Best stringing machine under $1500 for home stringer :)

[ClubHoUno]

I used to have access to a Babolat Star 5 machine, but not so anymore.

I would like to have a smaller cheaper stringing machine at home and my budget limit is around $1500 or in that region.

I'm new to stringing and will start slowly by experimenting a bit on some of my older racquets - hope I don't destroy them

I spend circa $300-400 yearly on having my racquets strung and I would like to slowly learn to string my own racquets and also string for some of my playing buddies (for free of course). So I will not make a living out of this, I just want a reliable solid good machine to get the job done.

I'd rather spend a couple of 100 bucks more to get a better machine that I still will love to use in 3-4 years time, than to go cheap on a cheap machine now and then later have to buy a new more advanced and more reliable machine......

I need a machine, which is available in Europe, because I'm from Scandinavia

Please be nice, as this is my first post ever in the 'Stringing Machine' forum

I use VS Team 17 nat gut in the mains in all my racquets, and have seen videos of how you have to be more precise and gentle, when you string natural gut.

Thanks to all in advance for advice !

The rookie
Club Ho Uno

 

[decades]

I would say the neos 1500.

 

[Nellie]

I really like the Stringway MS 200 - it is really overbuilt but you would get great results.

http://www.stringway-nl.com/en/index.html

 

[Rabbit]

I would say the neos 1500.

Let me add my endorsement. The 1500 is brand new, but has the proven components of the Neos. What it has in addition is 360 degree rotation and dbl action clamps. I'd near about sell you my machine (Neos) and buy one of these.

 

[drakulie]

^^^I'll also endorse what rabbit and decades advise. Not only that, but you could buy a wise tension unit, and you have a top line constant pull machine.

 

[pstar]

I would take a look at the Stringway ML100, with the T92 single action clamps.
Not the fastest machine to string on, but very good quality indeed.
I live in Norway and ordered mine from Stringway in the Netherlands.
Great customerservice all the way from mr Stringway himself, Fred Timmer.

 

[Cfidave]

The Stringway MS 200 would be a contender, but you would want to look into what must be done to make a tension change. It is not as simple as turning a dial.

 

[Lakers4Life]

He can probably get a LaserFibre machine in Europe, rather than a Stringway. Though my vote goes to a Prince Neos 1500 or a Gamma 6004. I don't know what the price is in Northern Europe, do they even use Euros there?

 

[Virtua Tennis]

Better off with a Gamma progression II or Alpha Revo 4000 and add a Wise electric tension head. If you can get it delivered to you.

Once you goto a constant pulling electronic machine nothing compares anymore.

When I switched out from crank machines to electronic machines word of mouth and the overall quality of my work gave my business a 30% increase.

 

[andtapes]

Gamma Progression ESII

 

[mdqm]

hey clubhouno
see the tyger stringing machines, in europe some models are similar to silent partner here(usa)good machines.

 

[LttlElvis]

Klippermate.

Wait..... was that $150 or $1500 ?

 

[parasailing]

ClubHoUno - Welcome to the stringing machines forum, I see you often posting your insights in the strings section.

You are in the right forum, these people here offer great advice and they don't bite.

I would say go with an electronic constant pull unit model. The crank machines people have suggested are good machines but you were spoiled using a Babolat Star 5. Will you be able to go back turning a crank as opposed to pushing a button?

One additional note: Some of these machine listed might not be available in your country.

 

[Snipergene]

Another vote for the Prince Neos 1500.

 

[Deleted member 25923]

I would take a look at the Stringway ML100, with the T92 single action clamps.
Not the fastest machine to string on, but very good quality indeed.
I live in Norway and ordered mine from Stringway in the Netherlands.
Great customerservice all the way from mr Stringway himself, Fred Timmer.

I'd like to endorse this (sorry Drak and rabbit ).

The stringways are actually quite fast. On a ML90 (a slower version with the slower clamps), my fastest time is 25 mins. I'm sure the ML100 is even faster with t92 clamps. But if you want more speed, get the MS200. Real sick looking machine, and who doesn't love the footpedal?

 

[Chicken Neck]

Alpha Apex II. 1000 frames without a hitch.

 

[pstar]

The stringways are actually quite fast. On a ML90 (a slower version with the slower clamps), my fastest time is 25 mins.

