stringing machine
 

I am shopping for a new stringing machine and stumbled upon a Gamma X-2 Stringing Machine which costs about 150. Could anyone tell me if it's worth it?

Never heard of this one...can you post a link to a picture of it?

at

http://www.*******-sports.com/list16...g_machines.htm

It's the new low end machine from Gamma. I use to have a 602 FC and it's a great machine. It looks like the SS2, for a beginners stringer, I don't think you can go wrong with it.

ummmm..... how can u calculate the tension with that thing Lol

It's an updated version of the ATS SS II.

I agree with bravm3pwr, a solid choice.

The listed prices for Alpha machines are ridiculously high. Go figure...

"The listed prices for Alpha machines are ridiculously high. Go figure..."

yeah, you can get the Blu-DC from newtechtennis.com for $899.
Don't understand that one.

well i am gona change the question now, should i get a x-2 stinger, gamma Progression II 602, The silent partner swing, or ATS Super Stringer II
plz tell me the cheapest yet easist and fast to use.

In my opinion, the ATS SS II and x-2 are essentially the same stringer and the SP Swing is very similar to them. They are all very similar to use. The ATS SS II has a life time warranty and the X-2 is for 5 years. You may have an upgrade path from the Prog II 602 to the Prog II 602 FC if you ever decided you wanted fixed clamps(a very worthwhile step, IMO), so there is some advantage there. It also has a better frame mount than the others. If the 602 is in your price range, I'd recommend going with it. If you want to spend less, then the SS II or X-2 would get my vote. I assume the SS II is being replaced by the X-2, so you might be able to work a deal on the SS II at ATS Sports(www.atssports.com).

Thanks alot dude, i am going with the Progression II 602. Your replies helped me out a great deal. :D

bendover, it would be a good idea to check with Gamma and/ or ATS Sports on the upgradeability of the Prog II 602 to the 602 FC just to be sure. :-)

:P okie dokie

Yes, you can upgrade it. But the upgrade is pricey. Gamma machines are built like tanks.

what gamma machine in particular are you saying is built like a tank? seems to me they are mostly plastic

Topspin,

The cover is plastic but under the plastic the thing is made out of cast aluminum/steel. I use to string with a 602 FC.

For that price,you could get really close to an Alpha Axis Pro. Alpha just added the Apex in the $1000 price range, so they dropped their prices to that of the next lower machine basically. The Axis Pro is a standup, crank with 6 pt mounting etc. Mark Gonzales is the Alpha rep I got my Apex from. Gaines recommended him to me. Nice machines.

Aw crap....... i forgot to check if ats provides the tools when i orded the progession...... awww maaaannnnn.

and does the flying clamps loose tension???i have been very curious... i dont know how a clamp can keep a string's tension.

bendover, the string can slip in any style of clamp, but with flying clamps there are two strings being held, so there is twice the potential for slippage as with a fixed clamp. Flying clamps can also twist. One side of the clamp is holding onto a previously tensioned string and the other onto the string now being pulled. When the tension head is released, the force is all transfered to the clamp. Since its anchor point is another string and string is flexible, the clamp can twist or draw-back. Also, there is no way to avoid pulling two strings at once on the center mains with this type of machine. This will result in lower tension on these two strings unless one compensates by raising the tension on the arm.

all the Gamma machines that use the RED color scheme will be built like a tank compared to the new machines that use the BLUE color scheme.

The new Blue machines are bolted together sections of extruded metal whereas the RED machines have components that are heavy castings which will be much stiffer and stronger and tolerate a higher level of daily use/wear and tear.

On the Red machines the base TRAY is plastic and acts to cover up the base casting and even though the tension head and clamps have polymer components I have never had a bit of trouble with any of them.

I would go with the older Red machines over the newer Blue machines.