Just got my Wise 2086

[wally]

I purchased a used one off the big auction site. Guy claimed he'd done less than a dozen string jobs. I'd say he was very honest. The unit looks brand new. It came with the foot pedal.

I installed it on my Prince/Ektelon and I after 1 string job I have a one word reaction.... WOW!

I wasn't sure if it was worth the $ and IMHO it is.

1.) The tension is noticeably tighter with the constant pull setting. I may have to drop down a couple of lbs.
2.) I really liked having my hands free. Get the foot pedal its worth it
3.) Really easy to use and setup.
4.) not as noisy as I'd thought it would be.
5.) Should decrease my stringing time by 10+ min (no more double pulls, no more manual prestretch)

Hopefully the reliability will be good. Although I can always go back to the crank in a pinch.

 

[barry]

If that is the one posted on the big auction site / completed items, you got a great deal. I paid twice that, and enjoy stringing with it.

The Wise 2086 makes stringing fun again. So far I have had zero issues, and like you said you have a backup if you ever need it, and don't have to box up an 80 pound machine for shipping and waiting several weeks for repair.

I think Component level is best way to go. Pick and chose the parts you want, integrate it yourself and skip the single vendor (I got you) configurations.

 

[wally]

If that is the one posted on the big auction site / completed items, you got a great deal. I paid twice that, and enjoy stringing with it.

Yes --- When I saw it at that price even if the condition was less than described I figured it was too good to pass up. As it turned out condition was as good or better than the description. Sometimes you get lucky.

I agree on the component analogy. The Prince/Ektelon is a absolute tank and is basically idiot proof. The Wise is like ice cream on good apple pie. not necessary but definitely very very nice.

 

[JetFlyr]

Barry, did you sell another WISE?

 

[jayserinos99]

wally, congrats on the find! i bought one recently for close to double that price on the bay and i do admit i love stringing on the wise and echo what you said about the neos+wise combo...like ice cream on apple pie.

 

[barry]

Barry, did you sell another WISE?

No, it works to well for me. Not sure I could go back to a crank again, permanently spoiled. Off topic, but what string did you end up using? I am back to the Gosen SP all poly for the summer. The PSGD would last 2 to 3 matches, and then cut them out.

Wally
The Prince/Ektelon is a tank. Easy mounting system with proven glide-bar technology. The Wise should compliment it well. Especially nice is the Prince 2 point mounting system, it does not obstruct any holes.

 

[JetFlyr]

No, it works to well for me. Not sure I could go back to a crank again, permanently spoiled. Off topic, but what string did you end up using? I am back to the Gosen SP all poly for the summer. The PSGD would last 2 to 3 matches, and then cut them out.

You know me, I'm a string junkie, and I can't seem to stay with the same combination longer than a month or so. I've been through mostly poly hybrids. I've pretty much settled on Pro Supex Big Ace 17 mains with Gosen OG-Micro 17g crosses. I've NEVER broken a set of poly playing at the 4.5-5.0 level, and this combination is inexpensive enough that I can restring a frame into my rotation every two weeks or so and not even blink.

Right now, I've got an nPro Open strung with Eagnas Perfect Spin 16g mains, and Babolat Pro Hurricane 16g crosses and it feels pretty good, although it's not as good as my other nPro Open strung with BDE Rallye Natural Gut 17g mains and OG-Micro 17g crosses. They're totally different, I know, but I like the contrast depending upon what I'm trying to do. Tennis is an art, and you need different brushes.

Funny how I switched from PSGD to polys to gain extra spin, then realized that I probably get an equal amount of spin (but tons more feel) playing with natural gut.

Like I said, I'm a junkie.

 

[wally]

Wally
The Prince/Ektelon is a tank. Easy mounting system with proven glide-bar technology. The Wise should compliment it well. Especially nice is the Prince 2 point mounting system, it does not obstruct any holes.

I've tried a couple of those 6 point mounting systems YUK! I consider myself to be somewhat mechanically inclined and its just too @!#*%% fiddling around to get the frame mounted and then find you've got blocked holes. I'm sure some are easier to use than others but... for me you can't beat simplicity and ease of use

 

[Steve Huff]

I like my Wise also. I even bought a second one. I actually like the slide bar adjuster on the old machine better than the new one, but the new one is noticeably quieter. Either one is well worth the money, and it looks impressive to customers to.

 

[wally]

Thought I'd post an update .......

I have had an oops ---- The adjustment screw on the string gripper snapped off.. (crappy weld) I emailed Herb and $19.50 latter I had a new more sturdy gripper with in a week. I followed the instructions provided by Herb and within 15 min I was up and stringing. I know there have been folks who have had trouble with Herb and his customer service (or lack there of) but my experience was smooth and trouble free.

Overall I'd rate my ownership experience so far as excellent.

I love my setup (Wise + Prince Neos 1000) .

 

[theace21]

Thought I'd post an update .......

I have had an oops ---- The adjustment screw on the string gripper snapped off.. (crappy weld) I emailed Herb and $19.50 latter I had a new more sturdy gripper with in a week. I followed the instructions provided by Herb and within 15 min I was up and stringing. I know there have been folks who have had trouble with Herb and his customer service (or lack there of) but my experience was smooth and trouble free.

Overall I'd rate my ownership experience so far as excellent.

I love my setup (Wise + Prince Neos 1000) .

When I bought my Wise 2 years ago, I had it for a couple of weeks and Herb called me and asked how I liked it, got any questions...We had a nice chat about stringing and tennis. Seemed like he really cared how I felt...

Have not had a problem and have strung to many rackets to count.

 

[Steve Huff]

Herb has treated me fairly too in my dealings with him. I now have 2 machines, both of which I bought new from him.