2.5" Louvered vs. Zombie Baffles on RS 468 Cams - TAB Performance Sound Test

Dive into the sound dynamics of TAB Performance's 2.5" Louvered Core Baffles versus Zombie Baffles, showcased on a 2019 Street Glide Special equipped with RS 468 Cams and a 2-1-2 Open Header. m360.us/9af7
Sean from TAB Performance explores the top questions for riders considering performance upgrades: How does each baffle option affect the sound of your bike? Can you maintain that aggressive growl without overwhelming city streets? Join us from Sean's home office as he delves into these questions, offering sound clips and insights on balancing performance with the perfect volume. Whether you're already running a Stage 2 setup or contemplating an upgrade, this video provides a valuable comparison to help you decide between our medium and most aggressive baffle options. Plus, discover the flexibility of TAB's B.A.M. Sticks, allowing for easy sound customization without needing to purchase a new exhaust system.
#TABPerformance #MotorcycleSound #BaffleComparison

[@justinfleat2658]

Great video well done thank you look forward to upgrading my exhaust soon

[@hellonwheels1332]

I have that same setup and it sounds awesome.the cam really woke up the sound worth every penny

[@TABPerformance]

Thanks for watching the video, our favorite set-up for sure.

[@RRoosa]

Thank you. I was thinking about the zombie baffles but now considering the 2.5 louvered.

[@TABPerformance]

Happy to help. Glad the videos are informative.

[@swiftcaution5170]

Oh yeah- better quality of sound on those 2.5's! To me it's like hot sauce. It's not all about the fire, the flavor is the thing that matters..

[@michaelmitchell5909]

Love these slip ons... Has to be the zombie baffles... That's what going with.... Hopefully soon.....thanks guys... Its option paralysis out there, but youve made it easy to decide!

[@TABPerformance]

Thank you, we love the zombies on Betty

[@dsdink]

So i added the 50cals, with the 2.5 louvered baffle on my stage 2 2019 ultra limited with s&s475c cam, v&h true duels and arlen ness a/c. The pipes with the 2.5 baffle sounds AMAZING. Very aggressive tone and deep sound, when going through the gears it roars. So far love it!!

[@jiripastrnak1936]

How is the idle loudness? I have fuelmoto header and 475 lift cam ( not SS though) and CFR pipes. Sounds amazing under load and just loud enough … but looking for more idle “ noise” lol

[@bigboi18184]

Have an 18' RG standard, had the zombie baffles for around 2 years. Wanted to mellow it down a bit running LH side zombie and RH louvered now. Having the RS468 installed later this month and will try out Louvered on both sides if its too loud.

[@jeffschneider7684]

I handed your 2-1-2 header and bamsticks with the 2.5 louvered to my 2018 road glide special. Also SE air cleaner and dynojet pv-2b. It sounds amazing and looks fantastic. The slash end cap turned up side down matches the angle of the special bags, great look.couldnt be happier.

[@TABPerformance]

Thank you for the feedback and watching the content.

[@97gmc97]

What kinda gains did you get from swapping headpipes?

[@bav114]

Cool video dude. Thanks

[@TABPerformance]

Glad you liked it!

[@listentosilverfish]

I would love to know how the volume is with the 2.5 and an open header compared to zombies with a stock header

[@TrippinwithSimo]

Love the Mick Doohan helmet....have you guys got a sound clip of a 107 with standard headers and stage 1 tune?

[@johnkohl2652]

Any thoughts on how they compare (sound) to CFRs?

[@johnpalmieri1251]

can i put those zombie baffles in my 4" Rinhart mufflers? Current setup is V&H power duals and Rinehart 4" mufflers on my 2012 CVO Road Glide but I love the sound those zombies make

[@gadang66]

How did you know!! I just had some brought into Frontier. I did the SE447 stage 2 (warranty friendly) installed and noticed the volume difference! Thanks! Oh...and your neighbors must be cool AF! LOL!!

[@Elkslaya1]

I love my Zombie baffles! Loud AF!

[@chrisswank7318]

I have a set with zombies. After I changed the head pipe and got rid of the cat it is the best sounding bike I’ve ever had. I get a lot of compliments on the sound

[@TABPerformance]

Very nice!

