I put lipstick on my Pig!!! (And I love it too!!!)

[dak95_00]

So a handful of weeks ago you guys talked me out of buying a Neos 1500 for $900. That would be my ideal machine if it had gravity release base clamps. I already have a Wise TH. I prefer the 2 point over the 6 point mount.

I currently have a Neos 1000 and a cheap, half broken 6 point Eagnas. The Neos glide bars have been annoying me because I couldn’t get them adjusted to slide smoothly so I went back to the Eagnas. The string clamps are actually pretty decent but the base clamps are friction or cone lock and stink.

I had some money and decided to take a chance on the auction site on some new gravity release base clamps. They came today and work excellent. It was super easy to uninstall the old and install the new. I just strung a racquet and my thumbs and fingers love these things. I should’ve done this a long time ago. I probably also should’ve paid a little more and bought them from New Tech.

Here’s a picture.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Tar Heel Tennis]

@dak95_00 what are the Wilson tennis balls in the red can?

 

[Cobaine]

What’s a gravity release clamp?

 

[dak95_00]

What’s a gravity release clamp?

When I release the clamp from the string it falls and the falling action releases the base clamp or unlocks it too. It’s a double action and so, so nice!

it goes like this.
1) I move base, clamp string, and lock base.
2) I release clamp from string, clamp falls down inside base, base unlocks, and I move.

it’s a great feature!

 

[dak95_00]

@dak95_00 what are the Wilson tennis balls in the red can?

They're Wilson Championship Extra Duty from 2004 according to the cans.

I picked them up with an old Ektelon Model F a handful of years ago. I think I got the stringer, case of “new” balls, and two hoppers full of gamma pressureless balls for $100. It was an ex-wife selling her former husband’s stuff with his permission to pay a bill is how I remember the story going.

I can’t remember what I had for lunch today but I can remember that stuff. Weird.

 

[Cobaine]

When I release the clamp from the string it falls and the falling action releases the base clamp or unlocks it too. It’s a double action and so, so nice!

it goes like this.
1) I move base, clamp string, and lock base.
2) I release clamp from string, clamp falls down inside base, base unlocks, and I move.

it’s a great feature!

Oh that’s cool. I didn’t know those are a thing.

 

[dak95_00]

What’s a gravity release clamp?

here’s a link to Alpha’s which I believe are the same as what I purchased from China via eDay.

NewTechTennis.com : Alpha Gravity-Release Clamp Base : Tennis Accessories

Alpha Gravity-Release Clamp Base - AGRCB Tennis Accessories Machine Parts action Clamp clamp Machine AGRCB Release current Base at Tennis Accessories

newtechtennis.com

 

[dak95_00]

Oh that’s cool. I didn’t know those are a thing.

I think you only find them on machines typically north of $1500.

 

[graycrait]

@dak95_00 , If you have firearms or not you need to get these for a NEOS. I bet I have 20 different lubes in the house for firearms mainly. I used to work for an outfit I had private conversations with Mobile lube engineers.

This stuff is magic: https://store.zmax.com/zmax-gun-care-2-pack-p9.aspx

After cleaning, and then some ZMax lube, my NEOS 1000 is like wet glass against wet glass for weeks and weeks on just a small amount of ZMAX lube. I was flabbergasted. I don't know what is in that stuff but it works.

 

[dak95_00]

@dak95_00 , If you have firearms or not you need to get these for a NEOS. I bet I have 20 different lubes in the house for firearms mainly. I used to work for an outfit I had private conversations with Mobile lube engineers.

This stuff is magic: https://store.zmax.com/zmax-gun-care-2-pack-p9.aspx

After cleaning, and then some ZMax lube, my NEOS 1000 is like wet glass against wet glass for weeks and weeks on just a small amount of ZMAX lube. I was flabbergasted. I don't know what is in that stuff but it works.

I’ll have to buy some. Then I’m selling my Neos. My “pig” is looking quite beautiful at the moment.

 

[graycrait]

So are you saying that that Eagnas is a good stringing machine? What model and vintage is it? I would like to try electronic CP with a linear pull machine rather than something ELS Gamma rotational.

 

[brownbearfalling]

Nice upgrade and set up on the eagnas. What is broken about eagnas?

with the glide clamps I use just a small amount of break caliper grease. it was just something I had laying around the house. works well and doesn’t need reapplication very often.

