Rubber bands as dampeners:

[ferrari_827]

I've noticed that a rubber band is just as effective as a real dampener, with the added benefit of less weight. Dampeners can weigh as much as 3 grams, which is quite noticeable.

Also, you can use a longer or thicker band to provide more dampening around more strings, like a "worm". For example, in my Ti80 I used a long rubber band around 6 strings.

Some may not like the look of a cheap rubber band and I do agree the brand name dampeners look nicer. However, I prefer the using bands because of the weight issue and also I tend to lose dampeners in a hurry.

Ever have a dampener fall out on the court and can't find it ? Ummm, happens every time with me (!)

 

[gmlasam]

Aside from the light weight of the rubberband, and not mention its cheap as in money wise, rubberbands are also much more secure in staying in place than any dampers. If you hit with extreme topspin, rubberbands stay in place much more securely.

 

[TripleB]

It may be a mental thing but I find that rubber bands dampen the right amount. Some dampners I've used in the past seem to remove too much of the feel of the ball on the string bed. The rubber band seems to remove the ping but still allows me to "feel" the ball on the string bed.

TripleB

 

[OnyxZ28]

You do realize this has been beat to death in the "Other Equipment" forum, where this thread belongs?

 

[pchoi04]

I like using rubber bands but when I was using the LM radical MP I hated using rubber bands... It was like it made the string bed even stiffer or something and the sweet spot felt like the size of a dime...