Babolat Star 5 or Prince 5000

[Steve775]

Hi all,
A couple of electronic machines have become available I'd like your input on.

Babolat Star 5 $1500
- 1700+ racquets
- personal & business use 10 years

Prince 5000 $800
- 1500± racquets
- business & personal 7 years

I'm a fairly new contentious stringer who got into the game to lower my stringing costs. Six months later I'm stringing for 10+ "club" friends without asking, lol. So, as there is the potential to grow this into a part-time business I'm interested in upgrading my Ektelon H. Yes, definitely not needed.

I understand that both are EOL (end of life) but the Prince may be a more risky buy because of electronics (motherboard) are no longer made? I have no personal experience with either machine, only my Ektelon. Haven't seen either in person yet. Just trying to become familiar with the benefits/cons of either.

My initial thoughts are the Star 5 is priced too high and the 5000 is good but risky.

At these price points, are either a good choice?

I've also come across several Star 3 & 4's too ($800-$1100) but don't know if it would be smart to consider them.

Babolat gurus abllee2198, uk_skippy and others feel free to chime in with your opinion.

Thanks guys!

 

[esgee48]

Neither. Tennis Machines will support your 'NEOS'. You can also upgrade the clamps to swivel using David 110's stuff. However, if you want an eCP tension head, get a WISE. It will be supported.

 

[Smittithekitty]

Star 5 is a bit high IMO however proven to be a work horse... maybe for 1000$ I would pull the trigger all day.

PRINCE FOR THAT PRICE is pretty darn good. I havent heard too many issues from the p5000. My friend bought one from SA when they closed down and he said no issues and he averages 6 racquets a day I believe.

Babolat no if that the price

Prince worth the risk

 

[teekaywhy]

Star5. But negotiate that price. It is a little high for sure for that body count.

 

[teekaywhy]

For reference, I got an almost brand new star5 about two years ago for 2000.

 

[SavvyStringer]

depends on what you're really willing to spend. I don't think the price is outrageous for either. I'm actually sort of concerned that the prince is less than $1,000. That makes me think it may already have a problem. Even without being able to buy replacement parts that was a 5k machine a few years ago. The babolat is a workhorse and 1700 rackets is just breaking it in. I've seen Star 5 with 5-15,000 rackets on them.

 

[StringGuruMRT]

I'd go Star 5 but try and get that price down a bit... Is it local to do or would it be shipped?

 

[uk_skippy]

Star 5, all the way. Support over the years will be better.

As long as the Star 5 is in good shape, not discoloured, no damage, still pulls strong, I think the price is fair.

My Star 5 is 8 year old, over 10k rqts; and in the UK market is still worth £1500

I'm just about to buy a relatively new one, hardly used over recent years and has 66 rqts on it, for £1750

 

[kimguroo]

Don’t go with prince since they might not support broken machines.
I have electronic machine which was broke. it was fixed but broken again.
Stuck with it now and need to find a place to fix. Honestly, tennis machine is only option but I personally bring the machine to St. Louis instead of shipping which costs a lot and If he can’t fix, at least we can talk some possibilities with new electronic or wise option.

 

[jim e]

Read @Rabbit thread on his sensor base clamps. He said Babolat was very clear, that they are no longer making any parts for the sensor and the Star 5.
So if parts will soon not be available, you could be out of luck. I guess it's a fact if machine gets old, more susceptible to breaking down, and more likely no parts either.
So fairly soon the Star 5 will be like Star 4 and just no parts, and as you know electronics do break down. Most likely all are built to last only so long.
I would assume Babolat would rather sell more new machines than sell parts to keep existing ones going, after all they need to make $.
Reason somewhat cheap prices on them now I would assume.

 

[Rabbit]

@uk_skippy & @jim e both make great points on both sides. It all comes down to your comfort level.

Were it me, I’d probably go for the Star 5 and take my chances.

I also heard Prince machines are still in production and viable. The 1500 had some supply issues.

 

[jim e]

If it was me, I probably would just spend a thousand more and go with a new machine like the Alpha Ghost. A while back my LCD screen died out on my Pro Master machine and fortunately I was able to get a replacement. What if that happened to the Prince or the Star5 a month or two after you purchased it, and was told part no longer available. Then that great deal is not so great. It's a chance with a end of life machine and a greater chance with the two you mentioned as they had business use Also with the Star, if the tension head was serviced Babolat resets the racquet count to zero so there could be a great more use than you really are lead to believe. I believe @Irvin commented about this with his Star 5 when he had Babolat service his. Just something to think about.
I guess the only way I would get one of those is if I could also find a broken down one as well that is cheap for future parts.That is why I am looking for the older Wilson, or xtremesportsmachines for future parts as mine is a rebranded one of those.

