best string machine for me?
- Thread starter fanatic32
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Carolina Racquet
Professional
Take a look at the time-tested Klippermate. You will pay for it in no time and it will last forever. I wish I had it in HS.
I would love to pay $150 for a stringer and be able to pay for it in 4 - 5 string jobs... but im still a little unsure with the accuracy of the drop weight and the fly clamps... does it really affect the string job?
I use a similar setup to a Klippermate - an Alpha String Pal and a pair of Stringway clamps. Dropweights are very accurate systems in general - you are relying on gravity to pull a constant tension, and to keep pulling until you clamp off. A 'lock out' tensioner, such as a crank, must be calibrated periodically - and once it locks out the tension, stops pulling (as the string stretches and slacks off prior to clamping, no adjustment is made to correct)
Flying clamps have some drawback that is inherent, however you can by and large correct the small drawback in the next pull. I've been very happy with the hybrid jobs I've done - I'm getting more consistent with practice, and the stringbed plays the same job to job. Do I care that I hit the exact tension that I marked out on my dropweight? Not at all - I care that I'm consistent stringjob to stringjob, and can play well with my work.
Just worth pondering. My setup cost about $200 before shipping I believe - and if I ever go to a more expensive stringer, I still have some top of the line clamps for doing those weird ones. Once I started using the Stringways, it has been a real breeze.
P.S. I should mention - I write what I do with a very short time at stringing. I'm an absolute beginner to it too, so my thoughts are all from the perspective of someone who didn't know how to do it/what to buy a couple months ago... I'm at the point that I'm comfortable enough with my consistency to just rely on my jobs.
You have a good point.. i am considering buying the klippermate... but one question, is the 2 point mounting system good... does it affect the racquet in any way because i have heard a lot of bad things about the 2 point mounting system.
I have not had a problem, that's about the best I can say. I don't know anyone else who strings, or do I get particularly technical about all of it. If you think about it though, how many 2 point mounting systems are out there - and how many complaints do you read about frames being broken in them... it's pretty rare (and in most cases, there are likely culprits). If frames were getting damaged left and right, I can't imagine these systems would be so prolific.
I've never used a 6 point mounting system, I've never used fixed clamps - so far I don't really have the desire to. Never used a klippermate, but it's very similar to what I have. I've got a clutch, which is useful (if I go past 90 degrees on the bar, which I generally do, I can just pull the bar up a bit, instead of refeeding the string). Neither way is really a deal-breaker in my opinion though - both are the exact same concept.
If and when you do get a machine, do yourself a favor and also purchase a starting clamp. I did, and the thing is just so darn useful, it's just not funny. Some companies will give you free string too... but in my opinion, it's not worth considering, as the strings never seem to be overly popular (good for taking a practice run, but that's it).
Carolina Racquet
Professional
Some thoughts on your questions about dropweight, flying clamps and 2 pt mounting system...
For personal use, there's nothing wrong with a drop-weight machine. In fact, I believe its preferable because regardless of how often you use it, it will always be accurate.
Flying clamps are ok. Klipper makes some of the best and most durable clamps which is one reason I chose my machine. You will have to double-pull the first crosses at the top, but there's not a huge issue impacting stringbed tension.
Most importantly, a 2 pt mounting system is just fine. If you look back at old threads about the subject matter, you'll see that there's little concern about a 2 pt mount being hazardous to your frame if mounted and strung correctly.
The most important aspect of stringing is repetitive consistency, which falls upon the user more than the machine. Regardless of the machine you choose, it's a wise decision to get a stringer if you're a competitive player.
IMO, a Klippermate is a safe bet because of the minimal investment, the quality construction and the nice residual value it has if you want to sell/trade in the future.
Also consider that the Klippermate is completely storable in a tool box which means you can take it with you almost anywhere and you can put it away when not in use. Not many machines can claim that.
Good luck.
For personal use, there's nothing wrong with a drop-weight machine. In fact, I believe its preferable because regardless of how often you use it, it will always be accurate.
