Investing in a better machine

[sansaephanh]

I currently have a borrowed gamma x-2.

I feel that it's slow, clunky, and unstable.

I've read threads on everything between entry level drop weights to super 1500$ electronic machines. After doing so, I've come to a very simple conclusion. I'm looking for a nice, preferably used stringer for about 500$.

Someone is offering an Alpha Revo 4k for 500$, but I feel as if I can find a better deal if I look around.I'd prefer a automatic dropweight, but i doubt i can find one in my price range.

What would be some recommended models that you've seen used for fairly cheap.

[sansaephanh]

And why are stringing accessories so expensive??? 30$ for a starting clamp? awls and pliers 20+? jeez this sport is expensive isnt it?

[mad dog1]

Originally Posted by sansaephanh

I currently have a borrowed gamma x-2.

I feel that it's slow, clunky, and unstable.

I've read threads on everything between entry level drop weights to super 1500$ electronic machines. After doing so, I've come to a very simple conclusion. I'm looking for a nice, preferably used stringer for about 500$.

Someone is offering an Alpha Revo 4k for 500$, but I feel as if I can find a better deal if I look around.I'd prefer a automatic dropweight, but i doubt i can find one in my price range.

What would be some recommended models that you've seen used for fairly cheap.

i highly recommend getting something that's constant pull so auto dropweight is a great choice, but as you mentioned, you probably won't be able to find one in your price range. cranks are ok, but require more effort on your part to get consistent results unless you get a wise which adds more cost and is another thing that can break. (they do and when they do, you have to deal w/ herb which means spending more money and if you think a $30 starting clamp is so expensive just wait until you deal w/ herb. you'll have to pay for shipping to and from even if your wise is under warranty)

Originally Posted by sansaephanh

And why are stringing accessories so expensive??? 30$ for a starting clamp? awls and pliers 20+? jeez this sport is expensive isnt it?

low volume specialized tools always cost more because the setup costs are spread out over fewer # of pieces. look at it this way. a starting clamp will last you forever unless you're stringing 10 frames everyday for 20 yrs.

for other tools like snips and pliers, just get them from your local home improvement store. i got a Stanley mini tool set for $10. it came w/ needle nose pliers, flat nose pliers, wire cutter, diagonal cutter and mini channel lock pliers. out of the set, i've been using the flat nose, needle nose pliers, and diagonal cutters for the past 2 yrs and they're still working great after almost 200 sticks.

the only specialized stringing tools i have are a couple of starting clamps, a few tennis awls, and a grommet grinder. haven't found a need for any other ones.

[Lakers4Life]

I sold a used Stringway/Laserfibre ML200TT in the past for $450. But they don't come up very often. $500 for a Revo 4k is i bit on the high side.

I agree with mad dog1, you don't have to buy Xuron at $20 a piece. Cresent sells a set of Xcelite pliers and cutters at Home Depot for $15, or buy the Xcelite individually.

I highly recommend a starting clamp, but the prices have gone up over the years. Eagnas used to sell a starting clamp for $16, but has since raised the price to $26. There is a great Tools thread on TT, I suggest you read it.

[rich s]

Originally Posted by sansaephanh

And why are stringing accessories so expensive??? 30$ for a starting clamp? awls and pliers 20+? jeez this sport is expensive isnt it?

it's a low volume industry, hence the high-er prices....

pay the money for the starting clamp it's worth it...

but

get all your other tools (awls, pliers, etc) from stores that sell tools (home depot, lowes, sears, ace, harbor freight, etc)

[tbuggle]

Originally Posted by sansaephanh

I currently have a borrowed gamma x-2.

I feel that it's slow, clunky, and unstable.

I've read threads on everything between entry level drop weights to super 1500$ electronic machines. After doing so, I've come to a very simple conclusion. I'm looking for a nice, preferably used stringer for about 500$.

Someone is offering an Alpha Revo 4k for 500$, but I feel as if I can find a better deal if I look around.I'd prefer a automatic dropweight, but i doubt i can find one in my price range.

What would be some recommended models that you've seen used for fairly cheap.

you could make a lowball offer. it's christmas time and people need cash.

[Lakers4Life]

Most of the time someone selling a used machine will usually throw in the tools. Keep searching the craigslist ads in your area.

[sansaephanh]

Thanks for the replies. I think i'd rather pick up another constant pull machine. Drop weights are a hassle and it actually puts a physical strain on my body. Yes, I admitted it.

[anubis]

I have a simple entry-level dropweight stringer as well. I've been considering upgrading too, and right now I'm eyeballing a Gamma Progression II 602 FC. I don't mind the dropweight. It's a constant pull technology that doesn't need to be calibrated.

