Got my new stringer :) first time!

[cluckcluck]

Did you get a starting clamp? If not, then get one.

[MikeHitsHard93]

The stringer came with two clamps..so idk

[MikeHitsHard93]

Originally Posted by mikeler

Don't go too crazy wrenching your knots. That is one way to bust them at the end of a string job. Yes you want to pull them tight but don't go crazy. My first string job took 4 hours (had a few beers along the way) and I busted the last knot because I used the tensioner to tighten it.

Ok thank you for the advice. I just pulled down fairly hard with some pliers lol. My job took me like 3 hours total.

[max]

Originally Posted by cluckcluck

Did you get a starting clamp? If not, then get one.

This isn't needed on the Kmate.

Good work! I think it took me about 1.5 hours or so the first time out. . . but then again, I took about 45 minutes before that just reading and re-reading the directions 2 or 3 times.

It's fun, isn't it?

[mad dog1]

Originally Posted by MikeHitsHard93

Yeah I wrenched on them pretty hard because I didn't want the tension to drop anymore! Thank you! I'm gonna have to learn more styles.

tying a tight knot won't prevent tension drop. the key is to learn how to pull the slack out of and apply tension to the portion of untensioned string between the clamp and the knot by grabbing the tail and leaning forward then quickly pulling back.

[cluckcluck]

Originally Posted by max

This isn't needed on the Kmate.

Every stringer should have a starting clamp. Bridging, holding string, tightening knots, etc. Just because it's a Klippermate doesn't automatically make it so it's not needed.

[MikeHitsHard93]

Originally Posted by max

This isn't needed on the Kmate.

Good work! I think it took me about 1.5 hours or so the first time out. . . but then again, I took about 45 minutes before that just reading and re-reading the directions 2 or 3 times.

It's fun, isn't it?

Thank you! It was actually a great experience and thanks to all of you that recommended this stringer! I read the directions a couple times as I was stringing it and I had to restart the mains because I dropped a clamp and had the tighten it. I believe that stretched the string but hopefully it didn't compromise it too much. I'm going to enjoy trying string out

[MikeHitsHard93]

Originally Posted by mad dog1

tying a tight knot won't prevent tension drop. the key is to learn how to pull the slack out of and apply tension to the portion of untensioned string between the clamp and the knot by grabbing the tail and leaning forward then quickly pulling back.

Ok thanks for the insight. I will try to attempt this on the next job. I also need to up the tension as well. But 55 will definitely work for me in this stick! I just tested the stick I got for Xmas (ordered from tw) and the temsion was horrible...48! I'm kinda scared to hit with it.

[Praprad]

Hey there, I'm thinking about buying my first stringing machine as I dread paying for stringing labor since I break my strings about every month.
Would you recommend klippermate? And what model? Also any tips and things to know?

[MikeHitsHard93]

Originally Posted by Praprad

Hey there, I'm thinking about buying my first stringing machine as I dread paying for stringing labor since I break my strings about every month.
Would you recommend klippermate? And what model? Also any tips and things to know?

Definitely. The basic model that is like $180 is what I have and I got it for the exact same reason you are considering. Plus I want to try new string and it's cool to be able to say you string your own rackets!

[Praprad]

Are there any main differences between the $160 model (http://www.klipperusa.com/klippermatedetail2.php) and the $245 model (http://www.klipperusa.com/products/p...?catnum=M110)? I wouldn't mind spending a little more if I get more from it.

[Praprad]

i mean this link for the $245 model (http://www.klipperusa.com/products/p...hp?catnum=M110)

[MikeHitsHard93]

Originally Posted by Praprad

Are there any main differences between the $160 model (http://www.klipperusa.com/klippermatedetail2.php) and the $245 model (http://www.klipperusa.com/products/p...?catnum=M110)? I wouldn't mind spending a little more if I get more from it.

Comes with drawer? Idk lol

[Andyroo10567]

Originally Posted by MikeHitsHard93

Comes with drawer? Idk lol

Yeah thats the only difference. I wouldnt waste an extra $90 for a small drawer that i can buy at walmart for $5.

[Praprad]

are you serious? haha thats stupid and some people are saying the gamma progression 200 is better, is this true or what is your opinion on it?

[Andyroo10567]

I don't think you can go wrong with picking either one. There both great starter stringing machines. But if i had to choose by design, i would go with the Progression 200. I just don't like the way the Klipper looks like. Both stringers are very similar. The only difference that i would take into consideration would be the clamps.

[max]

Klippermate is the name used by the Court and Slope company; the other models are old Court and Slope models still available. . . not sure they really are worth it.

The Kmate is one fine solid machine. It'll last through the next nuclear war.

[Praprad]

Oh okay and would you think it would be beneficial and just go for the Gamma Progression II 602?
And what do you mean by taking the clamps into consideration (I currently use the Prince Exo3 Tour 16X18 if that makes a difference)?

[max]

I bought my Klippermate around the Year 1999 or so. It has surely "paid for itself", not merely in the dollar costing, but in the fantastic ability it has given me to fine-tune my racquet's on-court performance: I no longer wait and wait until strings are dead, or use dead strings; I know what strings work best for my frame, thus an improvement, etc.

I really like the Klippermate. It's good for learning on, and it's quite possible to use it forever. Mine cost about $135; I picked it up at the company office in Elgin.

Now, knowing what I do, it's easy to question whether it would have made more sense to pay another $2-300 for a better machine; one with fixed clamps. But all told, I've now got a good feel for how it all fits together, so I'm not sure I'd buy the more expensive machine even now. I know how this one works and how to make it do good things for my racquet.

[Dberger820]

I got the Gamma Progression II for Christmas and did my first string job today. All I can say is thank goodness for YouTube because the stringing directions from the manual Gamma provides is horrible. Once I found the right videos, I had the racquet done in about 2 hours while taking my time.