Hey Mansewerz thats very impressing :shock:.
I usually need 45 mins on my ML100.

 

[ClubHoUno]

Thanks for all the replies

I think I may have to up my budget a bit, since I'm going for a solid constant pulling electronic machine.

How much will one of the good cheaper electronic machines cost me - I have limited my search to Europe because most shops in the US simply will not ship stringing machines to Europe because of too high shipping costs.

I buy tennis and golf gear all over the world - yen, €, $ what ever - I'm buying where the service is good and the price is right

He can probably get a LaserFibre machine in Europe, rather than a Stringway. Though my vote goes to a Prince Neos 1500 or a Gamma 6004. I don't know what the price is in Northern Europe, do they even use Euros there?

We still use 'Kroner' in Scandinavian countries. But I buy stuff all over the world, problem is that tennis shops in the US won't sell a stringing machine to a guy from Europe because of too high shipping costs.

Better off with a Gamma progression II or Alpha Revo 4000 and add a Wise electric tension head. If you can get it delivered to you.

Once you goto a constant pulling electronic machine nothing compares anymore.

When I switched out from crank machines to electronic machines word of mouth and the overall quality of my work gave my business a 30% increase.

I think I will have to spend a little bit more and get an electronic machine - any recommenations ?

Klippermate.

Wait..... was that $150 or $1500 ?

$1500 - but my budget is now $2K since I want a pretty good elctrical machine.

ClubHoUno - Welcome to the stringing machines forum, I see you often posting your insights in the strings section.

You are in the right forum, these people here offer great advice and they don't bite.

I would say go with an electronic constant pull unit model. The crank machines people have suggested are good machines but you were spoiled using a Babolat Star 5. Will you be able to go back turning a crank as opposed to pushing a button?

One additional note: Some of these machine listed might not be available in your country.

Thanks
I take all your advice and will go for an elctrical machine. Budget for that is now $2K. Is that enough ?

 

[barry]

I would go with the Prince Neos 1500 with a Wise 2086. The portability of the Wise is amazing, it fits almost all machines, and you would have backup should the tensioner ever fail. Integrated Electronic machines are nice, but often you have to ship the entire unit in for repair or do some major surgery to get the failing component out. I am sold on the modularity you get with the Wise.

Also the new Gamma 6900 looks pretty good for a rotational gripper machine.

 

[Cfidave]

Would be intersting to know if the Neos 1500 plus Wise retains 360 degree rotation.

 

[drakulie]

hey clubhouno
see the tyger stringing machines, in europe some models are similar to silent partner here(usa)good machines.

I agree.

These are extremely good machines, and I believe at one point the machine of choice at either one of the slams (AO), or some of the bigger tourney events in europe.

 

[big bang]

Hey club, try talking to the guys at transocean sport, the got pretty good machines and its close to your home. they have Tyger along with other brands at ok prices.
you can also get one of the electronic pro´s pro machines in DK for around 4500 kr, and you can get it even cheaper if you order it from germany or holland.
I can give you a few links if you like.

 

[ClubHoUno]

I would go with the Prince Neos 1500 with a Wise 2086. The portability of the Wise is amazing, it fits almost all machines, and you would have backup should the tensioner ever fail. Integrated Electronic machines are nice, but often you have to ship the entire unit in for repair or do some major surgery to get the failing component out. I am sold on the modularity you get with the Wise.

Also the new Gamma 6900 looks pretty good for a rotational gripper machine.

Thanks for advice

How much would a Prince Neos 1500 with a Wise 2086 costs me total in us$ ?

What exactly is so great about the Wise 2086 ?

Will I be able to sustain a high level of precision in tension levels, when I use the Prince Neos 1500 with a Wise 2086 compared to an electronic machine ?

Thanks in advance !

 

[ClubHoUno]

Hey club, try talking to the guys at transocean sport, the got pretty good machines and its close to your home. they have Tyger along with other brands at ok prices.
you can also get one of the electronic pro´s pro machines in DK for around 4500 kr, and you can get it even cheaper if you order it from germany or holland.
I can give you a few links if you like.

Hey Big Bang

Thanks for advice.....

Now I'm in doubt - should I go for the the Prince Neos 1500 with a Wise 2086, a Tyger machine from Transocean Sport or maybe a full electronic ?

