Which stringer is best?

[mr33]

Hi

I am interested in buying a stringer. I have a small budget of $500au and am looking at a drop-weight machine. So far the options I have are:

Stringer: GAMMA X-STRINGER X-6
Price: $472.00 + GST
FEATURES: Drop weight ratcheting tension mechanism (8-90 lb. range) - Patented diamond coated, ratchet gripper - 6 point Quick Mount support system - Two composite floating clamps - Strong, light-weight aluminum extrusion construction includes base with built-in tool tray & drawer - ADDED BONUS! Tools included (Gamma Pathfinder Awl, Awl, Pliers, Razor Cutter) - Optional floor stand
Reference:http://unitedsports.com.au/Info.aspx...E&stkCode=3690

Stringer: GAMMA PROG II 602
Price: $536.00 + GST
Features: FEATURES: - Drop weight tensioning mechanism - Patented diamond coated, ratchet gripper - 6 point Quick Mount System - Composite floating string clamps - Base with tool tray
Reference: http://unitedsports.com.au/Info.aspx...E&stkCode=3690

Stringer: Spinfire Spark
Price: $450
Features:Linear string gripper - professional system, tool Tray, 2 point mounting system, Full 360° turntable rotation with brake, Two quick-action flying clamps for tennis & squash, Two quick-action flying clamps for badminton, Can be adjusted to measure in kilograms or pounds - this is vary rare in a drop weight machine, Tools included - Awl, angled cutters, needle nosed pliers, Has the ability to be adjusted so that you can string in either kilograms or pounds, 5 year warranty, 1 year warranty on flying clamps and tension head.
Reference:http://www.************************/...ire-spark.html

Stringer: TST Traveller 20
Price: $395 (on sale) Or $495 (off sale)
Features: 6-point "internal" mounting system for secure racquet mounting, Tension scale in kg and lbs (from 16 to 80 lbs), Full 360° turntable rotation with brake, Diamond coated alloy rotating ratchet gripper tension head, Equipped with 2 quick-action full steel flying clamps, Upgradeable to 4 or 6-point external mounting system, Under 12kg in weight; perfect for the tournament traveller, Tools included.
Reference:http://www.************************/...g-machine.html

Stringer: TST Traveller 60
Price:$495-Sale, $595-Normal
[b]Features:/[b] 6-point external mounting system for secure racquet mounting, Individually micro-adjustable side support arms, Universal side supports accommodate all types of frames, Tension scale in kg and lbs (from 16 to 80 lbs), Full 360° turntable rotation with brake, Diamond coated alloy rotating ratchet gripper tension head, Equipped with 2 quick-action full steel flying clamps, Tools included
Reference: http://www.************************/...g-machine.html

So out of the 5 stringers above which would be your preference?

Cheers

[dodgers]

I beleive TW US are having issues with TW OZ so they will block their url and other stores (dont blame them seeing they provide this forum). Some of those TW OZ machines are cheap Chinese machines so you will get what you pay for.

[airman88]

With a budget like that, buy a used crank machine.

[Rabbit]

Spend more money than you think you should on your stringing machine, you won't regret it.

[TennisCJC]

For that kind of $, look at Mutual Power machines - google it. I have not used one, but yoiu can get "constant pull", double action fix clamps, and a brake in a table top machine for the same $. For more $, get a Stringway which is constant pull, 2 action fixed clamps, a brake, and built to last 10+ years. Don't get flying clamps as they are a pain in the rear. You can do quality with flying clamps, just slower and not quite as accurate.

[mr33]

Thanks for the replies but the main question was which one would you buy? I am only looking to string my racquets and a couple friends, my coaches say I shouldn't need anything more and you learn to understand your stringer.

Thanks

P.S.
What's the trouble with TW Aus?

[tbuggle]

i'd go with one of the Gamma machines.

[Radicalized]

I only know the Gamma products listed above. Although, I'm looking at the other models for the first time now for my own "knowledge"--and I'm developing my own "opinion." I'd go with the X-6 from your choices. Fine machine. A step "up" from what I use, and which is completely adequate for what you plan on doing. Plus, if you need it, I'm sure you can find "support" here more easily.

You might just want some snips and better pliers.

The two Gammas are basically the same.

Do you need a brake to help with stringing Prince O-port racquets (or the like) or need to address other specific issues? Just checking as some things we don't think of when posting.

[Bugs]

Do yourself a favour and have a look at a Stringway Dropweight machine.

[mr33]

Originally Posted by Radicalized

I only know the Gamma products listed above. Although, I'm looking at the other models for the first time now for my own "knowledge"--and I'm developing my own "opinion." I'd go with the X-6 from your choices. Fine machine. A step "up" from what I use, and which is completely adequate for what you plan on doing. Plus, if you need it, I'm sure you can find "support" here more easily.

You might just want some snips and better pliers.

The two Gammas are basically the same.

Do you need a brake to help with stringing Prince O-port racquets (or the like) or need to address other specific issues? Just checking as some things we don't think of when posting.

Cool, thanks How much do pliers and snips usually cost?

Originally Posted by Bugs

Do yourself a favour and have a look at a Stringway Dropweight machine.

Where can I find them?

[Irvin]

Originally Posted by mr33

Cool, thanks Where can I find them?

Call and ask 1.800.922.9024

Irvin

[Darkhors]

I second Irvin, get a stringway. You'll spend a little more, but the tensioning system alone will save you time and hassle. Plus you have the choice of doing flying, double action or single action clamps. The brake is awesome for stringing 'O' port Prince rackets and it's easily movable for transportation. They also have the option to buy a stand/tool tray for it so you can move back and forth between tabletop and upright. There are a lot of advantages these machines have over you entry level drop weights. I moved from a Revo 4000 to this stringway and I would never go back.

Before you decide, do yourself a favor and check them out.

http://www.stringway-nl.com/nonEU/index.html

DH

[Radicalized]

Originally Posted by mr33

Cool, thanks How much do pliers and snips usually cost?


Where can I find them?

See here about stringing tools: http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=207401

Many "pro" stringers on the board like Xuron. They can comment on those if they wish. Check the TW tool page. However, you may be able to find some basic tools at your local hardware store. I don't know what you have in your region. They aren't that much really, depending on the brand and whether you get individual items ($3-$10 US is common) or sets ($10-$30 US is common). I like to have some with a smooth inner surface (like flat nose) to not tear up the string. Also, bent nose are useful. You'll probably get a basic pair of needle nose with the stringer, depending on the one you get. The snips ("micro" flush cutter) are useful for getting a clean cut in tight areas, such as after tying a knot. Diagonal cutters are good for general cutting.