Alpha Axis Pro really old

[rider4ever]

Hello, I have been playing tennis about a year and half and have got to a point where I am contemplating to string my own racquets. I am totally new to stringing and would be using this stringer to learn.

I came across this really old Alpha axis pro which was bought from a country club and has been refurbished recently and has newer clamps. From my research I see that these stringers have a solid build and are built to last but I am a newbie at this so not really sure.

So my question is how much is a really old ( sub 2008 I am guessing) Alpha axis pro worth it. Should I be expecting any difficulties or problems with it being the older model?

Any help or information is appreciated.

 

[esgee48]

You can still get new ones from Alpha. The technology of lock out machines hasn't changed much for the last 30-40 years. Side support designs have changed, clamps have changed, but even the old stuff still works. You can also get machines like this completely refurbished or parts replaced easily from Alpha or Tennis Machines. You can get a completely refurbished comparable machine from Tennis Machines; just check out some of the other threads in this section. Then make up your mind.

I am basically saying old doesn't matter if it has been maintained or have parts available. I would not say this for eCP machines that you can't get parts for.

 

[rider4ever]

You can still get new ones from Alpha. The technology of lock out machines hasn't changed much for the last 30-40 years. Side support designs have changed, clamps have changed, but even the old stuff still works. You can also get machines like this completely refurbished or parts replaced easily from Alpha or Tennis Machines. You can get a completely refurbished comparable machine from Tennis Machines; just check out some of the other threads in this section. Then make up your mind.

I am basically saying old doesn't matter if it has been maintained or have parts available. I would not say this for eCP machines that you can't get parts for.

Thanks for the quick and very informative response. Given that this machine I am looking at is recently refurbished and has newer clamps, I should be good to go right? Would a price of $300 to $500 be reasonable for it? It does not come with any tools. So I probably would need to spend about $100 more on the tools right?

I am planning on checking it out tonight and hopefully buy it if looks to be in good condition. Anything specific I need to look for when I am checking the machine out?

 

[esgee48]

Price is very good at your high end and a STEAL at your low end. Bring a frame and some string. Check out the actual operation of the machine. Let them show you how to set tension, start mains, pull tension and clamping. They may or may not have plastic pieces for mounting different frame shapes. I would not worry too much about those since you can get them from Alpha. The Tools and Supplies Section show you what you may need if you do not already have them. You may need a starting clamp. If you have needle nose pliers and awls, you will be good to go.

A little dirt and corrosion is OK as long as it does not affect operation. I assume you can clean the machine. A large plastic bag can be used a dust cover if you would rather not buy an Alpha dust cover.

 

[rider4ever]

Thanks @esgee48 for the info and tips on what to check. I am planning to take a racquet and strings and request the seller to give me a demo on how to use the machine since I am a total noob. Will let you know how it goes.

 

[1HBHfanatic]

tools needed are pretty cheap, and don't have to be alpha..
most can be had at the hardware store for cheap
i would check that the base clamps hold
and that the lock out machinism works/pulls string
check that the knobs for securing the racquet are all there
some of the plastic pads on the mounting posts can pop out and go missing, that's machine specific so i would look at that, can be bought online but thats a pain

but by the looks of it on your picure, it look good2me
agreed that a quick racquet stringing would tell you everything you need to know about this machine
good luck..

 

[rider4ever]

The seller does not want to give me a demo since the machine is at his brother's place and he want to spend the least amount of time possible there. He pointed out that I would learn more from youtube videos that him giving me a demo. Should I insist on clamping down my racquet on the machine and check if the crank holds the tension? I am guessing its sufficient to just run the string through the racquet just once and check ?

 

[esgee48]

I would do at least 4 mains to see if the clamps hold. I would also insist that all known parts be thrown into a plastic bag that they can find. Manual if they can find it. Do this before handing over payment. The little pieces for mounting can be purchased, but it is better to be able to use the machine quickly rather than having to sort thru what you need to buy later. YTube stickies at the top of the Strings and this forum do show you how to do everything. Stringing is like doing work on your own car ala oil change, spark plugs. It isn't hard unless you have claws. [see avatar - kidding]

If they really do not want to demo, low ball the offer and ask for a 10 day return.

