Prince Neos 1500 or Gamma 6004

cap.phillips · Jun 22, 2011

I am upgrading to a new stringer from my current drop-weight tabletop and have narrowed it down to these 2. (Prince Neos 1500 and Gamma 6004). Can anyone give feedback on one or the other or both? I only know what I have read in various reviews but would like to get a few more opinions as far as pros/cons. I am leaning towards the Prince Neos but the Gamma is the same price and comes with tools included.(Not that that will be the deal breaker). Also, if I went with the Gamma would you recommend the 2 or 6 point mount? Any help is appreciated.

Tennishacker · Jun 22, 2011

Get the NEOS, I've had mine Ektelon/Neos since 1994. Never had a problem. My club has a Gamma 5800, poorly made, plastic pieces falling off mounting system.

Rabbit · Jun 22, 2011

I have strung on the 1500 and it is really nice. The brake on that machine is far superior to the one on the 1000. The clamps are also super sweet.

That said, a buddy of mine has a Gamma 6004 and it's a well built machine as well.

I don't think you could go wrong with either.

cap.phillips · Jun 22, 2011

Thanks for the info Rabbit. Actually, since you have strung on both the Neos 1500 and 1000....Did you find the elevated table on the 1500 was hard to get used to or wasn't it an issue? Thanks.

Rabbit · Jun 23, 2011

You mean with respect to 360 degree rotation? No, not at all. The biggest difference to me was locking the base of the clamps....you don't remember that...you start over.

Gamma Tech · Jun 23, 2011

Tennishacker said:
Get the NEOS, I've had mine Ektelon/Neos since 1994. Never had a problem. My club has a Gamma 5800, poorly made, plastic pieces falling off mounting system.

if this is the only complaint you have about the 5800 then i'm/we are really happy.
bret

Steve Huff · Jun 23, 2011

What is that supposed to mean? Are you saying that Gamma plastic parts should be expected to fall off? I've seen some of their top of the line machines, and they look really sturdy.

Gamma Tech · Jun 23, 2011

Steve Huff said:
What is that supposed to mean? Are you saying that Gamma plastic parts should be expected to fall off? I've seen some of their top of the line machines, and they look really sturdy.

No, we don't expect the pads to fall off but they are made to be replaceable and i wouldn't consider it poorly made because of this. I would think a lot bigger issue like metal parts breaking, sloppy fit between parts, parts stripped, electronics malfunction stuff like that would be poor quality. if the pads falling off make a poor quality machine then what would you consider an Eagnas machine (sorry for picking on them but good for my example)?

bret

Tennishacker · Jun 25, 2011

Gamma Tech said:
No, we don't expect the pads to fall off but they are made to be replaceable and i wouldn't consider it poorly made because of this. I would think a lot bigger issue like metal parts breaking, sloppy fit between parts, parts stripped, electronics malfunction stuff like that would be poor quality. if the pads falling off make a poor quality machine then what would you consider an Eagnas machine (sorry for picking on them but good for my example)?

bret

Think about it, you pay 2000K, then you have these plastic mount pieces break/fall off your stringer. Now you have to tape them back on to string while you wait for the new pieces to come in the mail.

To me that's not acceptable.

kchau · Jun 25, 2011

Tennishacker said:
Think about it, you pay 2000K, then you have these plastic mount pieces break/fall off your stringer. Now you have to tape them back on to string while you wait for the new pieces to come in the mail.

To me that's not acceptable.

plastic pieces are designed to be soft/not dent your rackets. so they will deform over time. when i strung on star 3's, we strung so many rackets that we were going through the center plastic pieces pretty quickly. and they would fall off from time to time as well. you cant expect these things to last forever.

sstchur · Jun 26, 2011

The Gamma 6004 is an amazingly well built machine. I started out with a table top Silent Partner, then moved to an upright Mutual Power Titan 7700.

The Titan was very solid and very well built, but the Gamma 6004 is one another level entirely. Not only is it well built, but it's SMOOTH as butter.

