Alpha Ghost or Neos 1500 w Wise

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stringtheory

Rookie
hi guys,

i'm looking to get a new electronic CP machine and will certainly want some advice from you guys.

I'm run a small home stringing business in my home country and do about 10-20 rackets every month. I used to string on an Alpha Pioneer DC fitted with a Wise and it worked great for me. However, i recently got more customers and found a buyer for my old machine who offered me a good price for it. Hence, now i'm looking to upgrade and i definitely want a standing (instead of table top) and electronic CP machine.

The most i'm willing to spend is $3000. After some research, it seems like the alpha ghost for about $2500 and the Neos 1500 with Wise (for about $2000) are my best options.

I know that the Neos with wise is a very solid option, but for $500 more (which is within my budget), the Alpha Ghost looks like an incredible choice plus it looks awesome and professional.

So i'm gonna throw this out and ask you guys which machine will you go for and why? Appreciate your opinion and comments. Thanks!
 
I think the biggest difference is that the Prince uses a 2 mount system vs the 6 mount system on the Ghost. The Ghost has the better clamp bases (switch w/ gravity release). I prefer the Prince clamps vs the Alpha clamps. The Ghost looks nice =) Honestly, you could get the same results (albeit not as professional looking) with a used NEOS 1000/Wise for around $1100 but that's not what you asked =)
 
Since you asked. This is my opinion.
I would go with the Alpha Ghost. The machine was designed as an electronic machine from the beginning.I also prefer the 6 point mounting, as I have used both 2 point and 6 point. The Ghost mounts look very similar to the mounting I presently have on my machine, and it works great no blocked holes with that mounting system and simple and fast to secure racquet . It also has similar base clamps as my present machine. The automatic table brake would make stringing O ports a breeze as well. I typically use my manual brake all the time with O Ports, but the automatic brake would be even nicer, as that is probably why they even have automatic brakes now. (I have heard with the Wise you should not brake the table and pull an angled pull with the Wise or you will run risk of damage to Wise, where a machine like this is designed for it) . The $500 more would be a no brainer for me, as in the long run the added features is well worth the few $ more.
I also string a few crossbow racquets that Head makes, as a few customers have those. With a 6 point mount it is stringing as normal, with a 2 point you need to use a strange ATW pattern. I have used a 2 point machine for years a long long time ago , and now with a 6 point I would not want to go back to a two.
Go for the Ghost.
 
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Some would probably say your volume of work doesn't necessitate a machine like the Ghost, but this isn't about 'needs'. You want a higher end machine obviously for ease of use and in part due to the professional image/potential credibility it gives you as a serious stringer and businessman. With your budget, yeah, the Alpha Ghost is definitely the one to go with.
 
I own a Wise and a Neos 1000. I have strung extensively on a 1500 with my Wise and recently put in an order for a 1500. That said, if I were starting from scratch and had your budget, I would opt for the Ghost. It is every bit the machine the Prince 6000 is for a lot less dough and solid as a rock; so I'm told.

I would buy it from JC at Tennismachines as well since he'll wind up doing any service you may need.
 
Thanks guys! Yup, i was leaning towards the alpha ghost as well.

And thanks Rabbit, i have just contacted Tennismachines and i'm hoping to work out a deal with them.

Out of curiosity, will prince clamps work/fit on alpha machines?
 
I own both machines and can tell you that once you string on the Ghost there is no going back to the 1500. Both are good machines but there is greater value in the Ghost. I disagree with Rabbit in that you should contact Mark at New Tech Tennis he is the Alpha go too guy. He wil go the extra mile to make sure you are happy. Tennismachines is a great place but you will be getting a used machine. J C is a master at repairs and A good friend and Im sure he could assist you if a repair was needed. Again I would contact Mark you wont be sorry.
 
I would also opt for the ghost. Althought IMO the Prince and the wise combination would have a higher resale value if you ever want to sell. And there are more people looking for low end stringers like the Prince and wise.
 
Irvin said:
And there are more people looking for low end stringers like the Prince and wise.
Click to expand...