Flying clamps are ok. Klipper makes some of the best and most durable clamps which is one reason I chose my machine. You will have to double-pull the first crosses at the top, but there's not a huge issue impacting stringbed tension.
Most importantly, a 2 pt mounting system is just fine. If you look back at old threads about the subject matter, you'll see that there's little concern about a 2 pt mount being hazardous to your frame if mounted and strung correctly.
The most important aspect of stringing is repetitive consistency, which falls upon the user more than the machine. Regardless of the machine you choose, it's a wise decision to get a stringer if you're a competitive player.
IMO, a Klippermate is a safe bet because of the minimal investment, the quality construction and the nice residual value it has if you want to sell/trade in the future.
Also consider that the Klippermate is completely storable in a tool box which means you can take it with you almost anywhere and you can put it away when not in use. Not many machines can claim that.
Good luck.
Donny0627
Professional
The dropweight is the most accurate tensioner available. As long as you calibrate it once, and the constant of gravity doesn't change, it will be very accurate.
As for the flying clamps, I use them. They aren't as easy to use imo as fixed clamps, but they get the job done and accurately aswell...
how would i calibrate it? what should i buy in order to calibrate the dropweight?
with a DW, you only need to insure it is accurate from the start.
barring any increased friction in the arm over time, it should not change. gravity remains constant (as far as we are concerned).
you could borrow a spring scale or fish scale and calibrate once and be done with it, no need to buy one for a DW, IMO.
Double pulling I'd guess isn't a huge problem for the top crosses IMO. But couldn't you just pull the top two strings at once, clamp off with a flying clamp away from the tension head (far side of the racquet), pull the top and use a starting clamp (hold the tension at the top), then pull the second string, release the clamp from the far side of the racquet, reclamp and move on like normal? That's how I do it at least, has worked out ok.
Sorry, total thread hijack on that one.
Can use a fish scale to check to see if the lettering is accurate on your stringer (i.e. the numbers correspond with reality), I've never done it - I just don't feel the need to on a DW either.
all these stringing words you are using makes stringing look really hard... im kinda scared since i have never strung a racquet. :-?
Like I said, I've only been doing it a couple months at most with no prior knowledge - you'll pick up VERY fast. All the racquets I have run into, it has been really easy. Don't let it deter you!
Tinyman, thats what I heard should be done too. I think it was mentioned in another thread somewhere around here too.
Sadly my Gamma clamps are too big to fit the top so I had to do different things that Irvin mentioned in another thread.
And fanatic, its not bad at all. First time I read stuff like that I got confused, but i strung my two rackets last week and it wasnt that bad. First racket took 2 hours 30 minutes (had to go back to reference some videos again), but the second racket only took me an 1:20.
Watching videos beforehand on youtube will definitely help out understanding the lingo though. I would search for Yulitle (I believe), he has great video tutorials to help you out.
Sadly my Gamma clamps are too big to fit the top so I had to do different things that Irvin mentioned in another thread.
And fanatic, its not bad at all. First time I read stuff like that I got confused, but i strung my two rackets last week and it wasnt that bad. First racket took 2 hours 30 minutes (had to go back to reference some videos again), but the second racket only took me an 1:20.
Watching videos beforehand on youtube will definitely help out understanding the lingo though. I would search for Yulitle (I believe), he has great video tutorials to help you out.
Carolina Racquet
Professional
The Klippermate comes with some pretty good instructions. Remember, they cater to new stringers so they keep it pretty basic.
Also, as others have mentioned, YouTube is great especially for tying knots.
Also, as others have mentioned, YouTube is great especially for tying knots.
diredesire
Adjunct Moderator
Before rushing into buying the machine (even with all the positive comments in this thread), you might want to check out the stickies:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=349814
Like you said, buying a machine should pay for itself in the ~5 racquets range... if you are a constant string breaker, this might pay for itself in a few months! If you are going to be serious about stringing, and you're going to commit to a long-term deal here, you should be considering a higher end machine as an investment. Once you get past the "cheap-as-possible" mindset, you might actually realize that this is a better option for you. I'm by no means a drop weight hater (even though if you look at my history, most of my posts are advising against dropweights). I'm more of a "big picture thinker" here.
