Silent Partner Aria Review

[jj300]

So after stringing a few dozen rackets on the aria, and having gotten 5 minutes of free time, I decided to write up a little review of the machine so far.

Delivery/Purchase/Assembly: After having to wait for a demo unit to be available, I purchased the machine at a slight discount dealing over the phone with Steve at SP. He took all my info, answered all my final questions and promised the machine would ship the same day. Unfortunately, it wasn’t shipped until very late the next day but I was willing to wait an extra day. The purchase side of things were good. Delivery: This is were ****** up UPS comes into play. They didn’t leave the package outside although I signed a note saying they can leave it. I then called to pick up the machine in the warehouse since I had work and could not miss the day. Someone called me back and said machine can be picked up between 8pm and 9pm. Went there with a friend, but guess what? My machine wasn’t there. After an hour of waiting on the site while the ups people helped others and told me to wait, and after a few more heated minutes with the manager, I left not knowing when my machine would be delivered. Short story is that I had to skip a whole day of work and good thing, because they promised machine would be delivered before lunch time, actually it was delivered after 4pm. The people at ups were totally rude and even speaking to a manager that called from the corp side, they had no idea where my package was! The box finally arrived and it was beat up pretty bad but thankfully it was the box that contained the floor stand and etc. The machine itself was pretty well covered with foam blocks and such. No actual damage to the machine occurred. The floor stand had some scratches on it but I don’t care about that. Assembly of the machine went smoothly and everything that was needed was in the boxes provided. The machine features three trays providing more than enough storage spaces for tools and etc.
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/gfinge...e2.jpg&.src=ph
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/gfinge...e2.jpg&.src=ph


Tensioning: Yes the machine has the combined rotational gripper with a linear gripper integrated inside. I have strung everything from babolat vs. gut to psgd to xcel to luxilon to poly plasma, and the rotational gripper has no ill effect on strings. Compared to the wise 2086 the aria is a lot faster and a lot more quiet. It also has a lot more options and the display is much better. Overall, it beats the wise 2086 to the ground in every aspect besides for the people who can’t live without a straight linear pull machine.
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/gfinge...e2.jpg&.src=ph

Clamps: One of the best I have used period. The design is very nice, and adjustments are super quick between string gauges. The clamps are well coated on the inside and hold the strings very well. The clamps are small over all and I have 3 teeth which makes fitting them between strings a breeze.
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/gfinge...e2.jpg&.src=ph
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/gfinge...e2.jpg&.src=ph

Mounting System: Very quick and easy to secure any frame I threw on it. Frame is supported very well and the load spreaders are a nice touch. These have to sometimes be removed on frames such as the lm prestige because they will not fit at the 6 and 12 spots. SP provides a straight support as well for this. I removed the plastic cover that was on top of the mounting blocks. This gives the machine a “raw” look as well as more space between the mounting blocks and the frame.
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/gfinge...e2.jpg&.src=ph
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/gfinge...e2.jpg&.src=ph
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/gfinge...e2.jpg&.src=ph

Overall: Definitely a great machine. I had a small issue with the clamp bases moving under tension but SP has been mostly helpful with the situation and I managed to adjust the bases fairly well. If anyone tried adjusting them before, you know what a pain in the *** those things can be. My next step is to call SP and ask for new bases or at least send my current ones in to be adjusted perfectly. I added a second reel holder on the stand to allow me to store some of my string inventory on them. I also added wheels to the bottom of the stand to allow for easing moving of the machine.
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/gfinge...e2.jpg&.src=ph
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/gfinge...e2.jpg&.src=ph

[kaztennis]

jj300, thanks for the excellent review! Can you tell me how you added those caster wheels on your Aria? Certain size I can find at HomeDepot or at a DIY store? Thank you.

[topknocker]

thanks for putting that up, i was curious about your thoughts on it.

[jj300]

kaztennis,
any wheels will do, diy and homedepot should have a big selection. Mine at 2 inches high and have a plate for 4 screws;however, I drilled a hold in the middle of the plate, inserted a screw from the bottom up and screwed in the wheels in the same spot that the original inserts were screwed into.

[Mr.Federer]

Hey jj300...will you post a new stringing video for the members of TW who want to kinda learn and see how to string a racket? I believe it'll be greatly appreciated.


Nice machine man!

[theace21]

Nice setup. Thanks for the post/review...

[kaztennis]

Originally Posted by jj300

So after stringing a few dozen rackets on the aria, and having gotten 5 minutes of free time, I decided to write up a little review of the machine so far.
Overall: Definitely a great machine. I had a small issue with the clamp bases moving under tension but SP has been mostly helpful with the situation and I managed to adjust the bases fairly well. If anyone tried adjusting them before, you know what a pain in the *** those things can be. My next step is to call SP and ask for new bases or at least send my current ones in to be adjusted perfectly. I added a second reel holder on the stand to allow me to store some of my string inventory on them. I also added wheels to the bottom of the stand to allow for easing moving of the machine.
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/gfinge...e2.jpg&.src=ph
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/gfinge...e2.jpg&.src=ph

http://spinjapan.co.jp/shohin_d.html
spinJapan is the Xspider(where Aria and Diana SPs are made)'s subsidiary located in Japan. I asked spinjapan's president a bunch of questions and he made me several oversea long distance calls on top of sending me faxes to answer my questions. Excellent Customer Service to SpinJapan.