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/many-refurbished-prince-neos-1000s.648989/
Check out this thread as it is a deal. It has leads to other types of machines such as the Touna CS and the Neos 1500. However, if you really want a machine that you can give your grandkids, the Neos 1000 is the one.

 

[am1899]

Should I insist on clamping down my racquet on the machine

Yes. And if they refuse, look elsewhere. This is not an unreasonable request.

 

[Strawbewwy]

make sure the string doesn't slip when you pull tension

and to chime in on "older" machine

my first machine was a 22 year old alpha blu dc (i believe may be the previous "axis pro")

and it still works currently beautifully, as far as i know still first hand equipment (light use from previous owner) and i've strung about 400 racquets last year on it.

i'd happily get the one you are looking at as long as everything works

one thing you -may- want to do is if you have enough time get a tension calibrator and read up on how to adjust the tension (correctly in case it's off)

 

[Irvin]

Among the tools I think you should have there should be a tension calibrator specifically a spring type. A digital luggage scale will work but a spring scale works better. A starting clamp is another good investment.

 

[rider4ever]

Thanks everyone for the advice and tips. I checked it out last night and it looked to be in good shape except for having collected some dust. Mounted my racquet on the clamps and held the string with the Lock Out. There was no string slippage or tension loss. Paid $300, brought it home, cleaned it up and set it up in my home office.

Next step is watching videos to learn the stringing process. A friend who actually encouraged me to get a stringer is planning on showing me how to string when he strings one of his racquets. Planning on stringing one of my racquets at the same time.

 

[Strawbewwy]

congrats and welcome to the club!

 

[Arvin_C]

@rider4ever - Looks nice & you got it for a great price...Good luck & enjoy!

 

[rider4ever]

congrats and welcome to the club!

@rider4ever - Looks nice & you got it for a great price...Good luck & enjoy!

Thanks guys!!

Looking forward to trying some string setups once I learn how to string without having to worry about the cost of stringing

 

[Strawbewwy]

just go spend some time on @Irvin 's youtube channels for stringing tips

 

[Arvin_C]

One of the things you may find is that while a lot of us save money on not having to pay for the stringing service, the saving get eaten up (maybe more!) with buying lots of different strings to try & cutting out perfectly good string jobs just to try something new...easy to become a string junkie once you have your own machine!

 

[rider4ever]

One of the things you may find is that while a lot of us save money on not having to pay for the stringing service, the saving get eaten up (maybe more!) with buying lots of different strings to try & cutting out perfectly good string jobs just to try something new...easy to become a string junkie once you have your own machine!

Yup. This is very true. I am hoping I don't get there. haha. Once I find something that works, I plan to just stick with it. I have only played for a year and a half and stuck with a Head Graphenext Radical MPA for almost a year until I started getting some wrist pain when I tried to develop my volley game. Switched to RF97a and it has been a solid racquet forcing me to work on my footwork to get in good positions to play shots. Serves are still a mystery on the RF97a, I tend to be late on the ball hitting it long while on the Head my serve timing is pretty good. Came across a K7 lime here for sale and picked it up, so hoping to try that this week. I have tried very hard to not become a racquet junkie yet I currently own 8 racquets (3 of them RF97a). I am going to make a conscious effort to not become a racquet/sting junkie but you never know whats gonna happen

just go spend some time on @Irvin 's youtube channels for stringing tips

Started watching @Irvin's channel since yesterday. Very informative

 

[Irvin]

Next step is watching videos to learn the stringing process. A friend who actually encouraged me to get a stringer is planning on showing me how to string when he strings one of his racquets. Planning on stringing one of my racquets at the same time.

Here’s a tip you probably won’t see on line. Because you have K side supports there is a good chance you may end up blocking a grommet hole sooner or later. When you mount your racket close the side supports in first and make sure you don’t block a hole. After the side supports are touching the racket move in the top and bottom supports. To make sure the side supports are even and they touch the sides of the racket at the same points with the top / bottom supports centered on the racket. Hope that’s not confusing.