 

[dak95_00]

So are you saying that that Eagnas is a good stringing machine? What model and vintage is it? I would like to try electronic CP with a linear pull machine rather than something ELS Gamma rotational.

Just ordered the cleaner and lube.

I have the Wise on it. It’s definitely a low end stringer by even Eagnas’ standards. At this point the only things that are original are the racquet mount table and string clamps. The Wise makes it a linear CP machine and the base clamps make it wonderful.

I acquired this machine from the original owner when the rotational electric motor died. It’s basically the same as an Alpha DC drop weight table. It didn’t have a tension pulling system so I bought the drop weight adapter for the Wise and hooked it up. My initial investment was roughly $100 for it so now I have $325 not counting the Wise. I had to take the table off and was surprised by how heavy the table was.

The Neos should sell easier for me after the virus scare dies down. I’m shocked the Neos 1500 is still available and there’s another older Ektelon that’s been available locally for awhile too.

 

[graycrait]

You have access to more tennis machines in your area than I have seen anywhere else. However, I bet there are used machines in Socal or FL that would amaze us if we were in the know.

 

[Wes]

How many frames have you now done with the new base clamps?
Just curious if you've found that the string clamps, once opened, don't always drop.
A number of people have commented on this phenomena (particularly when doing the crosses).

I’m shocked the Neos 1500 is still available

Man, you need to go get that thing!! I can't believe you passed it up!
Neos 1500 + Wise + your new gravity release bases!

 

[dak95_00]

How many frames have you now done with the new base clamps?
Just curious if you've found that the string clamps, once opened, don't always drop.
A number of people have commented on this phenomena (particularly when doing the crosses).



Man, you need to go get that thing!! I can't believe you passed it up!
Neos 1500 + Wise + your new gravity release bases!

My wife would kill me if I spent $900 right now. I could sell other stuff and break even though.

I've only strung one so far. There’s a button that unlocks them if the clamp doesn’t fall right away. I did notice that happened some but it was more on the mains. I’m guessing the clamp was sitting on the release mechanism or didn’t build up enough speed/force to trip it on its fall. The button released it easily though causing the fall and release. Still much, much better than what I was using.

 

[dhnels]

I just strung a racquet and my thumbs and fingers love these things.

Absolutely true! I got these same base clamps 2 years ago (from Aliexpress) for my Gamma Progression ST II. Stringing more than 2 rackets a day used to make my hands very sore but these base clamps are effortless.

 

[dak95_00]

Absolutely true! I got these same base clamps 2 years ago (from Aliexpress) for my Gamma Progression ST II. Stringing more than 2 rackets a day used to make my hands very sore but these base clamps are effortless.

I've never ordered from Aliexpress. It looks like there are some great deals. How's your experience with it?

YES....These are the same clamps from there. I've seen them on that website and they're great. I still say I should've just ordered them from NewTechTennis.com and paid the additional $31.

 

[Wes]

I still say I should've just ordered them from NewTechTennis.com and paid the additional $31.

I see that they are currently $250/pair from New Tech.
Are you saying that your pair, direct from China, was still $219?

BTW, are you still playing the Monos?
If so, what grip size?

 

[dak95_00]

I see that they are currently $250/pair from New Tech.
Are you saying that your pair, direct from China, was still $219?

BTW, are you still playing the Monos?
If so, what grip size?

I put my Monos down last year. Most are 4 1/4 and some are 4 3/8. I have 6-8 of them.

Yes, I paid $219 and they’re worth $250 easily. I think this upgrade is better than my Wise. The Wise is cool but these really make a big difference. I can go back and string without the Wise and crank the tension. I’d be VERY reluctant to go without these base clamps.

 

[Wes]

Yes, I paid $219 and they’re worth $250 easily. I think this upgrade is better than my Wise. The Wise is cool but these really make a big difference. I can go back and string without the Wise and crank the tension. I’d be VERY reluctant to go without these base clamps.

Roger that.

I put my Monos down last year. Most are 4 1/4 and some are 4 3/8. I have 6-8 of them.

Gotcha.
I acquired 2 Monos a short time back. Both in fantastic shape and both 4 1/4.
Before I put them up for sale, I just wanted to give you dibs on them, in the event that you were interested.

So, what are you swinging now?

 

[dak95_00]

Roger that.


Gotcha.
I acquired 2 Monos a short time back. Both in fantastic shape and both 4 1/4.
Before I put them up for sale, I just wanted to give you dibs on them, in the event that you were interested.

So, what are you swinging now?

