Babolat Star 3

[bigtikigod]

I have an opportunity to purchase a Babolat Star 3 for $400. Is this a fair price for an old machine? My kid would use it to string 3-4 frames month while playing high school tennis.

Picture of stringer
Picture of clamp

Thanks for any advice.

 

[jim e]

Looks like it was well kept. Do you know if it was used in a heavily used business? For 400, seems like a fair price, only thing is Babolat support, as parts are most likely discontinued, and if something like mother board goes down, you would be out if luck.m I was told Babolat no longer even sells stringing machines in the USA any more. If machine functions properly, and you string up a racquet with no noticable issues, it may be worth it, it's just how long will it function before something does go down. It's a gamble.

 

[bigtikigod]

Looks like it was well kept. Do you know if it was used in a heavily used business? For 400, seems like a fair price, only thing is Babolat support, as parts are most likely discontinued, and if something like mother board goes down, you would be out if luck.m I was told Babolat no longer even sells stringing machines in the USA any more. If machine functions properly, and you string up a racquet with no noticable issues, it may be worth it, it's just how long will it function before something does go down. It's a gamble.

Thanks Jim. Told by the seller it was his backup machine when he strung on tour. Sounds like it has been sitting in his shed/shop for many years without being used. Lack of parts/support is the issue. He is throwing in numerous awls, floating clamps, starting clamps, calibrator, etc...

Mark

 

[esgee48]

Who does stringing right now and how much is it per racquet? For example, you pay the shop $30 a frame. After 15-25 racquets you would be ahead in terms of cash outflow assuming you are not paying $20 a set. What’s the seller opinion you or your kid can take care of the machine for 20 racquets?

If you are not comfortable risking $400, then find another stringing machine, maybe a manual.

 

[USMC-615]

If I bought the machine, first thing I would do prior to putting power on it…1) chassis ground it, 2) remove the cover and blow it out with compressed air, 3) clean every pc board/electrical connector/contact point, etc with a good electrical contact cleaner (LPS, CRC, etc), 4) let it air dry for a few hours.

Looks in pretty decent shape. Its a gamble with its’ age from a lack of parts availability, but I think I’d take the gamble.

 

[bigtikigod]

If I bought the machine, first thing I would do prior to putting power on it…1) chassis ground it, 2) remove the cover and blow it out with compressed air, 3) clean every pc board/electrical connector/contact point, etc with a good electrical contact cleaner (LPS, CRC, etc), 4) let it air dry for a few hours.

Looks in pretty decent shape. Its a gamble with its’ age from a lack of parts availability, but I think I’d take the gamble.

Thanks, I appreciate your advice. Seller is allowing my son to string a frame prior to purchase. I am not familiar how and/or where to ground the chassis. Would you mind summarizing that for me?

 

[USMC-615]

For some reason, last night when I went to answer your above question @bigtikigod , Safari on my Ipad Pro's would not connect to the site...kept getting "cannot connect to the server" responses so hell I just gave up. I'll PM you in a 'conversation' concerning the chassis ground.

 

[jhupper]

I would snap it up assuming it works. If all else failed I bet you could part it out and get most of that back.

String clamps are expensive so give them a good test and adjustment to. I had original babolat ones but the mechanism was worn out and they'd pop open. from memory the high service cost to repair them made me go the route of new more basic clamps.

 

[shoesandko]

I have one as a back up as well, If I saw this one and needed a backup I would not hesitate in buying. If it ceases to function hopefully a Wise tension head could fitted to work.

 

[Rabbit]

I have one as a back up as well, If I saw this one and needed a backup I would not hesitate in buying. If it ceases to function hopefully a Wise tension head could fitted to work.

I don't believe that's going to be a possibility.

 

[shoesandko]

I don't believe that's going to be a possibility.

Looking at it , don't think it would be easy but someone with machining experience would have better idea

 

[bigtikigod]

Update.... this machine work flawlessly during out test frame stringing. I bought the machine, performed some cleaning, calibrating, and my son has strung 2 more frames. I wish to thank all who took the time to post, message, and/or speak with me. I hope I will learn enough be able to offer some assistance to others soon. Thanks again all.

 

[Rabbit]

Update.... this machine work flawlessly during out test frame stringing. I bought the machine, performed some cleaning, calibrating, and my son has strung 2 more frames. I wish to thank all who took the time to post, message, and/or speak with me. I hope I will learn enough be able to offer some assistance to others soon. Thanks again all.

Congrats!

 

[jhupper]

An oldie but a goodie!!! Enjoy

 

[USMC-615]

Update.... this machine work flawlessly during out test frame stringing. I bought the machine, performed some cleaning, calibrating, and my son has strung 2 more frames. I wish to thank all who took the time to post, message, and/or speak with me. I hope I will learn enough be able to offer some assistance to others soon. Thanks again all.

Good deal…glad it performs like it should, and hopefully many yrs of stringing in its’ future.

 

[big bang]

Very nice machine, worked with it for some years long time ago.