Wise 2086 Impressions

[cjk1026]

I've had the new Wise 2086 for a week now, or 6 racquets, and these are my impressions (in use on an Eagnas Combo 910) -

The build quality of the Wise is excellent and Herb was very easy to deal with.

The "grabber" is a very ingenious design and works flawlessly. No more "ghosting" or scoring of any type on any string used so far.

Stringing with the 2086 has completely changed my mindset during a stringjob. I now have a very definite sense of confidence while stringing and am no longer concerned about slippage, drawback or if I have everything adjusted properly. For some reason, drawback has all but disappeared. I have to watch very closely during tensioning to see what very, very little, if any drawback does occur.

Using it saves about 5-10 minutes per racquet and I'm still get used to it. Not to mention, I haven't tried out the foot pedal yet. I'll probably through it in the mix this weekend.

The adding of the Wise to my machine has ended, at least temporarily, any lusting I previously had for one of the big bucks electronic machines such as a Babolat Star or others like it. My buddy that got one at the same time as me said it best. "Adding the Wise has vastly improved the overall build quality of my machine." He also has an Eagnas crank stringer very similar to mine.

Interesting side bar - My friend texted me while stringing his first racquet using the 2086 asking me why when he set the tension at 56lbs he noticed the tension reading on the display had dropped to 53lbs or lower before he could clamp off. Before I could reply, he texted again stating he realized that the controls were not set for "constant pull" and all was well after setting it correctly. If you add the "real" tension difference between my new constant pull method and previous lockout method to the fact that my calibrator was likely off by 3-4 lbs, it's obvious to me that I need to rethink my previously believed optimal tensions for mine and my friends racquets I have been stringing.

That's about it. I guess it's obvious that I'm pretty happy with the Wise.

Highly recommended!

PS I hope Herb doesn't get mad at me, but when I was at his facility I couldn't help but notice an unbelievably gorgeous looking electronic stringing machine that appeared to be a prototype with a built in Wise tensioning device. It did not appear at all to be a 2086 strapped on, but rather a much more streamlined apparatus that blended perfectly into the overall design of a very futuristic looking stringing machine. While I was gawking at it I mentioned to Herb that it will probably cost quite a bit. Herb smiled and and replied "not that much at all". That's all I feel comfortable saying as I'm not sure at what stage of development the project was in (It looked pretty completed to my untrained eye.).

[Nellie]

I have not read any bad reviews of the Wise 2086. It seems like something that works as promised, and the only issue is whether you can justify the cost. I certainly want one, but wonder whether I should invest in it since I only string my own racquets.

[bigbanger]

Originally Posted by cjk1026

Stringing with the 2086 has completely changed my mindset during a stringjob. I now have a very definite sense of confidence while stringing and am no longer concerned about slippage, drawback or if I have everything adjusted properly.

The 2086 is a great addition to a lockout machine. I've had mine on my Alpha Apex for a couple of years and it has worked flawlessly.

I'm a bit confused about your statement that you're no longer concerned about slippage, drawback, etc. Those things are issues with the clamps, not the tensioner, so the Wise won't do anything to help there. Or did I misunderstand you?

[crocon]

Damn thats pretty cool if the make a new reasonably priced electronic stringer. I've been tempted to get a Wise for a while, but maybe I'll see what their new stringer is all about.

[BigGriff]

It is a nice addition to a lockout machine but is basically the only upgrade for lockout machines with a linear pull. I am gonna give the machine an 7.5 out of 10.

The machine is expensive and should be more rugged than the current design. The keypad and button response feels really cheap. After having my wise for about 6 months the prestretch button ceased to work. Herb's response was press the button off center. I told him it was a design flaw and he should fix it under warranty. I didn't have any problems with Herb correcting the problem is a timely manner but I wasted money on shipping the machine back to him in L.A. I could have used that money for more string or overgrips.

For the price of the machine, I don't understand why Herb doesn't add a nosecone or Diablo to the tension head and improve the keypad. The machine should be secured with more than one bolt. I drilled an additional hole in the mounting bracket and added a matching bolt to make the head more secure.