I was chosen and got the opportunity to test and review the Head Gravity S. I never thought in a million years I would have liked a racquet with its specs but I love it. I’m very aggressive with all of my shots using it. I sometimes miss the low smashed shots I hit with the Mono but I also don’t miss the errors. The Gravity S is a solid stick that performs well everywhere for me. It’s the least string sensitive racquet I’ve ever used. I can string loose or tight and with poly or synthetic gut and not notice much of a change. It’s just a very comfortable, point & shoot racquet.

 

[Wes]

Nice to hear you found a keeper.
Now you just have to get 5-7 more.

 

[dak95_00]

Nice to hear you found a keeper.
Now you just have to get 5-7 more.

I've got 6 and I'm ashamed to say that.... Two are being used by my daughter, two are being used by me, and the last two are still in plastic. I've got problems! I see a deal and I buy them. I haven't paid more than $140 for any of them and some were under $100. Dogs jump when they see a squirrel and I jump when I see a deal....

 

[djNEiGht]

@dak95_00 nice score

 

[brownbearfalling]

Nice Frankensteing of the eagnas stringer! I’m sure it strings like a high end machine now.

 

[dak95_00]

Nice Frankensteing of the eagnas stringer! I’m sure it strings like a high end machine now.

As close as I'm likely to get. I've never used one of the super fancy machines. I'm sure I'm missing out by having never used a Bairdo or Sensor.

 

[shamaho]

When I release the clamp from the string it falls and the falling action releases the base clamp or unlocks it too. It’s a double action and so, so nice!

it goes like this.
1) I move base, clamp string, and lock base.
2) I release clamp from string, clamp falls down inside base, base unlocks, and I move.

it’s a great feature!

Whoa ! wait! wait ! wait ! I was NOT expecting to find a possible upgrade to my DP machine.... but this needs better explanations

So I see the pictures of the clamps you removed SEEM very much like mine (just not sure) - are the ones where they seems to get too loose, and you lift them, rotate in some direction and they get tighter ??

and you replaced them with gravity clamps ? I didn't know that was even possible!!! how difficult it is to replace those "base clamps"

Is the term "gravity base clamp" the correct term to search in the aution site ?? OMG I'm going right now

What are the Pros / Cons of them "gravity base clamps" ?? is there any specific size/measure I should look for compatibility with my string clamps ??

Thanks in advance for you added information - I might me on the way to a great upgrade to my machine I also hate my base clamps...

 

[jim e]

I've never ordered from Aliexpress. It looks like there are some great deals. How's your experience with it?

YES....These are the same clamps from there. I've seen them on that website and they're great. I still say I should've just ordered them from NewTechTennis.com and paid the additional $31.

I remember someone a while back with an Alpha machine who purchased Eagnas clamps and the Eagnas clamp shafts were larger diameter, and had to have them machined down to proper diameter.
Therefore if you purchased the NewTechTennis clamp bases , are those alpha, and if so the eagnas clamps that you have would not have fit, and you woulod have had to get additional alpha clamps or have machine shop machine yours down.
In other words not all machine clamps have same size clamp shafts, they can vary from different manuf.
My Pro Master machine, (which is the same as the older Wilson machine) , has same size clamp shafts as Babolat star 4 , and Eagnas, where as the Alpha has a smaller clamp shaft.
A while back, I purchase the Eagnas 3 tooth clamps, and they fit my machine perfectly, but I rarely ever use them, as I like the 5 tooth clamps that came with my machine the best.

 

[the_faceless_player]

Whoa ! wait! wait ! wait ! I was NOT expecting to find a possible upgrade to my DP machine.... but this needs better explanations

So I see the pictures of the clamps you removed SEEM very much like mine (just not sure) - are the ones where they seems to get too loose, and you lift them, rotate in some direction and they get tighter ??

and you replaced them with gravity clamps ? I didn't know that was even possible!!! how difficult it is to replace those "base clamps"

Is the term "gravity base clamp" the correct term to search in the aution site ?? OMG I'm going right now

What are the Pros / Cons of them "gravity base clamps" ?? is there any specific size/measure I should look for compatibility with my string clamps ??

Thanks in advance for you added information - I might me on the way to a great upgrade to my machine I also hate my base clamps...

