Prince NEOS

Looking to get a new stringer and was looking at the Prince NEOS 1000. Prince has have a newer model the 1500 that I have not seen and was wondering if it is a major improvement or should I just stick with the 1000.

[kabrac]

I bought a used neos on the bay and I am very happy with it. I used to have an alpha pioneer dc plus and this thing is worlds better. Love the 2pt. mounting and glide bar clamps. Super fast and this thing is built well. I have done a little modifications to let a racquet rotate 360 degrees when stringing. I think this one was from 1996 and it is still going strong. No issues, great machine.

As far as the new model, it has fixed swivel clamps. I prefer the original glide bar clamps, but to each his own. Hope this helps.

[beernutz]

FWIW, I love my Neos 1000 but I've not used a Neos 1500 so I can't compare the two. They are built like a tank and are very fast and easy to string with and I started looking to buy a Neos because that is what the two MRTs at my club use. I periodically check the tension with a digital fish scale and I've never had to adjust the tension in the two plus years I've owned it.

Like kabrac, I bought mine used but in very good condition. I searched various Craigslists and found one for sale for $500 by a former high school player who'd given up tennis which was in excellent condition with a full set of tools and quite a bit of string.

[I Heart Thomas Muster]

I was within inches of ordering a Neos 1500 and at the last second ordered a Neos 1000. I've used the Neos 1000 for about 15 years and in the end she always wins out. I've never used the 1500 and it looks like a great machine but other than not being able to swivel 360 degrees I have no complaints regarding the Neos 1000.

Other machines I have used are the Babolat Star 3 and 5, Gamma upright (I think the 6000), Eagnas Combo 810 and a Silent Partner electronic machine. In the end I'm a loyal to the Neos 1000, glide bar clamps and the 2 point mounting system.

All that said I don't think you'll regret purchasing either one.

[4sound]

The big difference is the glide bar (Neos 1000) vs swivel clamps (Neos 1500).

Both get the job done.

[fortun8son]

The swivel clamps make it easier to string fan patterns and racquetball frames.
No need for the angled flying clamps.
If this is not an issue, save some $$ with the NEOS1000.
It's a workhorse.

[Rabbit]

I've used both. I own a 1000 and strung a few on the 1500. The swivel clamps are different. They are supposed to be an improvement and probably are, but speed-wise, the old single-action are hard to beat. I do like the swivel clamps though and that and the next feature would be my reason for upgrading.

The best feature of the 1500 over the 1000 is the turntable break. The 1500 has a 100% better arrangement. Gone is the disc/pad arrangement which is a PITA if it gets out of adjustment. The 1500 has a simple cog-like arrangement. You push a cog in and it locks. Much better.

All in all, both machines are can't-go-wrong.

Good luck.

[MAX PLY]

Either choice is a winner. My personal preference is the 1000 (actually its predessor, the Ektelon H) but I actually like guide bars--super quick--the change from mains to crosses is a non event. But all I do these days are my racquets and a few hitting buddies (and the latter only from time to time). It's simple (very little to go wrong if you take care of it), durable and as a result, always reliable. If I were buying a new machine today, I would look at the two you are but would likely go with the 1000 unless, after using the 1500, I thought it was substantially better. Good luck.

[mchjhn]

IMHO-i would go with the 6004 2 pnt. used the machine a ton, great mounting system, very similar to the prince machine. the self centering table is easier to use than the prince plunger mechanism. and if you don't like the 2 pnt, you can get the 6 pt as well with out an extra charge.

also, with prince's bankruptcy, i would be concerned about support, and replacement parts. has any one had a problem with this?

[tbuggle]

Originally Posted by mchjhn

IMHO-i would go with the 6004 2 pnt. used the machine a ton, great mounting system, very similar to the prince machine. the self centering table is easier to use than the prince plunger mechanism. and if you don't like the 2 pnt, you can get the 6 pt as well with out an extra charge.

also, with prince's bankruptcy, i would be concerned about support, and replacement parts. has any one had a problem with this?

Having just bought one, I too would go with the Gamma, BUT you
really can't go wrong here no matter which direction you choose to go, IMO.

[PBODY99]

Cross Bow frames are another problem for the 1000 due to Two point mounts, but I still like the glide bars best.

[fortun8son]

I have strung crossbows on a Neos with no problems.
It is actually a 4pt mount, not a true 2pt.
I checked with USRSA first and they confirmed that no special mounting was needed.

[Rjtennis]

I bought a 1500 and love it. I am glad I went with it over the 1000. The fixed clamps, full rotation, and updated table lock are fantastic. You cant make a bad choice between the two machines, but I love my 1500.

[jim e]

Originally Posted by fortun8son

I have strung crossbows on a Neos with no problems.
It is actually a 4pt mount, not a true 2pt.
I checked with USRSA first and they confirmed that no special mounting was needed.

The USRSA lists the same instructions for crossbows as Head does.
The beginnig of that is listed here.I question where you got your information.
It is the 6 point that has no special patterns to follow.

Below is the beginning of those special instructions as listed by Head, and also listed on the USRSA site:
(for the entire instructions it is on the Head site, and listed on the USRSA members site as this is only part of it) :

6 point mounting systems:
-Use the CrossBow Adapter as described in the instructions supplied with the adapter. String racquet as normal
using 2 pieces. No special pattern is required.


2 or 4 point mounting systems:
-In order to protect the racquet, CrossBow and Airflow CB racquets require a special mounting process and special
“Around the World” stringing pattern* on stringing machines with a 2 or 4 point mounting system. This protects
the throat of the racquet and eliminates any stress to the CrossBow created during the stringing process. If the
machine’s center post at 12 o’clock touches the racquet, please be sure to use the CrossBow Adapter as described
above. * This special “Around the World” pattern requires a Starting Clamp............................................. .................................................. .................................................. .........................

[fortun8son]

When I called and spoke to Jonathan@Racquettech I was told that I did not need a special adapter for the Neos.
This was over a year ago, perhaps they've updated since.
It did, however need a variation of ATW which was listed in the Digest.
I understand that Jonathan now works for TW.
Perhaps he can chime in.
Maybe I misunderstood.

[themitchmann]

If you're doing very straight forward stringing, the 1000 is adequate. If you want to do more complex patterns, the swivel clamps (plus a starting clamp) make things a little easier.

[4sound]

I ended up going with the Gamma 6004 2pt. Self center feature is nice.

I think the Neos 1500 swivel clamps are not diamond coated. but its still a great machine.

[themitchmann]

Originally Posted by 4sound

I ended up going with the Gamma 6004 2pt. Self center feature is nice.

I think the Neos 1500 swivel clamps are not diamond coated. but its still a great machine.

Youre correct: the clamps are not diamond dust coated.

[tbum2000]

Have used Ektelon/Prince stringing machines for 25 years. They hold their value when you sell them to upgrade. The swivel clamps of the 1500 are nice, but only string "fan" stringing 10% of the time with racquetball and some tennis racquets. I like the Ektelon/Prince clamps; never get slippage if cleaned now and then. I do not like the diamond coating. Can tear strings up if slippage. Used them on a Baboat stringing machine at work. I would buy a Prince 1000 again. Best wishes..............jm

[BigGriff]

At that price point you can get a solid crank. You cant go wrong with the Prince, Gamma, or Alpha string machines. They all have solid support and good resale value. Add a Wise and you have a beast of a machine.