The Gamma 6004 made me realize how much I was missing before. It doesn't just make stringing a bit easier than my previous machines, it makes it more enjoyable.

I haven't used the Neos 1500 so I can't comment, but I'd be really really surprised if you went with a Gamma 6004 and had any disappointment at all.

4sound · Jun 27, 2011

I've tried both and now own the 6004 2pt. I've added a Wise head. 6004 is nicer IMO.

quest01 · Jun 29, 2011

I'm also thinking about buying a new stringer and kind of stuck between these two. I'm looking for a 2 pt system so it has a more open look when a racquet is mounted plus it doesn't block any of the grommets as the 6pt does. It says the Gamma 6004 comes with diamond coated stringing clamps not sure if that makes a difference compared to the clamps on the 1500.

cap.phillips · Jun 29, 2011

Ok so I've been swayed toward the Gamma 6004 over the Prince Neos after more research but now I need to decide between the 2pt or 6pt. I know there are threads on 2pt vs 6pt but I am wondering if anyone here has used the Gamma 6004 with 6pt mount. To me the 6pt looks simple to use and would appear to secure the racquet better. I am concerned with blocked grommets and ease of stringing though. Any inputs?

sstchur · Jun 29, 2011

cap.phillips said:
Ok so I've been swayed toward the Gamma 6004 over the Prince Neos after more research but now I need to decide between the 2pt or 6pt. I know there are threads on 2pt vs 6pt but I am wondering if anyone here has used the Gamma 6004 with 6pt mount. To me the 6pt looks simple to use and would appear to secure the racquet better. I am concerned with blocked grommets and ease of stringing though. Any inputs?

I have a 6pt, but honestly think I'd be just as happy with the 2pt. Blocked grommets aren't really a problem if you just take a min or two to make sure there won't be any before you mount. There are micro-adjusters that can help you avoid this, if you care to use them.

I'm happy with the 6pt. But I don't think you can go wrong with either, honestly.

COPEY · Jun 29, 2011

Just to be clear, when someone says 6-pt mounting systems block grommets, it's not like you have to take special precautions or they're inacessible unless you go through a series of steps to "unblock" them. It's merely a matter of feeding the string through more from the left or the right to gain access to the frame's grommet.

4sound · Jun 29, 2011

I went through the same decision on getting the 6pt or 2pt 6004 a couple of years ago.

I've strung for +20 years and always had a 6pt type machine but I went with the 2pt this time. I personally now prefer the 2pt system. I notice that its a bit easier to secure the frame where it doesn't move with the 2pt. I never think about blocked holes now.

To be honest, it wasn't really a big deal before with the 6pt machines. Every once in a while with the 6pt, blocked holes were an issue but nothing major that would prevent me from stringing the racket.

My friend has the 6pt 6004 and its also a great machine. You can't go wrong with either.

GlenK · Jun 30, 2011

I have a six point and simply taking a couple minutes to adjust the the mounting system there's hardly ever an issue with blocked holes.

quest01 · Jun 30, 2011

If it was me I'd go with the 2pt with the 6004, the arms on this machine look huge compared to other machines, I'd prefer the open space of the 2pt. I'm also looking to upgrade my machine and narrowed it between these two.

4sound · Jun 30, 2011

The other feature the 6004 has that the 1500 doesn't have is the centering towers. On the 6004 you turn the knob on the end and both tower move in or out (depending on which way you turn it). This makes it very easy to center any racket size. The 6pt 6004 also has this.

sstchur · Jul 6, 2011

4sound said:
The other feature the 6004 has that the 1500 doesn't have is the centering towers. On the 6004 you turn the knob on the end and both tower move in or out (depending on which way you turn it). This makes it very easy to center any racket size. The 6pt 6004 also has this.

Yeah, the self-centering mounting system is really really nice! It's a huge plus and one of the things I appreciate most about my 6004, over previous machines I've had.