 

[uk_skippy]

Read @Rabbit thread on his sensor base clamps. He said Babolat was very clear, that they are no longer making any parts for the sensor and the Star 5.
So if parts will soon not be available, you could be out of luck. I guess it's a fact if machine gets old, more susceptible to breaking down, and more likely no parts either.
So fairly soon the Star 5 will be like Star 4 and just no parts, and as you know electronics do break down. Most likely all are built to last only so long.
I would assume Babolat would rather sell more new machines than sell parts to keep existing ones going, after all they need to make $.
Reason somewhat cheap prices on them now I would assume.

I agree that Babolat may no longer be making parts for the Sensor & Star 5; but there is so many of these machines, certainly Sensors, around that they will be a stock pile of spare parts. Babolat will support the machines for 10 years once they stop making them.

Like any machine, standard electrical parts like micro switches etc and easily by replaced. It will be the PCB's that are always the problem; and tho goes the same for all older machines.

I haven't read the thread re: Babolat Clamp bases, but I'd be surprised if there were spares around. And failing that, any mechanical part should be able to fabricated by a suitable company.

 

[jim e]

I agree that Babolat may no longer be making parts for the Sensor & Star 5; but there is so many of these machines, certainly Sensors, around that they will be a stock pile of spare parts. Babolat will support the machines for 10 years once they stop making them.

Like any machine, standard electrical parts like micro switches etc and easily by replaced. It will be the PCB's that are always the problem; and tho goes the same for all older machines.

I haven't read the thread re: Babolat Clamp bases, but I'd be surprised if there were spares around. And failing that, any mechanical part should be able to fabricated by a suitable company.

Rabbit commented that Babolat had 12 of the base clamps remaining for the Sensor. That's it, since he bought two they are down to ten now, certainly not a stock pile like you think, and that was a common replacement part for that machine as it had issues. I guess if you hunt around you may find someone who can fix with rigged up parts, but there comes a time to say goodbye just like an old car, unless it is a collectable, but I bet not too many collect old stringing machines.
I can get any part for my 25 year old John Deere lawn tractor, but once a stringing machine gets 10 years old, manufacturer would like to have you get a new one than supply any parts that typically fail over time.

 

[Rabbit]

I can get any part for my 25 year old John Deere lawn tractor, but once a stringing machine gets 10 years old, manufacturer would like to have you get a new one than supply any parts that typically fail over time.

OK, now that is good news. I had to buy a new lawn tractor a couple of years ago, my first two were Sears. The first one was an greats, Kohler engine, lasted 15 years. The second one, I thought yeah..Kohler engine, Sears, should be fine....wrong.......crappiest piece of crap I ever crapping bought. lasted about 3 years. Built in China. My neighbor has a John Deere, hell he never even changed the oil, the break in oil, for the first 10 years he had it.....I bought one.....love it (so far).

Back to topic on hand, it's all about a) what you want and b) how much risk you're willing to assume. I was concerned (and still am to some degree) that I had a rather expensive large boat anchor on my hands. If it goes down, nobody is going to pay $200 in freight plus $'s to me for the thing. On the other hand, the Babolat fellow, Mia, told me that with 3600 rackets on it, it was just getting broken in. The clamps are in great shape (and those are available). It's a used machine, came from a tennis shop. There is no telling how the clamp bases were treated. And now I have a new one AND a spare.

If I were a glass half full guy, I'd have to say that with two new bases available and the soon-to-be-had knowledge of how to take the turntable down, I'll be able to maintain the machine and keep it super clean which should prolong it's life. Since I've moved upstairs, I only plug it up -- right now it sits right by the wet bar upstairs -- when I use it. For a home stringer, chances are it'll last me well....as long as my new LED lights in the kitchen will.....until there is no me .

Then again, it could sizzle and shoot sparks tonight. Then I'll be buying a Ghost.

 

[Irvin]

Rabbit commented that Babolat had 12 of the base clamps remaining for the Sensor. That's it, since he bought two they are down to ten now, certainly not a stock pile like you think, and that was a common replacement part for that machine as it had issues. I guess if you hunt around you may find someone who can fix with rigged up parts, but there comes a time to say goodbye just like an old car, unless it is a collectable, but I bet not too many collect old stringing machines.
I can get any part for my 25 year old John Deere lawn tractor, but once a stringing machine gets 10 years old, manufacturer would like to have you get a new one than supply any parts that typically fail over time.

Bases on the Sensor may have broke from using gravity release feature. Not sure if they would fit or not (@abllee2198 @uk_skippy ???) but you should be able to upgrade to the Star 5 ergonomic clamp bases and use the old sensor clamps. The simpler Star 5 bases should last for eternity although one may have to repair them after years of use.