I will soon have a metal fabricator add a nosecone and I should be good to go.

[LttlElvis]

Originally Posted by BigGriff

It is a nice addition to a lockout machine but is basically the only upgrade for lockout machines with a linear pull. I am gonna give the machine an 7.5 out of 10.

The machine is expensive and should be more rugged than the current design. The keypad and button response feels really cheap. .

I totally agree with you BigGriff. I've always said it's a very good machine, but not excellent. Plasticky feel, cheap buttons, not very rugged for the price. However it is the only linear pull add on machine, and it is very consistent.

I never understood why there is such a love fest for this machine here on the boards, especially by people who have never used it.

[BigGriff]

Originally Posted by LttlElvis

I never understood why there is such a love fest for this machine here on the boards, especially by people who have never used it.

I love that statement. ^^

With a few exceptions there are a ton of posers on here providing bogus info on items they haven't used personally. The more topics I read on this forum the more B.S. I see. I need a roll of toilet paper now before I sit down to read some of this stuff.

It is a ton of self proclaimed pros and experts in here that have tried every string, stringing machine, racquet, tennis ball, and piece of apparel on the market today.

The last thread I read was one where the original OP asked how fast everyone served. Well guess what?!? Everyone claims they can serve well over 100mph.

I am with you Elvis. The wise is a nice upgrade over the crank. I don't string any faster (when compared to my crank) but it is very accurate and I still get very consistent results. I am hoping Herb will make the next gen tension heads more rugged.

[PBODY99]

I have strung 100 frames on this machine upgrade. I've had some little issues, and a nose cone would be a desirable add on to the machine. I too am no faster, whether or not I use the foot pedal.

[LttlElvis]

Originally Posted by BigGriff

With a few exceptions there are a ton of posers on here providing bogus info on items they haven't used personally. The more topics I read on this forum the more B.S. I see. I need a roll of toilet paper now before I sit down to read some of this stuff.

It is a ton of self proclaimed pros and experts in here that have tried every string, stringing machine, racquet, tennis ball, and piece of apparel on the market today.

Good one BigGriff. There's also a love fest for the Alpha Revo 4000 here by people who have never even used it. Good machine, but for the price, but give me an Eagnas on a stand any day. Especially a Combo 910 like cjk1026 has.

Back to the Wise: On the mains, it actually slowed me down slightly compared to a crank. However, because of the foot pedal, my time really sped up on the crosses. Don't get me wrong about the Wise, it's a good, consistent machine. I like it. It's just way over-rated and way over-recommended by people who have not used it.

[cjk1026]

Follow up on a few of the posters questions and comments -

As far as less slippage and drawback is concerned, with the Wise I focus more of my attention on clamping then I did before (I am very new to stringing racquets, maybe 25 so far.) and drawback has dropped to almost an imperceptible level and slippage has just about disappeared.

Regarding speed of stringing, Once again, I'm new to the art and it was taking me 40-45 minutes per racquet and with the Wise that has dropped by about 10 minutes. I realize this is still pretty slow, but I'm kind of a klutz and not in a hurry while stringing. The biggest reason for the faster pace is the fact I am not concerned anymore about cranking at a consistent pace any longer and if there is any drawback, the 2086 pretty much takes it up on the next pull. I guess you could say I have a sense of confidence that wasn't there before.

Once again, I really like this thing and recommend it to anyone with a lockout machine looking for electronic, constant pull technology at a semi-reasonable price.

I'll post later about the tour stringer I spoke to at the Home Depot Center over the weekend. He had some interesting insights about the Wise and some cool info about the players racquets and string jobs...

[bigbanger]

Originally Posted by LttlElvis

I totally agree with you BigGriff. I've always said it's a very good machine, but not excellent. Plasticky feel, cheap buttons, not very rugged for the price. However it is the only linear pull add on machine, and it is very consistent.

I never understood why there is such a love fest for this machine here on the boards, especially by people who have never used it.