Irvin · Jul 6, 2011

4sound said:
The other feature the 6004 has that the 1500 doesn't have is the centering towers. On the 6004 you turn the knob on the end and both tower move in or out (depending on which way you turn it). This makes it very easy to center any racket size. The 6pt 6004 also has this.

What you are describing is the 2 pt self centering mounting system. The 6 pt does not work the same. On the 6 pt version you turn one knob to move the bottom two outside supports in simultaneously and that centers the 12 o'clock support. The 2 pt is also more expensive.

Irvin

cap.phillips · Jul 6, 2011

Irvin said:
What you are describing is the 2 pt self centering mounting system. The 6 pt does not work the same. On the 6 pt version you turn one knob to move the bottom two outside supports in simultaneously and that centers the 12 o'clock support. The 2 pt is also more expensive.

Irvin

Right now TW has both the 2-pt and the 6-pt for the same price. From your post I see you use the 6-pt. Do you find you find that you can mount the racquet fairly quickly? I am not a high volume stringer by any means but was just interested in your opinion on it. I think right now I am about 90% sure I am going with the 6-pt.

sstchur · Jul 6, 2011

Irvin said:
What you are describing is the 2 pt self centering mounting system. The 6 pt does not work the same. On the 6 pt version you turn one knob to move the bottom two outside supports in simultaneously and that centers the 12 o'clock support. The 2 pt is also more expensive.

Irvin

I'm confused. It sounds like, based on what you wrote, you are saying the same thing as 4sound.

I have a 6004 SC, and I turn a single knob at the base and both towers move in (or out depending on which way you turn) simultaneously, just like he described.

Irvin · Jul 6, 2011

cap.phillips said:
Right now TW has both the 2-pt and the 6-pt for the same price. From your post I see you use the 6-pt. Do you find you find that you can mount the racquet fairly quickly? I am not a high volume stringer by any means but was just interested in your opinion on it. I think right now I am about 90% sure I am going with the 6-pt.

Bret from Gamma set me straight both stringers are the same price. I am not sure how the 2 pt works as far as how it centers but it has to be different than he 6 pt. Since I have the 6 pt I will speak only to that. I mount the frame where the 6 and 12 o'clock supports are inside the frame and turn the knob that adjust the 4 and 8 o'clock support against the racket and centers the frame on the stringer. That takes maybe 5 seconds. Then I turn the knob that spreads the 6 and 12 o'clock supports against the frame. As I do this the 4 and 8 supports move with the 6o'clock support. That is maybe another 5 seconds. Then I turn the knob that adjusts the 2 and 10 o'clock supports in. 15 seconds maybe and I am done and the racket is perfectly centered every time.

Irvin

Irvin · Jul 6, 2011

sstchur said:
I'm confused. It sounds like, based on what you wrote, you are saying the same thing as 4sound.

I have a 6004 SC, and I turn a single knob at the base and both towers move in (or out depending on which way you turn) simultaneously, just like he described.

This is correct same with mine. But he has a 2 pt and how that centers the racket I am not sure so I am going to stay out of that.

On the 6 pt machine there are 5 adjustments one for the 6 and 12, 1 for the 2 and 10, 1 for the 4 and 8, a micro adjust for the 12, and a micro adjust for the 6. I seldom use the micro adjustments. Many machines have individual adjustments for each of the 6 supports.

Irvin

sstchur · Jul 6, 2011

Here is a photo of my 6004:

https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=27CC689AC93C92FA&id=27CC689AC93C92FA%21354

The large knobs on either side (with the "finger grooves" for lack of a better term) move the arms in and out.

The smaller knobs at the bottom on either side both do the same thing, which is move the towers simultaneously in or out. Turn a know on one side automatically turns the knob on the other side. I do not have to turn both of them (and I never do, as it would be pointless).

There is yet one more set of even smaller knobs which you cannot see from the photo. They are directly underneath the larger knobs at the top, but situation such that you can't see them in this photo. They are the micro-adjuster knobs, which allow you to move the 6 and 12 mount points in or out individually.