 

[Herb]

A player that I taught to string is using an old Babolat Starring from the early 80s. She moves it between her club in Barcelona and courts in Vilanova I la Geltru stringing about 600 racquets a year. Babolat machines are made to last. Not saying they will all last almost 40 years, but take care of it and it can.

 

[Rabbit]

Bases on the Sensor may have broke from using gravity release feature. Not sure if they would fit or not (@abllee2198 @uk_skippy ???) but you should be able to upgrade to the Star 5 ergonomic clamp bases and use the old sensor clamps. The simpler Star 5 bases should last for eternity although one may have to repair them after years of use.

How would the gravity release cause a base to break? Oh, sorry, you were speculating again. From what I've seen, the gravity release is no different than a manual release on those bases. The idea for replacing with a Star 5 base is a good one except they aren't making any more Star 5 bases either so supplies are limited there as well. The only other alternative would be to see if the Modular base clamps would work...and those look more like the Sensor clamp bases than the Star 5.

 

[jhupper]

Not overly scientific.....but although they aren't supported anymore alot of star 3 star 4 and older babolat machines are still going strong (including mine). Assuming build quality has been maintained to star 5 then hopefully it's got many years left. Certainly don't hear so much about older prince machines but that may be representative of their market share.

 

[marco forehand]

Regarding the Star 5
Read post #17 in this thread closely and consider the implications for both long term ownership, and the ability to resell should you want to a few years from now

 

[10shoe]

I'm a fairly new contentious stringer who got into the game to lower my stringing costs.

We've already got Irvin. We don't need any more contentious stringers.

And your Ektelon H is probably the fastest and most reliable stringing machine ever. Unless you are getting a killer deal, stick with what you got.

 

[Rabbit]

@10shoe - ok that was funny!

 

[Irvin]

We've already got Irvin. We don't need any more contentious stringers.

I resemble that remark.

 

[jim e]

And your Ektelon H is probably the fastest and most reliable stringing machine ever. Unless you are getting a killer deal, stick with what you got.

You should know.
Whatever machine you now have, your always looking for something better that's out there.
It's the nature of it all.

 

[Rabbit]

You should know.
Whatever machine you now have, your always looking for something better that's out there.
It's the nature of it all.

I think I’ve reached the limit of my willingness to pay!

 

[jim e]

I think I’ve reached the limit of my willingness to pay!

A man's got to know his limitations

 

[uk_skippy]

Rabbit commented that Babolat had 12 of the base clamps remaining for the Sensor. That's it, since he bought two they are down to ten now, certainly not a stock pile like you think, and that was a common replacement part for that machine as it had issues. I guess if you hunt around you may find someone who can fix with rigged up parts, but there comes a time to say goodbye just like an old car, unless it is a collectable, but I bet not too many collect old stringing machines.
I can get any part for my 25 year old John Deere lawn tractor, but once a stringing machine gets 10 years old, manufacturer would like to have you get a new one than supply any parts that typically fail over time.

Was that amount in USA or France? I'd think that it should easy to get some made by another company.

 

[Rabbit]

Was that amount in USA or France? I'd think that it should easy to get some made by another company.

Hi, I bought these from Babolat USA per a recommendation from @10shoe in a thread I posted about the Mighty Sensor's base clamps. I have one that is difficult to lock. The chap at Babolat was the one who told me that Babolat is no longer making parts for the Star 5 or Mighty Sensor. He also gave me a head count on the number of Sensor base clamps he had left which prompted me to purchase a spare. If I had to, I would look into one from another company, but since I don't have to and can afford the base clamp, I'm cool with the path I took.

 

[10shoe]

Moi?

 

[Rabbit]

My bad, it wasn’t @10shoe it was @mad dog1 who was so kind

 

[Steve775]

Follow up:

First thank you all for your insight and suggestions. Yes, I haven't responded till now after string this thread almost 2 months ago! All I can say is it's a busy time of year.

Purchased theBabolat Star 5 at a significantly reduced price! Just over $1k.

The original one user owner says he bought it approx. 12 years ago and only used it personally not for business.

Pulls are 66517 and 1847 racquet count (tension head & Sticker serial number match).

The tension head Menu Check shows +3, +3 and to me seems quiet and smooth. I tested the calibration with a digital fish scale at 40, 50, 60 & 70lbs. The average over is 2.5 - 2.8 over after beep, then settles to 1.2 - 1.75lbs over after 5 seconds.

This machine looks quite clean though the clamp bases slip after locking unless I apply a lot of force. And I mean carple tunnel inducing force. Hahaha. This is after I've cleaned both sides of the base plate (top & underside). The turn to lock the base is well over 1/4 turn, >20 min of a clock face.