What would you recommend - the experienced guys do have a point. If the electronic machine stops working, I may have to send the whole thing back, while I can just send in parts, if I use a 'non electronic' machine.

Will only string 10-15 racquets a month on it, but need it to be reliable, precise and easy to use...

Thanks to all for your help and good info !!

Please keep the answers coming !

 

[big bang]

if you are not gonna string more than that, then I would buy either a good crank (ex.Tyger) or if you really wanna go for an electronic the pro´s pro.

the crank will last allmost forever if you choose a brand you can get spare parts for, i got a Tyger and if something breaks I just go to transocean and get it right away, big advantage!!
the Babolat I used to work on in a shop once broke and we have to ship it to france, it was sooooo expensive something like 10000 kr.. thats why my advice is...if you really want an electronic then go for something cheap like pro´s pro, you get your 2 years guaranti and if it breaks after that period then buy a new! but seriously I would buy a crank.
you can buy a good one at transocean for around 6000 kr (Tyger), but I heard good things about the pro´s pro cranks too, I just dont know if its as easy to get spare parts to as the Tyger is..

 

[barry]

Thanks for advice

How much would a Prince Neos 1500 with a Wise 2086 costs me total in us$ ?

What exactly is so great about the Wise 2086 ?

Will I be able to sustain a high level of precision in tension levels, when I use the Prince Neos 1500 with a Wise 2086 compared to an electronic machine ?

Thanks in advance !

The Wise 2086 is constant pull and I have had and used one for 3 years. Click on Video for a clip on how it works. It is constant pull, and I give it an A+ for stringing. Very accurate

http://www.**********.com/

tennis head . com (just remove the spaces)

Also the Prince Neos 1500 is $1299
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Prince_NEOS_1500_Stringing_Machine/descpagePRINCE-NEOS15.html

And the Wise 2086 is $495

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Wise_2086_Electronic_Pro_Head_Tensioner/descpageWISE-WISETH.html

 

[ClubHoUno]

if you are not gonna string more than that, then I would buy either a good crank (ex.Tyger) or if you really wanna go for an electronic the pro´s pro.

the crank will last allmost forever if you choose a brand you can get spare parts for, i got a Tyger and if something breaks I just go to transocean and get it right away, big advantage!!
the Babolat I used to work on in a shop once broke and we have to ship it to france, it was sooooo expensive something like 10000 kr.. thats why my advice is...if you really want an electronic then go for something cheap like pro´s pro, you get your 2 years guaranti and if it breaks after that period then buy a new! but seriously I would buy a crank.
you can buy a good one at transocean for around 6000 kr (Tyger), but I heard good things about the pro´s pro cranks too, I just dont know if its as easy to get spare parts to as the Tyger is..

2 of my playing buddies are willing to invest 1.000 kroner each, and I get 12.000 kroner back in 'overskydende skat'/taxes, so I think I'm going to buy the electronic machine called Tyger StringUltra 630 from Transocean Sport. They offer free training in using the animal

Anyone know anything about this machine called Tyger StringUltra 630 - is it any good ?

I can get it for 10.000 kroner = circa $1.750 incl. VAT and taxes.

Would it be crazy to get that one - I intend to use for the next 10+ years.

I spend $400 = 2000 kr yearly on having my racquets strung, so in 5 years time, the machine has payed for itself.....
I spend 1-2 hours a month on bringing racquets to and from my stringer anyways.....
I expect to be able to string a racquet in 30 minutes time, once I get some experience of course.

Am I crazy

 

[big bang]

2 of my playing buddies are willing to invest 1.000 kroner each, and I get 12.000 kroner back in 'overskydende skat'/taxes, so I think I'm going to buy the electronic machine called Tyger StringUltra 630 from Transocean Sport. They offer free training in using the animal

Anyone know anything about this machine called Tyger StringUltra 630 - is it any good ?

I can get it for 10.000 kroner = circa $1.750 incl. VAT and taxes.

Would it be crazy to get that one - I intend to use for the next 10+ years.

I spend $400 = 2000 kr yearly on having my racquets strung, so in 5 years time, the machine has payed for itself.....
I spend 1-2 hours a month on bringing racquets to and from my stringer anyways.....
I expect to be able to string a racquet in 30 minutes time, once I get some experience of course.

