Gamma X-6FC w/Wise 2086 pictures

[Faithfulfather]

I just talk to the boss (wife) and she agreed to let me move my stringing stuff from the back (non-air conditioned) room. So, I think I am just going to get a neos 1000. I'll need a stand alone stringer due to not having a built in work-table.

[Faithfulfather]

Maddog1, What didn't you like about the neos 1000?

[mad dog1]

Originally Posted by Faithfulfather

Maddog1, What didn't you like about the neos 1000?

i owned the ektelon and not the prince neos 1000. from what i was told by JC at tennismachines, the ektelons are better than the prince quality wise. it was by far the best lockout machine i tried. the turntable was very solid; no flexing like the gamma & eagnas. the tension bar was the thickest and resisted flexing better than the gamma & eagnas. the glide bar clamps had VERY little drawback. what i didn't like was that the glidebars don't work for fan patterns unless significant modifications are made. 2ndly, if i wanted CP capability, the only way was to add a wise and i had to deal w/ herb before and didn't really want to deal with him again. you never know when the wise you'll get the flashing digit error which can only be reset and cleared by wise.

you already have the wise and don't plan to sell it so this won't be an issue. if you have no intention of stringing any fan pattern sticks, that would be a non-issue as well. i originally started off just stringing my own racquets, but started stringing for some of the guys i play with so i wanted a machine that could handle any string pattern - straight or fan.

[Faithfulfather]

Oh, I understand that. Since I already have the Wise, I will have to cross that bridge when it happens. I don't string fan patterns, so that is not a problem. I have a friend who has one and he said I can string a racket on it to try it out, so I'll reserve my decision until then. Thanks for your input.

[Lakers4Life]

Neos 1000 does not have 360 degree rotation. A friend of mine pickup a used one recently. The handle seems to not be held in pretty well. Going from swivel clamps to glide bar is something different.

It a good machine, but I would not like to own one.

One other thing, trying to get parts from TM is a PITA. They rarely answer their phone. They get parts from Prince, when they are out of stock on commonly replaced parts. I've been calling them since New Years, to get a Dog kit and replacement pads. JC is a nice guy, but they are a two man operation.

At least with Gamma, I order parts and it's shipped the next day.

[mad dog1]

Originally Posted by Faithfulfather

Oh, I understand that. Since I already have the Wise, I will have to cross that bridge when it happens. I don't string fan patterns, so that is not a problem. I have a friend who has one and he said I can string a racket on it to try it out, so I'll reserve my decision until then. Thanks for your input.

the ektelon neos 1000 is a great machine! but unfortunately are only available used. seems like the newer prince neos 1000s aren't quite as bulletproof based on some threads i've seen. since you're not doing any fan pattern, i would recommend it over the gamma.

the other shortcoming is the disc brake. this one isn't a big deal. it's not as good as the brake systems with hard detent stops and if you don't use a brake, it's another non issue.

[mad dog1]

Originally Posted by Lakers4Life

Neos 1000 does not have 360 degree rotation. A friend of mine pickup a used one recently. The handle seems to not be held in pretty well. Going from swivel clamps to glide bar is something different.

It a would machine, but I would not like to own one.

true...L4L is right about lacking 360 rotation. been awhile since i've had the neos. i forgot about that. it wasn't a big deal for me.

when you buy used, unfortunately you can't control how the previous owners had used or abused the machine.

mine had no issues at all.

[Faithfulfather]

Neos 1000 or Gamma 6004? Which one should I get?

[mad dog1]

Originally Posted by Faithfulfather

Neos 1000 or Gamma 6004? Which one should I get?

i have no firsthand experience w/ the newer prince neos 1000. but having owned the gamma 6004 and the older neos 1000 here are the pros and cons of both.

gamma 6004:
pros: swivel clamps, new machines have improved brake (detent system), quick self centering mounting, 360 degree rotation
cons: turntable flexes noticeably, tension bar flexes more than the older neos, more clamp drawback.

older neos 1000:
pros: less clamp drawback, turntable doesn't flex, tension bar is thicker resisting flexing better, quick 2 pt mounting.
cons: glidebar clamps can't do fan patterns, disc brake isn't as secure as the detent system of the new gammas, lack of 360 degree rotation

depends on what's important to you. based on what you've mentioned earlier, i would go w/ the neos. less drawback and greater turntable and tension bar rigidity gets way more points in my book.

forgot to mention, i preferred the feel of the stringbed when i strung my sticks on the neos vs the gamma.

[Faithfulfather]

Thanks MadDog1.

[Lakers4Life]

One thing MD1 did not mention about the NEOS, probably because he had not owned one long enough, is the dog that holds the throat clamp wears out after time. Once that wears down it's a PITA to get replaced. (See my earlier rant) BTW I'm still waiting to get that part from TM.

[mad dog1]

Originally Posted by Lakers4Life

One thing MD1 did not mention about the NEOS, probably because he had not owned one long enough, is the dog that holds the throat clamp wears out after time. Once that wears down it's a PITA to get replaced. (See my earlier rant) BTW I'm still waiting to get that part from TM.

yeah, i admit i was fickle and two timing when it came to stringing machines! i owned 5 different machines within a short period of 14 months (many at the same time) before i ultimately settled down w/ the sensor to who i've been faithful to for 23 months now.

[Faithfulfather]

I really do appreciate all the great info. I guess with anything in life there are always sacrifices.

[tbuggle]

i'd get the 1500 or the 6004.

i think you have a better chance of finding an older gamma if you want it with the swivel clamps.

Having the 6004 (i like the 6 pt. mount), i wouldn't swap it for a prince but they are just as fine, if not finer...

[Lakers4Life]

Originally Posted by mad dog1

yeah, i admit i was fickle and two timing when it came to stringing machines! i owned 5 different machines within a short period of 14 months (many at the same time) before i ultimately settled down w/ the sensor to who i've been faithful to for 23 months now.

I've owned more machines, but mainly used four machines used in my business. Most of the other machines, I've bought, reconditioned and sold. I currently have 4. Two of which are waiting for parts. The other two I currently use. I have over 1000 rackets on both of my current machines and counting.

[Faithfulfather]

Neos 1500 or Gamma 6004 2 point?

[Lakers4Life]

Both machines are good. But I prefer the Gamma because of the base clamps.

[Faithfulfather]

Okay. Thank you.

[Faithfulfather]

My budget will decide for me. I may have to just keep what I have and buy the Gamma Stand.

[dak95_00]

My 2 cents:

I'd just keep what you've got and really save and then invest in something very high end down the road if it is something you REALLY want to do. I don't see how either the Prince Neos 1000/1500 or Gamma 6004 is going to be a giant upgrade to what you have; 360 degree rotation, 6 point mount, and a Wise.

Disclaimer:
I'm not the stringing/stringer expert these guys are. I have strung on only glide bar machines; Ektelon H, Neos 1000, and Prince P200. For me, the constant pull of the pneumatic P200 made it the fastest and most accurate in my learning stages of stringing. If I were to upgrade, I'd have to go to swivel clamps for fan patterns, ATW w/o adaptations, and just go BIG because the pneumatic pull is fantastic and very reliable. I'd like to stick with the 2 point or 4 point mounting for what seems to me to be less obstruction when I do small racquet heads such as badminton. Like another poster said, I would also consider an automatic drop weight such as a Stringway too.