In terms of tensioner accuracy, a drop weight is very good. In terms of final result accuracy, I think a lot of people look at drop weights through rose-colored glasses. For super-inexpensive drop weights, flying clamps (besides stringway) should be looked at cautiously. The way they work is by relying on an adjacent string for support. This can mean torquing of the clamp (by design). This CAN reduce absolute tension accuracy [thereby, IMO negating any benefit you get from dropweight accuracy]. The tensioner is only (exactly) accurate at 90 degrees, as well. You'll notice (if you google around for videos, etc), when an operator releases a clamp, often times the bar will drop below horizontal. This implies a final result of lower than reference. (However, this is blown a little out of proportion, you're still well within "margin of error" of your original tension, here..).
IF the clamps were holding perfectly, would this happen?
There's a few systematic drawbacks (no pun intended) that keep me from wholeheartedly recommending a Klippermate (or similar) to new stringers. I am personally someone of the opinion to go ahead and buy a nicer ($450-800) stringer. ESPECIALLY if you are getting reamed by a $30/job cost, and are restringing frequently. Do the math! For those of us that basically have no option but to buy a stringer (aka frequent string breakers), the recoup time for pretty much any machine is < 1 year. You also give yourself freedom to find much better/more durable/more comfortable/more whatever strings!
Edit: I should note that the above criticisms are for <$200 dropweights. I owned a Laserfibre(/Stringway) MS200TT, which is a super high end dropweight machine. It is to date one of my favorite machines of all time.
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=349814
Like you said, buying a machine should pay for itself in the ~5 racquets range... if you are a constant string breaker, this might pay for itself in a few months! If you are going to be serious about stringing, and you're going to commit to a long-term deal here, you should be considering a higher end machine as an investment. Once you get past the "cheap-as-possible" mindset, you might actually realize that this is a better option for you. I'm by no means a drop weight hater (even though if you look at my history, most of my posts are advising against dropweights). I'm more of a "big picture thinker" here.
In terms of tensioner accuracy, a drop weight is very good. In terms of final result accuracy, I think a lot of people look at drop weights through rose-colored glasses. For super-inexpensive drop weights, flying clamps (besides stringway) should be looked at cautiously. The way they work is by relying on an adjacent string for support. This can mean torquing of the clamp (by design). This CAN reduce absolute tension accuracy [thereby, IMO negating any benefit you get from dropweight accuracy]. The tensioner is only (exactly) accurate at 90 degrees, as well. You'll notice (if you google around for videos, etc), when an operator releases a clamp, often times the bar will drop below horizontal. This implies a final result of lower than reference. (However, this is blown a little out of proportion, you're still well within "margin of error" of your original tension, here..).
IF the clamps were holding perfectly, would this happen?
There's a few systematic drawbacks (no pun intended) that keep me from wholeheartedly recommending a Klippermate (or similar) to new stringers. I am personally someone of the opinion to go ahead and buy a nicer ($450-800) stringer. ESPECIALLY if you are getting reamed by a $30/job cost, and are restringing frequently. Do the math! For those of us that basically have no option but to buy a stringer (aka frequent string breakers), the recoup time for pretty much any machine is < 1 year. You also give yourself freedom to find much better/more durable/more comfortable/more whatever strings!
Edit: I should note that the above criticisms are for <$200 dropweights. I owned a Laserfibre(/Stringway) MS200TT, which is a super high end dropweight machine. It is to date one of my favorite machines of all time.
cap.phillips
Rookie
Buy a Klippermate. It comes with excellent stringing instructions and is a bulletproof stringer. If you want to save money and string your own racquets you can't go wrong with it. I have been stringing for about 7 years with my Klippermate. It was my first machine. I learned to string by the included instructions and have branched out from there. I am now looking for to upgrade to a more expensive stringer but only because I am looking to try different things.