Am I crazy

no I wouldnt say you are crazybut I would buy something cheaper and more easy to fix if it breaks down 4-5000 for a good crank.. I saw one the other day on dba, 10 months old barely used-2200 kr!

stringultra 630 looks like a good machine, but expensive too..

 

[sidzej]

ClubHoUno, my 0.02c: If I was you, I would buy an automatic dropweight from Stringway, with 10 years warranty, very well built, excellent customer service from NL, easy to use, no need for calibrations, very consistent results can be achieved. You don't even need ML200, as you will be fine with ML100.

I really think, that for your intended use, you plan to invest way too much money. I was in a similar situation a year ago, money was not really an issue, but I decided to buy Stringway and used the extra cash for buying strings

 

[Deleted member 25923]

Hey Mansewerz thats very impressing :shock:.
I usually need 45 mins on my ML100.

Thank you, but I was actually trying to string fast there. My normal, relaxed string time is slower than that

 

[ClubHoUno]

no I wouldnt say you are crazybut I would buy something cheaper and more easy to fix if it breaks down 4-5000 for a good crank.. I saw one the other day on dba, 10 months old barely used-2200 kr!

stringultra 630 looks like a good machine, but expensive too..

So if I got the Tyger Ultra 630 I would have the same problem if something breaks down - the whole unit has to sent in for repair, while with a crank, I can send one part in and have it repaired right ?

ClubHoUno, my 0.02c: If I was you, I would buy an automatic dropweight from Stringway, with 10 years warranty, very well built, excellent customer service from NL, easy to use, no need for calibrations, very consistent results can be achieved. You don't even need ML200, as you will be fine with ML100.

I really think, that for your intended use, you plan to invest way too much money. I was in a similar situation a year ago, money was not really an issue, but I decided to buy Stringway and used the extra cash for buying strings

Do you know of a dealer in Scandinavia or Europe, where I can buy Stringway machines at ?

What about the Prince Nexos 1500 ?

I'm confused sorry

 

[jim e]

Integrated Electronic machines are nice, but often you have to ship the entire unit in for repair or do some major surgery to get the failing component out.

Not always the case, as many electronics all is needed is to remove the tension head with the electronics, as that is usually just bolted to the table.It is called a PC Box Tension Head System, so updates can easily be done if needed as well. At least it was that way with my Pro Master machine, and I'm sure it is that way with many others as well.So you don't need to ship the whole machine back if problems arise.I know of someone who had a problem as such,( bad LCD screen), and the distributor sent him the part needed and instructions to replace the screen as well, and there was no issues, so not always is there all this shipping back.

 

[Icedorb217]

Neos 1500 with a Wise unit should do you justice as its reliable and has everything you just about need

 

[raging]

Club, you are getting heaps of good advice.
I have been looking for a used Star 4, new Star 5 for a while and one consideration is major service problems- if these guys at TransOcean will back you up(you mentioned training), have been in business a while with Tyger then it is probably a good one to go for. if they are close to you ...even better.
You are not crazy! ...we all are...about tennis.

 

[jazzyfunkybluesy]

Neos 1500 with a Wise unit should do you justice as its reliable and has everything you just about need

Except for a 6 point base.

 

[ClubHoUno]

Neos 1500 with a Wise unit should do you justice as its reliable and has everything you just about need

Club, you are getting heaps of good advice.
I have been looking for a used Star 4, new Star 5 for a while and one consideration is major service problems- if these guys at TransOcean will back you up(you mentioned training), have been in business a while with Tyger then it is probably a good one to go for. if they are close to you ...even better.
You are not crazy! ...we all are...about tennis.

Okidoki - but the Prince Neos 1500 + the Wise will be circa $1800, which with VAT, taxes and shipping probably will be more than what the Electronic Tyger StringUltra 630 will cost me........ and I can buy the Tyger StringUltra 630 in a shop 10 km/6 miles from where I live.

They (TransOcean Sport) offer free training in using the stringer as part of the deal and will also offer service and support in the future to come.

Will also check another dealer, which sell an electronic Stringman for circa the same price. The tennis store which sells the Stringman is even closer to where I live - 5 minutes walk, I can almost see the shop from where I live

Decisions....decisions.....decisions......

Except for a 6 point base.

