Wanting a new machine, need suggestions

abenguyen

Hall of Fame
Recently picked up tennis again and playing more often. I've been using an old Klippermate dropweight since 2007 and I think it's time for an upgrade.

What I want: fixed clamps, 6 pt mount preferable, stand is a plus (aka non table top), crank (just cause I don't have the money for an electric unless it's a good deal)

Looking to spend $300-350. Any in that price range that meet my wants?

(this is not a WTB thread, I'm looking for suggestions and recommendations of machines)
 
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DUO

New User
I bought a used gamma 5003 2pt for 300 plus 150 for shipping, it had some missing parts but it only cost me 30 bucks to get it working. It was three or four months ago, on fle**** btw
 

gmatheis

Hall of Fame
Emailed you but not what I'm looking for.

I need suggestions and recommendations people! Anyone?

you are going to be hard pressed to get what you want for that price. You have basicly described a gamma progression st II with the specs you want but the price for one of those new is $729

Your best bet is to check the big auction site and craigs place on a daily basis and look for a used stringer. Maybe pick up an old workhorse ektelon/prince type machine with the glidebars. Just be careful, I often check myself to see what might be out there and have seen a bunch that I would stay away from (all covered in rust etc)

You could also try your luck with Eagnas ... I wouldnt personally but some people have luck with them while others dont. They're not the same level of quality as an alpha/gamma or prince/ektelon though

One last idea .. if you play at a club you could maybe put the word out that you are in the market for something ... perhaps someone there is upgrading and you could get a deal on their old one.
 

abenguyen

Hall of Fame
I bought a used gamma 5003 2pt for 300 plus 150 for shipping, it had some missing parts but it only cost me 30 bucks to get it working. It was three or four months ago, on fle**** btw

Haha 150 for shipping sounds about right. That's a pretty good deal sounds like. I'll check it out.

you are going to be hard pressed to get what you want for that price. You have basicly described a gamma progression st II with the specs you want but the price for one of those new is $729

Your best bet is to check the big auction site and craigs place on a daily basis and look for a used stringer. Maybe pick up an old workhorse ektelon/prince type machine with the glidebars. Just be careful, I often check myself to see what might be out there and have seen a bunch that I would stay away from (all covered in rust etc)

You could also try your luck with Eagnas ... I wouldnt personally but some people have luck with them while others dont. They're not the same level of quality as an alpha/gamma or prince/ektelon though

One last idea .. if you play at a club you could maybe put the word out that you are in the market for something ... perhaps someone there is upgrading and you could get a deal on their old one.

That's what I thought. I've heard the same regarding Eagnas, some good some bad but they seem very reasonably price. Maybe that's why lol. Sucks I don't play at a club, but I do play with friends at my university alumni. I'll talk to some of them more about it.
 

COPEY

Hall of Fame
@ abenguyen - on the plus side you're not without a machine, so you're able to string your racquet(s) whenever you need to. The above posters are correct; you're not going to find the features you want with respect to yur price range. My suggestion, as painful as it may be, is to tough it out with the Klippermate for several more months, then pull the trigger on a Alpha/Gamma/Prince upright.
 

abenguyen

Hall of Fame
@ abenguyen - on the plus side you're not without a machine, so you're able to string your racquet(s) whenever you need to. The above posters are correct; you're not going to find the features you want with respect to yur price range. My suggestion, as painful as it may be, is to tough it out with the Klippermate for several more months, then pull the trigger on a Alpha/Gamma/Prince upright.

Very true. I have been fine with this stringer for 5 years now...what's a few more months of 45-60 min stringings right?
 

beernutz

Hall of Fame
Very true. I have been fine with this stringer for 5 years now...what's a few more months of 45-60 min stringings right?
I agree with Copey, you're in a really good position in that you are in no rush to buy since you've got a K'mate. I used searchtempest.com to find the machine I was looking for on craigslist. It allowed me to also easily search the craigslists in cities where my brothers and sister live for exactly the machine I wanted, which is ultimately how I found my Neos. I sent him the money and my brother bought it for me and brought it to our next family get together.
 

diredesire

Adjunct Moderator
Recently picked up tennis again and playing more often. I've been using an old Klippermate dropweight since 2007 and I think it's time for an upgrade.

What I want: fixed clamps, 6 pt mount preferable, stand is a plus (aka non table top), crank (just cause I don't have the money for an electric unless it's a good deal)

Looking to spend $300-350. Any in that price range that meet my wants?

(this is not a WTB thread, I'm looking for suggestions and recommendations of machines)

Yeeeeeeah... even used, look to increase your budget to at the MINIMUM $500 for what you want. It's more realistic to look in the 700$ range. If you've got any sporting goods stores that have recently gone out of business, you might be able to find a pretty decent machine for around $400.
 

abenguyen

Hall of Fame
I agree with Copey, you're in a really good position in that you are in no rush to buy since you've got a K'mate. I used searchtempest.com to find the machine I was looking for on craigslist. It allowed me to also easily search the craigslists in cities where my brothers and sister live for exactly the machine I wanted, which is ultimately how I found my Neos. I sent him the money and my brother bought it for me and brought it to our next family get together.

Yeeeeeeah... even used, look to increase your budget to at the MINIMUM $500 for what you want. It's more realistic to look in the 700$ range. If you've got any sporting goods stores that have recently gone out of business, you might be able to find a pretty decent machine for around $400.

Very valid points thanks. I may have to hold off on it then. For now I'll look locally.
 
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