[@CVO_MAN]

Louvered baffles are really interesting in terms of sound. Similar to the Screamin Eagle 4.5.

[@ronk3893]

If you change out the baffles, do you have to get the bike dyno again?

[@jasonbreedlove495]

Great videos and quality pipes. Already rocking the 4.5 Bamsticks with Zombies with HD air cleaner and after deployment adding RCX Tormentor header with Reaper 465 cam. Cant wait to wake the dead!! What tuner do you recommend bc I'll 99% be ditching SE tuner.

[@TABPerformance]

We recommend and sell the Dynojet PV-2B for this model. They are very powerful and also very easy to use.

[@DB-hm4lt]

I currently have the zombies and air cleaner. Going to be doing the head pipe next however I don’t necessarily want the CAM. Have you heard of any setups like that on a 2020 road-glide 114. Or do you think the Cam is a must.

[@TABPerformance]

Cam is definitely not a must, but it does make a huge difference in making the bikes sound mean and more aggressive as well as pronouncing the lope. Absolutely not necessary though they do sound much better with just the header.

[@bobbykitchensjr.2347]

Where are you getting a tune from for this set up. I just bought the same cam 2-1-2 head pipe and same mufflers with the zombie baffles and I'm having. a hard time finding a tune for that particular combo.

[@TABPerformance]

We took ours to a dyno tuning shop to have it tuned.

[@armygreen82nd]

Have you yet to take the packing off the Zombie baffles and just reinstalled the baffle only while adding the torque cones and rings? I decatted my head pipe and added the rings and cones but seem to have lost the full loudness that I first had with just the slip ons.

[@TABPerformance]

We havent done that but the fiberglass on zombies don't actually see gas from exhaust so its really only there to take the hollow tinny out of an otherwise hollow pipe within a pipe but you can always give it a shot.

[@joeliptak2324]

Quick question, I have my bike currently setup with the S&S 475 cam, rcx tormentor headers, tab zombies and power vision. Dyno tune was great overall with a little bit of softness at low rpm. Super loud setup but If I'd swap to the 2.5 baffles, would I need to retune on the Dyno or would the ecm be able to account for that difference?

[@TABPerformance]

Should be good to just swap baffles.

[@jimyounger9490]

Do you like that set up ?? I just bought a 2020 road glide limited and bought the zombies and the tormentor. And was thinking same cam ss475. And I guess same tuner. How does this combination work , are ya happy ??

[@robertspencer2917]

Does the BAM stick have the same performance regardless of the baffle used. I have a 114 with a stage 1. Looking for new mufflers for my 2021 Ultra Limited. Thank you,

[@TABPerformance]

The baffle will change performance. The quieter the baffle typically gives you better low end where the zombie really comes on around 2800 and up.

[@jasonsutton9440]

Hi there I have a 2018 sportglide and is interested in the 2.5 baffles. Is it something I can install myself and do I need to have it tuned? Thanks

[@TABPerformance]

Yes you can install the 2.5 on a sportglide but will need our muffler not just the baffle. Tuning is recommended.

[@GLH1213]

love this video. i have the medium and zombie mufflers both. what is your opinion about running one of each in my m8 harley? i heard there should be no negative affects just a blending of sounds. thanks in advance for your opinion.

[@TABPerformance]

Many customers do this and love it to be honest. The only thing would be to make sure you have a 2-1-2 header to make sure that you keep balance.

[@wb4514]

@@TABPerformance Is a 2-1-2 the stock configuration ?

[@junbarz361]

I have a 2020 Indian Challenger, what can you suggest for a slip on exhaust? the one that's not too loud.

[@TABPerformance]

You can do the 2.5" louvered, especially if you leave the stock mid pipe. That thing quiets the Challenger down quite a bit more than the thunder stroke models. Or you could do a cat delete pipe with the 1.75". 1.75 is just above Indian Stage 1 as far as sound and it steps up from there.