Low end, really? That's a bit snobbish coming from a long time Gamma user in the middle of nowhere who paid $175 for his Babolat Star 5, don't you think?
 
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Rabbit said:
Low end, really? That's a bit snobbish coming from a long time Gamma user in the middle of nowhere who paid $175 for his Babolat Star 5, don't you think?
Click to expand...

Truth be known, I think the Ghost is a low end machine. So? In my opinion the Prince machines and the Wise tension head are easier to sell used primarily because of the price, quality, reputation, and bang for the buck. If I get lucky enough to find another outstanding deal on a Babolat machine you can bet I will buy it too.
 
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Just strung up a few frames on my ghost. It is the real deal. I've stung on sensors, star 5s, bairdos, whatever and the ghost is in the same breath as those machines. The build quality is there and so is the design and ease of use that you get from the other machines. Alpha has a great product at a cheaper rate than the others.

While I certainly respect Irvin's skills and opinion as a stringer, I disagree on it being a low end machine. The only thing low about the Ghost is the price.

If I were spending $1500-2400 on a machine, I wouldn't think twice about the Ghost. It is simply more professional grade than a NEOS and wise combo, but the prince and wise combo is still a solid choice.
 
Cobra Tennis said:
Just strung up a few frames on my ghost. It is the real deal. I've stung on sensors, star 5s, bairdos, whatever and the ghost is in the same breath as those machines. The build quality is there and so is the design and ease of use that you get from the other machines. Alpha has a great product at a cheaper rate than the others.

While I certainly respect Irvin's skills and opinion as a stringer, I disagree on it being a low end machine. The only thing low about the Ghost is the price.

If I were spending $1500-2400 on a machine, I wouldn't think twice about the Ghost. It is simply more professional grade than a NEOS and wise combo, but the prince and wise combo is still a solid choice.
Click to expand...

If you were to take all the electronic machines and list them in the order of price where do you think the Ghost would fall? There are some very good stringing machines in the group of low end machines. Some of the lower cost machines I would prefer over higher priced machines.

Price is a huge factor when people are looking for a machine especially when it is used. A new 1000 machine cost $1,350, a Wise $545, and a Ghost is $2,495. If someone were looking for used machine I would think they should be willing to pay about 60% of the new cost for a good machine. So a 1000 would be around $810, a Wise $327 (if you can find one,) and the Ghost $1,497. Those prices for a good NEOS and Wise (especially) may be about right but the Ghost may be a little high. A Ghost recently sold on Criagslist (SP but you know what I mean) for $1,200 after about two weeks.

I also think the KM and X2 are great machines for what they are while other machines are just cheap, poorly constructed, unsupported pieces of scrap metal waiting for a future in the scrap metal pile. But all these machines will have a following where the users will claim they are built like a tank.

Just because a machine is a low end machine does not mean it isn't a good (or even a great) machine. I'll go as far to say a Star5 is a low end machine as it the lowest priced (current and supported) Babolat machine.
 
I also think the PS90 and PS95 are low end rackets now. Most rackets are priced much higher than $109 new. But they still have a following that love them and they are great rackets.

Look at all the low end strings out there that are just as good as the more expensive strings.
 
irvin said:
I'll go as far to say a Star5 is a low end machine as it the lowest priced (current and supported) Babolat machine.
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irvin's "logic" continues to elude me.

So, stringing machines and racquets are to be defined as high end to low end by MSRP only? And now an even narrower definition that the Star 5 is a low end machine when viewed in the context of Babolat's lineup of two machines! :shock:

Does that mean Federer's racquets are low end since he gets them free? Since the acquisition of the Star 5, it is amazing just how easy it is to denigrate everything else.
 
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Rabbit said:
irvin's "logic" continues to elude me.

So, stringing machines and racquets are to be defined as high end to low end by MSRP only? And now an even narrower definition that the Star 5 is a low end machine when viewed in the context of Babolat's lineup of two machines! :shock:

Does that mean Federer's racquets are low end since he gets them free? Since the acquisition of the Star 5, it is amazing just how easy it is to denigrate everything else.
Click to expand...