I have never had any issues with the 2-point mounting system and I have strung well over 200 racquets with it. There is a small issue with stringing Prince O3 racquets with the large holes in the sides. There is a lock-out pin to help keep the racquet from turning when pulling the crosses so if you learn to use it properly its not that big of a deal. Bottom line, if you are starting out and new to stringing the Klippermate is a good place to start.
I have never had any issues with the 2-point mounting system and I have strung well over 200 racquets with it. There is a small issue with stringing Prince O3 racquets with the large holes in the sides. There is a lock-out pin to help keep the racquet from turning when pulling the crosses so if you learn to use it properly its not that big of a deal. Bottom line, if you are starting out and new to stringing the Klippermate is a good place to start.
D
Deleted member 120290
Guest
Klippermate all the way. I used to string for my teammates, friends, others in high school. I think I made a couple hundred of dollars a month (cleared about $10 per racket). All I remember is I always had fresh strings in my racket and plenty of spending money in my pocket.
Totally disagree. I do 95% of my stringing on my Klippermate but have strung on other, high end machines. I have access to a Neos really anytime I want. I am basically as fast on the KM and my consistency is quite good.
I know this sounds crazy but I find the fixed clamps getting in my way weaving. I didn't say I don't like the Neos--it's great. However, every time I consider changing to something else, I realize there's no good reason. KlipperUSA says that the KM "provides the same quality as machines costing hundreds more." That has been my experience for 20 years.
To the original poster, don't let people scare you away from a basic dropweight if that's your budget and need. The main difference in higher machines is slight convenience for commercial stringing. Your quality and profiency can get excellent on whatever machine you choose. Do it right on a KM and 99.9% of players couldn't tell it was strung on a $150 dropweight (even if they say they can).
MHO...
I know this sounds crazy but I find the fixed clamps getting in my way weaving. I didn't say I don't like the Neos--it's great. However, every time I consider changing to something else, I realize there's no good reason. KlipperUSA says that the KM "provides the same quality as machines costing hundreds more." That has been my experience for 20 years.
To the original poster, don't let people scare you away from a basic dropweight if that's your budget and need. The main difference in higher machines is slight convenience for commercial stringing. Your quality and profiency can get excellent on whatever machine you choose. Do it right on a KM and 99.9% of players couldn't tell it was strung on a $150 dropweight (even if they say they can).
MHO...
diredesire
Adjunct Moderator
You say you have access, but have you tried stringing on a higher end machine as your primary machine for an extended period of time? There's a learning curve to making a full transition to fixed clamps. I see your argument about flying clamps, but if they're getting in your way, you probably haven't learned the little tricks to get the most out of the NEOS. The NEOS (IMO) is a speed-oriented machine, and is actually designed pretty darn well to stay out of one's way.
Again, I won't put words into anyone's mouths here, if you are happy with the KM, that's 100% fine by me. I'm just saying there ARE benefits to higher end machines, and for many people, they should be justifiable if you want them to be. I can stomach the arguments above if the KM camp can at least admit it's not a perfect machine, and that there are systematic drawbacks inherent to the nature of the machine.
A-OK. Also take a look at the other machines in the same price range, though, if you're worried about cost.Wow, thanks for all your help guys... I'm looking to order my klippermate soon... And to the people who
Suggested higher end machines, I would love to get it but I'm paying for thus machine myself and I don't have that much money
The KM is not a perfect machine nor is the Neos. To me, the end in mind in stringing tennis racquets is playing tennis with them. The KM or the Neos or any decent machine can produce a racquet stringing job adequate for any player. And, yes, I mean any player.
Many people on the board string for the sake of stringing or seek to do it as a business. That is not me. Most of my stringing is for me and my high school son; both of us are competitive tennis players. I read with a good deal of humor the arguments or discussions about drawback, floating clamp problems, etc. That being said, I have to set the Neos tighter to achieve the same string bed stiffness as my KM delivers. I know the differences between lockout and constant pull. My point is, I make no changes to accommodate for the flying clamps. Yet, you and others completely trash them. They work just fine properly adjusted and people should know that.
