Agree or disagree on floating clamps

luke715 · Mar 29, 2017

I wrote this in another post. I'm interested to see if people agree or disagree:

Most MP racquets with a 16x19 or 18x20 pattern are well served by quality flying/floating clamps with an experienced user. However, if you're stringing irregular string beds or shapes, Fixed or even bar clamps are a much better option. Personally, I feel that the limitations of flying clamps are overhyped, especially when stringing a racquet with parallel strings and small gaps between strings. But they definitely don't work as well outside of these parameters as alternative styles of clamp.

Wes · Mar 29, 2017

What exactly are you asking us to agree/disagree with?
Your very ambiguous wording makes it nearly impossible to understand what someone would be agreeing, or not agreeing, with.
This lack of clarity will likely result in few "votes".

luke715 said:
Most MP racquets with a 16x19 or 18x20 pattern are well served by quality flying/floating...

then...

luke715 said:
However, if you're stringing irregular string beds or shapes, Fixed or even bar clamps are a much better option.

then...

luke715 said:
Personally, I feel that the limitations of flying clamps are overhyped...

then...

luke715 said:
But they definitely don't work as well outside of these parameters as alternative styles of clamp.

It's hard to even understand what your own position is on the matter. Half your remarks praise floating clamps & half don't.
How can you expect us to "agree" or "disagree"?

luke715 · Mar 29, 2017

Sorry----do you agree that they are just fine for "traditional head sizes/shapes and string patterns with parallel strings and smaller gaps..." but are weak for non-parallel or irregular head shapes/string patterns.

Irvin · Mar 29, 2017

Disagree

Wes · Mar 29, 2017

luke715 said:
do you agree that they are just fine for "traditional head sizes/shapes and string patterns with parallel strings and smaller gaps..."

No. I don't agree.
I think floating clamps have particular downfalls - regardless of the variables/factors... (yes, even on parallel strings, etc.)

chrisingrassia · Mar 29, 2017

Rabbit · Mar 29, 2017

I've used both, flying and fixed. Fixed hands down are better regardless of application (racket).

WisconsinPlayer · Mar 29, 2017

I had to use floating clamps before buying my own machine which I made sure had fixed clamps, floating clamps are just more annoying and consumed more of my time

Tennis_dude101 · Mar 29, 2017

Agree.
I use flying clamps with my Pro Stringer. Prior to stringing my own racquets for many years I used to get them strung professionally at a pro shop that uses Wilson Baiardo with fixed clamps.
I can't detect any difference in playability of the string/racquet between doing them myself and at the Pro Shop.
Last year I did invest in a set of Stringway triple flying clamps and they are very nice to use.
As far as irregular patterns go, I've also strung my mates Head TiS6 racquets numerous times (Fan pattern) at 70lbs for him without issue using my flying clamps.
Fixed clamps are probably a bit quicker to use but that doesn't affect me as I only string a couple of racquets a month.

TD

JOSHL · Mar 29, 2017

Is there a floating clamp that has the benefit of fixed clamps? Or can you convert a drop weight machine(gamma x-2) to have fixed clamps?

loosegroove · Mar 29, 2017

JOSHL said:
Is there a floating clamp that has the benefit of fixed clamps? Or can you convert a drop weight machine(gamma x-2) to have fixed clamps?

While technically possible, it wouldn't be cost effective to do so. If you want to stick with your Gamma X-2 and you're not happy with the clamps, I strongly recommend some Stringways. Despite the deficiencies of flying clamps, you can still get consistent repeatable results, which is really all that matters.

JOSHL · Mar 29, 2017

loosegroove said:
While technically possible, it wouldn't be cost effective to do so. If you want to stick with your Gamma X-2 and you're not happy with the clamps, I strongly recommend some Stringways. Despite the deficiencies of flying clamps, you can still get consistent repeatable results, which is really all that matters.

Yeah they work fine I suppose, they are just a bit cumbersome which I think is the downfall to floating clamps in general. I'm new to the stringing game.

Irvin · Mar 30, 2017

JOSHL said:
Is there a floating clamp that has the benefit of fixed clamps? Or can you convert a drop weight machine(gamma x-2) to have fixed clamps?