[@ootac]

Hi there, I have the 50 Cals on my 2022 RGS 114 and originally got them with the louvred baffles but replaced the straight away with the Zombies, so much better! When I get my cam though I’m a little concerned the Zombie baffles might be to loud but wanted to know can I put my louvred baffles back without the fibreglass? Will this work and will it sound louder, weird or just don’t do it as it is a little hard the remove them all a few times. Thanks guys and love the pipes regardless.

[@TABPerformance]

You can absolutely do the louvered with no fiberglass. We have many customers who've done this. Also, if your header is still a 2-1-2 design, we have many people put a louvered in the right zombie in the left for a mix that they love.

[@Tberg725]

I wouldnt say the zombie is throaty I'd say them things are pissed man you guys NAILED it every m8 exhaust I've heard sounds so tame and WEAK that thing with the 468 and zombies are like an ear gasm 😂😂😎

[@harryhowell5644]

I am getting a new bike and one of the first things I will do is get a set of tabs. I think the zombies are a little much for me. I like the sound of the 2.5s

[@IndiansAuto]

Zombies are not loud on the 114.

[@luismontanez5097]

Are the bam sticks louder then the 50 cals? Or are they all just as loud I cant really tell by other videos and I want loud loud lol

[@TABPerformance]

Hello, the muffler shootout video on our channel should have what you are looking for. The sound is pretty comparable because the baffles are all the same. The 50 Cals are a touch deeper but mostly it is a visual difference, especially on the zombies.

[@chuckcollinsworth5000]

I bought the 2-1-2 Tab header with the zombie slip on and did the stage 1 but the dude at Redshift sàid I should do the louvered baffle to create more back pressure when I go Stàge 2 with the Redshift 468 cam. Is this true??? Am I hurting my 107 M8 by using the zombie baffle on my Stage 1 set up???

[@jameskeating1802]

Was just told the same thing what was the outcome you came up with

[@1blacktrike]

So I have the 4 inch with 2.5 inch baffles that are packed from Tab. Will it make a difference to remove the packing from the louvers and running it w/o the packing - louder…?

[@TABPerformance]

Yes, removing the packing will give you an in between on sound from zombie and louvered in regards to loudness.

[@geraldgoodiii6993]

I have a 107 stage 2 stock head pipe zombie baffle 4.5 Getting a 124 cr482 cam catless head pipes. Tuner said he grabbing up a set of the 2.5s and may use one or two of them whatever needed to get the right “back pressure”.. yea I know that word is a misnomer. It’s about reversion. Anyway … I love the sound of my bike but with open headpipes on a 11:1 124 with that Cyclerama cam… if one or both sides needs that 2.5 to not take a big ass tq hit at 3k… so be it. Man I been a tab man for years … always will have tabs on my bikes. Love the air cleaner btw .. sucks that now y’all Finally got a ext breather set up.. I got that DK transformer paired with your A/C. Had the zombie breath for 8 months now. Great looking intake. Still waiting on those chrome bars tho lol. I been good with those chizzled Lo bars from HD tho. Man that was a bitch putting heated grips on em tho

[@TABPerformance]

Actively working on the chrome bars now. For the longest time we were waiting on the polishing robot, which was out of our control on timeline. Now that it's here we are actively getting that dialed in and should have them ready for spring launch. Typically you can get by with one louvered and one zombie if using a 2-1-2 vs. a 2:2 pipe, but another great option is to use louvered and just remove the fiberglass wrap to sort of get a little of both the sound and the restriction. Hope it helps and thank you for your continued business!

[@geraldgoodiii6993]

Yup bike ran like ass below 2k Soft af 2-3k. Mediums prob added 10tq by butt dyno. Lost some Hp I’m sure. Gonna try those things u suggested. The head pipes are those KW ones .. they say 2 into 2 but there is a merge. Which method would u use in that ?

[@TABPerformance]

I'd run the louvered without fiberglass to get a little more sound while keeping good power. The 2:2 is a good header and good for HP but you can't get away with uneven baffles like you could in a 2-1-2 option if that makes sense.

[@bradvescio7589]

I have the 2-2 Tab Head pipe and Zombie Baffels on a 22 SGS W/SE 447 Cam and SE prostreet tuner. It sounds awesome it's very loud which doesn't bother me. My question is will the 2.5 louvered baffels give me more torque? It seems to pull hard like I barely twist the throttle and I'm at 60 mph like nothing! It also sputters a little at decel, is that ok as well? Thanks!