I did these same upgrades to my Alpha Axis Pro this year. Attached a Wise 2086 and switched to Gravity release clamp bases. Biggest pro is the speed they provide. The way they action allows you to smoothly use them one handed, so they definitely speed the process up. As far as cons, some people will tell you the gravity release can damage the string. I haven't experienced that myself, but if it's a concern you can still just manually unlock the base with the button instead. You will need to ensure the diameter of the base matches the diameter of the post on your existing clamps. Otherwise as someone else said, you'll be buying new clamps or machining your existing ones down. As far as install, they are simple. Just unbolting existing clamp bases and bolt the new ones to the table.

 

[djNEiGht]

As far as cons, some people will tell you the gravity release can damage the string. I haven't experienced that myself, but if it's a concern you can still just manually unlock the base with the button instead.

I’ve heard that also. I was teaching a friend how to string and he let the string clamp go before the base clamp one time and there was an audible difference. I didn’t notice any damage to the string though.

 

[shamaho]

I did these same upgrades to my Alpha Axis Pro this year. Attached a Wise 2086 and switched to Gravity release clamp bases. Biggest pro is the speed they provide. The way they action allows you to smoothly use them one handed, so they definitely speed the process up. As far as cons, some people will tell you the gravity release can damage the string. I haven't experienced that myself, but if it's a concern you can still just manually unlock the base with the button instead. You will need to ensure the diameter of the base matches the diameter of the post on your existing clamps. Otherwise as someone else said, you'll be buying new clamps or machining your existing ones down. As far as install, they are simple. Just unbolting existing clamp bases and bolt the new ones to the table.

Fantastic! thanks for the infos.... I think everything in my "Tiger Eco 45" matches the requirements.... I'll be pulling the trigger on them !

 

[dak95_00]

@shamaho
You'll have to let us know how it goes for you.

@jim e
I had no issue whatsoever. It was worth the gamble for me.

BTW, I would've purchased the new string clamps they sell as well if mine didn't fit. I think they're $75/clamp so you'd be looking at $400 if you went all new. BUT...... I believe you could sell your old clamps on the auction site and recoup half of your new costs back. I'm always amazed at what people will buy. I'll post my base clamps if someone wants to buy those old ones. I wouldn't but there's probably someone at home right now making their own machine like David did with the old Ektelon machines.

 

[shamaho]

@shamaho
You'll have to let us know how it goes for you.

Will do, order placed on Ali xpress - shipping time between 25 and 30 days.... yikes

 

[the_faceless_player]

Will do, order placed on Ali xpress - shipping time between 25 and 30 days.... yikes

Dang that's a long wait. Are you outside the U.S.? New Tech would definitely be faster if you're here in the states

 

[dak95_00]

Dang that's a long wait. Are you outside the U.S.? New Tech would definitely be faster if you're here in the states

I'm guessing he isn't because of his Tyger Machine. I had to Google that brand and realized they're not in the US.

 

[shamaho]

I'm guessing he isn't because of his Tyger Machine. I had to Google that brand and realized they're not in the US.

;-) yup! not in US... I'm based in Lisbon, Portugal.

 

[dhnels]

I've never ordered from Aliexpress. It looks like there are some great deals. How's your experience with it?

I've only used it a couple of times but the general guideline is never buy from any seller that's been there less than 2 years. Think of it as a flea market.

I paid around $70 each plus shipping (20 days to USA), which is still the current price. Clamp post and base groove dimensions are given so check carefully to avoid problems mentioned in other posts above.

 

[brownbearfalling]

As close as I'm likely to get. I've never used one of the super fancy machines. I'm sure I'm missing out by having never used a Bairdo or Sensor.

I don’t think you are missing out on much. Mostly small details. In general, the higher end machines are/ feel a little sturdier, tension head quieter, more features like tilting stand, auto table lock and features of the tension head, and better aesthetic look which could be important in a professional shop setting. As far as the resulting string job and your stringing enjoyment I think you are in the sweet spot. Those eagnas clamps are copies of babolat Star 5/ sensor clamps. I’ve used both and they are comparable.

 

[brownbearfalling]

@dak95_00
Would you mind sharing what the brand is on your clamp bases? I did an auction site search and AliExpress search. Saw the pros pro ones but they look different. Nothing came up on AliExpress. What search words did you use?

 

[dak95_00]

@dak95_00
Would you mind sharing what the brand is on your clamp bases? I did an auction site search and AliExpress search. Saw the pros pro ones but they look different. Nothing came up on AliExpress. What search words did you use?