No

Chotobaka · Mar 30, 2017

Are you out of your #&*%! mind? Absolute diptard post.

esgee48 · Mar 30, 2017

Generally No. Flying clamps generally have more drawback that you have to pull out on the next pull. Fixed clamps generally don't have this issue. Of course, it really depends on the person doing the stringing. An idiot is just as likely to screw up on an expensive fixed clamp machine as a cheap DW. Just go to any Big Box Sporting goods store and see what the stringers' technique look like. [cringe!]

am1899 · Mar 30, 2017

There's nothing overhyped about it IMO. Having used many iterations of fixed and flying clamps...there's simply no comparison.

10sDog · May 18, 2018

luke715 said:
I wrote this in another post. I'm interested to see if people agree or disagree:

Most MP racquets with a 16x19 or 18x20 pattern are well served by quality flying/floating clamps with an experienced user. However, if you're stringing irregular string beds or shapes, Fixed or even bar clamps are a much better option. Personally, I feel that the limitations of flying clamps are overhyped, especially when stringing a racquet with parallel strings and small gaps between strings. But they definitely don't work as well outside of these parameters as alternative styles of clamp.

Floating clamps actually work better in many cases when you want the tension accurately. It often depends on the fixed clamps. I love swivel clamps but they sometimes slip a little and it's hard to get accurate tension at times if there is a slip of even 2-3 mm (that could be a couple pounds or kilo). And swivel clamps won't get into the edge of the racquet as well which means you can lose tension on the last before the knot. Bar clamps hold the best but are less flexible for irregular stringing patterns Bar clamps won't work for a variety of non-parallel irregular stringing patterns (floating works fine unless you are near the grommets or frame). Swivel works best with irregular string patterns. Floating clamps however dig a bit into the 2 strings and may reduce life of the strings but it depends on the stringing and adjustments you make. I rarely have string breakage due to floating clamp. I have strung maybe 7,000 frames. There are just quite a few pros and cons for each type. Ideally, a swivel clamp that can get into the tight spots and doesn't slip. Floating can help stabilize the starter string with a swivel. I use swivels with floating depending on situation.

gmatheis · May 18, 2018

I used to string on a gamma with the composite floating clamps, when I upgraded I instantly notice a difference in my string bed tension. The floating clamps were losing more tension than the fixed ones. I'm sure this can be overcome by raising the reference tension but there will be differences now because you are stretching the string more (could be good or bad). In addition though my fixed clamps need much less pressure to hold a string, where the composite floating clamps needed to be almost crushing the string to not slip.

I'm sure better floating clamps could yield different results, but even though I like Gamma products I would not recommend the composite floating clamps.

am1899 · May 18, 2018

10sDog said:
Floating clamps actually work better in many cases when you want the tension accurately.

The P1 guys could use any equipment they want. Seems to me accuracy is of utmost importance to them, when you have customers like Federer. And yet, they’re still using the same old Babolat Star 4 machines, with their corresponding fixed clamps. Someone tell Ron - time to ditch those inferior Babolat fixed clamps and pick up a couple sets of floating clamps!!!

Steve Huff · May 18, 2018

The floating clamps that hold 3 strings (by Laserfiber) look really good for floating clamps. If you have nice, parallel strings, fixed clamps would be best. I don't think there are any circumstances where a floating clamp will outperform a fixed clamp. They might work "adequately", but not better than a fixed clamp--that is if both are in good shape, not slipping, and the base clamp is working correctly. Sure, a good 3-string floating clamp may work better than a worn out, slipping fixed clamp, but that shouldn't be the comparison.

fuzz nation · May 31, 2018

Floating clamps gave me inherently greater "drawback" than two other machines I've used that include fixed clamps - the floating clamps allow more slack back into the string after the tensioner is released. What this means for me is that I need to set the tensioner higher by 4-5 lbs. if I'm using floating clamps to produce a string bed with the same firmness as when I'm stringing on another rig that includes fixed clamps.

Stringing a racquet places significant stress on the frame because of the imbalance of tensions during string installation. I personally think that this makes the fixed clamps potentially better for the racquet because I'm not hanging as much tension on each string during this process, so the imbalance is less drastic than with floating clamps.

Can consistent string jobs be produced using floating clamps? Absolutely.

Jerry Seinfeld · Jun 2, 2018

I prefer flying clamps over fixed clamps. For me, they fit my style of stringing and I can generate the consistent results that I desire with them. I currently use the Stringway double and triple and feel they give me the complete technical control I desire throughout the stringing process. In addition to my Stringway machine where I always use them, I frequently choose to use them with my Baiardo and Star 5.

