Introduction
Most dampers reduce string vibration by absorbing everything — including the feedback players rely on. The Octo Damper was built differently: it filters only the shock that matters while preserving the feel you actually use.
The goal wasn’t comfort. It was clarity.
What Makes It Different
Mass
At 0.80 grams, the Octo Damper sits below the threshold that affects swingweight, timing, or balance. It doesn’t interfere with racket dynamics, even for high-level players sensitive to inertial changes.
Material
Octo is made from PEBA (Polyether Block Amide), a high-resilience elastomer typically used in performance footwear and aerospace damping systems. Unlike rubber or silicone, PEBA stores and returns energy with minimal internal loss.
| Material | tan δ @ 10Hz | Behavior |
|---|---|---|
| PEBA | ~0.12 | Low damping → elastic return |
| Rubber/Silicone | ~0.40–0.60 | High damping → absorbs broadly |
This is why PEBA can absorb low-frequency frame shock (200–400 Hz) while preserving high-frequency vibration (1000+ Hz) that contributes to feel and timing.
What Makes Octo Damper Different
1. Mass: 0.8g
Light enough not to affect swingweight or timing
Wirtually no impact on MGR/I, polarization, or recoilweight
Your racket plays the same — but more stable at impact
2. Material: PEBA Elastomer
Not rubber. Not silicone.
PEBA (like Pebax® 3533) has:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.01 g/cm³ |
| Elastic Modulus (Tensile) | ~70 MPa |
| Shore Hardness | 35–40 D |
| Energy Return (Resilience) | ~72% |
| Tan δ (10Hz, Room Temp) | 0.12 |
| Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) | –40°C |
| Elongation at Break | ~550% |
| Fatigue Life (100k cycles) | >95% mechanical retention |
Some other properties
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It doesn’t absorb energy like rubber — it returns it
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It damps the bad shock (~200–400 Hz)
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It lets high-frequency feedback (>1 kHz) pass through untouched
3. Shape: Diamond-Octagon
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Disperses stringbed shock across multiple axes
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Self-centers between mains
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Reduces stress points on strings
Simple design based on how the stringbed actually vibrates, not how it looks.
Conclusion
Octo Damper is for players who want:
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Stability and control after impact
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No deadening of natural feel
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No compromise to racket dynamics
It’s not magic. It’s basic engineering, done right.