That's how my version of the 6004 works anyway.

cap.phillips · Jul 6, 2011

Irvin said:
What you are describing is the 2 pt self centering mounting system. The 6 pt does not work the same. On the 6 pt version you turn one knob to move the bottom two outside supports in simultaneously and that centers the 12 o'clock support. The 2 pt is also more expensive.

Irvin

sstchur said:
Here is a photo of my 6004:

https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=27CC689AC93C92FA&id=27CC689AC93C92FA%21354

The large knobs on either side (with the "finger grooves" for lack of a better term) move the arms in and out.

The smaller knobs at the bottom on either side both do the same thing, which is move the towers simultaneously in or out. Turn a know on one side automatically turns the knob on the other side. I do not have to turn both of them (and I never do, as it would be pointless).

There is yet one more set of even smaller knobs which you cannot see from the photo. They are directly underneath the larger knobs at the top, but situation such that you can't see them in this photo. They are the micro-adjuster knobs, which allow you to move the 6 and 12 mount points in or out individually.

That's how my version of the 6004 works anyway.

Thanks for the info. It is much appreciated. Nice pics too....Just curious though, are the little red shoes in background of the second pic your "off-court shoes"?

sstchur · Jul 6, 2011

cap.phillips said:
Thanks for the info. It is much appreciated. Nice pics too....Just curious though, are the little red shoes in background of the second pic your "off-court shoes"?

You like my sparkly red slippers?

They are my 3 yr old daughter's. She LOVES everything sparkly.

LttlElvis · Jul 6, 2011

I have a 2pt 6004.

2 pt and 6 pt cost the same. Both are self centering and work exactly the same. Self centering means the throat and head mounting points move in unison, and always are equidistant from the center. The adjustment is at the bottom of the table.

Mounting of the 2 pt and 6 pt takes about the same amount of time.

Personally, I think the 2 pt holds the racquet extremely stable, similar to the old Prince Neos. One minor problem with the 2pt is if a racquet has a tapered head ( thicker at the head and thinner at the throat) the racquet is mounted at a slightly downward angle. I am sure this is the same for the NEOS 1000. The problem with the slight downward angle, is the mounting can scratch the racquets paintjob if you are not careful. I found out the hardway and did it once. It's an easy fix though. Just use a piece of leather or rubbery cabinet liners as a shim. The NEOS 1000 has plastic shims to raise the racquet. I imagine the 1500 has shims too. My old Eagnas had shims. The Gamma 6004 does not.

I've used both 6 pt and 2 pt Gamma 6004 models. In my opinion, the 2 pt mounting actually feels like it holds the racquet firmer, while the 6 pt mounting feels like it holds the racquet more balanced. (If that makes sense)

Irvin · Jul 7, 2011

"I see," said the blind man as he picked up his hammer and saw. The 2 pt only centers the racket head to throat not side to side. The 6 pt centers the racket head to throat and side to side.

Maybe there is a little confusion about just what self centering does. There is one adjustment for the 12 and 6 supports (there is actually a knob on each end of one shaft.) When the top and bottom supports are moved they move in unison. They both go out or in at the same rate so the center point between the head and throat remains in center of the turn table.

The 6 pt goes a bit further. There is one adjustment for the 4 / 8 supports and another adjustment for the 2 / 10 supports. As the adjustments are made the side supports both move in unison so a pair of supports remain equidistant a centerline from the 6 / 12 supports.

I mount the frame with the 6 / 12 support inside the frame but not touching the frame. I move the frame against the 6 o'clock support and turn in the 4 / 8 supports. The frame is now centered on the turntable in boht a horizontal and vertical position. I adjust the 6 / 12 supports to touch the frame (the 4 / 8 supports don't change) then adjust the 2 / 10 supports.

If that does not make sense I can make a video later.

