********* MS200 true constant-pull?

[!Tym]

Hi, has anyone tested their Laserfibre MS200DX (now sold as the ********* MS200 in the US) for the accuracy of its unique constant-pull tensioner?

I bring this up, because I read one person testing it at all different angles before the jaw bottomed-out and finding that the tension was in 1% or so, meaning it varied slightly depending on how much slack there was in the string and where the tensionsing jaw stopped.

This seems to coincide with my findings with the dropweight ML100 which uses the same tensioning jaw, but relies on a dropweight to provide the tension instead of a heavy spring.

I'm starting to think the reason for this discrepancy has to do with the pull angle height, which varies on the manual *********s. Unlike a linear tensioner which pulls at the same height all the time, the ********* clamshell jaw seems to vary the pull height slightly depending on how much slack or how stretchy the string is.

Any input here?

btw...I meant true constant-tension. The ML100 is constant-pull and VERY close to true constant-tension...but still not quite.

Btw, the ML100 isn't the easiest machine to test with a calibrator as mine doesn't have a break, only a rubber stopper.

The MS200 has a brake, and other than this one review, it was the first I had ever heard of the tension varying slightly depending on how much slack/stretch there was in the pull.

Every other review I'd read has said that their tension was spot on when tested with a calibrator.

 

[lethalfang]

Who cares about the variation of 1%?
If you sneeze at the racquet, it'll vary 1%.

 

[!Tym]

I *personally* don't care for my own rackets, but if stringing for others, especially the really picky ones (and they definitely do exist), I'd want the peace of mind if upgrading my machine to tell them that yes this machine is true constant-pull/constant-tension and up to the same level of accuracy as any fancy digital electronic machine (which as most know is all the rage these days in pro shops, and kind of what people expect).

 

[TenniseaWilliams]

I've tested an old MS200 ECO drop weight and a Star 5 with a very accurate digital fish scale. I tested each from 35lbs to 70lbs every 5lbs. The drop weight was very accurate until it got near the extreme top or bottom of its lever range. Each measured around .5 lbs compared to calibration, although it was obviously easier to specify tension on the digital than to eyeball the weight on the arm of the MS200.

I do believe you could make a legitimate claim that the drop weight can be more accurate than a digital with an experienced stringer. You have more control on tensioning speed and no hysteresis overshoot/undershoot issues. However, the electronics will still be faster, easier, and more impressive.

 

[!Tym]

Your finding's coincide with mine. The reality is that when you're stringing with a ********* you'll pull the slack out or double-pull when necessary to get the extra slack out so that you don't come to the extreme edge of bottoming out. Thus, you're going to be very close to constant-pull, constant-tension whenever you string with a *********. Still, I'm just curious to see if the MS200 suffers from the same phenomenon. The price seems to have recently gone up a couple hundred on the *********s at New Tech, so I don't know that it is justifiable anymore to buy a MS200 over something like a Silent Partner Aria, if the tensioner isn't *quite* as accurate as the load-cell tensioner of the Aria. Do I think this will make a difference in real play? No. But if buying new, it's one of those things you take into consideration anyway just because.

 

[kmartin]

Your finding's coincide with mine. The reality is that when you're stringing with a ********* you'll pull the slack out or double-pull when necessary to get the extra slack out so that you don't come to the extreme edge of bottoming out. Thus, you're going to be very close to constant-pull, constant-tension whenever you string with a *********. Still, I'm just curious to see if the MS200 suffers from the same phenomenon. The price seems to have recently gone up a couple hundred on the *********s at New Tech, so I don't know that it is justifiable anymore to buy a MS200 over something like a Silent Partner Aria, if the tensioner isn't *quite* as accurate as the load-cell tensioner of the Aria. Do I think this will make a difference in real play? No. But if buying new, it's one of those things you take into consideration anyway just because.

So if you were back out in the market for a machine, would you opt for a Strinqway?

 

[!Tym]

So if you were back out in the market for a machine, would you opt for a Strinqway?

In truth, probably still yes. I'm a big believer in the inside-mounting being better the frame. With the six-points, the only thing stopping the racket from distorting are the side mounts. But I don't really think of it as stopping the racket from distorting, but rather the racket distorting INTO the side mounts. There's a ridiculous amount of pressure being exerted there from my experience. That's why Klippermate and some mother make the claim that 2-pt. is actually better for a racket than 6-pt. as it allows a racket to breath.

Well, the problem with that is that 2-pt. lets the racket "breathe" a little too much sometimes.

That's why I feel inside-mounting makes the most sense from a mounting design philosophy.

I also think the MS200 would be faster than an electronic, and speed is important to me now that I no longer take joy in stringing and the novelty factor's worn off.

I also don't like the idea of having to be plugged into string. The MS200 has an uncluttered look that slips easily back into a corner when not in use, an electronic machine tethered to a cable not so much.

Would I still go ********* today? Yeah, probably, but with the single action clamps.

Would I buy the MS200 anymore now that the price has gone up SO much? Eh, not so sure about that. At the price they're going now, I'd just get a demo model Aria. I just wouldn't be able to justify the cost difference, even with the preferable mounting.

 

[Pete LSD]

I double pull each string with the LaserFibre MS-200 TT. The first pull stretches the string. The second pull gives the finishing touch .