If a higher end machine is good for you--great. I just hate it when newbies are scared away from their instinct to buy a stringer to string for their family when it will be a great purchase for most situations.
Many people on the board string for the sake of stringing or seek to do it as a business. That is not me. Most of my stringing is for me and my high school son; both of us are competitive tennis players. I read with a good deal of humor the arguments or discussions about drawback, floating clamp problems, etc. That being said, I have to set the Neos tighter to achieve the same string bed stiffness as my KM delivers. I know the differences between lockout and constant pull. My point is, I make no changes to accommodate for the flying clamps. Yet, you and others completely trash them. They work just fine properly adjusted and people should know that.
If a higher end machine is good for you--great. I just hate it when newbies are scared away from their instinct to buy a stringer to string for their family when it will be a great purchase for most situations.
diredesire
Adjunct Moderator
Cool.
Yeah, you're right! The NEOS is definitely not a perfect machine. Glidebar limitations are a big poo-poo on me recommending it over anothe rmachine. I'm glad you are able to maintain perspective on the whole stringing scene, the end result is to deliver a racquet to a player that is going to hit with it and play some tennis. I think it's important to understand the reason people are so anal about the stringing process -- by definition, we're on a message board that is discussing stringing/stringing technique, so you'll have to forgive the "Otaku" nature of our community. I know it's over the top in many ways, but looking at the big picture, I think it's a benefit to the community. Sure, we have lots of people sweating the minutae, but if you are able to understand/see both sides (big picture + super tunnel-vision focus), I think it's a benefit to dabble in the hyper-detail-oriented technique/technical side of stringing.
I'm not going to argue with your point about adequacy for any player. I will say, though, that you will never see Roger Federer getting his racquet strung on a Klippermate. I don't EVER dispute the fact that a capable operator is able to produce consistent, playable results on any machine. A Klippermate is totally fine, but my only goal was to point out (just like you) that people want to string for different reasons. You mentioned that you're not stringing to make it a business, and that is a good point! I string because I enjoy it, and it saves me money. I've made my fair share of money stringing, as well, and I can justify why my services are worth the money.
I hear what you're saying about the arguments/discussions about drawback, but it doesn't mean that they're pointless nor without value. It's pretty apparent you're going to have to bump tension on a NEOS, it's a crank! I fail to see where i "trashed" flying clamps, though. I pointed out the systematic weakness in the design and operation of the flying clamps, but I'm not saying they have no business in the field of stringing. I think I also made a good point: If you are releasing your clamp, and the bar drops, what does that mean? No one is asking you to make adjustments in your stringing technique to accommodate tension loss, the important aspect is that you stay consistent, and if you look through my posting history, you'll see pretty clearly that I value consistency over other small tricks. In a big picture view, if your clamps are holding the string reliably (no slippage), and without damage (if you search far enough, you'll actually find that Klippermate clamps have had isolated accounts of poor finishing, causing nicks and breakage in the string), then I have no problem with flying clamps. It SHOULD be acknowledged however as to how flying clamps work/how they're designed. Like I said, I've got no personal vendetta against Dropweight stringers/Klippermates. I think the entire picture should be painted, though. While you may have spent 20 years happily on a KM, I've seen countless, countless accounts of people who have started with an inexpensive machine, only to upgrade a few months down the road. I think it should be noted that this is a possibility (especially when a new user is just starting to research/find out what their needs are!).
Comparing NEOS tension and KM tension (regardless of clamp issues) is silly UNLESS we start comparing something like a STAR5 to a Klippermate. It's the same comparison as far as variables that are different and stringbed stiffness. Lockouts (even when adjusting for CP differences) are going to produce a different feeling stringbed, even at the same tested SBS, IMHO. The fact that the slack isn't being constantly pulled out makes a difference in playability. (Although this statement might border on laughable, if you consider it one of those minute details).