I do agree that the Wise is not the most ruggedly constructed, and the plastic case is on the cheap side. And the noise it makes when pulling isn't always confidence inspiring. But it does just seem to keep on working (I only string for myself and the odd Junior tournament, so I probably have only done about 200 frames or so on it) and does still pull consistently after years of use. Would I like to see a model that was quieter and not quite so cheap looking? You bet, but I still think it's a worthwhile upgrade to a lockout machine and, IMHO, worth the asking price.

[rscottdds]

Originally Posted by bigbanger

Would I like to see a model that was quieter and not quite so cheap looking? You bet, but I still think it's a worthwhile upgrade to a lockout machine and, IMHO, worth the asking price.

I guess the newer models must be quieter. I've had mine for a few months and the noise isn't an issue. As far as taking longer to string, I find it definitely is faster for me than it was with the crank. As the machine is pulling tension I'm reaching for the clamp. As the machine is realeasing tension I'm starting to string the other main/cross.
-Robert

[bigbanger]

Originally Posted by rscottdds

I guess the newer models must be quieter. I've had mine for a few months and the noise isn't an issue.

I seem to remember Herb introducing a 'Whisper quiet' version of the 2086 not too long ago. The noise from mine doesn't really bother me, but my stringing machine is in the room next to our master bedroom and it disturbs my wife if I string too early in the morning

[hollywood9826]

I bought a wise some 3 or 4 months ago. The noise to me is a non issue. yues it does make noise, but its not that loud and doesnt drown out the TV or anything.

As for the peeps saying there is only 1 bolt. My machine (Ver 10.2) has them and mounting is very secure.

The gripper jaws were marking up the string when pulling tension, then Herb sent a letter in the mail stating that it was a problem and to email to get a service to replace the jaws. Herb emailed me the UPS label so Shipping both ways was on his dime and not mine.

Now, I have not used the machine that much and Ive really only strung about 40 sticks, but the machine does not feel cheap to me and the buttons seem to be fine.

I have no complaints about the machine or the service.

[hollywood9826]

Heres an old thread of my machine with a few pics of the newer unit

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showt...highlight=2086

[theace21]

Originally Posted by LttlElvis

Good one BigGriff. There's also a love fest for the Alpha Revo 4000 here by people who have never even used it. Good machine, but for the price, but give me an Eagnas on a stand any day. Especially a Combo 910 like cjk1026 has.

Back to the Wise: On the mains, it actually slowed me down slightly compared to a crank. However, because of the foot pedal, my time really sped up on the crosses. Don't get me wrong about the Wise, it's a good, consistent machine. I like it. It's just way over-rated and way over-recommended by people who have not used it.

I have had the wise over 3 years without a problem. I agree with both of the over rated statements - it can be a love feast at times. But for someone like me, that has an older model Ektelon Model H - the wise machine has given it new life. If I still had the crank, I am sure some of my old time regulars probably would have moved on to a different stringer. I have 3 sons, 18,18 and 20. They never had a interest in stringing, dad would do it. With the Wise, it was cool to string with. They make a few bucks and string friends rackets (my string inventory - nice profit for them!). For me it was a great investment of $500, and I had to pay extra for the foot pedal.

It is not the best thing since sliced bread, but for giving life to an old stringer - it was been a wonderful device...

If someone else could market a similar machine, I am sure we would all see those improvements to coming quickly to the wise...

[barry]

For those of you that own a Wise try this experiment. Take your Wise off and put the crank on, then string a racket. I think after you do so, you will have a better appreciation of the unit. It might be me, but a crank seems antiquated and the Wise makes stringing much easier.

[dancraig]

If someone else could market a similar machine, I am sure we would all see those improvements to coming quickly to the wise...

We might see a better price too.

[Il Mostro]

If you already have a crank machine I can see the validity of the Wise. But I would rather buy an electric constant pull machine rather than buy a crank & add the Wise if I didn't already have a machine. Backyard engineering is usually bad ju-ju.

[jnd28]

I am recent owner of the wise head. From my perspective it has been an excellent add to my Eagnas Flex 940. No I dont have loads of experience with ultra high end machines. I have used a Prince neos and my own eagnas and only for my rackets and my kid rackets.

Dont know it I would call it backyard engineering as I think it's pretty well designed and it works great.

For me its the cats meow.

JN