Best Stringer Budget Around $300
 

Hey guys, I want to get my first stringer but not sure what model or brand to get. I am willing to spend up to around 300 dollars
Thanks!

With that budget your choices are fairly limited...and therefore easy. Klippermate, Gamma Progression 200 and the like if you want a new machine. Or you could try and catch a deal on a more advanced tabletop by scouring Craigslist.

You could also look at Eagnas machines, they have some electric options that are cheap and in the $300 range.

^Do your research first, and weigh your priorities if you're considering an Eagnas machine, especially their low-end electronic machines. In fairness, some have had problem-free experiences while others regret trying to save money by purchasing an Eagnas stringer.

A Used machine. I paid $275 for my first machine, an Eagnas Flex 940.

Yeah i was thinking of the same thing as copey because i heard electric stringing machines, unless their the top-notch ones, are sometimes inaccurate

And also what are the differences between machines such as Gamma 602 Progression, Gamma X-6, Gamma X-2, Klippermate 280-CS, etc.
@lakers4life what condition was the machine in? Did it work well?

All the machine you stated are pretty much the same. Except the the X-6 and 602 are 6 point mounts.

I got lucky when I got my Flex 940, it was in great condition, about 50 rackets strung. It was a 2004 model. Another friend had a 2009 model but it was not as good quality as mine. Around 2005 or 2006, Eagnas moved production from Taiwan to China. The quality of the product when downhill after that. The main difference was the paint and finish. Also the base clamps on my machine were adjustable, where the later base clamps were fixed. It's hard to explain unless you have actually seen or used them.

What is the difference between 6 point mounts and 2 point mounts? What are the benefits and disadvantages?

Save another 200 and look for a used neos.

Without starting a debate regarding 6-point vs 2-point mounts. The racket floats in a 6-point and in a 2-point they are held down at the head and throat. Both work fine.

Just get a Gamma Progression 200 or X-2. Take that extra $100 you'll save (since they are only $170) and get two Stringway double flying clamps:
http://www.stringway-nl.com/USA/

they are the best flying clamps on the market and will make your string jobs more accurate. All that for under $300.

If you're going to get Stringway clamps I'd either get a triple or a double and a triple.

The eagnas website has a pretty good description of the different features to be found on various stringing machines and then links to examples of machines of various types along with comparisons to other manufacturer's machines of that same type. I think it is a good learning tool for someone in the market for their first stringer.

http://www.eagnas.com/compare.html#feature

I recommend the KlipperMate which comes with appropriate tools, great instructions, and outstanding personal support. The balance of your bucks will be spent on strings and supplies. Ask for Dave and tell him Don from Scottsdale sent you. I could not be happier.

Don

What Kippermate model would you recommend Don?
I also heard two point mounts damage your racquet, is this true?
And what are stringway double/triple clamps?