Alpha Apex Speed Owners

grhcan99

grhcan99

Semi-Pro
Is there any Alpha Apex Speed (latest model) owners around who wouldn't mind sharing their experience with this machine?

I've looked and most of what I've seen were on the older model. I've inquired with Alpha (Greg) and he recommended the Axis Pro ($799). When I asked why he said that it's the more popular product compared to Apex Speed ($1099). He also said the Apex is heavier so shipping is higher. I told him I didn't mind the price and shipping difference (it wasn't much) and more concerned with features of one over the other. He said if I had the budget to go for the Apex.

Still I'm not too convinced. I've been searching around these forums and haven't seen much definitive talk about and praise for the Apex Speed. My other last-resort option is the Neos 1500 but it's getting there in terms of cost and I'm starting to soften up on the 6-pt mount feature.

I'l take any inputs, hearsay, speculative or first-hand. Thanks.
 
Hearsay:

The gravity release clamps would convince me over the Prince 1500. The suspension mounting is a wash; I don't see the bid deal there.

FWIW: My perfect machine would be an electric with a 2/4 point mount and swivel clamps with gravity release.
 
Gravity release clamps do not decrease your stringing times that much. They're nice, but not a necessity. In the end, both are great fixed clamp systems. Which is why you can find threads about folks buying the Axis Pro.
 
I think you're likely fine with either machine. You can always call the guys at tennis machines dot com as they offer and service both Alpha machines plus others. They may give you some info on reliability, ease of use, etc. across all the machines in your price range. As for the Wise, I'd recommend you use the machine a while before you invest in that to make sure you like stringing but of course, that's your call. Good luck.
 
grhcan99 said:
Forgot to mention, I'm planning to use Wise.
Click to expand...
If you are planning on a machine and then planning on a wise purchase, you may be better off purchasing a decent electronic machine that was designed that way from the beginning.
With Wise units many stringers are happy, but... one issue is the issue with sharp angled pulls, like when you set the table brake to pull on some O Port racquets, as the Wise cannot tolerate that and can damage the machine.
Some electronic machines can take those angled pulls nicely, as some even have automatic brake for table to lock just for those O ports.
Something to keep in mind if you string for many other players in future.
 
jim e said:
If you are planning on a machine and then planning on a wise purchase, you may be better off purchasing a decent electronic machine that was designed that way from the beginning.
With Wise units many stringers are happy, but... one issue is the issue with sharp angled pulls, like when you set the table brake to pull on some O Port racquets, as the Wise cannot tolerate that and can damage the machine.
Some electronic machines can take those angled pulls nicely, as some even have automatic brake for table to lock just for those O ports.
Something to keep in mind if you string for many other players in future.
Click to expand...

I hear you and don't disagree with you one bit. The Ghost is actually high on my list. But then again, I can always put back the crank if I need to do O ports. All I need is a machine with a good brake.
 
MAX PLY said:
I think you're likely fine with either machine. You can always call the guys at tennis machines dot com as they offer and service both Alpha machines plus others. They may give you some info on reliability, ease of use, etc. across all the machines in your price range. As for the Wise, I'd recommend you use the machine a while before you invest in that to make sure you like stringing but of course, that's your call. Good luck.
Click to expand...

I've been stringing on my Ektelon F for quite some time now. I thought it's time to upgrade.
 
grhcan99 said:
I hear you and don't disagree with you one bit. The Ghost is actually high on my list. But then again, I can always put back the crank if I need to do O ports. All I need is a machine with a good brake.
Click to expand...
Once you use electronic you will never want to go back to a crank.
Those with a Wise argue that if power fails they can use a crank.
In reality, if power fails, last thing that you would want to do is string a racquet during a brief power outage.
 
I have a Spinfire Blaze, which is an OEM duplicate of the Apex Speed. I have the optional Automatic Clamps as well. They are either on or off, no variance like normal base clamps for how tight you lock them down. I also have the WISE 2086 with foot pedal. I think you'd have to spend a lot of money to get a better setup than that.
 
