Best stringing machine under 500$

I want to experiment with various strings and debating to purchase a stringing machine.

Primary reason is the turn around time, the preferred stringer is a 2-3 day turn around. Me finding time to drop off and then him needing a day or two and then me picking up. He charges around 20$ if I supply string and it isn't a big factor.

I never strung a racquet so rank beginner in that area.i don't know if I will end up liking stringing.my racquets are Babolat and prince.

Can you recommend a good machine that isn't too complicated and I can't do too much damage to my sticks?. Obviously cheaper the better. Prefer new primarily due to the time it takes to search for a good used one.

As always, sincerely appreciate your feedback and help.

I've been using the Gamma X6-FC for 6 years, and I think it's one of the best dropweight machines there is. I'm not sure if you can get a new one, but it's within your budget (the top limit though). There are some other cheaper options from Gamma, but I decided to get this one as I wanted the machine to have a great support for the racquets while stringing (6 points) and fixed clamps.

Although I didn't take much time as you to have my racquets strung, time was one of the main reasons that made me buy a stringing machine. $ was the other - and I could pay the stringing machine cost in less than 2 years, especially because I started to string for some friends.

Tennis_Monk said:

Can you recommend a good machine that isn't too complicated and I can't do too much damage to my sticks?. Obviously cheaper the better. Prefer new primarily due to the time it takes to search for a good used one.

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Don't stop looking in the ads while you're deciding.You never know when something will pop up. And if a Prince Neos 1000 shows up, buy it. These machines have been around for ages, are durable and easy to use. If you're not familiar with it, check out the TW how-to-string-a-racquet sticky in this forum.

Bespectacled said:

Don't stop looking in the ads while you're deciding.You never know when something will pop up. And if a Prince Neos 1000 shows up, buy it. These machines have been around for ages, are durable and easy to use. If you're not familiar with it, check out the TW how-to-string-a-racquet sticky in this forum.

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To add, there is nothing on a used one which cannot be reconditioned to new status. I would suggest giving JC a call at TennisMachines and let him know you're looking for a good used 1000. If you buy a used one from TM, rest assured it will be in tip top status.

Under $500 that "isn't too complicated", etc.--- and you don't want to search for a good used one. I'd suggest a Klippermate--it's one of the most inexpensive machines around and the delta between what you would spend on the Klipper versus another machine that costs less than $500 (excluding good used ones that you might find if you wanted to take the time) isn't going to buy you that much more performance or ease. This is particularly so since it seems you will only be stringing your own. That stated, to the points of other posters, you might wish to reconsider your parameters---a used Neos for less than $800 is so much better than the best new machine you can buy for that same price (although if you were ready to spend that much, check out the Alpha Axis Pro). Otherwise, take your time and you will likely find a quality "seasoned" machine (at least for your specific needs--basically your own sticks) for $500 or less that will be easier and faster than most of the sub-$500 drop weights. Good luck.

dadozen said:

I've been using the Gamma X6-FC for 6 years, and I think it's one of the best dropweight machines there is. I'm not sure if you can get a new one, but it's within your budget (the top limit though). There are some other cheaper options from Gamma, but I decided to get this one as I wanted the machine to have a great support for the racquets while stringing (6 points) and fixed clamps.

Although I didn't take much time as you to have my racquets strung, time was one of the main reasons that made me buy a stringing machine. $ was the other - and I could pay the stringing machine cost in less than 2 years, especially because I started to string for some friends.

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I've had my Gamma 602 FC for 5 mos now. I bought it to save money on stringing. It's actually more expensive since I've strung 32 racquets in that time.

But one great luxury is being able to take an hour and string a racquet on my time rather than spending two hours to the shop to drop it off and another two hours to pick it up.

MAX PLY said:

Under $500 that "isn't too complicated", etc.--- and you don't want to search for a good used one. I'd suggest a Klippermate--it's one of the most inexpensive machines around and the delta between what you would spend on the Klipper versus another machine that costs less than $500 (excluding good used ones that you might find if you wanted to take the time) isn't going to buy you that much more performance or ease. This is particularly so since it seems you will only be stringing your own. That stated, to the points of other posters, you might wish to reconsider your parameters---a used Neos for less than $800 is so much better than the best new machine you can buy for that same price (although if you were ready to spend that much, check out the Alpha Axis Pro). Otherwise, take your time and you will likely find a quality "seasoned" machine (at least for your specific needs--basically your own sticks) for $500 or less that will be easier and faster than most of the sub-$500 drop weights. Good luck.