[@TABPerformance]

The decel pop is normal as long as it isn't terrible to the point where it is dying or cutting out and almost dying type of popping. The louvered will help the lower RPM torque but not so much in the mid range so if you ride in the 2200-2700 rpm it will bump torque but if you ride in the mid range more the zombies may actually perform with better torque. That is a common misconception on these, if you run your bike above 2800 most times that is where the open zombie system shines, it is those that run below that who see a dip and then the louvered or one of each is a great option.

[@bradvescio7589]

@@TABPerformance No its more of just a ramble of popping not even real loud so it should be good. Thanks for getting back to me on that. Your absolutely right about 2800-4000 I feel like when I get on the throttle with this Tab full system and Se torque cam I barely can keep up shifting. She runs great and the sound is perfect.

[@jamespeterson7587]

Which baffle performs better in the Dyno numbers. Low end with the zombie, do you lose a lot of the low end torque

[@TABPerformance]

Depends on the set-up with header etc. If you have a more open system with headers and intake, then the louvers do better on low end, but if its stock header, they are pretty even.

[@GLH1213]

Hello folks the zombie pair sounded like somebody screaming for their life on my lorider s 2020 se torque cam. I mixed one zombie and one medium baffle on the bike and now sounds like a lions roar with infrasound. Perfect sound now not a blood curdling scream but a loud roar.

[@wb4514]

Which side did you put the zombie on? Did you try switching sides? (I know the mufflers are side specific)

[@andre9573]

Hi if I wanted to buy a new Harley ultra limited and I wanted a stage 2 with your 221 head pipes how would you recommend I do it? Should I have Harley install the screaming eagle and add the headers later with the 5.0 slip-ons with the zombies? I like it loud. What do you suggest I go about getting this set up done.

[@TABPerformance]

Hello there, I would start with the slip-ons to get what you are wanting and then wait on the header until the Dynojet tuner figures out the new models at which point you could add a header. I would check with the service technician though as depending on where you are at this could void warranty and make the vehicle not for road use, but those are questions depending on your local laws as well as your local service technician on the warranty side of things.

[@andre9573]

@@TABPerformance Thank you very much brother that was a great help. I will definitely take your advice, by the way I live in Florida.

[@rubiconguy6599]

I have a 2021 CVO street glide and am interested in the 4 inch bam with 2.5 baffles. I’m under the impression that my 117 is basically factory tuned already because of the large air breather. So all I need are some slip ons, right? No need to tune after I install the slip ons with baffles? Or am I wrong? Please help. Thanks

[@TABPerformance]

Hello, it is definitely not factory tuned and still runs a little lean. The difference between CVO models and regular ones is the ability to get away with slip-ons and your air cleaner where a stock model can typically only get away with slip-ons. That said anytime you change your intake or exhaust a tune is a good idea for the long term life of your motorcycle to keep it running optimally.

[@rubiconguy6599]

The CVO has a bigger air cleaner than the stock one so I’m not in need of a different one. Actually, I think I’ve got the biggest one. I went ahead and ordered one of your kits. What tune do you recommend? How hard is it to do? I’d rather not take it to the dealer to install if at all possible.

[@TABPerformance]

I normally recommend the Dynojet PV-2B but unfortunately they haven't been able to unlock the 2021 ECM yet for any models other than the older Sportys. Currently your only option that we know of to tune a 2021 is to use the HD Screaming Eagle Tuner. I don't expect that to last much longer, but the issue is the SE tuner is less capable. The positives of the SE tuner are that it will keep your warranty where the Dynojet tuners and other aftermarket flash tuners will void your powertrain.

[@Robbover]

I have a 2021 Electra- glide 114 police bike. I want to exchange my stock muffler with Tap performance Zombie slip-ons using the 2.5 baffles. Is it necessary to replace the air filter and tune the motor as well. I just want a little more sound to the bike. I'm really fine with the torque and performance of the bike in general.

