Best machine for beginner (budget $1500)?

ichaseballs

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Looking at the Tourna CS-350.
Would hope the machine would last 20 years with low maintenance. (hence why i am fine skipping electronic)
 
Been looking at the electric Gamma X-ELS (its another $500-600 vs the CS-350)

how important is it to have a clutch (the round part you wrap the string) before the clamp?
i noticed the gamma X-ST has one where the tourna does not...
 
how important is it to have a clutch (the round part you wrap the string) before the clamp?
i noticed the gamma X-ST has one where the tourna does not...

You seem to be confused.
The round thing you are talking about (on a Gamma X-ST) is the roller guide, not a clutch.

A clutch is utilized on some (but not all) drop-weight tensioners.
 
Been looking at the electric Gamma X-ELS (its another $500-600 vs the CS-350)

how important is it to have a clutch (the round part you wrap the string) before the clamp?
i noticed the gamma X-ST has one where the tourna does not...
The round hour glass ‘thing’ you wrap the string around on a LO machine is called either a string guide / string roller / roller guide. A similar looking device on an eCP is called a diablo / diabolo. They Look the same, but are different. The string guide spins freely and maintains a constant string angle going into the gripper. The diablo does not spin, maintains a constant string angle going into the gripper, and reduces tension on the string on the gripper side of the Diablo by 50% which reduces the pressure on the string by the gripper plates by 50%.

EDIT: Any more, all linear gripper eCP machines have diablos, only Gamma machine have a string guide, rotary eCP machines have neither.
 
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...all linear gripper eCP machines have diablos

Once again, Irvin is spreading misinformation. :rolleyes:

@ichaseballs,
His statement is not true.

Babolat, Head, Dunlop, & Solinco all make linear gripper eCP machines that don't have a diabolo.


If one is going to make sweeping statements about something, they should, at minimum, be truthful. :rolleyes:
 
They each hour glass looking then you wrap the string around on an eCP is a diablo. But Wes is right not all eCPs have a diablo.
 
the teaching video i saw called it a "clutch", was using the Gamma X-ELS .

61DuifEY5rL._AC_UF1000,1000_QL80_.jpg
GAMMA-X-Stringer-ST-6-Point-Quick-Mount-Tabletop-Tennis-Stringing-Machine.jpg

so tourna cs-350 vs gamma x-st
both crank style. one has a roller guide. any preference between the two?
 
the teaching video i saw called it a "clutch", was using the Gamma X-ELS .

61DuifEY5rL._AC_UF1000,1000_QL80_.jpg
GAMMA-X-Stringer-ST-6-Point-Quick-Mount-Tabletop-Tennis-Stringing-Machine.jpg


so tourna cs-350 vs gamma x-st
both crank style. one has a roller guide. any preference between the two?
The X-ELS has a diablo. The X-ST has a string guide. The Gamma lock out maintain a constant angle going into the gripper so the angle of the string going into the gripper is always the same. Therefore the tension at lock is the same because it always requires the same pulling force on the string to lift the gripper assembly to engage the trip lever.
 
I’ve seen some used Neos 1000 machines with a Wise and the crank tension head inside your budget. That said, I don’t think you can go wrong with a Tourna, Alpha, or Gamma. Stay away from off brand stuff.
@Dak95: Do you consider Pro's Pro as candidate for good brand ?
I have very good feedback about their base clamps and overall.

First hand fresh advice to all: don't buy Eagnas.
Also for for this amount I would go 100% with e Head, no need crank.

Can edit your subject : $1500 is not for novice, you can get good quality Gamma 6900 for this.
 
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@Dak95: Do you consider Pro's Pro as candidate for good brand ?
I have very good feedback about their base clamps and overall.

First hand fresh advice to all: don't buy Eagnas.
Also for for this amount I would go 100% with e Head, no need crank.

Can edit your subject : $1500 is not for novice, you can get good quality Gamma 6900 for this.
The only thing I know of Pro's Pro is the information I have read on this forum. Most of the consensus is that it is made at the same manufacturer that makes for Eagnas or similar. Their machines look good but for a little more you could buy an Alpha or a Tourna and know you are getting service support should anything go wrong from these reputable brands.

I have strung on a few Alpha machines, a Klippermate, a Gamma X2, and a number of various Ektelon/Prince machines. I currently have a Neos 1000 with a Wise and that's enough for me to string quickly and consistently. I would need a great deal to change for me to consider an upgrade. For example, I could have purchased a Prince 7000 recently for $1500 used and thought about it. It would have been nice but it wasn't necessary.
 
Tourna Ennox + Tourna 175-CS = $1800
not a bad option vs the Gamma X-ELS (same price)
the comparison may be better matched vs the Gamma XLT which is $500 more

thoughts?
 
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