Talk me out of replacing my klippermate

[jim e]

Originally Posted by diredesire

the value is largely dependent on the individual.

I agree with this.
Years ago (1960's-70's) , I strung with an old Serrano machine and I strung a great # of racquets back then. It did the job back then, but it was an antiquated machine.
Even though I do not string anywhere near the number I once did back then , Now I have a great machine that makes stringing so much of a pleasure, that in itself is hard to place a value on, and is very well worth it to me.So I agree with diredesire the value is dependant on the individual.

If you are happy with the way you are going with your machine then your all set.I will say, I really never heard of a stringer that upgraded to a better machine and regretted that decision.

[max]

I put my Klippermate on an old dresser-top drawer unit (about 6-7 inches tall) that I've put on a basic chore work-stand.

(It's great having a work-stand for various projects and things around the house; I keep it in the garage and enjoy stringing in the driveway).

The nice thing about the dresser top drawer unit is that you can throw tools, etc., in it. Very nice.

And in the wintertime, I just put it on the workbench in the basement to string.

[tennis4]

OP: what's your take on this? If you are going to upgrade, what machine you have in mind?

thx.

[2handsbothsides]

I have been stringing on my Klippermate for 25 years now for my personal rackets only. I easily do my 16x18's in 30 minutes at the kitchen table, but I do use a computer chair raised to highest level for comfort.

Probably average one string job ever week to 10 days so I have done at least 1000 string jobs. Also I never string more than 2 rackets in one sitting even when playing in a weekend tournament. I would make the change if I felt I could do a better more consistent job with another machine. But if you ever are going to do a bunch of rackets in one session you have to go to a more ergonomic machine.

[maxpower]

Since my question was with the caveat that I am happy with my kmate...but am curious about the green grass on the other side, I thought the gamma x-6fc had what I am curious about...fixed clamps. But who am I kidding I would love an electric tensioner as well. Though I haven't looked at any with this thread in mind.

[COPEY]

If I had to take a stab at a guess - and yes, I've read the thread start to finish - I think after dropping $1100 or so on an higher-end machine you might not find that the "value added" was worth it. I say this because you state that you're currently content with your KM. Oh you'll get a thrill the first few restrings, but after the short-lived novelty wears off, you might wonder why on earth you spent all that money when you were happy with your current machine.

I own an Apex 2 with a wise. It's my first machine. People scoffed at me for spending that much money when I had never strung before. I knew what I was doing and why; didn't feel the need to justify it to others, and I didn't. I've looked at other machines (mostly the Alpha Ghost), and although I can afford it, I know full well after the first few sessions with it I'd be kicking myself for dumping a several grand into a mahine I really don't need. Like you, I'm content with my current machine, and upgrading would only result in a temporary "high".

Could be wrong, but it's just the impression I get. My suggestion would be to try to get one of the local pro shops to let you string on their machine. That's a huge step up, but you never know; you might hate it lol.

[jgrushing]

Originally Posted by 2handsbothsides

I have been stringing on my Klippermate for 25 years now for my personal rackets only. I easily do my 16x18's in 30 minutes at the kitchen table, but I do use a computer chair raised to highest level for comfort.

Probably average one string job ever week to 10 days so I have done at least 1000 string jobs. Also I never string more than 2 rackets in one sitting even when playing in a weekend tournament. I would make the change if I felt I could do a better more consistent job with another machine. But if you ever are going to do a bunch of rackets in one session you have to go to a more ergonomic machine.

Dude! Finally someone who's had a KM longer that me (21 years). All original equipment? Replaced any clamps? The clamps 20 years ago, though they looked the same, were not lifetime guaranteed. I've replaced one. With that exception, everything is original. Forgot that I did change to the knobs on top from the wing nuts but that was really just for looks.