From what I've read, the single biggest things you should look for when upgrading your machine is going from flying clamps to fixed clamps, as well as a more stable and rigid base to mount your racquet (to reduce deformation).

Everything else that comes with high-end machines are primarily for those who string 10+ racquets a day: time is money, so speed is of the essence.

But to string a racquet as accurately as possible, then you can't really get any better than a constant-pull machine with a rigid base and fixed clamps.

[lynnbart]

I have the Progression II 602FC and love it. I may end up putting it up for sale if I find a Neos somewhere.

[TheRed]

Originally Posted by sansaephanh

I currently have a borrowed gamma x-2.

I feel that it's slow, clunky, and unstable.

I've read threads on everything between entry level drop weights to super 1500$ electronic machines. After doing so, I've come to a very simple conclusion. I'm looking for a nice, preferably used stringer for about 500$.

Someone is offering an Alpha Revo 4k for 500$, but I feel as if I can find a better deal if I look around.I'd prefer a automatic dropweight, but i doubt i can find one in my price range.

What would be some recommended models that you've seen used for fairly cheap.

It takes me an easy 25 min to string consistently on an X2 but I've been stringing on it for 10 years. consistency and speed shouldn't be a problem after a couple string jobs. You'll have the same problem on any machine as a newby.
It'll probably take you 1 1/2 hrs on your first job and down to 35 min after 10-12 jobs. You may save 5 min on a much better machine. Is that worth it?

[sansaephanh]

Long story short I lost the legs to my gamma and its a wobbly mess. Not a good reason to upgrade, but I was really just wondering what I could get for the money. After doing my research, I don't think i'll use anything other then a constant pull method. Not enough reason to.

[Lakers4Life]

What would it cost to repair or replace the broken parts of your 5003? Brett in the past has always helped and now that he's moved on, John would probably do the same.

[tbuggle]

Originally Posted by sansaephanh

Long story short I lost the legs to my gamma and its a wobbly mess. Not a good reason to upgrade, but I was really just wondering what I could get for the money. After doing my research, I don't think i'll use anything other then a constant pull method. Not enough reason to.

you mean......you lost the little rubber feet? table top or on the stand, either way, i'd just buy some new ones. that is, unless you really feel the want/need to upgrade (i get it, if so).

[tbuggle]

....

Originally Posted by anubis

But to string a racquet as accurately as possible, then you can't really get any better than a constant-pull machine with a rigid base and fixed clamps.

Not really the case, but nothing wrong with constant pull OR lockout.
"Accuracy", whatever that may mean to you, is achieved more through solid, consistent technique than it is the type of machine (CP or LO).

[max]

Originally Posted by sansaephanh

Thanks for the replies. I think i'd rather pick up another constant pull machine. Drop weights are a hassle and it actually puts a physical strain on my body. Yes, I admitted it.

"Physical strain on the body?" huh?

[beernutz]

Originally Posted by lynnbart

I have the Progression II 602FC and love it. I may end up putting it up for sale if I find a Neos somewhere.

I know people who have bought these used for as little as $150 and the most I've heard of someone paying is $250. Everyone I know who has one really likes their machine and they are built like tanks. Right before I found my Neos I was about to buy one I'd found for $200.

[lynnbart]

beer,

Are you happy with the Neos ? Since the only used Neos' that I can find are priced right at new, I may just go the Wise route and upgrade my 602FC.....

[diredesire]

Originally Posted by max

"Physical strain on the body?" huh?

I have a bad shoulder that clicks when I pump a drop weight, which is the main reason I got rid of my LF/SW MS200TT

(So yes, it does happen)

[beernutz]

Originally Posted by lynnbart

beer,

Are you happy with the Neos ? Since the only used Neos' that I can find are priced right at new, I may just go the Wise route and upgrade my 602FC.....

I am a very happy Neos user for a lot of reasons. My Neos is very quick and easy to use. It was in great shape when I got it and many accessories and string for it and I got a pretty good deal ($500) on it. I personally would hold out looking for a better price. I did a nationwide search on craigslist for Neos 1000 and found four priced between $750 and $850 but I think you can do better than that.

However I can only compare it to the other machines I've owned (a Klippermate for 5 years) or used (a Gamma X-2, an Alpha Pioneer DC II, an EAG-300 which is Eagnas's Neos knockoff, and an Eagnas tabletop dropweight with fixed clamps whose model number I'm can't remember). Since the Neos new probably costs close to what all those other machines sell for combined a reasonable person would expect the Neos to be better than any one of them.

One thing though on the Neos is that I believe Prince is currently in the midst of a bankruptcy filing so the future of that company and the Neos is a bit murky. I will say my next stringer upgrade when I have strung enough on my Neos to have 'paid' for it will be a Wise.