Gamma Progression 200 Vs. Gamma Progression II 602 FC

[Hominator]

So, I'm still thinking about getting a stringer. I used to have a Progression II 602 FC (or its equivalent) back in the early nineties. It was worked fine. Unfortunately, I no longer have it so I'm thinking of a replacement.

Is the 602 FC "worth" the extra $310 over the more basic Progression 2? FYI, I'll just be stringing for myself and family, likely no more than 4 racquets/month. Given how few racquets I'll be stringing, I'm leaning towards the cheaper Progression 2, unless there's something that I'm missing here...

Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[Lakers4Life]

The 200 is bascially like a Klippermate or X-2. Both a step back from the 602FC.

 

[Hominator]

The 200 is bascially like a Klippermate or X-2. Both a step back from the 602FC.

A step back in what way? Thanks.

 

[Hominator]

To clarify my post above, I see the differences between the two machines - one has a six-point mounting feature and fixed clamps - but do those features make stringing a racquet either easier or more accurate than without? Trying to figure out whether the differences are worth $300 or so...

Thanks for your help!

 

[SirGounder]

I have had both the X2 and 602FC. One major different is 2 vs 6 point mounting. Both methods work great when done properly so I don't consider one an advantage over the other.

The major advantage is the fixed clamps. I find it easier and quicker to use over floating clamps. It is also easier to get the clamps into tight spaces. This was the main reason I upgraded. If you are stringing for just yourself you should have no issues with the 200.

 

[Lakers4Life]

Psst..... Progression 200 is the same as the ATS Super Stringer. ATS Super Stringer has a Lifetime warranty.

 

[Gamma Tech]

FYI- The Progression 200 & X-2 have a lifetime warranty too.
bret

 

[Lakers4Life]

FYI- The Progression 200 & X-2 have a lifetime warranty too.
bret

That's good to know, but was not stated in the either description. Also the Super Stringer is $20 off normal price.

 

[junbug]

talk to bret meyer at gamma. he will explain the differences of the machines you are considering.
just a matter of preference.

 

[danno123]

I got a Progression II 200 from TW for Christmas and just acquired a used Progression 600FC off CL last week (for $45, btw )
Here are my impressions:
-For me, it's faster to string a racket with flying clamps than fixed clamps.
-the fixed clamps of the 600FC generally allow me to get the clamp closer to the racket edge, resulting in much better tension on the last cross.
-I don't have a starting clamp, so the fixed clamps help because I don't have to double pull my first mains.
-it's much easier to string a racket with the 200's 2-point mounting system than it is one with the 600's old 6-point mounting system because the side supports are a little bit in the way.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to sell the Progression II 200 and keep the 600FC because I think the fixed clamps work better and result in a more consistent tension (esp on the last cross). With the flying clamps, I couldn't get the clamp within an inch of the frame on my last cross so there was over 1 inch of untensioned string that I was tying off and when I released the clamp the last cross was a lot looser than the other strings. It takes me longer to string with fixed clamps but I think the final result is better. Would I pay an extra $300 for fixed clamps? No way. The flying clamps work fine and I would have kept the Gamma 200 if this other machine hadn't dropped into my lap.

 

[Hominator]

I got a Progression II 200 from TW for Christmas and just acquired a used Progression 600FC off CL last week (for $45, btw )
Here are my impressions:
-For me, it's faster to string a racket with flying clamps than fixed clamps.
-the fixed clamps of the 600FC generally allow me to get the clamp closer to the racket edge, resulting in much better tension on the last cross.
-I don't have a starting clamp, so the fixed clamps help because I don't have to double pull my first mains.
-it's much easier to string a racket with the 200's 2-point mounting system than it is one with the 600's old 6-point mounting system because the side supports are a little bit in the way.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to sell the Progression II 200 and keep the 600FC because I think the fixed clamps work better and result in a more consistent tension (esp on the last cross). With the flying clamps, I couldn't get the clamp within an inch of the frame on my last cross so there was over 1 inch of untensioned string that I was tying off and when I released the clamp the last cross was a lot looser than the other strings. It takes me longer to string with fixed clamps but I think the final result is better. Would I pay an extra $300 for fixed clamps? No way. The flying clamps work fine and I would have kept the Gamma 200 if this other machine hadn't dropped into my lap.

Good stuff. Thanks for your perspective and help!

 

[Morgan]

just acquired a used Progression 600FC off CL last week (for $45, btw )

Wow - that stuff never happens to me.

 

[danno123]

Wow - that stuff never happens to me.

I don't know how I got so lucky. I wanted to upgrade to a fixed clamp machine and found this one. I bought it without even inspecting it because I'm fairly handy and figured I could repair anything that was broken. I thought I might have to buy new clamps but the clamps and tensioner were only covered with string residue that came off with some rubbing alcohol and a toothbrush. I think that the prior owner never cleaned the clamps at all and those clamps had to have been slipping with the amount of residue on them. He probably thought he was selling me a broken machine but everything worked fine once it was cleaned.