Irvin

Gamma Tech · Jul 7, 2011

LttlElvis said:
I have a 2pt 6004.

2 pt and 6 pt cost the same. Both are self centering and work exactly the same. Self centering means the throat and head mounting points move in unison, and always are equidistant from the center. The adjustment is at the bottom of the table.

Looks like everybody is on the same page and the more recent posts are correct about the self-centering TT.

LttlElvis said:
Personally, I think the 2 pt holds the racquet extremely stable, similar to the old Prince Neos. One minor problem with the 2pt is if a racquet has a tapered head (thicker at the head and thinner at the throat) the racquet is mounted at a slightly downward angle. I am sure this is the same for the NEOS 1000. The problem with the slight downward angle, is the mounting can scratch the racquets paintjob if you are not careful. I found out the hardway and did it once. It's an easy fix though. Just use a piece of leather or rubbery cabinet liners as a shim. The NEOS 1000 has plastic shims to raise the racquet. I imagine the 1500 has shims too. My old Eagnas had shims. The Gamma 6004 does not.

if you have this problem you can mount the racquet as pictured below. Then it won't get damaged. this info is in the manual too.

bret

LttlElvis · Jul 7, 2011

Thanks Bret. I should re-read the manual. That's a pretty simple fix. That Babolot Aeropro Drive is the exact racquet I chipped the paint. Looks like the only problem is the first few mains are a little harder to get to.

Irvin · Jul 7, 2011

LttlElvis said:
Thanks Bret. I should re-read the manual. That's a pretty simple fix. That Babolot Aeropro Drive is the exact racquet I chipped the paint. Looks like the only problem is the first few mains are a little harder to get to.

Run the mains strings in the throat before you mount the racket. From the looks of it I don't know how you will pull tension.

Irvin

bigmalik76 · May 8, 2012

I was reading through this thread as I am coming to the same cross roads as cap.phillips did when he started the thread. Looks like the consensus gives the edge to the 6004 with even support for either 2pt or 6pt mounting. Since the start of this post has anything changed? have there been issues that have come up since then? Did cap.phillips end up getting 6004? Any more feedback would be appreciated.Thanks

Irvin · May 8, 2012

If you ever plan to string any other rackets other than tennis I would get the 6 pt.

Clintspin · May 8, 2012

Gamma Tech, I would have to say that picture scares me. The throat of that racquet has no inside support. Seems like it would be very hard on a frame.

bigmalik76 · May 8, 2012

Irvin said:
If you ever plan to string any other rackets other than tennis I would get the 6 pt.

So if you only string Tennis rackets and never plan for anything else would get a 2pt instead or stick with 6pt

Irvin · May 8, 2012

I would stick with the 6 pt but many others wouldn't, and I am not going there.

sstchur · May 8, 2012

I have a 6pt 6004 and a 2pt 8800 (well "baby" 8800). I like the 2pt. It never gets in the way. I like my 6pt too, but I would probably almost always choose 2pt if given the choice.

Personally, I like the concept of 2pt better. The frame is undergoing a lot of stress when it's strung, and I prefer direct mounts at 6 and 12 so that whatever natural deformation is going to occur can occur equally around the frame.

But I'm not bad-mouthing 6pt. I have one, and I like it, and I would not hesitate to use it if for some reason my electronic were on the fritz. I have full confidence in both mounting systems.

bigmalik76 · May 8, 2012

sstchur said:
I have a 6pt 6004 and a 2pt 8800 (well "baby" 8800). I like the 2pt. It never gets in the way. I like my 6pt too, but I would probably almost always choose 2pt if given the choice.

Personally, I like the concept of 2pt better. The frame is undergoing a lot of stress when it's strung, and I prefer direct mounts at 6 and 12 so that whatever natural deformation is going to occur can occur equally around the frame.

But I'm not bad-mouthing 6pt. I have one, and I like it, and I would not hesitate to use it if for some reason my electronic were on the fritz. I have full confidence in both mounting systems.

