360 Rotation and Wise Tension Head

[LttlElvis]

Just to disspell any myths of losing 360 rotation with a Wise Tension Head. This is a Gamma 6004. The tensioning track is extra long, so I placed it as far possible so the racquet handle just clears the handle. Is this wrong? I don't know, but according to my calibrators, it is still spot on. Also notable on the pics is the adaptor (about $45) for the Gamma machines. It is necessary, otherwise there would be too much of a downward pull. I added a hardware "C" clamp on the track for more support. The Wise Tension Head is only supported by a single screw.

[LttlElvis]

Other Myths about the Wise:

I see people here recommending the Wise here all the time. I always wonder how many people actually have used one. I am a pretty objective person, so I would give it a 7.5 out of 10 rating. It's a very good machine. Not excellent.

Pros: Nice addition to a crank machine you already have. Light weight. Easily transferrable. Foot pedal increases stringing speed. Best of all it is extremely accurate. It's the only add on machine out there that offers linear pull.

Cons: Sorry, but I think it is kind of plasticky. I guess it has to be to be light weight. For the price I would like the control panel to be more rugged and durable. Mine was pealing off at the sides from the get go. It works, but it's a slight cosmetic design flaw. The control buttons don't have a great feel. Only 1 screw to support it on the track. Only time will tell how durable this is. I've had it for 2 years so far. I wish the linear gripping plates had a rubber coating.

Overall, it is a nice machine, but it isn't the greatest thing ever. New machine buyers really should consider an electric machine rather than a crank and adding a Wise later. I don't go for having your crank as a backup if the power goes off. It's rare that power goes off, and if it does, I am not stringing racquets anyway. Also, once you go electronic, I don't think you are going to want to go back to crank.

[ryohazuki222]

thanks for the pics. from my research, it seems that, if possible... your way is the only way to get true 360° rotation with a wise. I dont think it's possible with the revo 4000 though... looking at the tension rail thing... it just cant possibly be long enough. Though even if it was.

just curious. the only obvious con with this setup is the extra string needed to reach the extra far away tension head. i guess if yo ustring from packages it doesnt matter so much... but im curious how much extra string it takes because the unit is far away?

[1012007]

Surely when you do the last main/cross you can just move the tension head nearer the racket or does this affect tension? I wouldnt of thought so though

[hollywood9826]

Lttl Elvis

I just recieved my wise in the mail last week. it is ver 10.2. it has 3 screws to hold it onto the track. I have not used it yet, but it does seem plastcy to me. Although it was bigger than i expected it be be. I am mounting on a drop weight machine so I will never get the 360 degree rotation.

[hollywood9826]

Originally Posted by ryohazuki222

thanks for the pics. from my research, it seems that, if possible... your way is the only way to get true 360° rotation with a wise. I dont think it's possible with the revo 4000 though... looking at the tension rail thing... it just cant possibly be long enough. Though even if it was.

just curious. the only obvious con with this setup is the extra string needed to reach the extra far away tension head. i guess if yo ustring from packages it doesnt matter so much... but im curious how much extra string it takes because the unit is far away?

I know a few people have put spacers in between the table to move it higher so the handle passes over the head. Im not sure how this affects tension though.


Its also possible he uses a strarting clamp to bridge the last few pulls witht he head that far back.

[LttlElvis]

Originally Posted by 1012007

Surely when you do the last main/cross you can just move the tension head nearer the racket or does this affect tension? I wouldnt of thought so though

You can move it, but why? It would take more time and I would rather have it pulling from one consistent location on the track.

[LttlElvis]

Originally Posted by hollywood9826

I know a few people have put spacers in between the table to move it higher so the handle passes over the head. Im not sure how this affects tension though.


Its also possible he uses a strarting clamp to bridge the last few pulls witht he head that far back.

Yes, putting washers to raise the table is a good idea. You no longer get a linear pull that is on the plane of the racquet, but I don't think that small of an angle is a big deal either. On my Eagnas, I got 360 rotation because the gripper was just below the racquet. Never had a problem.