[tennis4]

Originally Posted by jgrushing

Dude! Finally someone who's had a KM longer that me (21 years). All original equipment? Replaced any clamps? The clamps 20 years ago, though they looked the same, were not lifetime guaranteed. I've replaced one. With that exception, everything is original. Forgot that I did change to the knobs on top from the wing nuts but that was really just for looks.

igrushing, 2handsbothsides, and all KM owners,

I have a X-2 and have to deal with this kind of upgrade temptation once in a while. Since I only string 2,3 times a month in summers and at most twice a month in winters, I tell myself it is not worth the cost given the small volume.

Glad to know KM lasts so long and stays strong! How often do you string on average?

thx.

[max]

Outside of winter, I usually do it about as much as you. It's nice being able to put in fresh strings whenever you want to, at a reduced price vs. pro shop charge.

PS: upgrade to Kmate clamps!

[mongting]

After switching from my drop-weight floating clamp machine to fixed clamp crank machine, it is day and night. I love fixed clamp! Don't have to worry about clamping two string which is wider than the floating clamp width.

[diredesire]

Originally Posted by COPEY

If I had to take a stab at a guess - and yes, I've read the thread start to finish - I think after dropping $1100 or so on an higher-end machine you might not find that the "value added" was worth it. I say this because you state that you're currently content with your KM. Oh you'll get a thrill the first few restrings, but after the short-lived novelty wears off, you might wonder why on earth you spent all that money when you were happy with your current machine.

I own an Apex 2 with a wise. It's my first machine. People scoffed at me for spending that much money when I had never strung before. I knew what I was doing and why; didn't feel the need to justify it to others, and I didn't. I've looked at other machines (mostly the Alpha Ghost), and although I can afford it, I know full well after the first few sessions with it I'd be kicking myself for dumping a several grand into a mahine I really don't need. Like you, I'm content with my current machine, and upgrading would only result in a temporary "high".

Could be wrong, but it's just the impression I get. My suggestion would be to try to get one of the local pro shops to let you string on their machine. That's a huge step up, but you never know; you might hate it lol.

To be fair, though, your 'starter' machine is pretty sufficient for even a small-scale "pro shop" (high end home stringing). I would also kick myself if I were upgrading to a high end machine "just because" (unless you justify the purchase[s] as a hobby purchase). IMO a klippermate to a ~$1000-1200 machine vs. an Apex2 + WISE --> Ghost/Star is apples and oranges.

[max]

You know, there IS something to be said for the fun of playing with a nicer machine, having nicer gear is just plain fun.

But efficiency-wise, if utility is your only concern, stick with the Kmate.

If not, buy a fine machine and enjoy it!

[tennis4]

Originally Posted by max

It's nice being able to put in fresh strings whenever you want to, at a reduced price vs. pro shop charge.

Absolutely! That's the niche advantage as you can do it anytime you want.

[COPEY]

Originally Posted by diredesire

To be fair, though, your 'starter' machine is pretty sufficient for even a small-scale "pro shop" (high end home stringing). I would also kick myself if I were upgrading to a high end machine "just because" (unless you justify the purchase[s] as a hobby purchase). IMO a klippermate to a ~$1000-1200 machine vs. an Apex2 + WISE --> Ghost/Star is apples and oranges.

Agree, apples to oranges, but my intent (however crudely stated) wasn't to compare my machine to his, but rather to say as much as I sometimes think it'd be really nice to string on something like a Ghost, in the end, the novelty of the new machine would be fleeting. It has everything to do with the fact that I'm "content" with my current setup...just as he's satisfied with his. That's all.

[max]

You know, it's interesting how our tastes and interests and concerns can change.

I used to keep a close eye on the Guild guitars being sold on e---bahhy. And salivate over some of them.

Just this morning, I took a look in that area after having stopped this practice about a year ago. . . and, nada, no thrilling adrenaline rush! no pitter-patter of admiring heart beats.

I'm pretty good on guitars. Time's gone by and I realize I don't need another one.

For me, it would be great fun to have a shiny, good-smelling, bright new machine to toy with. And fun, too, to learn how to use it. Fun.

But I suspect there are other joys that would be more enduring for me, and a new stringing machine would be transitory, and my mule of a Klippermate will just keep plodding on doing a great job for me when I need to use it.