Thank you for the response. I also have confidence in both systems but have only used a 2pt mount (Klippermate) since I have started stringing. I was just trying to get a better idea from stringers that have used, or are using 2pt and 6pt mounts.

Squidward · May 8, 2012

I've used both type of mounts. My preferance is a 6 point. Less deformation of the racquet and better stability in the mounting. (IMO).

I installed a 6 pt on my Toalson D (Glide Bar) and it works very well.

xiaobo · May 8, 2012

bigmalik76 said:
So if you only string Tennis rackets and never plan for anything else would get a 2pt instead or stick with 6pt

I have Gamma 6900 ELS String Machine with 2 Point SC Mount. The 2 point mounting system is very hard to install main strings of racquetball racquets. However, it is pretty easy to string most tennis racquets with some exceptions such as Volkl Power Bridge 5 which is impossible to be mounted with 2 point mounting system. Comparing with 6 point mounting system, it is easier to install cross strings of all kinds of racquets.

Here is the link to my thread about 2 point system: http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=406027. If you really string for tennis racquets only, 2 point system is good to go. But if there is any chance you need to string racquetball racquets for your friends, then get 6 point system.

Xiaobo.

cap.phillips · May 8, 2012

bigmalik76 said:
I was reading through this thread as I am coming to the same cross roads as cap.phillips did when he started the thread. Looks like the consensus gives the edge to the 6004 with even support for either 2pt or 6pt mounting. Since the start of this post has anything changed? have there been issues that have come up since then? Did cap.phillips end up getting 6004? Any more feedback would be appreciated.Thanks

I ended up getting the GAMMA 6004 with 6pt. I bought it about 7 months ago and have not regretted it one bit. It has been rock solid since day one. I don't string high volume and have probably only done 50-60 jobs on it so far. From what I can tell it will serve me for many years to come though. I do plan to upgrade to a Wise 2086 in the next couple months. The crank works just fine but I would still like the upgrade. While I can't speak for the Neos1500 or 2pt mount system I would highly recommend the GAMMA 6004. It was money well spent.

zapvor · May 8, 2012

yea i dont like the lack of centering on the neos

bigmalik76 · May 9, 2012

cap.phillips said:
I ended up getting the GAMMA 6004 with 6pt. I bought it about 7 months ago and have not regretted it one bit. It has been rock solid since day one. I don't string high volume and have probably only done 50-60 jobs on it so far. From what I can tell it will serve me for many years to come though. I do plan to upgrade to a Wise 2086 in the next couple months. The crank works just fine but I would still like the upgrade. While I can't speak for the Neos1500 or 2pt mount system I would highly recommend the GAMMA 6004. It was money well spent.

In the 7 months how many times have you had to calibrate the crank? and if the crank needs recalibration what is the amount of work involved?

cap.phillips · May 9, 2012

bigmalik76 said:
In the 7 months how many times have you had to calibrate the crank? and if the crank needs recalibration what is the amount of work involved?

As of yet I have not had to calibrate the tensioner. When I first bought it I also picked up a tension calibrator. As of a few weeks ago the machine was right on the money. Not really sure how often an adjustment needs to be made. Maybe someone here with more experience with the 6004 can answer that. Irvin??

sstchur · May 9, 2012

cap.phillips said:
As of yet I have not had to calibrate the tensioner. When I first bought it I also picked up a tension calibrator. As of a few weeks ago the machine was right on the money. Not really sure how often an adjustment needs to be made. Maybe someone here with more experience with the 6004 can answer that. Irvin??

There are two small adjustment screws -- it's not difficult. I think Irvin did a video of it once. But if you can't find that, it should be in the manual:

http://206.210.94.83/collaterals/pdf/MG63-5.pdf

Skip to the Maintenance and Adjustments section

Rjtennis · May 9, 2012

I have a Neos 1500 and I absolutely love it! It is a very well built machine and I would buy it again in a heart beat.

Prince Neos 1500 or Gamma 6004

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