Sometimes I have to use a starting clamp to bridge the last pull. Not often though. I use 40 ft packages of string. I don't buy by the reel. Seems like 40 ft. is perfect for me. Also, compared to other pics of people with the Wise, mine really isn't that much further. Maybe 8 inches (?). Probably using 2 ft more of string for those who measure 36 ft off a reel.

I am glad to hear the newest version of the Wise has 3 screws. I always found it odd to have only 1 locking screw.

[wally]

Originally Posted by LttlElvis

Other Myths about the Wise:

I see people here recommending the Wise here all the time. I always wonder how many people actually have used one. I am a pretty objective person, so I would give it a 7.5 out of 10 rating. It's a very good machine. Not excellent.

Pros: Nice addition to a crank machine you already have. Light weight. Easily transferrable. Foot pedal increases stringing speed. Best of all it is extremely accurate. It's the only add on machine out there that offers linear pull.

Cons: Sorry, but I think it is kind of plasticky. I guess it has to be to be light weight. For the price I would like the control panel to be more rugged and durable. Mine was pealing off at the sides from the get go. It works, but it's a slight cosmetic design flaw. The control buttons don't have a great feel. Only 1 screw to support it on the track. Only time will tell how durable this is. I've had it for 2 years so far. I wish the linear gripping plates had a rubber coating.

Overall, it is a nice machine, but it isn't the greatest thing ever. New machine buyers really should consider an electric machine rather than a crank and adding a Wise later. I don't go for having your crank as a backup if the power goes off. It's rare that power goes off, and if it does, I am not stringing racquets anyway. Also, once you go electronic, I don't think you are going to want to go back to crank.

My $.02

I have a model 9.3 upgraded with the new "whisper" Drive. Mine is mounted on a Prince Neos.

I would agree with most of what little E said with the following differences.
I think the machine is in general very well made. I've not experienced any ergonomic issues (peeling etc..) and its been rock solid. The very early generation grippers were not real sturdy but the replacement I recieved from Wise is very well made.
Having a crank for backup is just for me peace of mind. If something goes wrong with the Wise or it needs to be serviced I can still string. Its not for power outages.

Its not a perfect solution but if you have an existing crank machine its one heck of an upgrade. So far its been fast accurate and reliable.

[ryohazuki222]

Originally Posted by hollywood9826

I know a few people have put spacers in between the table to move it higher so the handle passes over the head. Im not sure how this affects tension though.


Its also possible he uses a strarting clamp to bridge the last few pulls witht he head that far back.

Very interested to hear that you have one of the new versions. It seems all the pictures I find online are of older versions. Any chance you can upload some pictures of the Wise unit for me to see?

The spacer idea is what I've come up with for my situation. Apparently Herb seriously frowns on the idea of anything that is not a truly linear pull... kinda weird... but I've pretty much determined that the small angle difference will have have an effect on the tension, but not enough to worry about... and not enough to keep me from pursuing 360° rotation.

I've pretty much decided that if I get enough business come new school year time in fall, I'll plunk down the ~$550 I'm saving for a possible Wise purchase (the summer is always slow in university land!)

[Mansewerz]

Originally Posted by ryohazuki222

Very interested to hear that you have one of the new versions. It seems all the pictures I find online are of older versions. Any chance you can upload some pictures of the Wise unit for me to see?

The spacer idea is what I've come up with for my situation. Apparently Herb seriously frowns on the idea of anything that is not a truly linear pull... kinda weird... but I've pretty much determined that the small angle difference will have have an effect on the tension, but not enough to worry about... and not enough to keep me from pursuing 360° rotation.

I've pretty much decided that if I get enough business come new school year time in fall, I'll plunk down the ~$550 I'm saving for a possible Wise purchase (the summer is always slow in university land!)

Why is 360 degree rotation such a big deal? on an ATS super stringer, I found that I couldn't achieve 360 full rotation by just millimeters, so I just turned it the opposite way. Does it affect tension?

[theace21]

Originally Posted by LttlElvis

Other Myths about the Wise:

I see people here recommending the Wise here all the time. I always wonder how many people actually have used one. I am a pretty objective person, so I would give it a 7.5 out of 10 rating. It's a very good machine. Not excellent.