The other issue is that racquets don't seem to mount correctly. What I mean is that no matter how I adjust a racquet (tried several) two mounting arm pads don't touch the racquet on both top & bottom (must increase post count before I can attached pictures, ). I think I read a post awhile ago by @abllee2198 who suggested I learn boss l both these mount the racquet then snug up the tower bolts. I'll look it up again

It seems the racquet is also tilted down a bit from head to grip. The 12 o'clock pad touched on the upper part of the pad and the 6 o'clock pad grips the bottom section.

I'd like disassemble both the clamps & clamp bases for a thorough cleaning & adjustment. Is this what's recommended? I've read @Babolat may be able to provide PDF instructions?

Any other tips or suggestions to bring this beauty back into true form?

 

[Irvin]

On my Star 5 I turn in the side supports first to suspend the racket then adjust the 6 and 12 in to touch. For the bases I turn them in finger tight and the bases never move.

 

[Steve775]

Yup. My procedure also. Or expect from the clamps when adjusted

 

[struggle]

Don't have any of those issues with The MIGHTY 6004/WISE!!

Hope you get your issues worked out.

 

[Steve775]

Hahaha. Nice, Struggle! I'm with ya as I'm still stringing on my Ek-H until this gets sorted.

 

[10shoe]

What I mean is that no matter how I adjust a racquet (tried several) two mounting arm pads don't touch the racquet on both top & bottom

Personally, I think this just means that you have good eyesight and you can still bend at the waist.

 

[10shoe]

Like this Steve?

 

[Steve775]

Yes, but more of a gap. One is gapped on top the other on the bottom. The 3rd is almost touching. Maybe a millimeter gap.

 

[10shoe]

IMO, an under-reported problem due to a shortage of stringers with eyeballs in their navels.

 

[struggle]

Not an issue on the MIGHTY 6004/WISE. Glad i made the proper purchase

Really though, for a multi-thousand dollar machine, that is unacceptable (and quite french).

 

[Steve775]

10shoe that's funny! Thanks.

 

[Steve775]

Here are pictures (7) of the a mounted frame and the subsequent gaps. Pictures shoes are counterclockwise from the top left of the racquet.

All taken of course with my "Navel" Camera.

 

[Rabbit]

That's really no biggie. The frame will move while stringing.

 

[Steve775]

Thanks Rabbit. I'll stop obsessing about the mounting frame gaps.

I spoke to Mia Lim (Babolat After Sales Mgr) earlier today. He was quite helpful as was Josh Newton's (After Sales / Stringing & Machine Specialist) follow up email.

The two suggestions given were to replace the mounting arm pads and the break pads. And only replace the brake pads if they're still slipping after following the emailed Base Clamp adjustment instructions.

After following the instructions, the force needed to lock the base still seems excessive. Two hands are sometimes needed to lock and unlock the bases. Unfortunately there's a 6 week wait for the brake pads.

Hopefully 6 weeks from now the force needed to lock the bases will be in line with what's stated in the manual.

BE CAREFUL: use very little force in the knob as the material used provided a very high locking capacity​

 

[Irvin]

When you refer to “break pads,” are you referring to the pads on the bases or the turntable brake?

 

[Steve775]

How would changing or adjusting the turntable brake make the base clamps function better?

Yes, the "brake pads" (corrected my spelling) I'm referring to are the rubber discs that grip the underside of the turntable when locking the base clamps.

 

[Rabbit]

@Steve775, yes Mia is very helpful. He was really great stepping me through the maintenance I had to perform on the Mighty Sensor. Here is a video, around 5:00 in. It also covers some other stuff you may find helpful:

Sorry, thought to add that around 5:00 into the video, the guy discusses mounting frames. I don't think anything significant has changed since it was produced.

Anyway, enjoy your new machine.

 

[Irvin]

How would changing or adjusting the turntable brake make the base clamps function better?

Yes, the "brake pads" (corrected my spelling) I'm referring to are the rubber discs that grip the underside of the turntable when locking the base clamps.

The brake pads and base pads are 2 different things. Brake pads won’t help at all. My Star 5 has over 5,000 rackets string on it and the clamp base pads are working great. Can’t imagine how they would wear out in <2,000 rackets.

 

[Steve775]

@Rabbit
Brilliant, thanks!

I'll have a look.

 

[Steve775]

Irvin - How old is your machine? This one is 12+ and I'm wondering if the rubber has begun to deteriorate (harden) due to age.

If replacing the rubber base pads isn't the solution then any suggestions to reduce the effort of locking & unlocking the bases?

Again I've adjusted the needed according to the Babolat instructions. 15 degree or 3/4” inch movement to lock them, yet I often need 2 hands to release.