What's a 6 point base :lol:

 

[parasailing]

I think he is referring to a 6 point mount where the racquet is held by six points of contact. I think only the Neos still has a two point mounting for a high end crank whereas the others go with 6 point mount.

 

[verbouge]

Say, Club Ho, are you way past considering a Stringway ML100 T92 or MS 200 T92? Seriously, great machines. I'm taking a break from my ML100 T92 for a moment here, and love this thing more with every racket strung.

The mounting system is unique; at least I believe it is. The tensioning of my machine is about as accurate as exists. The T92 clamps are exquisite. If you're not going for volume (are you?), but rather for quality, you may give Fred at Stringway a call. I don't think you're going to do better than this brand.

I have nothing to gain from this but to share a passion for excellence.

Dave

 

[ClubHoUno]

Say, Club Ho, are you way past considering a Stringway ML100 T92 or MS 200 T92? Seriously, great machines. I'm taking a break from my ML100 T92 for a moment here, and love this thing more with every racket strung.

The mounting system is unique; at least I believe it is. The tensioning of my machine is about as accurate as exists. The T92 clamps are exquisite. If you're not going for volume (are you?), but rather for quality, you may give Fred at Stringway a call. I don't think you're going to do better than this brand.

I have nothing to gain from this but to share a passion for excellence.

Dave

I think I will go for an electronic for added precision of tension and higher quality of clamps (don't know if this is bull, but was told that the more expensive electronic machines will be softer and more gentle on the paintjob of the frames, than the cheaper non-electronic machines)

Still don't know how and where I will place a 100 pound stringing monster and move it in and out of the closet a couple of times a month, when I need to string a couple of racquets

I will most likely go with Tyger String Ultra 630 electronic or an electronic from Stringway. The Prince Nexos 1500 + a Wise 2086 will be the same price as the Tyger StringUltra 630 Electronic, so the Nexos is out.

So I'm split between an electronic from Stringway or the Tyger StringUltra 630 Electronic.

Don't know which one it will be yet

 

[verbouge]

So I'm split between an electronic from Stringway or the Tyger StringUltra 630 Electronic.
Don't know which one it will be yet

OK, then, my two cents.

The mounting system on the less expensive and the more expensive Stringway machines is EXACTLY the same. In other words, it's not a matter of price once you choose this company. The quality is without question. The next thing, the tensioning, is unique. If you go for the ML100 or the MS 200--there's nothing quite like it. One is done with gravity, one is done with a spring and a pedal. I have the gravity version, the ML100, and I can take the strings off a racket, mount it, and finish the complete string job unmounted from the platform in 31 minutes without being hurried. And I know my string bed is as accurately strung as any in the world. No exaggeration. I'm relatively new to this, too. The machine makes it easy.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that the "you get what you pay for" argument is true in just about every case. But this one, this particular case, is worth a second look. The mounting system is the same from the least expensive to the most expensive machines. I can testify that it is rock solid and very easy to use, once you figure it out. The only questions after that are tensioning and customer service. You know where I stand on those two things.

I have no opinion on the Stringway electronics. My guess is that they are excellent, but you'll have to inquire of others who own those machines as to their qualities. But I will tell you that Fred Timmer himself has intimated that there is no more accurate system than that on the ML100. I tend to believe him. The thing is, what can be more accurate than gravity? The spring is great, but still, you have to calibrate it every twenty string jobs or so. And electronics, however sophisticated, cannot replicate tension as accurately as simple gravity. The "automatic drop weight" concept makes this soooooooo convenient and easy. OK, enough soap box and passion.

By the way, Club Ho, I've read many of your posts in "Strings and Stringing" and appreciate your thoughtfulness and attention to detail. It's apparent that you're looking for something of quality and longevity. Whatever you choose will most likely be an excellent machine.

I wish you luck.

Dave in Oregon, USA

 

[ClubHoUno]

OK, then, my two cents.

The mounting system on the less expensive and the more expensive Stringway machines is EXACTLY the same. In other words, it's not a matter of price once you choose this company. The quality is without question. The next thing, the tensioning, is unique. If you go for the ML100 or the MS 200--there's nothing quite like it. One is done with gravity, one is done with a spring and a pedal. I have the gravity version, the ML100, and I can take the strings off a racket, mount it, and finish the complete string job unmounted from the platform in 31 minutes without being hurried. And I know my string bed is as accurately strung as any in the world. No exaggeration. I'm relatively new to this, too. The machine makes it easy.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that the "you get what you pay for" argument is true in just about every case. But this one, this particular case, is worth a second look. The mounting system is the same from the least expensive to the most expensive machines. I can testify that it is rock solid and very easy to use, once you figure it out. The only questions after that are tensioning and customer service. You know where I stand on those two things.