As far as scaring new users away, I hope (besides my extremely lengthy writing style) that I'm not scaring anybody away from stringing. If you look through my posting history, I'm actually all for educating new users and making sure they make the right decision for them. I see so many people coming looking for a lowest-risk/lowest-initial-investment strategy, but I think if you look at it from a long term perspective, a higher end machine CAN be a better overall investment.
I'll finish this thought by saying why I think a higher end machine is suited for me: Once you purchase a stringer, the cost of stringing becomes base string cost, and your time. You save time by not having to wait for your frames in return, but it costs you time having to string frames. To me, my time is valuable, and I honestly don't want to be spending more time stringing than I have to. You might not relate to this attitude, but in the last few years, I spent a lot of my time stringing pretty high volume. I'm not sure of the max racquets you see at a time, but I've done greater than 20 in a "sitting" before. My attitude reflects this (and that's where I'm coming from). While I might be talking about saving a few seconds (minutes) here and there (by having a tensioner that is consistently fast with no adjustments), it really, really adds up for me. I've got other interests/hobbies besides tennis (electronics design/etc), and the lack of time kills me. If I'm stringing frames, it's going to end up being <15 minutes stringing time, and a higher end machine allows me to string quickly and consistently.
With all the above said, I agree, the Klippermate is a good purchase and a good investment for many, many people. My goal of coming into this thread and posting, however, was to point out that there are different reasons/needs for different people, and that the OP should think about the purchase a little before dropping his coin. For some people, my advice will actually save them money overall in the long run. If OP absolutely cannot justify the cost of the higher end machine, that's totally fine, and I don't lose any sleep over it. However, if OP buys this machine now, loves stringing, wants to upgrade 6 months down the road. He will probably take a(n albeit) small loss on his current machine and buy a more expensive machine (+ essentially 2 shipping costs). I've seen it many times, where people say "I wish I just bought the nicer machine up front, I wouldn't have upgradeitis." You see this in all hobbies, though...
I've said way too much for a relatively simple question, and I'm probably not going to over-justify anything else, because the returns are getting to be limited. I think we've both provided excellent points for both sides of the story. I wanted to state (for the record) that I'm not "trashing" anything about you, your opinions, or the Klippermate (or dropweight machines in general).
Cheers!
D
Deleted member 120290
Guest
Here's the bottom line. If you have virtually unlimited budget, get a NEOS or Babolat 5 star. If however you are like 99.9% of the real world, start with a Klippermate and spend the money on nice strings and fast women. Or is it the other way around?
Wow. That was a long post but very good. I think you and I probably agree almost completely. And to include you in the group trashing floating clamps was probably wrong. My post is mostly for the folks that post things like "avoid dropweights" or "don't get something with floating clamps."
And, though I don't expect to string for Fed anytime soon, I'll say with good humor but a good deal of confidence that my 25 minute KM string job will stand up to the 20 minute jobs done in 95% of pro shops and sports stores. I've strung for as high as 5.5 players and can't ever remember getting a complaint. And that's not true for all of my stringing friends.
To end my contribution to this thread, know that nothing was meant as an attack. I love tennis, having played for 38 years. Stringing my families and a few friends racquets over the years has saved me literally thousands of dollars--all with a Klippermate. And like you said, for many, many people, it's all they'll ever need. I've strung hundreds, not thousands, of racquets over the years and that's always been my intent.
Take care...
OneMoreShot
Rookie
Excellent exchange of perspectives without any negativity. Ideally how a forum should work but unfortunately 90% of the time doesn't. Many kudos.
Sorry, I thought of one more thing I wanted to say. Diredesire states that countless people start with inexpensive drop weights and later move to more expensive stringers. Quite true I'm sure.
However, one thing I've noticed on YouTube is that I've never seen anyone stringing on a Klippermate or X-2 or other entry level stringer that looked proficient. I think that has an effect on potential buyers. The videos I've watched make drop weights look like much more of a hassle than they are. My stringing on the KM is very smooth with almost no double pulling or adjustments to get the bar to horizontal. It comes with experience.