[@TABPerformance]

You do not have to do anything to the intake. We do recommend a tune but have customers who go without and get away with it, reporting back positive results, but the only way we can guarantee anything is if a bike is tuned properly after changing intake or exhaust even if it is just the SE tuner for warranty purposes. In the end it is your call but we do recommend tuning the bikes. The 2.5 baffles won't really do much for sound if you leave the rest stock, it will be better but more what I would say is noticeable not significant where the zombie baffles will add significant noise.

[@Robbover]

@@TABPerformance Thanks for the insight. I will be putting my order in around Xmas. A gift to me! lol....thanks once again.....

[@MrGuitarforyou]

Probably going to the medium baffle. Im runnin tab performance slip ons on my standard with no baffles. It sounds amazing but getting tired of the constant BRAHHHHPPPPPP BRAHHHHHHPPPP.

[@Elkslaya1]

What is the difference in performance on a stage 2 with a 2-1-2 or a 2-2 head pipe?

[@TABPerformance]

Pretty minimal, the 2-1-2 performs a little better in most areas, but nothing noticeable on the butt dyno between the two, its more about look and sound preference. The 2:2 is more true dual sounding and looks like the true dual with shields but the 2-1-2 is the better bang for your buck keeping the stock shields.

[@codyjohnson1380]

What would be louder with a stock head pipe, de-catted… zombie baffles or with no baffles at all?

[@TABPerformance]

We do not recommend no baffles as you will lose performance and have trouble tuning, but it is louder than the zombies by a little bit and some customers like that set-up.

[@youcanthide004]

Awesome man perfect video. I have a 2020 Challenger Darkhorse with stage one, K&N filter, Tab 2-1 Mid pipe and Zombie baffles. And let me tell you it’s fucking insane, it sounds absolutely sinister, crazy loud & i love it, but…. Most of the times it’s a little too much, and when I’m writing to him it’s too much for my girlfriend. So I’m gonna order the 2.5” louvered baffle. 👌🏼💥

[@TABPerformance]

Thank you for the feedback, the 2-1 is crazy loud on those things. If the louvered is a bit too much bite taken off, you can rip the fiberglass off and pop it back in for a mid point.

[@youcanthide004]

@@TABPerformance OK yeah I gotcha, that’s a great idea. Thanks for the quick response. I’ll keep you guys posted.

[@streetglidekevo]

Great video I have the zombie but I’m looking for a good head pipe Vance Hines or Rineheart an I’m going Stage 4 what do you think

[@TABPerformance]

We have customers who have had luck with the V&H power dual before we came out with ours, but may I ask if you have considered one of our headers or if there is a reason you are looking outside of our brand?

[@streetglidekevo]

@@TABPerformance no reason just seeing what my options are but I will definitely look into the tab head pipe

[@kpnomad7]

Was your torque better at lower rpm w louvered, thank you for options! Other brands bleed us!

[@TABPerformance]

Little tricky question, but I will do my best to explain. Also, thanks for the kind words, we do our best to serve our customers. The low end torque did improve and it was a flatter line, but the peak drops a bit. So basically depending on riding style you may or may not notice. If you mainly ride above 2800RPM zombie may actually provide you more torque with a higher peak. If you spend more time down around 2200-2400 the flatter curve will provide you more useable power, so I hate fence sitting, but the answer really is it depends. I hope this helps shed light on the best set-up for you and of course you can always play around with it. We even have guys that use our 2-1-2 header and do 1 of each 2.5 louvered in the right and zombie in the left.

[@jamesswails7870]

I took the wrap off the 2.5s.

[@rickbiggers4096]

@@jamesswails7870 How did that workout for you?

[@teamsmallpinepubliclandhun2652]

Was there any torque loss with the zombies

[@TABPerformance]

We are well above stock with this set-up the zombies specifically come on really hard around 2800-3000, you will see a little dip around 2200-2400 so really depends on riding style, some will feel more torque if you ride more in the mid range and some may feel a little drop around the lower range but just depends on style and what you are looking for.

[@1962egl]

Have you had any issues withe the 468 running overly hot?

[@TABPerformance]

None on ours

[@1962egl]

@@TABPerformance thanks. Seen a video where “those dyno guys” claiming that cam runs overly hot. I haven’t heard of this anywhere else.