For me, the thing's have fresh strings, rather than dead ones, and a Kmate does the trick here.

[2handsbothsides]

Originally Posted by jgrushing

Dude! Finally someone who's had a KM longer that me (21 years). All original equipment? Replaced any clamps? The clamps 20 years ago, though they looked the same, were not lifetime guaranteed. I've replaced one. With that exception, everything is original. Forgot that I did change to the knobs on top from the wing nuts but that was really just for looks.

Had to replace one clamp right at 20 years and the new one from Klippermate has much better action than the original. Also around the same time frame one of the bolts broke on the drop weight string clamp mechanism which i had to drill and tap out to replace. There really is almost nothing to go wrong on such a simple unit and I like how easy it folds up to store in a closet.

I fully agree with others that there is nothing like working with a fine piece of equipment and if I strung for others you pretty much need an upright for the ergonomics. But in my case for my personal rackets it never made sense to upgrade. The drop weight avoids calibration issues associated with a spring unit and the lower cost electronics have performance issues. You can also mount very quickly on the KM and I never have issues with a properly adjusted speed clamp. I get absolutely consistent string jobs time after time.

[ohplease]

I got my Klippermate around 1990. I got the Gamma dropweight with the ratchet in maybe 2004 or so. I got a Stringway ML90 a few years ago.

I should have bought the ratchet dropweight from the beginning, and I should have gotten the Stringway before either the Klippermate or the Gamma. Each machine improvement does result in some speed increase (not tons) - but that's no the point. The point is how much less annoying the whole process is.

[tennis4]

Originally Posted by ohplease

- but that's no the point. The point is how much less annoying the whole process is.

Well, it is a valid point. I like my X-2 because it delivers consistent results from time to time. However, I wish the mounting process is easier, the clamp is fixed instead of flying, an easier way to tell if the lever is level (enough). Because of these, I have been looking around, eagnas logic-90, ML100 are among them.

On the other hand, I restring my racquets once every two weeks or so. So the volume is limited. One thing I am afraid the most is if the upgrade fell short my expectation after having it, or there is maintainance issue involved (the X-2 is simple enough that I don't expect it can break.) going forward.

I guess if I will ever upgrade, it must be because I can't resist the tempation.

[diredesire]

Originally Posted by max

You know, it's interesting how our tastes and interests and concerns can change.

I used to keep a close eye on the Guild guitars being sold on e---bahhy. And salivate over some of them.

Just this morning, I took a look in that area after having stopped this practice about a year ago. . . and, nada, no thrilling adrenaline rush! no pitter-patter of admiring heart beats.

I'm pretty good on guitars. Time's gone by and I realize I don't need another one.

For me, it would be great fun to have a shiny, good-smelling, bright new machine to toy with. And fun, too, to learn how to use it. Fun.

But I suspect there are other joys that would be more enduring for me, and a new stringing machine would be transitory, and my mule of a Klippermate will just keep plodding on doing a great job for me when I need to use it.

For me, the thing's have fresh strings, rather than dead ones, and a Kmate does the trick here.

This is how I feel these days about some other hobbies (namely computers). Passion isn't there for certain aspects of it... next one I'm looking at is 3D printers/rapid prototyping

Originally Posted by tennis4

Well, it is a valid point. I like my X-2 because it delivers consistent results from time to time. However, I wish the mounting process is easier, the clamp is fixed instead of flying, an easier way to tell if the lever is level (enough). Because of these, I have been looking around, eagnas logic-90, ML100 are among them.

On the other hand, I restring my racquets once every two weeks or so. So the volume is limited. One thing I am afraid the most is if the upgrade fell short my expectation after having it, or there is maintainance issue involved (the X-2 is simple enough that I don't expect it can break.) going forward.

I guess if I will ever upgrade, it must be because I can't resist the tempation.

I'd recommend getting a cheap/small bubble level module and use some hot glue to attach it to either your dropweight bar or the gripper. should be a pretty easy mod