Stefanm said:
True, but it's nice to have the crank if you need send the Wise in for a repair
Click to expand...

This is what's stopping me from going for the Ghost. I live in Canada and I don't know how a repair issue is going to be resolved without your stringing activity coming to a halt.

Edit: So how do you home business stringers using electronic machines deal with repair issues that involve downtime and still have rackets to string? Do all of you have spare machines? How often do you experience failures? Do all of you have electronics? What are your backup plans? Any of you have crank + wise setups?
 
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It's looking like I wouldn't be getting any first-hand feedback from a current Apex Speed owner here. Unless I get something definitive I guess I have to cross this out of my list. I don't buy Alpha's argument that it's unpopular because of shipping costs. But I really do appreciate those who have contributed their thoughts here.
 
So just to confirm. Mine basically is an Alpha Apex Speed, but rebranded as a Spinfire. I put the WISE on day one, so no experience with it as a lockout machine.
 
Tordne said:
So just to confirm. Mine basically is an Alpha Apex Speed, but rebranded as a Spinfire. I put the WISE on day one, so no experience with it as a lockout machine.
Click to expand...

Exact specs? How were you able to verify that it's a rebranded Apex Speed? Did Alpha confirm this? Just asking because I remembered seeing a pic of an Eagnas stringer which looked exactly like the Apex Speed. So hope you understand why I need to be sure. Can you send me some pics of your setup?

I did read that you like your setup. So what is in it that you like? Dislikes? And I'm asking in the context of using Wise. Issues that You have encountered? Do you still have 360? Did you use any adapter to get Wise to the right height? Thanks.
 
grhcan99 said:
Exact specs? How were you able to verify that it's a rebranded Apex Speed? Did Alpha confirm this? Just asking because I remembered seeing a pic of an Eagnas stringer which looked exactly like the Apex Speed. So hope you understand why I need to be sure. Can you send me some pics of your setup?

I did read that you like your setup. So what is in it that you like? Dislikes? And I'm asking in the context of using Wise. Issues that You have encountered? Do you still have 360? Did you use any adapter to get Wise to the right height? Thanks.
Click to expand...

Edit: Just been to TW Australia and it's there. Video there mentioned the automatic clamps. Wonder if this is the Gravity-release feature in the Apex Speed.

Edit: They actually sell cranks with Wise
 
I confirmed with Spinfire that is was an Alpha. They seemed surprised that I even asked - but I sort of a details guy :) If you look at the pictures it is impossible to dispute. Everything is absolutely identical.

With the WISE they included a bracket that raises the table up perhaps an inch. That is what allows 360 rotation to be retained. Without that it is not possible with the WISE being as close as I have it. It may work if it was right at the end of the track, but then you need more string length to pull tension. I added the foot pedal afterwards and I really like that.

Nothing I don't like really. One day I might spring for a more expensive machine. But this is doing everything I want and more right now.

Here is a pic from when it was all shiny and new.
Spinfire_Blaze_WISE_1280x960.png
 
grhcan99 said:
Just been to TW Australia and it's there. Video there mentioned the automatic clamps. Wonder if this is the Gravity-release feature in the Apex Speed. They actually sell cranks with Wise
Click to expand...

Note that this site is not actually TW affiliate in AU. That is Tennis Only.
 
Tordne said:
I confirmed with Spinfire that is was an Alpha. They seemed surprised that I even asked - but I sort of a details guy :) If you look at the pictures it is impossible to dispute. Everything is absolutely identical.

With the WISE they included a bracket that raises the table up perhaps an inch. That is what allows 360 rotation to be retained. Without that it is not possible with the WISE being as close as I have it. It may work if it was right at the end of the track, but then you need more string length to pull tension. I added the foot pedal afterwards and I really like that.

Nothing I don't like really. One day I might spring for a more expensive machine. But this is doing everything I want and more right now.