[@jamesswails7870]

I have both zombie 🧟‍♂️ and 2.5s. Lloyd's 558 cams.still have cat.to me I get more torque from the 2.5

[@Heavy69Metal]

Are the zombie baffles 2.5” or 3”

[@TABPerformance]

They are 2.5 OD

[@harleydave2316]

Great video but more importantly what the heck is around your dog's neck?? Hahaha I have also run the louvered in the right pipe and zombie in the left. It is a good mix... 😋

[@TABPerformance]

We are actually doing a combo video soon as well, funny you mention that. It's the new version of the surgery cone for pups :)

[@harleydave2316]

@@TABPerformance Aww sorry he/she had surgery...

[@TABPerformance]

It's cool, she was spayed so nothing major.

[@GLH1213]

Me too one zombie and one medium

[@russkish8628]

Would you through the ball for him

[@Heavy69Metal]

What about a zombie baffle without packing sound like

[@TABPerformance]

We actually have found there is 0 difference in sound or performance with the packing and so we only sell them without currently.

[@wesleydean1358]

Can you run a .2.5 louvered in one pipe and a Zombie in the other pipe?

[@bigboi18184]

Thats what I did to my RG, sounds really good. Getting the RS468 installed this year, I may run both louered afterward.

[@WolfinWolvesClothing713]

​@bigboi18184 did you get it done yet? I have the 472 coming. Wondering if I should take the packing off the louvered one to get just that little extra sound, but want to wait till the cam is done.

[@tylerfj24]

Which setup will give more tq or more hp performance. Will the 2.5 baffle give.more low end

[@tylerfj24]

Bueller? Bueller? anyone??

[@TABPerformance]

Sorry we missed this one, looks like you found the video from your comment on the other video so I won't go into that but the tq and hp depends on set-up and which header as stated on the other post. Typically 2.5" does better on tq and zombie does better on HP but that is a very general statement and can change depending a lot on other factors of what you've done to the bike.

[@IndiansAuto]

Lmao what’s warranty? I went stage 1 weeks. @ 500 miles 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@jaredforbes6466]

Did you notice a performance change

[@TABPerformance]

It shows up a little on the charts mainly in the lower range around 2200-2400 rpm, so mainly it depends on riding style to if you would feel a difference or not, but it is pretty minimal.

[@jjs8046]

4.5 with Zombies is THE sh*T!!! 😍😍😍

[@TABPerformance]

Thanks for the feedback and taking the time to watch the vids.

[@jjs8046]

@@TABPerformance and for the order which shall arrive on Thursday 🤭

[@michaelcooper9523]

I hope yall sent me the wrong mufflers because I just received the 4.5" with zombies and it doesn't seem loud at all....anyway to confirm yall sent me the right mufflers??

[@TABPerformance]

Send a photo of the baffle to [e-mail]

[@MrZapee995]

So what happened??

[@johnb3291]

Got the zombie baffles, they were real aggressive. Ordered the 2.5" louvres and put them in. Frankly, they were boring and only a tad better than stock. Put the zombies back in.

[@TABPerformance]

If you haven't already tried, some customers with a 2-1-2 style header like the stock or aftermarket, go with one of each.

[@tikicaptain]

@@TABPerformance Is there a recommendation as to which baffle in which side when doing that setup or does it matter?

[@dwight072]

Those zombie 🧟‍♂️ baffles tho 🤘🏻

[@JP-by6pe]

Zombie 🧟‍♂️ Baffles Babe!!

[@dsruddell]

Jesus Christ. I bet your neighbors love you

[@shifthappens2607]

What kinda animal cruelty do you have going on with that poor dog and his flotation device? LOL

[@iginogasparini3369]

With the zombie baffles causes major torque loss from 1000 rpm to 2.800 rpm almost 30 ft pounds torque loss. M8. NEEDS A LOUVER BAFFLE IT WORKS THE BEST.

[@kcbill502]

Do you sell Zombie Head pipes?

[@TABPerformance]

Zombie is the name for type of baffle in the slip-on mufflers, but we do have headers under our race section on the website that pair well with it.