Unfortunately, it looks like most of the videos on YouTube show people displaying their technique long before they are proficient. That probably scares people. As I've said many times, my stringing time on a KM is under 25 minutes when I want it to be. I guess I should post a video to show an experienced user of the KM--maybe, just maybe.
However, one thing I've noticed on YouTube is that I've never seen anyone stringing on a Klippermate or X-2 or other entry level stringer that looked proficient. I think that has an effect on potential buyers. The videos I've watched make drop weights look like much more of a hassle than they are. My stringing on the KM is very smooth with almost no double pulling or adjustments to get the bar to horizontal. It comes with experience.
Unfortunately, it looks like most of the videos on YouTube show people displaying their technique long before they are proficient. That probably scares people. As I've said many times, my stringing time on a KM is under 25 minutes when I want it to be. I guess I should post a video to show an experienced user of the KM--maybe, just maybe.
You should definently make a video.. and when you do, post it on this thread so we can all see the beauty of your skills on a KM.
diredesire
Adjunct Moderator
No offense taken, I'm with you here. All of us have one thing in common: a love for tennis. We have different stakes in the game, and for us, we've got stringing in common. I just wish that sort of camaraderie would translate to the general pro section... Cheers!
Yes, I agree. Double pulling (and getting to the point where I'd have virtually zero double pulls) is a lot to do with experience. This is one reason why if I recommend a dropweight, that it comes with a clutch. It's one of those "systematic drawbacks" that I would mention to people.
I'd be absolutely floored to see a video, if you ever get around to it (I'm very familiar with how big of a pain in the butt it can be...). I'd be especially interested to see your clamping technique, and how you physically work around them/position them. There's a lot of variability/flexibility with the way one uses flying clamps, and I've seen quite a few styles.
fortun8son
Hall of Fame
It all depends on how much work the stringer is willing to put in.
An ignorant or careless stringer will ruin a racquet on a Baiardo.
A careful, well-informed stringer will do a great job on a Klippermate.
He/she just needs to work a bit harder. And slower.
BTW. The Prince Universal Flying Clamp is an excellent upgrade for the factory clamps.
I use them often for fan patterns on the Neos.
An ignorant or careless stringer will ruin a racquet on a Baiardo.
A careful, well-informed stringer will do a great job on a Klippermate.
He/she just needs to work a bit harder. And slower.
BTW. The Prince Universal Flying Clamp is an excellent upgrade for the factory clamps.
I use them often for fan patterns on the Neos.
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Okay. I said I was done on this one but I lied. Diredesire brought up one more thing about drop weights and the KM specifically, saying that you'd make sure you got a clutch if you used a drop weight. I differ with you on this.
The KM cam is ingenious. After a bit of stringing you just know how much slack to allow to have the arm rest at, or very near, horizontal. Therefore, no clutch adjustment is necessary. When I tried drop weights with a clutch, I found it inconvenient. However, it's because I was already very familiar with the KM cam gripper.
The one situation that the clutch would probably win in my mind is with polyester. Probably makes that a little easier to string. I don't like it so it doesn't matter to me.
The KM cam is ingenious. After a bit of stringing you just know how much slack to allow to have the arm rest at, or very near, horizontal. Therefore, no clutch adjustment is necessary. When I tried drop weights with a clutch, I found it inconvenient. However, it's because I was already very familiar with the KM cam gripper.
The one situation that the clutch would probably win in my mind is with polyester. Probably makes that a little easier to string. I don't like it so it doesn't matter to me.
Carolina Racquet
Professional
I string polyester with my KM and I second your opinion about how easy the KM cam is to use. When you get used to the poly string, you can load the proper length of string with one, maybe two slight adjustments.
For me, I can string a standard 16 x 19 racquet in less than 30 minutes.
I've seen videos about using a clutch and I contend the KM cam is much faster after you get used to the machine.
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