I have no opinion on the Stringway electronics. My guess is that they are excellent, but you'll have to inquire of others who own those machines as to their qualities. But I will tell you that Fred Timmer himself has intimated that there is no more accurate system than that on the ML100. I tend to believe him. The thing is, what can be more accurate than gravity? The spring is great, but still, you have to calibrate it every twenty string jobs or so. And electronics, however sophisticated, cannot replicate tension as accurately as simple gravity. The "automatic drop weight" concept makes this soooooooo convenient and easy. OK, enough soap box and passion.

By the way, Club Ho, I've read many of your posts in "Strings and Stringing" and appreciate your thoughtfulness and attention to detail. It's apparent that you're looking for something of quality and longevity. Whatever you choose will most likely be an excellent machine.

I wish you luck.

Dave in Oregon, USA

Thanks for your insigtful post, Dave

I'm in contact with the Scandinavian Stringway man and if the price on the Stringway M200 is fair, I might give this machine a try.

How much does your machine weigh and is it hard to move it around ?

And since I use VS Team nat gut in the mains of all my racquets, I need to prestrecth the gut strings prior to stringing. Isn't it only electronic machines, that can prestrecth properly and precise ?

Thanks

 

[verbouge]

Thanks for your insigtful post, Dave

I'm in contact with the Scandinavian Stringway man and if the price on the Stringway M200 is fair, I might give this machine a try.

How much does your machine weigh and is it hard to move it around ?

And since I use VS Team nat gut in the mains of all my racquets, I need to prestrecth the gut strings prior to stringing. Isn't it only electronic machines, that can prestrecth properly and precise ?

Thanks

Golly, got no answers for you there, CHU. I don't have nor have ever seen an MS200 in person. I've never strung natural gut. I can't imagine the gut would be an issue, but perhaps the electronics have things to offer that the non-plug-in machines simply don't. Ask your Stringway contact. You may consider contacting Mark Gonzales here in the States. He appears to be a straight-up guy who finds reward in offering second-to-none service. Just a thought.

By the way, I've strung 8 rackets over the weekend, and just can't get enough. It's more fun than you can shake a stick at.

I'll follow this thread and see what you come up with.

Take care,
Dave

 

[irish-phil]

Hi Clubhouno did you decide on a machine in the end?

 

[kato669]

I don't know for a fact with the Neos 1500 but an educated guess would be yes. The Wise instruction manual even sets your expectations to this.

 

[Tennusdude]

Sometimes I wonder if the Prince Neos 1000 and its two point mounting system was really made to support the addition of an Electronic Tensioner. I guess it should be fine. I am not saying two point mounting system is not able to handle and electronic tensioner but the Prince Neos was never built with that in mind was it?

 

[MAX PLY]

Sometimes I wonder if the Prince Neos 1000 and its two point mounting system was really made to support the addition of an Electronic Tensioner. I guess it should be fine. I am not saying two point mounting system is not able to handle and electronic tensioner but the Prince Neos was never built with that in mind was it?

Why would it make any difference??--tension is tension, the fact that certain electronic tensioners pull constantly should make absolutely no difference. The Neos 1000 has been used (in some form or another) for a very long time and I don't think its mounting system has ever been a problem.

 

[Roger Wawrinka]

Go with the 1500.


Does anyone know if you lose the 360 rotation with the wise on the 1500?

 

[Lakers4Life]

Go with the 1500.


Does anyone know if you lose the 360 rotation with the wise on the 1500?

+1 on the Neos 1500! The 1000 is a dated machine past it's time.

Not unless you add the Gamma adapter.

 

[cluckcluck]

I say go with the Stringway machines. Nothing electronic. You can still string when the power goes out.
Deadly accurate as well.

 

[Irvin]

unless you are buying used I would not think you would get the Prince 1500 and the Wise for $1,500. I have never used the Stringway but they may very well be the best bet.