By definition that's what low end means. It has nothing to do with quality only price.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/low-end
 
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Ok now. Seems like a couple of guys here have just bought new Alpha Ghosts and really enjoy it. No need to confuse anybody with semantics. Seems to be a great machine to work on.

Now off topic. Why am I seeing a photo of knee braces on the lower left corner of some posts.
 
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Irvin said:
By definition that's what low end means. It has nothing to do with quality only price.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/low-end
Click to expand...

Actually several definitions do include mention of quality

http://www.learnersdictionary.com/definition/low-end

http://www.macmillandictionary.com/us/dictionary/american/low-end

http://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/low-end

So while Websters is probably a more respected opinion, it's obvious that common use of the word has come to include quality as well as price.

The Alpha Ghost can easily be described as a high end machine at a low end price.
 
StringTheory, OP, Ive been in your shoes in one way or another.


I started out stringing with a NEOS at a club I strung for. It is a great machine that will last forever. I would consider a used one over a new one. Why? Because there is little that can go wrong with a used one. Used ones run around $600-800 dollars. A wise is a good addition to it as well, but I've had a couple of bad experiences with a WISE and their customer service now that Herb has passed. Maybe I just had two lemons out of their bunch. Some seem to get years out of them.

On the other hand, I now string on a ghost and would never choose to go back to a NEOS or other lock out. I've strung on star 3, 5, sensor, Bairdo, prince 6000 and will tell you the Ghost is the same quality as those. I managed to get a great deal on my Ghost, but $2400 is a very fair price for the machine you are getting.

If I had the decision to make and the cash, I would go Ghost.
 
Gmatheis I'd agree with that. But each of you definitions reference price first. When I look at Alpha electronic machines the Ghost is the lowest priced. When I look at Babolat the Star5 is the low priced. Both are great machines machines the Star5 is good enough for P1 to string rackets for many of the best players in the world who pay a lot of money to have their rackets strung by P1. I would think if P1 used an inferior machine they would not have the following of many of the top pros. I never said the Ghost was low quality just low end.
 
thanks everyone for your replies.

Cobra Tennis, care to share how did you managed to get a good deal? we could message privately if it's something which should not be shared over here
 
Stringtheory, Couple of ways.

1. Call Mark at alpha and see what he can do. Super nice guy and will go beyond the call of duty for you. Sometimes alpha or any other company may be able to offer you a discount for exclusivity or sponsorship.

2. Check craigslist and be patient. It might take months, but be persistent and search a little outside your area. It may be worth a 3 hour drive to save a grand.

3. Ask a local pro shop about used machines or if one maybe going out of business.

4. Tennis M a c h ines DOT com is another great used machine dealer. Nice guys who know everything about every machine.
 
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Cobra - since you own a Ghost, and by the sounds of it, had some experience with the Baiardo...are they close to the same machine? I've read on more than one occasion that they are made in the same factory...
 
am1899 said:
Cobra - since you own a Ghost, and by the sounds of it, had some experience with the Baiardo...are they close to the same machine? I've read on more than one occasion that they are made in the same factory...
Click to expand...

I would say that they are close in a lot of regards. The chrome finish on the bairdo stands out, whereas the ghost is black / white.


Component wise, the tension head, string release, and overall feel of the machine is eerily similar but the alpha is just not as "finished" as the Wilson. It may be the extra $3000 price tag...


I have heard also on more than one occasion, that the clamps for the prince 6000 are the EXACT same (patent # printed on the side and all) as mine on the ghost. I'll say that the mounts, turn table, clamp base and all are VERY VERY VERY close to the 6000. It's been a year or two since I've seen a 6000 to compare. Heck, how many factories can there be making machines? :)
 
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the synonyms along with irvin's definition:

irvin's dictionary definition link said:
affordable, bargain-basement, budget, cheapie, cheapo, chintzy, cut-price [chiefly British], cut-rate, dime-store, dirt cheap, el cheapo, inexpensive, low, low-end, popular, reasonable
Click to expand...
hardly what I'd call descriptive.....but irvin's the expert....
 
Cobra , how do you find the racket mounting process for the ghost? Is it cumbersome to mount the racket?

