Vibration Dampeners are Just a Placebo

Key Points

• Vibration Dampeners – Key Summary Points
  
• What They Actually Do
  Vibration dampeners reduce string vibration and change the sound of the ball hitting the strings.
  They do not reduce impact force or prevent injury — this is a common misconception.
  Scientifically, there is no measurable reduction in shock or vibration that reaches the player's arm.
• Performance Effects
  No effect on ball speed, spin, launch angle, or control.
  Zero technical performance benefit based on current evidence.
  
• Psychological Impact
  Can affect perceived performance through sound and feel.
  If a player prefers the sound with a dampener, they may play better due to placebo effect.
  Some players feel more confident or focused with a dampener due to sound familiarity.