Here is a pic from when it was all shiny and new.
Spinfire_Blaze_WISE_1280x960.png
Click to expand...

Thanks for confirming. Nice pic. I will have to ask Alpha about 360 retention with Wise. Btw are the towers self-centering? Where are the knobs to adjust them?
 
grhcan99 said:
Thanks for confirming. Nice pic. I will have to ask Alpha about 360 retention with Wise. Btw are the towers self-centering? Where are the knobs to adjust them?
Click to expand...

The towers are not self centring unfortunately. See the metal knobs on the end of the turntable (only one shown in picture). There is another set of knobs on the other end. The large wheel moves the racket retention arms, while the smaller one moves the towers in and out. I personally don't have any issue at all with this.
 
Tordne said:
The towers are not self centring unfortunately. See the metal knobs on the end of the turntable (only one shown in picture). There is another set of knobs on the other end. The large wheel moves the racket retention arms, while the smaller one moves the towers in and out. I personally don't have any issue at all with this.
Click to expand...

Nice how they designed those two knobs. No-SC is not a dealbreaker to me either. Just nice to have. Thanks Tordne. Your input has been very helpful.
 
am1899 said:
No offense to the NEOS + WISE setup...but i'd take a hard look at spending another ~ $600 on a brand new Ghost.
Click to expand...

I did. But it won't work. I'm in BC Canada. If it breaks down and I can't fix it what do I do? And I have some rackets to string? What then?

The Neos 1500 + Wise combination is the perfect setup for this particular scenario. I can go back to the crank while the Wise is down and being fixed.
 
I guess if the Wise goes down that often you would need a back up, but in reality do high end machines break down that often?
Yes my machine had LCD screen go out (10 years now with that machine and was only issue) , but was still able to use it and new LCD screen with touch pad came in very short amount of time and parts came from Australia and I am in USA.
If you want electronic, you should look at a machine that was designed that way in my opinion.
 
grhcan99 said:
I did. But it won't work. I'm in BC Canada. If it breaks down and I can't fix it what do I do? And I have some rackets to string? What then?

The Neos 1500 + Wise combination is the perfect setup for this particular scenario. I can go back to the crank while the Wise is down and being fixed.
Click to expand...
IF IT BREAKS DOWN? It sounds like you expect a machine to break down and you want a back up. Chances are the Wise will break down sooner than the 1500 crank so why buy the Wise? And if you switch back and forth between a Wise and a crank chances are your consistency goes out the window.

I've owned a crank, crank and Wise, and an electronic machine. Hands down I'd take the electronic machine day in and day out. If you buy a crank machine and a Wise you're paying a lot of money for a crank you'll never use. Wasted money IMO.
 
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Irvin said:
IF IT BREAKS DOWN? It sounds like you expect a machine to break down and you want a back up. Chances are the Wise will break down sooner than the 1500 crank so why buy the Wise? And if you switch back and forth between a Wise and a crank chances are your consistency goes out the window.

I've own a crank, crank and Wise, and an electronic machine. Hands down I'd take the electronic machine day in and day out. If you buy a crank machine and a Wise you're paying a lot of money for a crank you'll never use. Wasted money IMO.
Click to expand...

Reason I went ahead with this setup is due to uncertainty. I have never used an electronic machine so I don't know what to expect from it. That's why I asked this question earlier but never got a satisfactory answer,

"So how do you home business stringers using electronic machines deal with repair issues that involve downtime and still have rackets to string? Do all of you have spare machines? How often do you experience failures? Do all of you have electronics? What are your backup plans? Any of you have crank + wise setups?"
 
grhcan99 said:
So how do you home business stringers using electronic machines deal with repair issues that involve downtime and still have rackets to string? Do all of you have spare machines?
Click to expand...
Never had a problem but I bought my machine used and it had a bad tension module. I called Babolat and ordered a new tension module which came two day air. It took maybe 5 minutes to replace the module and I put the old unit back in the box and sent it back to Babolat all for <$500.