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Thank you. What would be the time delta between drop weights and other options?. If we are talking 15-20 minutes, given that I'm a novice, it may not be that much significant. If it's hours then it is a big factor.

I understand electronic is easier but also most expensive. Is there something in around my budget range that's in between drop weights and electronic. Crank pulls?

I read lots of threads in forum and I ended up more confused.

Rabbit said:

To add, there is nothing on a used one which cannot be reconditioned to new status. I would suggest giving JC a call at TennisMachines and let him know you're looking for a good used 1000. If you buy a used one from TM, rest assured it will be in tip top status.

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I know prices could be all over the place but what's reasonable range for a good used 1000? . Would that be around my budget or significantly over?

Tennis_Monk said:

Thank you. What would be the time delta between drop weights and other options?. If we are talking 15-20 minutes, given that I'm a novice, it may not be that much significant. If it's hours then it is a big factor.

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Initially it took me about 2hrs to string a racquet. That was re-watching tutorials on stringing patterns and reviewing knots. Other than not being sure of the proper procedure, I think the weaving the crosses was what takes a long time.

Now, It takes me about an hour from the time I start cutting my strings to the time I finish installing my vib damp.

I've heard that it takes 1-3 seconds to pull tension on an electric tensioner. I'll assume it's about the same for a crank. It takes about 6-10sec on my DW depending on whether I'm working with poly or multi. So if we take the worst case scenario at 10s, over about 37 pulls, that's about 4-1/2 min difference. Can also factor in a few extra seconds for adjusting tension for tie-off pulls and putting it back. So maybe a 6min difference

Tennis_Monk said:

Thank you. What would be the time delta between drop weights and other options?. If we are talking 15-20 minutes, given that I'm a novice, it may not be that much significant. If it's hours then it is a big factor.

I understand electronic is easier but also most expensive. Is there something in around my budget range that's in between drop weights and electronic. Crank pulls?

I read lots of threads in forum and I ended up more confused.

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I was really talking about the cost delta (i.e., assuming you pay $170 for the base Kippermate, I am not sure you substantially improve your stringing experience until you spend at least $550+--ergo, not sure I'd buy a $350 new drop weight versus the Klipper).

But since you mention time--as a new stringer you are going to be slow no matter what--most of that time will be somewhat unrelated to the machine--i.e., the newness of the process to you, how quickly you can mount a racquet, how familiar you are with how patterns work and most significantly, how quick you are weaving the crosses. However, once you hone those skills you will likely find normal drop weights to be the slowest, LO/cranks to be the fastest, and electronics to be in between but approaching the LO in speed. I know how fast I string when I am not trying to gun it (about 20-25 minutes on my LO machine, depending on particular racquet and string (an 18x20 with full poly would be on the upper end.)). Your first racquet will likely take you over an hour but even on the most basic dropweight you will get that to 30 or 40 minutes in time, I suspect)--all of that stated, who cares about speed, you just want to (1) create consistent results that you will be pleased with, (2) enjoy the stringing experience and (3) save a little cash and have the convenience of not depending on anyone else.

Not going to go into all of the options--do a search--you will find more than you want.

Tennis_Monk said:

I know prices could be all over the place but what's reasonable range for a good used 1000? . Would that be around my budget or significantly over?

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Unbelievably, there are 5 on the bay right now. Prices are:

• 795
• 725
• 899
• 699
• 799

I'll bet you could make a few offers....there are pictures with each.

Good luck!

Rabbit said:

Unbelievably, there are 5 on the bay right now. Prices are:

• 795
• 725
• 899
• 699
• 799

I'll bet you could make a few offers....there are pictures with each.

Good luck!

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I'm bidding on a couple of them.interrstingly 3 of them from same guy. I am not sure I understand or appreciate on how different this machine from a klippermate or sub 500 machine yet.

Fixed clamps are faster than floating clamps, but not by much. Where they shine is in drawback or lack thereof. However, you can recover drawback by pulling longer or cranking slower.

I think after doing some reading I narrowed down to alpha DC plus , gamma 602 FC or gamma x-6FC . Not sure how to decide. I felt like I need fixed clamps. Not sure of starting clamps or rotational gripper.

Do any of these come with worthwhile extras that could be the tie breaker?

I picked up a new Klippermate when I came to Canada last year for my own sticks. I used to have a Gamma ST2 lockout in the UK, which was quicker and less hassle.

For the price I'm sure the Klip is good value, but if I was buying again, I'd look at other drop weights or try to find a used lockout. The Klip is frustrating for me to use, but I've not used a regular drop-weight to compare.

Do not take this as saying the Klip is bad. It's just not for me.