Tennis Badminton Auto String Machine Clamp Base Auto Gravity-Release Bases Parts was the listing. They're no longer listed but if you did a search of completed items you ought to find it. I don't know the brand.

Here's the description:

Tennis Badminton Auto String Machine Clamp Base Auto Gravity-Release Bases Parts

Description: Premium string machine parts accessories clamp bases for clamp holding 360 Degree rotatable gravity release design for most convenient using Automatic rebounding for faster and safer operation Quick release swivel lock provides positive locking A great accessory for ALPHA/AEF string machine Package Includes: 1 Piece String Machine Clamp Base

 

[Wes]

If I could find a great deal (China?) on a pair of these base clamps, I'd probably upgrade the ones on my 6004.
You have to hover/click on the bottom (6th) photo to see the base clamp.

9900 ELS 6pt

DetailsThe GAMMA 9900 ELS with 6 Point Self-Centering + Auto Release is a top of the line, free standing stringing machine. This machine is equipped with a LCD digital control panel and electronically controlled, constant pull tensioning system.GAMMA 9900 ELS - 6 Point Self-Centering + Auto...

www.gammasports.com

 

[shamaho]

I've only used it a couple of times but the general guideline is never buy from any seller that's been there less than 2 years. Think of it as a flea market.

I paid around $70 each plus shipping (20 days to USA), which is still the current price. Clamp post and base groove dimensions are given so check carefully to avoid problems mentioned in other posts above.

Unfortunately I paid way more than that, I got each for 104 Euros. I think I saw cheaper variants but didn't trust as much, besides the store I bought from also manufactured lots of other tennis stringuing equipment so decided to go with them... didn't see how long they were in business though...

Just checked now, they've been open for 2 years with an average 4.8 rating - not bad I guess

 

[shamaho]

Unfortunately I paid way more than that, I got each for 104 Euros. I think I saw cheaper variants but didn't trust as much, besides the store I bought from also manufactured lots of other tennis stringuing equipment so decided to go with them... didn't see how long they were in business though...

Just checked now, they've been open for 2 years with an average 4.8 rating - not bad I guess

Oh sh*t... I found three brands doing those clamps... the other two are 7 and 5 year old respectively, so I bought from the most recent entry :-/

 

[dak95_00]

Oh sh*t... I found three brands doing those clamps... the other two are 7 and 5 year old respectively, so I bought from the most recent entry :-/

They’re all just resellers. You’ll be fine.

 

[dhnels]

I think for any seller past 2 years, current reviews are more important than number of years.

One thing about Aliexpress is many descriptions are misspelled because of language issues so detailed searches will miss half the available items. I do a simple generic search and look at the pictures to find things, then use the model number to find an item later. For example the clamps I got show up in Google search: Aliexpress MP-CB70

 

[Thiem's 1HB]

When I release the clamp from the string it falls and the falling action releases the base clamp or unlocks it too. It’s a double action and so, so nice!

it goes like this.
1) I move base, clamp string, and lock base.
2) I release clamp from string, clamp falls down inside base, base unlocks, and I move.

it’s a great feature!

Have you got a video by any chance? How does releasing the string clamp release the base clamp? In the picture above there's a lever on the base clamp saying 'open/close' so presumably you have to use that lever?

 

[dak95_00]

Have you got a video by any chance? How does releasing the string clamp release the base clamp? In the picture above there's a lever on the base clamp saying 'open/close' so presumably you have to use that lever?

I’ll make one sooner or later (video).

No to flipping the lever. You use the lever to lock it only. You do not use the lever to unlock it. When the string clamp releases from the string, it falls through the column/cylinder and that action hits a switch inside the column/cylinder which flips that lever to the unlocked position. If there’s not enough speed to trigger the switch upon falling, simply press that large gray button will also release the lever to the unlocked position.

I hope my description makes sense. It’s a lovely thing! My thumbs thank me!

 

[Thiem's 1HB]

I’ll make one sooner or later (video).

No to flipping the lever. You use the lever to lock it only. You do not use the lever to unlock it. When the string clamp releases from the string, it falls through the column/cylinder and that action hits a switch inside the column/cylinder which flips that lever to the unlocked position. If there’s not enough speed to trigger the switch upon falling, simply press that large gray button will also release the lever to the unlocked position.

I hope my description makes sense. It’s a lovely thing! My thumbs thank me!

Actually, I found a video. Does yours work like the one below?

 

[dak95_00]

Actually, I found a video. Does yours work like the one below?

That’s exactly it!