Which one should I buy, the Alpha Pioneer DC Plus or Gamma Progression II 602FC?

[Doulers]

I have been doing much research prior to buying my first stringing machine. It will be mainly for my own use. But I still want a quality machine that will give me consistent tensioning. I can spend a little more than what a Klippermate goes for and have narrowed my choices down to the Alpha Pioneer DC Plus or Gamma Progression II 602FC. Between these two I do not see much difference (both are drop weight machines) except that the Alpha has a linear gripper and the Gamma a rotational gripper.

Are there any big differences between these two types of grippers? If so, what are they and which one gives a better string job? Which machine do you think is better? Which one would you choose and why?

Any comments, experiences, or opinions would be appreciated to help me make my decision. Thanks.

[beernutz]

Originally Posted by Doulers

I have been doing much research prior to buying my first stringing machine. It will be mainly for my own use. But I still want a quality machine that will give me consistent tensioning. I can spend a little more than what a Klippermate goes for and have narrowed my choices down to the Alpha Pioneer DC Plus or Gamma Progression II 602FC. Between these two I do not see much difference (both are drop weight machines) except that the Alpha has a linear gripper and the Gamma a rotational gripper.

Are there any big differences between these two types of grippers? If so, what are they and which one gives a better string job? Which machine do you think is better? Which one would you choose and why?

Any comments, experiences, or opinions would be appreciated to help me make my decision. Thanks.

Personally I'd get the Alpha if only for the linear gripper. I believe it is also about $40 cheaper.

[Doulers]

Originally Posted by beernutz

Personally I'd get the Alpha if only for the linear gripper. I believe it is also about $40 cheaper.

Thanks Beernutz. Glad to see you also think Federer is the greatest of all time. I definitely do also. If you have a moment could you elaborate on your answer as to why the linear gripper would make you choose the Alpha?

Also, one other point I should mention is that I will be stringing natural gut and/or poly alot on the machine if that makes any difference in your opinion. Thanks.

[beernutz]

Originally Posted by Doulers

Thanks Beernutz. Glad to see you also think Federer is the greatest of all time. I definitely do also. If you have a moment could you elaborate on your answer as to why the linear gripper would make you choose the Alpha?

Also, one other point I should mention is that I will be stringing natural gut and/or poly alot on the machine if that makes any difference in your opinion. Thanks.

Just about 100% of the high-end machines that I've seen use linear grippers. I think it may require slightly more time to use a rotational than a linear gripper since you have to wrap the string when using rotational whereas with linear you just drop the string in the gripper and go.

I believe some stringers are also concerned that a rotational gripper may mar the string because of how the string is bent where it is being held by the gripper. However, I used a Klippermate which has a rotational gripper for several years and never noticed any string marring even when using poly string so YMMV. On the other hand, I just recently upgraded my Klippermate to a Prince Neos 1000 and one of the features I definitely wanted on my new stringer was a linear gripper.

[Gamma Tech]

Originally Posted by beernutz

I believe some stringers are also concerned that a rotational gripper may mar the string because of how the string is bent where it is being held by the gripper.

i'm not sure why people say this is a problem when the string going the grommets is a lot tighter radius than the rotational gripper.
bret

[beernutz]

Originally Posted by Gamma Tech

i'm not sure why people say this is a problem when the string going the grommets is a lot tighter radius than the rotational gripper.
bret

Bret, that's a good point, but whether it is a valid criticism or not I have read several experienced stringers say this about why they wouldn't want a rotational gripper so I thought I'd mention it.

[Gamma Tech]

Originally Posted by beernutz

Bret, that's a good point, but whether it is a valid criticism or not I have read several experienced stringers say this about why they wouldn't want a rotational gripper so I thought I'd mention it.

I wasn't criticizing you, it is a good point, it was more of a complaint against other people that don't think things thru. it is hard when people are so set in their ways that they won't try something different or new and bash it with out knowing.
bret

[beernutz]

Originally Posted by Gamma Tech

I wasn't criticizing you, it is a good point, it was more of a complaint against other people that don't think things thru. it is hard when people are so set in their ways that they won't try something different or new and bash it with out knowing.
bret

FWIW, I didn't think you were criticizing me at all.

[10isbum]

Have several Alpha drop weights and my Pioneer DC Plus (blue machine) came with a linear string gripper. The previous machine, Pioneer DC (green machine) came with a rotational or clamp jaw string gripper. They also made a combo string gripper in which you had both the linear and rotational gripper all in one. These are great machine suitable for home use, or light duty machines. If you get to a point where you string a few thousand rackets, parts do tend to wear out. I break a good number of clutch or ratchet springs. If you string for yourself and a few others, they do a good job, with a small learning curve.