Pros: Nice addition to a crank machine you already have. Light weight. Easily transferrable. Foot pedal increases stringing speed. Best of all it is extremely accurate. It's the only add on machine out there that offers linear pull.

Cons: Sorry, but I think it is kind of plasticky. I guess it has to be to be light weight. For the price I would like the control panel to be more rugged and durable. Mine was pealing off at the sides from the get go. It works, but it's a slight cosmetic design flaw. The control buttons don't have a great feel. Only 1 screw to support it on the track. Only time will tell how durable this is. I've had it for 2 years so far. I wish the linear gripping plates had a rubber coating.

Overall, it is a nice machine, but it isn't the greatest thing ever. New machine buyers really should consider an electric machine rather than a crank and adding a Wise later. I don't go for having your crank as a backup if the power goes off. It's rare that power goes off, and if it does, I am not stringing racquets anyway. Also, once you go electronic, I don't think you are going to want to go back to crank.

I have had my wise for over 3 years. For me it was an excellent purchase. Having an old Ektelon Model H, adding the wise was a very cost effective addition. It is easy to use and very accurate and consistent. I have 3 sons that all use the machine and string for a few of their buddies. It has given new life to a 20 plus year old machine.

But I have to agree on a few of the cons - the plastic feel is cheap looking, and only time will tell on how durable it is. For me having several different users, it has stood up to the use and abuse of 3 teenagers.

My other con was I had to pay 50 bucks (maybe it was 40) for the foot pedal. To me it makes the machine, both hands free, faster stringing time and once you get used to it you will wonder how you ever did without it. Herb should include it with every machine, many users have posted if you buy it from amazon it comes with it free.

Support - I have never had to call, but after several weeks of use Herb Wise called and asked me what I thought of the machine. Now I was impressed that he took the time to call me.

It has given new life to my machine and all those old Ektelon owners I give it a 9 out of 10.

[ryohazuki222]

Originally Posted by Mansewerz

Why is 360 degree rotation such a big deal? on an ATS super stringer, I found that I couldn't achieve 360 full rotation by just millimeters, so I just turned it the opposite way. Does it affect tension?

Just ease of use. The #1 reason I enjoyed upgrading from a Gamma X2 to an Alpha revo 4k was the newfound true 360° rotation. The clamps were the next best thing. Then the crank tensioner, and then the mounts. The primary reason I string is because I thoroughly enjoy it so I'm not willing to compromise my happiness.. haha.

[Mansewerz]

Originally Posted by ryohazuki222

Just ease of use. The #1 reason I enjoyed upgrading from a Gamma X2 to an Alpha revo 4k was the newfound true 360° rotation. The clamps were the next best thing. Then the crank tensioner, and then the mounts. The primary reason I string is because I thoroughly enjoy it so I'm not willing to compromise my happiness.. haha.

Fair enough, and true, the "360" rotation on the x-2 isn't there, or at least it wasn't on my ATS superstringer because the handle would rub against the post holding the jaws up. I returned it though.

[Steve Huff]

I guess I don't get it. I've had 2 Wise tension heads and love them both. I don't know why you would think they are flimsy. If you have a foot pedal, why are you even touching the box itself? I've got about 3000 rackets on mine now and the box looks new. I touch the foot pedal. I rarely have need to touch the actual box. I don't change speeds. I change tensions, and that's about it. It's electronic. I don't need a hammer to change tensions.

I don't have 360 degree rotation. I don't need it. My Ektelon didn't have it, nor did my Apex before I put the Wise on it. The table turns, so turn it around. I know, it takes all of about 2/10 of a second, but if you're alternating properly, you shouldn't add more than 2 seconds to your total string time. Maybe that's excessive to you, but not to me. The linear pull is worth that amount of time.

My opinion on the old versus the new model. The old model had an external screw for adjusting the gripper for string gauge. The new one has a hidden one so it won't snag the string. Personally, I liked the old one better because it didn't require an Allen wrench to adjust. The new model is quieter. I like that. The old model had 3 speeds, the new one 2. I didn't care. I use the same speed when stringing anyway.

