I just missed on a Prince Neos

[lynnbart]

I nearly purchased a used Prince Neos today. I've been using a Gamma dropweight, fixed clamps, and 6 point mount.

If I made the switch to a 2 pt mount, glide bars, and crank would I end up regretting it ? I realize the Neos is legendary but all the newer machines seem to have swivel clamps, more mounting etc...

I'll probably keep looking unless someone convinces me otherwise.

[Andyroo10567]

How much would you have been able to pick one up for? I certainly think you wouldn't regret the buy. I had a dropweight 6 point stringer and now with a crank machine, i string MUCH faster.

[tbuggle]

so i assume you are talking neos 1000, not 1500.

and what's the price?

basically, it's the machine that all others ("better or worse") are measured against, IMO. (neos 1000, ektelon model whatever..).

for the right $$, hard to go wrong.

[lynnbart]

It would have cost me $750. I was hoping to find one around $500 or so... I may be dreaming.

[zapvor]

if you grow up on the crank it will be the fastest for you to string on.

[Lakers4Life]

Originally Posted by lynnbart

It would have cost me $750. I was hoping to find one around $500 or so... I may be dreaming.

A bit high, IMHO. $500-$600 is the going price for used Neos or Ektelon H. The Neos 1000 is a slightly newer machine and could go for $750-800.

If you were going to spend that much anyways, you're better off buying a Wise 2086 Pro with a Table Top adapter.

[zapvor]

lakers-are you a stringer for a shop?

[Lakers4Life]

Nope, but I do string for a lot of USTA Juniors and College players in my area.

[zapvor]

ah gotcha. i was wondering. cool man thats a thankless job!

[fortun8son]

The Neos 1000 is more of a 4pt mount than a true 2pt.
No outer supports to get in the way, mounting is quick and the glidebars are fast and easy if you don't do fan patterns. You'd need the Universal Flying Clamps for those.

[tbuggle]

Originally Posted by fortun8son

The Neos 1000 is more of a 4pt mount than a true 2pt.
No outer supports to get in the way, mounting is quick and the glidebars are fast and easy if you don't do fan patterns. You'd need the Universal Flying Clamps for those.

I've never understood this sentiment. not saying i'm right, but to me there are 2/4 pt (what's the real difference?) OR a 6 pt. at least on modern stringers...

On a "4 point", the machine only clamps the racket in two spots, right?. On a 6 point, the racket kinda "floats" in a 6 pt "cradle" and is never really clamped down.

[fortun8son]

The way I see it, and I may be wrong, many 2pt mounts have clamps that screw down on the frame to hold it.
The Neos has two adjustable nylon supports inside the head area and interchangeable throat pieces that prevent movement inwards while the upper clamps dog down to hold the frame between rubber pads that prevent sideways motion.

The true 4pt mount of the 1500 and 5000/6000 is superior IMO. No throat pieces to match up or lose.

[Lakers4Life]

Originally Posted by fortun8son

The way I see it, and I may be wrong, many 2pt mounts have clamps that screw down on the frame to hold it.
The Neos has two adjustable nylon supports inside the head area and interchangeable throat pieces that prevent movement inwards while the upper clamps dog down to hold the frame between rubber pads that prevent sideways motion.

The true 4pt mount of the 1500 and 5000/6000 is superior IMO. No throat pieces to match up or lose.

The Gamma 2-point SC mount is very similar as well. The only downside to 2-point mounts is sometimes the racket does not sit level, because the throat is narrower than the frame. The Babolat APDGT is a good example. The recomended alternative is to mount at the Yoke rather than the bridge/throat, but pulling mains at the bottom may be a PITA. Head Crossbow series rackets have to be mounted that way on 2-point mounts.

[fortun8son]

Originally Posted by Lakers4Life

The Gamma 2-point SC mount is very similar as well. The only downside to 2-point mounts is sometimes the racket does not sit level, because the throat is narrower than the frame. The Babolat APDGT is a good example. The recomended alternative is to mount at the Yoke rather than the bridge/throat, but pulling mains at the bottom may be a PITA. Head Crossbow series rackets have to be mounted that way on 2-point mounts.

Ah, but the Neos 1000 has a leveling adjustment (underneath the fixed arm).
The new mount, alas, does not.

I have to mount Ektelon Power Ring frames upside-down.
I can't mount them at all on my 6pt.
The outer supports won't come in far enough at the throat.

[anubis]

I wouldn't mind a Prince NEOS 1000 also. they are great machines. Two things you need to look out for when buying a used one:

1. how many racquets were strung on it? If its more than 10,000, then perhaps $750 is a bit high of a price.

2. You'll need to invest in a gamma calibrator. cranks need to be calibrated, and it probably doesn't come with one.

[beernutz]

FWIW I paid $500 for a nearly new Neos 1k in July 2010 which included all tools and the Neos flying clamps for fan patterns, some stringing guides, and about 10 packs of syngut string. It was previously owned by a rich kid who played high school tennis but quit. He told me he'd used it less than 50 times and based on its condition I absolutely believe it.

I found the Neos in a different city from where I live on Craigslist (using searchtempest.com) and got my brother who lived close by to buy it for me. Deals on used Neos stringers are out there but you have to diligently look for them in my experience.

Also, FWIW I love my Neos and am extremely satisfied with my purchase.

[Tennishacker]

Neos, choice of machine for Tennis Warehouse.

[lynnbart]

I still think that is the machine I'm wanting. 10,000 rackets ! If they will hold up that long they have to be good ..

[Tennusdude]

Originally Posted by Lakers4Life

A bit high, IMHO. $500-$600 is the going price for used Neos or Ektelon H. The Neos 1000 is a slightly newer machine and could go for $750-800.

If you were going to spend that much anyways, you're better off buying a Wise 2086 Pro with a Table Top adapter.

I have been keeping a close eye on Prince Neos 100 for sale. I would say that you can get one, even an almost newer for 500-600. The economy is poor now so that helps. Most the time people will ask 750 or more if it is in new condition but will almost always come down to 500-600 because they dont sell very quickly. I am in Fort Lauderdale Florida.

[beernutz]

Originally Posted by Tennusdude

I have been keeping a close eye on Prince Neos 100 for sale. I would say that you can get one, even an almost newer for 500-600. The economy is poor now so that helps. Most the time people will ask 750 or more if it is in new condition but will almost always come down to 500-600 because they dont sell very quickly. I am in Fort Lauderdale Florida.

Just out of curiosity I just did a searchtempest Craigslist search for the entire U.S. and found 4 Neos 1000s for sale, offered at $750, $800, $850, and $900, however, none were in FL. That said, you still may be right about people dropping their prices.