But like you say it's too late now. I'm sure you'll enjoy you new stringer for years to come. String a couple hundred rackets and your machine is paid for. Then you realize Price does not matter. If you charge $10 and string 600 frames your customers will have paid you enough to buy a new Babolat or Wilson machine. Then what you have left is a quality machine that will string thousands of rackets. Money is no object.
 
Thanks Irvin, but it's not too late yet. Haven't finalize the sale with JC. Planning to today. So any more inputs would be much appreciated.
 
If you're looking for a low priced stringer I'd suggest the Alpha Ghost. Personally I'd go with a Babolat Star 5. Used is ok too is you're looking to keep the price down. The last time I talked to JC about 3 years ago he said used Star 5s go for about $2800. They could even be lower now. Good luck.
 
grhcan99 said:
Do all of you have spare machines? How often do you experience failures? Do all of you have electronics? What are your backup plans?
Click to expand...

Well, I think you have a reliable machine, with the Wise as the "topping".
Do agree with Irvin: (e)CP gives different results as LO. A lot of discussions and (dis)agreements on the #'s you have to use in either system to get same result.

A Stringway would have been another option ;), 10 years warranty (and mine is 30years, works like a charm).
 
My two cents . . . The Neos 1500 without the Wise would likely service you just fine, depending on how much stringing you will really be doing. The Neos is well built and extremely reliable (as were/are it's prior versions), has a superior mounting and clamping system, is very easy to use, maintain and store (you may wish to consider adding coasters), and in those rare instances you may need service, you can send only the part that needs servicing to JC's group (and likewise be assured of the best machine service around). It is more than enough machine for the average stringer. Of course if I were still in the retail stringing business, due to volume and the "glam" factor, I'd certainly have a very nice electronic machine on display in my shop and enjoy the extra ease while stringing a couple of dozens or more frames per day--same if I were a tour stringer. There are definitely some conveniences with high end electronic machines and you will pay for them. I would also add I could care less about the LO versus CP debate--it's a complete red herring--a good stringer can appropriately compensate regardless of the method of pulling tension (it's tension for gosh sake, not splitting the atom)--and if you really want CP without the expense of a decent electronic machine, the Stringway is a fine choice too (very well built). All of that stated, if you really want an electronic machine, Irvin's advice is right on--start at the Ghost (dollar for dollar a great machine) and look what else is in that range at that quality (maybe the Gamma 7900 or 8900 (the latter being more comparable to the Ghost). Good luck (in your current purchase range, you really can't go too far wrong).
 
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Appreciate all the advice and for taking the time. I think I'll go ahead with the Neos 1500. I'll probably return the Wise (haven't unpacked it yet). I was ok with the Ektelon F. I should be more than ok with the Neos. All I'm really initially after is the swivel clamps. No need to spend too much for now. But I know I've got a top-notch machine here.

Again thanks. You've all been a great help.
 
grhcan99 said:
Appreciate all the advice and for taking the time. I think I'll go ahead with the Neos 1500. I'll probably return the Wise (haven't unpacked it yet). I was ok with the Ektelon F. I should be more than ok with the Neos. All I'm really initially after is the swivel clamps. No need to spend too much for now. But I know I've got a top-notch machine here.

Again thanks. You've all been a great help.
Click to expand...
Good luck. You should be able to sell your F unless you traded it in with your purchase of the 1500. Too bad I am too far from Canada--otherwise I'd buy it and try one of the DT Stringer upgrade kits.
 
grhcan99 said:
"So how do you home business stringers using electronic machines deal with repair issues that involve downtime and still have rackets to string? Do all of you have spare machines? How often do you experience failures? Do all of you have electronics? What are your backup plans? Any of you have crank + wise setups?"
Click to expand...