The one thing I have noticed about it is it doesn't like to pull at an angle. Unfortunately, stringing the new Prince O3 models without the boomerang tool requires you to pull at a slight angle to keep the string up against the O-port. These rackets weren't out yet when the machine was made. Can't fault Wise for that. Other electrics probably have the same problem. If you ask me, it's a great investment for someone who wants constant pull, electronic stringing.

[LttlElvis]

Never said it was flimsy. I just said it has a real plasticky look and feel to it. Believe me, it has worked very well for me and it is super consistent. I just felt for the price, it could be more rugged, especially the buttons. The only buttons I use are the tension buttons, and they are kind of sticky. I'd like a more positive feel to it. This is just a very minor inconvenice.

As for Prince O3 racquets, I am not sure I understand the problems you have with the angle of the pull. I use my brake, and actually I enjoy stringing O3 racquets with no problems with the Wise.

[Mansewerz]

Originally Posted by Steve Huff

I guess I don't get it. I've had 2 Wise tension heads and love them both. I don't know why you would think they are flimsy. If you have a foot pedal, why are you even touching the box itself? I've got about 3000 rackets on mine now and the box looks new. I touch the foot pedal. I rarely have need to touch the actual box. I don't change speeds. I change tensions, and that's about it. It's electronic. I don't need a hammer to change tensions.

I don't have 360 degree rotation. I don't need it. My Ektelon didn't have it, nor did my Apex before I put the Wise on it. The table turns, so turn it around. I know, it takes all of about 2/10 of a second, but if you're alternating properly, you shouldn't add more than 2 seconds to your total string time. Maybe that's excessive to you, but not to me. The linear pull is worth that amount of time.

My opinion on the old versus the new model. The old model had an external screw for adjusting the gripper for string gauge. The new one has a hidden one so it won't snag the string. Personally, I liked the old one better because it didn't require an Allen wrench to adjust. The new model is quieter. I like that. The old model had 3 speeds, the new one 2. I didn't care. I use the same speed when stringing anyway.

The one thing I have noticed about it is it doesn't like to pull at an angle. Unfortunately, stringing the new Prince O3 models without the boomerang tool requires you to pull at a slight angle to keep the string up against the O-port. These rackets weren't out yet when the machine was made. Can't fault Wise for that. Other electrics probably have the same problem. If you ask me, it's a great investment for someone who wants constant pull, electronic stringing.

How many machines do you have? and 3000 racquets? are you a stringer as profession?

[barry]

For me 360 rotations is a must. Sure you can walk around the stringer, or twist the base, or contort your body to feed string, but why should you? It is a standard feature on today’s machines. It is like having a 6 point mounting system with 6 knobs to adjust verses a 2 point mounting system with 2 knobs, the later is much easier to setup. Why should you have to twist 6 knobs to mount a racket? Even the 2 knob 6 point systems are a big improvement over the older 6 knob systems. Not to mention somehow the side supports always seem to get in the way of the grommet holes. You can plan ahead and mount the racket so the grommet strip is clear, but it takes more time.

When you string volumes, you do not want to waste time twisting all day to reach crosses, or waste time fiddling with knobs. The less time you spend stringing a racket, means more time to do other things. Once you use the newer features, it is hard to go back. Cranks seem crude compared to the Wise.

Simpler is better in my opinion, with equal quality.

[Steve Huff]

First, I do not string for a living. I string between 800-1000 rackets per year. I've been stringing since 1979. Started on a Court & Slope dropweight, then got an Ektelon H and then the Alpha Apex. I also have a Serrano 550B and had a Winn machine that I never used much (similar to the Eagnas 700 I think). I have 2 Wise heads. The original one broke the gripper and was fixed under warranty. I also bought a newer one and have kept the older one as a backup. Although a crank is a good, solid investment, once you use electronic, it's tough to go back. I love the sturdiness of the old Serrano, and plan one day to get it refurbished to the point I can add a Wise head on it (or some electric motor to lift and lower the weight arm). It is one solid machine.
As for needing 360 degree rotation--I do not walk around my machine, I don't contort, and I don't twist. I rotate the racket around to where I need it and string. If it had 360 degree rotation, I wouldn't complain. Afterall, it would be nice to have when doing the middle few mains. As some of you have found out, a large spacer will do the trick.