Torn Between Machines

[Mansewerz]

The only difference between the SP Maestro and Apex is that the apex has a nicer brake system.

Is $200 dollars worth a disc lock brake system v.s. a Screw brake system (SP's looks more convenient than the alpha one because of the handle)? Well, that's up to you. I'd probably just go for the Maestro unless I had the patience.

Plus, I like the red, silver color scheme. Both look like they have great cosmetics though.

[daboogieman]

Other than the disc brake vs screw brake is there not really much difference in the mounting system, clamps, or build quality right?

This looks like it's coming down to the revo and the maestro since they both seem to be quality products and best bang for your buck offerings in the tabletop and stand stringing categories.

[Pathman]

so what are you going to do w\ that Kmate?

[barry]

The Apex II i played around with had a mounting system like this one:

http://www.eagnas.com/maxgen1/p8ms.html and had a Single-action quick mounting arms. The Maestro does not.

http://sptennis.com/stringer.asp#MAESTRO

I would take the Maestro over the Apex but not over the Apex II.

[Mansewerz]

Originally Posted by barry

The Apex II i played around with had a mounting system like this one:

http://www.eagnas.com/maxgen1/p8ms.html and had a Single-action quick mounting arms. The Maestro does not.

http://sptennis.com/stringer.asp#MAESTRO

I would take the Maestro over the Apex but not over the Apex II.

The Maestro does though, doesn't it?


Do the silver knobs in that picture control the posts at 12 and 6 o clock too, or is there another knob?

[Il Mostro]

Originally Posted by Mansewerz

The Maestro does though, doesn't it?


Do the silver knobs in that picture control the posts at 12 and 6 o clock too, or is there another knob?

You are correct. The silver knobs are fore/aft controls for the pillars; each black knob operates a pair of side mounts. IMO, the "stacked" configuration is not a great design.

[kmartin]

Originally Posted by daboogieman

sorry to ressurect a thread but I am in just about the same boat as you kmartin. Which stringer did you eventually decide upon? Also, am I missing anything between the features of the maestro and the apex2? they look like they have almost the same features but the maestro is cheaper than either the neos or the apex 2. Being mostly a noob in regard to stringing I figure ppl here on the board could answer as to the small differences between the machines that aren't really easy to differentiate otherwise.

I went with none of the above, and bought a Revo. I made/am making some upgrades that put it on par with the Maestro price-wise. I am upgrading the clamps to the 3 tooth ones that come on the Apex 2. And I bought a nice Craftsman tool chest on wheels, with lockable ball bearing drawers. The Revo fits perfectly on there, and it is the perfect height for me. So for the price of the Maestro, I get about the same machine, but a stand with really nice storage. The machine is more portable, which for me is a nice feature. And if I ever decide to sell it, I think you tend to lose less money towards the lower end of the price range. If you read these boards much, you know selling a Revo would probably not be too difficult, unless Alpha ever gets to the point where they always have them in stock.

If I decide to keep it long-term, I will probably get a Wise. So I would have a constant pull, with a lockout backup if the Wise goes south and needs repair.

Someday, I'd like to have a constant pull that doesn't require electricity, and would be nearly as fast as an electronic constant pull i.e. a String way, the fabled Laserfibre Quantum, or something similar. But they cost so much, and I'd have to demo one in person before I'd spend that much on a more obscure stringer, for fear I'd take a bath if I didn't like it and sold it.

[Mansewerz]

Originally Posted by kmartin

I went with none of the above, and bought a Revo. I made/am making some upgrades that put it on par with the Maestro price-wise. I am upgrading the clamps to the 3 tooth ones that come on the Apex 2. And I bought a nice Craftsman tool chest on wheels, with lockable ball bearing drawers. The Revo fits perfectly on there, and it is the perfect height for me. So for the price of the Maestro, I get about the same machine, but a stand with really nice storage. The machine is more portable, which for me is a nice feature. And if I ever decide to sell it, I think you tend to lose less money towards the lower end of the price range. If you read these boards much, you know selling a Revo would probably not be too difficult, unless Alpha ever gets to the point where they always have them in stock.

If I decide to keep it long-term, I will probably get a Wise. So I would have a constant pull, with a lockout backup if the Wise goes south and needs repair.

Someday, I'd like to have a constant pull that doesn't require electricity, and would be nearly as fast as an electronic constant pull i.e. a String way, the fabled Laserfibre Quantum, or something similar. But they cost so much, and I'd have to demo one in person before I'd spend that much on a more obscure stringer, for fear I'd take a bath if I didn't like it and sold it.

It's really a shame that the string way machines have gotten so expensive. It's all because the "almighty dollar" has lost it's "almightyness" in foreign markets.

[daboogieman]

How much were the 3 tooth clamp upgrades for the revo? I think i'm leaning toward the maestro myself cause I think 200 extra is a good price for the upgrades over a revo (clamps, stand, mounting system). You are right though on resale for the revo on these boards tho hehe

[SunDog]

Originally Posted by !Tym

How well does the Strungway table breaking system work for Prince O-Port rackets? That's the only reason I am considering replacing my base to the newer brake-equiped base.

Also, the ML100 and MS200 actually have been used at a pro tournament before. The Bronx Challenger, the ML100 was actually used to string one of Michael Chang's rackets. Carl Chang was said to have been laughing because he couldn't believe the racket got strung on a dropweight, but he wasn't complaining about the actual string job quality. The ML100 was used to string runoff. I actually think the MS200 would fly at a challenger tournament if you explained its unique tensioning system. Hey...if it works, it works.

It works beautifully for any racquet that requires the use of a lock. It is essentially a flick of a lever to lock the turntable - and it is metal on metal contact (spring loaded metal peg into a hole in some other metal) - so there is no chance of slippage.

If I were responsible for a stringing room - and I only got to bring one machine into it - it would be the MS200DX. There is so much less that can go wrong on this machine - and the finished product is top shelf.

I definitely would not put my eggs in an electronic basket - if that were the only machine that I had at my disposal for the week.

At the Challenger that I worked (as a volunteer - cutting out strings, taking orders, bagging, etc.), when the pros started arriving - the first thing they asked the pro stringer was how his machine (Prince 4000) compared to the the Star 5 that was at the previous week's tourney. They just want to know what tension to ask for. If they walk into a room and see a familiar machine - then they are probably less likely to wonder about what they need to ask for.

Interestingly, even though the pro stringer told those that asked that he thought the Prince produced a noticably higher SBS, a couple of them didn't seem to believe him - and on their next stringing - they went down in tension. Then (early in the tourney) the Prince machine crapped the bed (clamp base just plain wore out), and the stringer had to beg the University to allow the use of their Star 5.

If that was not an option, he would have borrowed my MS200DX.

[1012007]

SunDog have you still got your MS200?? I searched around and saw a thread in where you said you won one of e bay

[SunDog]

I have two machines. An MS200TT with DA clamps on a Stringway Stand, and an MS200 Tour Pro with SA clamps - which is essentially the same as the MS200DX.

At some point I need to get off my rear and sell the MS200TT - but I can't seem to make myself do it.

[topspin]

I have the ML100 and recommend it fully. It really is a joy to work on. I have tried both the DA and SA clamps. I had ordered the machine with SA but Tim at Laserfibre sent me a set of DA to try out. I definitely preferred the SA.

Clamps are amazing. The mounting system is the safest for racquets. It does take longer to mount a racquet though.

I can't really talk about the other machines since I've not tried them. But the ML100 is worth every penny and then some.