To investigate the influence of the design and operating parameters of the headbox on hydrodynamics, a pilot headbox system and pressure monitoring apparatus were constructed. The pilot headbox system consisted of a circulating water reservoir, centrifugal pump, distributor, turbulence generator and slice. The distributor was designed to function as a pressure attenuator. Flow rate to the headbox and MD and CD velocity profiles in the slice zone were monitored using an ultrasonic flowmeter and Pitot tubes, respectively. As the distance from the step diffusor increased, evener CD velocity profile was observed. Wall effect increased with the increase of the velocity. Flow stability in the headbox was evaluated by injecting a dye at the outlet of the distributor. Application of theoretical analysis based on CFD in designing headboxes is briefly discussed.