Anyways, according to Xspider and spinjapan, Xspider has an updated version of the clampbase as you can see from Diana SP Ver.2 at spinjapan's website. They even have the two knobs being too close fixed but Silent Partner, the U.S. agent of Xspider just doesn't seem to bother to upgrade Aria with these new parts. I heard from spinjapan that they can send me the clampbase part because it makes a big difference but the 2 knobs doesn't seem to make a huge difference. I wonder why Silent Partner does not upgrade their Aria. I asked Steve at SP and he said they do not have plans of upgrading the machine. I wish they would

So the Diana SP Ver2 which is the updated version of the Diana SP (which is almost the same as Aria but doesn't have the footpedal) has:

1. One big knobs and a smaller knob so it's easier to turn the knobs.(Guess they fixed the complain USRSA was saying)
2. Bigger arms making the racquet mounting easier.
3. Bigger clamp base and improves moving/slipping after setting the clamp base.

I'm thinking if Silent Partner can get you(jj) the new clampbase(part compatible as I confirmed this from spinjapan), your issue you were having will go away easily. BTW, spinjapan told me that the clamp base(pair) is 25000 yen, that's about $250.

I love all the positive things I hear about Silent Partner. I hope they will change their mind and upgrade these components as they as an agent seem to have the option of which components to pick and all they have to do is tell Xspider that they want those parts.

[jj300]

yea it looks like the clamp bases on the new "aria" are the same as the new sp machine. I have to sent the bases and rails to sp once my stringing cools off for adjustment/inspection. This is where I wish sp was like alpha. Alpha would listen to your problem, know that the bases are a pita to adjust, and send you out new rails and bases and you send back the old ones. Oh well, I guess you can't have everything.

[jj300]

kaztennis,
can you e-mail me the info of the person you talked to? i appreciate it. gfinger32@yahoo.com

[kaztennis]

Hope you got my email : )

[rsccarlson]

jj300
talk about problems with UPS, i ordered the Opus from Silent Partner
and the ups driver dumped the three boxes in my driveway, did not
get a signature that was required , and drove off. the machine is the
same as the TST 700 series , although it cost 2800 , not 8,500. i called
UPS and one employee couldn't stop laughing, it was such a big joke
to have an upset customer. the second call the employee could not
write my tracking number down after 3 tries so i hung up. the machine is
heavy and comes in three boxes, and really requires 2 persons to carry it.
knowing this , UPS should not accept the contract to deliver the machine.
the base of the tensioner was shredded and i had to use and industrial
grinder to remove the damaged edge and refinish the platform. since the
customer is paying for the shipping why not try fed ex or some one that
is more reliable and will not damage the product. if these are too dificult
to move, have the customer pick them up at the delivery office. is this not
logical. the corners of the boxes were ripped open, the reinforced yellow
ribbons wore torn, probably since they were using them as handles, and
the boxes were thrown on the driveway. no attempt to obtain a signature
or talk to the customer. who wants to do business with these guys. robert

[Il Mostro]

UPS residential is a nightmare. I always ship to my business where I have a UPS account and service is top notch. Even if you do not have an account, you are better off taking delivery at a business -- completely different UPS personnel.

BTW, I have a DG with the new Aria clamps/bases and am loving it.

[davidahenry]

Originally Posted by rsccarlson

jj300
talk about problems with UPS, i ordered the Opus from Silent Partner

I'm jealous of your machine! I plan to order the Silent Partner Aria within the next two weeks but can't quite afford the Opus at this time. I plan to use the Aria for a couple of years and then may upgrade to the Opus. I've heard and read great things about SP, and the Opus looks like an outstanding machine. Once you get it up and running, please post a review with pics.

Thanks.

[YULitle]

Originally Posted by Il Mostro

UPS residential is a nightmare. I always ship to my business where I have a UPS account and service is top notch. Even if you do not have an account, you are better off taking delivery at a business -- completely different UPS personnel.

BTW, I have a DG with the new Aria clamps/bases and am loving it.

I've had problems with both where I am living now. I was expecting a package with racquets/string from Fed Ex, so I was watching the door (can see it through window of my office.) I saw the guy come up, set the box down, and by the time I got to the door and opened it he was already walking away. He turned around and saw me, got nervous and asked, "you think it's safe to leave a package here?" !!!!!! Why are you asking me that?!!? Errrggg

Then, I've had a few machines come in and out of my place via UPS (three total) and I've issues with all three. The first got damaged in-transit on the way in AND on the way out. Then, when the last two got picked up, the guy slid the box down the stairs outside my place instead of carry it. It's too heavy to carry, but he could've used a dolly.

Either way, like almost all other businesses around here (save for insurance and hotels,) the customer service is very poor.

[Il Mostro]

I guess I am lucky then. I am in a tech-park, so there is high volume pick-up and delivery. We get deliveries 2x a day and pick-ups are like clockwork. Maybe because of the nature of the area and high volume businesses, we get the A-Team. Didn't realize it was so bad out there.

[Mansewerz]

Does silent partner have any other discounted demos like the jazz or hip hop?

And are they really used, or somewhat refurbished?

[rsccarlson]

Originally Posted by davidahenry

I'm jealous of your machine! I plan to order the Silent Partner Aria within the next two weeks but can't quite afford the Opus at this time. I plan to use the Aria for a couple of years and then may upgrade to the Opus. I've heard and read great things about SP, and the Opus looks like an outstanding machine. Once you get it up and running, please post a review with pics.

Thanks.

the Opus is a great machine, i have really enjoy using it. only one
of the base clamps required an adjustment, not a big deal. like all of its
features. very accurate and easy to use. robert