Since we have 8 racquets among the 4 tennis players in our family we’ve decided to get a home stringer. I think we’ve narrowed it down to the Apex Speed and the 350-CS. It looks like the Apex Speed replaced the Apex II which has been well reviewed. However, I haven’t been able to find any reviews of the Apex Speed. Looks like the 350-CS is well reviewed as well but a couple hundred dollars more than the Apex Speed. Anyone have any experience with the Apex Speed and how it compares to the 350-CS? Thanks!
Alpha Apex Speed vs Tourna 350-CS
- Thread starter Prosper
- Start date
ryushen21
Legend
Those are both excellent choices for a home stringer. As @struggle mentioned, the edge would have to go to the Axis Speed due to the base clamps since the 350 hasn't been updated with Tourna's newer press-down clamps. I believe you can add them afterward, but that's an added cost where the Axis Speed would be ready to go right out of the box.
I found a retailer for the CS-350 that states:
Now includes the new CNC swivel clamps
Fully CNC Crafted
Made with 7075 aluminum alloy
Sandblasted process to add more friction to the string
Ultra-hard anodizing treatment
Redistributed teeth pitch and length for better fit with various racquets
Unique dial plate design to prevent slippage
Are these the newer press-down clamps? This retailer has the CS-350 for $100 less than the Apex Speed.
@Prosper,
You are confusing the string clamps with the "down press" base clamps.
The info. you've pasted above is regarding the machine's string clamps.
@Prosper,
No worries, & no apologies necessary.
When you're first starting out, as they say - "you don't know what you don't know".
After all, we all had to start somewhere.
Whilst these aren't the base clamps, I think they might be the same string clamps that Tourna ships with its top-end machines. That makes is an interesting choice - these are likely better string clamps than come with the Alpha, but the Alpha has gravity release bases where the Tourna doesn't. I've never used gravity release so don't know how big a deal it might be... you don't miss what you never had!
I think I might edge in favour of the Tourna - I own a mid-range machine not dissimilar to this pair, and whilst I've never had a base clamp slip, I have with the string clamp. So for me, the upgraded string clamp probably edges it over the gravity release base. I would suggest you won't go wrong with either though.
Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
The gravity release does work IF THE CLAMP FALLS. In my experience using mine, the clamp won’t fall more often than not. Also using the gravity release requires 2 separate motions. You must release the clamp then move you hand to move the base. I feel like it’s easier to run my palm over the push down release before releasing the clamp. Base first then the clamp. Of course I’m not sure if the push down bases are an option on the 350. I’m pretty sure they can be added after, but I can’t seeing buying 2 sets of bases and only using 1 set.
The gravity release is not the true bonus of the clamps in question vs the tourna clamps.
The switch action vs cone lock is the MUCH bigger gain. Gravity release is merely a potential cherry on top, so to speak.
As far as string clamps, I don’t think any difference in them would amount to much compared to the much larger gain in Alpha base clamps.
The switch action vs cone lock is the MUCH bigger gain. Gravity release is merely a potential cherry on top, so to speak.
As far as string clamps, I don’t think any difference in them would amount to much compared to the much larger gain in Alpha base clamps.
They're not what I would consider cone lock, they're spring assisted.
In my definition, cone lock require about a 270 degree movement of the lever to open and close, and look something like this:
Spring assisted require 45 - 90 degrees of movement depending on how tight they are. When I was buying around 15 years ago, they tended to look like this:
Some of the newer machines have spring assisted bases with a different design. The ones on the Tourna 350-CS fall into this category (the best photo I can find of them includes the whole machine, apologies for the size):
In practice, I've found these just as easy to use - if not easier because the lever is bigger and overhangs the base. It really is like flipping a switch, which is where I assumed the name came from. If there's another category that uses an actual switch rather than a spring, I'm not sure I've come across it.
In my definition, cone lock require about a 270 degree movement of the lever to open and close, and look something like this:
Spring assisted require 45 - 90 degrees of movement depending on how tight they are. When I was buying around 15 years ago, they tended to look like this:
Some of the newer machines have spring assisted bases with a different design. The ones on the Tourna 350-CS fall into this category (the best photo I can find of them includes the whole machine, apologies for the size):
In practice, I've found these just as easy to use - if not easier because the lever is bigger and overhangs the base. It really is like flipping a switch, which is where I assumed the name came from. If there's another category that uses an actual switch rather than a spring, I'm not sure I've come across it.
diredesire
Moderator
They're not what I would consider cone lock, they're spring assisted.
In my definition, cone lock require about a 270 degree movement of the lever to open and close, and look something like this:
Spring assisted require 45 - 90 degrees of movement depending on how tight they are. When I was buying around 15 years ago, they tended to look like this:
Some of the newer machines have spring assisted bases with a different design. The ones on the Tourna 350-CS fall into this category (the best photo I can find of them includes the whole machine, apologies for the size):
In practice, I've found these just as easy to use - if not easier because the lever is bigger and overhangs the base. It really is like flipping a switch, which is where I assumed the name came from. If there's another category that uses an actual switch rather than a spring, I'm not sure I've come across it.
Spring assisted isn't the same thing as a switch (or cam) action clamp, unless the (generally accepted) nomenclature has changed. Spring assisted clamps have a spring that doesn't do anything for the clamping action, but flips the lever open to full unlock. Cone lock clamps don't require that wide of an action, and can also be spring assisted in the same way. I could be mistaken, but the example clamps you have shown above don't have a cone-shaped mating surface, and is just a screw/washer design.
I'm speculating (and could 100% be wrong here!), but the Tourna clamps as shown aren't cam/switch action, and have a return spring assist (like the lower end Gamma clamps). I haven't used them personally, but they look the same as their 550-ES model, and their own video says they're cone lock swivel bases. Edit: Which is just to say that they're nothing special and aren't a reason to buy that machine over any other. I would also be as bold as to say that they're inferior to a good cam/switch action base.