Also if it's convenient for you, do post some pictures of the ghost! Thanks!
 
Racket mounting looks standard. There are two adjustments knobs on each standard. One adjust the 6&12 supports and the other moves the side supports in and out. Mounting is simple and very fast. For pictures just google "Alpha Ghost Stringing Machine"
 
Cobra Tennis said:
I have heard also on more than one occasion, that the clamps for the prince 6000 are the EXACT same (patent # printed on the side and all) as mine on the ghost. I'll say that the mounts, turn table, clamp base and all are VERY VERY VERY close to the 6000. It's been a year or two since I've seen a 6000 to compare. Heck, how many factories can there be making machines? :)
Click to expand...

I have it on very good authority that the Prince/Alpha machines are all made side by side.
 
CT, all this talk of the Ghost has me thinking that I should cancel my 1500 order tomorrow and cough up the extra dough for the Alpha. Given Prince's current state, I may make another phone call tomorrow.
 
Rabbit said:
CT, all this talk of the Ghost has me thinking that I should cancel my 1500 order tomorrow and cough up the extra dough for the Alpha. Given Prince's current state, I may make another phone call tomorrow.
Click to expand...

i would get the Ghost over the 1500 + Wise.
 
It seems both are solid choices. One benefit of the Neos/Wise combo is that you do have a ready back up if the electronics need servicing. It's also slightly more portable if you don't have a dedicated space. Honestly, I wouldn't worry about Prince -- they will continue for quite some time. Bottom line: either choice is a good one. Enjoy!
 
mad dog1 said:
i would get the Ghost over the 1500 + Wise.
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Well, I would save for the fact that I already have the Wise. I have worked a trade with Tennismachines for my 1000. I'm getting a very liberal trade in and the 1500 isn't costing me very much at all. I also very much like the portability since I can take the Wise to other sites and be up and running really quick. The vast majority of machines around here in shops is a Neos (one or the other).

MAX PLY said:
It seems both are solid choices. One benefit of the Neos/Wise combo is that you do have a ready back up if the electronics need servicing. It's also slightly more portable if you don't have a dedicated space. Honestly, I wouldn't worry about Prince -- they will continue for quite some time. Bottom line: either choice is a good one. Enjoy!
Click to expand...

Yeah, now that I've slept on it, I think I'm going to stay the course with the 1500. The money difference and the fact that I'm basically a home stringer just isn't enough to justify the jump for me.
 
Rabbit said:
Well, I would save for the fact that I already have the Wise. I have worked a trade with Tennismachines for my 1000. I'm getting a very liberal trade in and the 1500 isn't costing me very much at all. I also very much like the portability since I can take the Wise to other sites and be up and running really quick. The vast majority of machines around here in shops is a Neos (one or the other....
Click to expand...

One advantage of the Ghost is you can take the base off and use it as a table top making it very portable.
 
Irvin said:
One advantage of the Ghost is you can take the base off and use it as a table top making it very portable.
Click to expand...

Understood, but reports are that it is also very heavy and moving $2500 worth of gear isn't exactly risk free.
 
That's exactly what I garnered from your comment earlier. I would also not feel good about putting it in my trunk and hopping down the road. With the Wise, I have the added benefit of ultra-portability (<5 pounds), if I should jar it into inoperability I can use my regular crank while it's serviced, and I can use the existing body at the destination site. Currently, both places I help string use Prince bodies. Heck, for the difference in price, I can buy another Wise to just sit.
 
Rabbit said:
That's exactly what I garnered from your comment earlier. I would also not feel good about putting it in my trunk and hopping down the road. With the Wise, I have the added benefit of ultra-portability (<5 pounds), if I should jar it into inoperability I can use my regular crank while it's serviced, and I can use the existing body at the destination site. Currently, both places I help string use Prince bodies. Heck, for the difference in price, I can buy another Wise to just sit.
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Totally understand. I got the Ghost for about the cost of a Wise at the end of the day so I couldn't pass it up. :)
 
Yes you need to keep looking. Not long ago a Ghost sold for $1,200 depending on what you have now you could possibly have got the same deal as CT but there are even better deals to be had out there.
 
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