PBODY99 · Jun 2, 2018

Fixed clamps are the champs.
Stringway, double & triple set best of the rest.

Technatic · Jun 6, 2018

There is one aspect that did not come into this discussion:

Flying clamps do not loose tension towards the frame of the machine because there is no “leakway”.

( like no electric current runs without a connection)

When a fixed clamp takes over the force from the tensioner, the guiding system supplies the force to do that causing the system to deflect a little. Because there is loss of force in every movement (hysteresis) this loss causes loss of tension in the string.

The other advantage of the triple clamp is that the drawback is small when it clamps 3 main strings.

This is why the loss of tension with this clamp is as small as with a good fixed clamp system.

I was informed about this by John Elliot (jayceeparis on this forum), he is the inventor of the triple flying clamp, this pictures comes from him.

am1899 · Jun 7, 2018

^^

Rabbit · Jun 7, 2018

10sDog said:
Floating clamps actually work better in many cases when you want the tension accurately. It often depends on the fixed clamps. I love swivel clamps but they sometimes slip a little and it's hard to get accurate tension at times if there is a slip of even 2-3 mm (that could be a couple pounds or kilo). And swivel clamps won't get into the edge of the racquet as well which means you can lose tension on the last before the knot. Bar clamps hold the best but are less flexible for irregular stringing patterns Bar clamps won't work for a variety of non-parallel irregular stringing patterns (floating works fine unless you are near the grommets or frame). Swivel works best with irregular string patterns. Floating clamps however dig a bit into the 2 strings and may reduce life of the strings but it depends on the stringing and adjustments you make. I rarely have string breakage due to floating clamp. I have strung maybe 7,000 frames. There are just quite a few pros and cons for each type. Ideally, a swivel clamp that can get into the tight spots and doesn't slip. Floating can help stabilize the starter string with a swivel. I use swivels with floating depending on situation.

WTF?

Jerry Seinfeld said:
I prefer flying clamps over fixed clamps. For me, they fit my style of stringing and I can generate the consistent results that I desire with them. I currently use the Stringway double and triple and feel they give me the complete technical control I desire throughout the stringing process. In addition to my Stringway machine where I always use them, I frequently choose to use them with my Baiardo and Star 5.

WTWTF?

You guys must live in either Maine, Massachusetts, Colorado, Nevada, California, Washington, Oregon, or Alaska!

MAX PLY · Jun 7, 2018

^^^Damn, man . . . you should have gotten "The Mightier Sensor with Flying Clamps" (only a limited edition were made!) But, no do-overs!

Rabbit · Jun 7, 2018

MAX PLY said:
^^^Damn, man . . . you should have gotten "The Mightier Sensor with Flying Clamps" (only a limited edition were made!) But, no do-overs!

I did a Google and didn't find any. Then I did a flying-Google and found some. You would simply not believe the prices for the Mightier Sensor with Flying Clamps...through the roof! But still not prohibitive enough for me to consider the lesser Stringway.

am1899 · Jun 7, 2018

Well @Technatic, I’m sorry to say that my experience is not consistent with John Elliot’s claims (yes, I’ve used double and triple Stringway clamps). And the idea that the inventor of the triple clamp says they are just as good as fixed clamps seems less like a convincing argument, and more like a ploy to drive the sale of more triple clamps.

Wes · Jun 7, 2018

am1899 said:
^^

Rabbit said:
WTF?

WTWTF?

You guys must live in either Maine, Massachusetts, Colorado, Nevada, California, Washington, Oregon, or Alaska!

MAX PLY said:
^^^Damn, man . . . you should have gotten "The Mightier Sensor with Flying Clamps" (only a limited edition were made!) But, no do-overs!

I am laughing SOO hard!

Wes · Jun 7, 2018

am1899 said:
^^

Rabbit said:
WTF?

WTWTF?

You guys must live in either Maine, Massachusetts, Colorado, Nevada, California, Washington, Oregon, or Alaska!

MAX PLY said:
^^^Damn, man . . . you should have gotten "The Mightier Sensor with Flying Clamps" (only a limited edition were made!) But, no do-overs!

I am laughing SOO hard!

Agree or disagree on floating clamps

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