Best electric/constant pull for home use (plus starting to string for others)

[Fighting phoenix]

Hey need some help! Came across some $$ that I want to use to upgrade my ektelon crank machine (purchased for $200 - but challenges with mounting system and feel like it's time for something better). I'm a major string nerd, trying lots of different strings is really fun for me, same with testing different racquets but try to stick to one for competitive play. Starting to string for teammates of mine and others, so let's say 2-3 string jobs a week now.

The options I'm considering, like in the $2K-$4K range, are the following but definitely open to suggestions:

Wilson Baiardo L (highest priced, around $4K)
Alpha Ghost 2 (around $3.7K)
Tourna 700-ES ($3.7K)
Gamma Progression ELS w/ stand ($2K)

Thanks in advance for your help! I know it might seem like overkill to go electric for home use, but outside of playing tennis it's my favorite hobby ;-)

 

[Irvin]

Tourna 700-ES $3.2K or Gamma Progression

 

[Cobra Tennis]

there's nothing better than your Ektelon H.

 

[Fighting phoenix]

there's nothing better than your Ektelon H.

I knew someone would say that ;-)

 

[USMC-615]

Yep...keep the Ektelon and go buy a truck load of strings, racquets, cold beer, and something to throw on the grill.

Push come to shove I think I'd go with the Ghost and call it a day!

 

[Herb]

I have owed 3 of the above and strung on all 4. For the volume you have I would go with the Gamma. It will do a fantastic job, and will allow you to grow in volume, plus saves plenty of money for string and tools you may want to get. Unless you are planning to string a 500 or more frames per year all of the others are way overkill. It will be years before you come close to recouping your investment and are not as mobile to move out of the way.

 

[Dags]

I get the sense you're not really on a budget. If it's disposable income and a passion, pick the one you want most. If it's not a business decision, it doesn't necessarily have to make complete economic sense. I know some people to whom $4k is a huge amount of money, others who spend double that on a holiday.

 

[Fighting phoenix]

I get the sense you're not really on a budget. If it's disposable income and a passion, pick the one you want most. If it's not a business decision, it doesn't necessarily have to make complete economic sense. I know some people to whom $4k is a huge amount of money, others who spend double that on a holiday.

Yeah kinda the case - good bonus this year, and loving stringing as a side hobby. Plus my wife doesn’t want a big expensive trip this year ;-)

 

[struggle]

I’d add a Wise to that Ektelon/Neos, maybe replace the mounting “dogs” (you mentioned a concern). Grab some extra parts now and it’ll last your lifetime.

If you’re just itching to go big, then by all means do what you like. It doesn’t have to make sense, necessarily.

 

[A Defenseless Creature]

I’d go Alpha Ghost. Support for Baiardo, at least in my experience, is sketchy. Not sure about Tourna support, but Alpha is very good.

 

[SavvyStringer]

Hey need some help! Came across some $$ that I want to use to upgrade my ektelon crank machine (purchased for $200 - but challenges with mounting system and feel like it's time for something better). I'm a major string nerd, trying lots of different strings is really fun for me, same with testing different racquets but try to stick to one for competitive play. Starting to string for teammates of mine and others, so let's say 2-3 string jobs a week now.

The options I'm considering, like in the $2K-$4K range, are the following but definitely open to suggestions:

Wilson Baiardo L (highest priced, around $4K)
Alpha Ghost 2 (around $3.7K)
Tourna 700-ES ($3.7K)
Gamma Progression ELS w/ stand ($2K)

Thanks in advance for your help! I know it might seem like overkill to go electric for home use, but outside of playing tennis it's my favorite hobby ;-)

You've got a lot of options at that price range. Of the list you have, I would do the ghost. I have had an original ghost and it never let me down on over 5k rackets. Rock solid machine. With your budget I would also consider a gamma 6004 with a wise tension head. Has the single knobs for inner billiards and outer arms so you don't have to adjust outer arms independently like the ELS. Also has gravity release clamps which the baiardo L does not (without upgrade to regular baiardo clamps). It would also be a very light, possibly the lightest option if you were to want to pack it up for a tournament out of town or stringing at a club you are potentially a member of. The 6004 with a wise is under 45 lbs and easily manageable by one person to move around. You would also have the option to use it as a crank if the power is out, stringing in a parking lot, whatever may arise to give you the option.

 

[Fighting phoenix]

You've got a lot of options at that price range. Of the list you have, I would do the ghost. I have had an original ghost and it never let me down on over 5k rackets. Rock solid machine. With your budget I would also consider a gamma 6004 with a wise tension head. Has the single knobs for inner billiards and outer arms so you don't have to adjust outer arms independently like the ELS. Also has gravity release clamps which the baiardo L does not (without upgrade to regular baiardo clamps). It would also be a very light, possibly the lightest option if you were to want to pack it up for a tournament out of town or stringing at a club you are potentially a member of. The 6004 with a wise is under 45 lbs and easily manageable by one person to move around. You would also have the option to use it as a crank if the power is out, stringing in a parking lot, whatever may arise to give you the option.

Thanks - yeah the issue with the 6004 is that crank only it's $2.1K, not currently available, and of course another $700 to add the Wise which puts it close to $3K, at which point I might as well go with the Ghost 2 which many have recommended and bonus points for being based close to where I live in TX if I have any warranty issues. Just gotta wait till the end of May when they'll be back in stock, but bonus points with my wife since she wants to spend a weekend in Austin anyways ;-)

 

[the_faceless_player]

Could buy a Wise and stick it on a Stringmaster Deluxe like I and at least one other have done. Gets you the same table and clamps as the higher end Tourna but is pretty cheap comparatively, even bringing it over from Germany. Mines been a champ since I bought it 2ish years ago

 

[bertotherobo]

I checked and Alpha Ghost 2 isn't available for shipping until end of May

 

[LOBALOT]

I checked and Alpha Ghost 2 isn't available for shipping until end of May

What is the rush?

I would sit tight and think about what string you want to stock, etc.

 

[Fighting phoenix]

What is the rush?

I would sit tight and think about what string you want to stock, etc.

Yeah waiting till May would have been just fine, but our friend @Irvin helped me out with a contact to get a good deal on the Tourna 700-ES (~$700 cheaper than the Ghost), so I'm hopeful to set it up and start stringing on it next weekend! Thanks all for your insights