To answer your question, I have two machines. I currently have a Baiardo and a Gamma Progression ELS. I have not had the Baiardo very long as I purchased it as an upgrade just last year. Before the Baiardo I had two of the Gamma machines. I had a primary and a back up. The back up was and still is used mainly for tournaments. If I get behind I bring in someone to help string. That said, I have never had a problem with any of the machines I have had. I started stringing for the public around 6 years ago, and have never had a machine down for maintenance. I keep them clean, calibrated, and don't abuse them.
 
grhcan99 said:
"So how do you home business stringers using electronic machines deal with repair issues that involve downtime and still have rackets to string? Do all of you have spare machines? How often do you experience failures? Do all of you have electronics? What are your backup plans? Any of you have crank + wise setups?"
Click to expand...
like I said earlier, in 10 years with electronic machine only one time the LCD screen went bad. I could have still strung as controls still worked, just the screen did not show the tension, but since the machine starts up at 50 lbs, I only needed to count up from that with each push of the key pad, but I opted to tell customers that machine was down, and you know what.... Every one of them waited for it to be repaired, rather than go elsewhere as they all had back up racquets.1 time in 10 years is not bad
 
Herb said:
To answer your question, I have two machines. I currently have a Baiardo and a Gamma Progression ELS. I have not had the Baiardo very long as I purchased it as an upgrade just last year. Before the Baiardo I had two of the Gamma machines. I had a primary and a back up. The back up was and still is used mainly for tournaments. If I get behind I bring in someone to help string. That said, I have never had a problem with any of the machines I have had. I started stringing for the public around 6 years ago, and have never had a machine down for maintenance. I keep them clean, calibrated, and don't abuse them.
Click to expand...

You answered my question Herb. Thanks.
 
jim e said:
like I said earlier, in 10 years with electronic machine only one time the LCD screen went bad. I could have still strung as controls still worked, just the screen did not show the tension, but since the machine starts up at 50 lbs, I only needed to count up from that with each push of the key pad, but I opted to tell customers that machine was down, and you know what.... Every one of them waited for it to be repaired, rather than go elsewhere as they all had back up racquets.1 time in 10 years is not bad
Click to expand...

Good to know Jim. Thanks.
 
I don't think you can go wrong with the Alpha. Gamma. Wilson, SAM, Prince, Babolat, or any other (electronic) machine you decide on.
 
Irvin said:
I don't think you can go wrong with the Alpha. Gamma. Wilson, SAM, Prince, Babolat, or any other (electronic) machine you decide on.
Click to expand...

Thanks Irvin. I have just placed an order with JC. Spoke with him on the phone. He price-matched TW. Just happy to give him my business. Now I can catch up on some sleep. It's been a wild ride and happy and thankful to get your acquaintance.
 
So now I have the reknowned Neos 1500, my old faithful Ektelon F and the ambitious Wise. What more do I need.
 
grhcan99 said:
So now I have the reknowned Neos 1500, my old faithful Ektelon F and the ambitious Wise. What more do I need.
Click to expand...
If you have 2 machines why then do you need a back up if Wise goes down ?In other words since you had old faithful model F why then get a Wise for reason to have another back up?? As if you got an electronic and if by remote chance it is down, then you had your model F.
I would assume most stringers do not have another back up machine.
 
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grhcan99 said:
I did. But it won't work. I'm in BC Canada. If it breaks down and I can't fix it what do I do? And I have some rackets to string? What then?

The Neos 1500 + Wise combination is the perfect setup for this particular scenario. I can go back to the crank while the Wise is down and being fixed.
Click to expand...

Didnt see that you had mentioned that you're in Canada earlier in the thread. Sorry, my bad.
 
jim e said:
If you have 2 machines why then do you need a back up if Wise goes down ?In other words since you had old faithful model F why then get a Wise for reason to have another back up?? As if you got an electronic and if by remote chance it is down, then you had your model F.
I would assume most stringers do not have another back up machine.
Click to expand...

My initial plan was to sell the old faithful. But I've decided I'll keep it for a while just for sentimental reasons
 
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