band possible... so far a #33
i use a foam filled low RA Angell frame so its not hollow, this handle stuffing method will give you a less hollow response. not everyone gets on with foam filled frames but trying this will give you an idea if they are your thing.
teachingprotx
Legend
Thank you sir!
I did it as last ditch effort and it seemed to work for me..
" feel " is so damned arbitrary it's crazy.
I'm sure if there was a way or is a way to measure the amount of vibes going thru to the handle it wouldn't probably make that much difference but it "feels" better after doing the handle stuff method of things
Always a pleasure to get kind feed back
I did it as last ditch effort and it seemed to work for me..
" feel " is so damned arbitrary it's crazy.
I'm sure if there was a way or is a way to measure the amount of vibes going thru to the handle it wouldn't probably make that much difference but it "feels" better after doing the handle stuff method of things
Always a pleasure to get kind feed back
I can vouch that the babolat RVS and tourna shock off 2 both work. The rvs weighs round 6g though, but doesn't affect the power level. The shock off weighs 5g, but because it's wedged against the bottom cross and the frame, it also sucks a decent amount of power. I've been using the rvs with a gamma gel filled worm. Works great, but there's an extra 7-8 swingweight that you don't get to apply towards the ball
I've also started using lite versions of rackets (currently ai98) and adding lead to get swingweight up to normal versions, with a shock shield replacement grip. Racket ends up weighing a bit less than standard ai98, but much more comfortable, and also more stable (most people agree ai98 needs lead at 3/9, so this gets you a more stable frame, more comfortable frame, with similar swingweight and static weight to the original )
Angell tc95. The lead has removed most of the vibration for me.
Baseline13
Rookie
R
