Cheap and good stringer machine for me

[albertobra]

Ok I would like to (and learn how to) string my raquets. So I guess I'll need one of these manual stringers.
Which one has a good price/quality standard?
Thank you!

 

[XJ9]

hello all, i don't want to post another somehow duplicated thread.

I am also interested in stringing my own rackets, guess i am more interested in an electronic table-top one.
Can you all please suggest?
Cheerts!

 

[esgee48]

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/ind...chniques-machines-sticky-consolidated.349814/
Wade thru the gory details in the sticky.
Then decide on
Budget
Space
Volume of frames per day, per week or per year
How handy are you
Number of users
Decide on fixed clamps, floating clamps
Decide on DW, crank or eCP
Long term plans include making it a business?
New or Used
Availability of parts
Make your decisions and it will run down to your best machine.

 

[struggle]

What is your budget? That's a good place to start.

edit: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ what he said.

 

[Steve Huff]

Signum Pro has a new one out for around $2K. Seems nice. String other people's rackets too. You can make your money back fairly quickly.

 

[XJ9]

I am completely new to string a racket, looking for an electionic one at $500-700 (possible?)
Not for business, just personal use. Hopefully 2-3 rackets per month (maybe after i get more experienced would try to string my friends' rackets!)
Looking for a table top one (i.e. without the stand in the pro shop)

Please suggest

 

[PBarre]

I am completely new to string a racket, looking for an electionic one at $500-700 (possible?)
Not for business, just personal use. Hopefully 2-3 rackets per month (maybe after i get more experienced would try to string my friends' rackets!)
Looking for a table top one (i.e. without the stand in the pro shop)

Please suggest

I don’t think you’ll find an electronic for that price (unless used). Prostringer js for $800USD I think but questions around the ability to replicate stringing tension from pull to pull is out there.

I have a Alpha DC Pioneer that is a drop weight, bullet proof and not much over $500. Takes 30-40 minutes to string a racquet, which given your volume is easy to reconcile.


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[XJ9]

I don’t think you’ll find an electronic for that price (unless used). Prostringer js for $800USD I think but questions around the ability to replicate stringing tension from pull to pull is out there.

I have a Alpha DC Pioneer that is a drop weight, bullet proof and not much over $500. Takes 30-40 minutes to string a racquet, which given your volume is easy to reconcile.


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thanks for the reply!
the reason i wish to go for an electronic is that im not sure if dropweight is precise enough?
Also let aside the budget at the moment, maybe i can afford up to $1k, is that any suggestions for electronic under 1k?
Please let me know your comments

 

[PBarre]

thanks for the reply!
the reason i wish to go for an electronic is that im not sure if dropweight is precise enough?
Also let aside the budget at the moment, maybe i can afford up to $1k, is that any suggestions for electronic under 1k?
Please let me know your comments

Now you are going down another rabbit hole. I would read this thread and come back and see if anyone can suggest a $1K quality electronic stringing machine (which I can’t think of any, sorry).

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?sh...-a-new-stringing-machine.520411/&share_type=t


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[XJ9]

Now you are going down another rabbit hole. I would read this thread and come back and see if anyone can suggest a $1K quality electronic stringing machine (which I can’t think of any, sorry).

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?share_fid=21313&share_tid=520411&url=https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/Considering-a-new-stringing-machine.520411/&share_type=t


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Ahhh
Electronics are so expensive
Maybe I have to reconsider about my budget and preference

 

[Atewonate]

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/ind...chniques-machines-sticky-consolidated.349814/
Wade thru the gory details in the sticky.
Then decide on
Budget
Space
Volume of frames per day, per week or per year
How handy are you
Number of users
Decide on fixed clamps, floating clamps
Decide on DW, crank or eCP
Long term plans include making it a business?
New or Used
Availability of parts
Make your decisions and it will run down to your best machine.

Most of the links in that thread are dead now.

 

[albertobra]

Thanks to all.
I'll try to answer here.

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/ind...chniques-machines-sticky-consolidated.349814/
Wade thru the gory details in the sticky.
Then decide on
Budget - up to $500
Space - I guess it'll go on top of a table
Volume of frames per day, per week or per year - Probably not more than 10 per month, so very few.
How handy are you - I am good with my hands
Number of users - One, only me.
Decide on fixed clamps, floating clamps - dunno the difference - as said I am willing to learn, and I think the best way is to begin stringing
Decide on DW, crank or eCP - Again this is out of my understandigs.
Long term plans include making it a business? - No
New or Used - open to both choices.
Availability of parts - Like what?
Make your decisions and it will run down to your best machine.

@esgeed48 , thanks for your questions!

 

[Arzivu]

I am completely new to string a racket, looking for an electionic one at $500-700 (possible?)
Not for business, just personal use. Hopefully 2-3 rackets per month (maybe after i get more experienced would try to string my friends' rackets!)
Looking for a table top one (i.e. without the stand in the pro shop)

Please suggest

If you are gonna string just for yourself and a couple of friends, I don't see the reason for raising the budget to match the range of the electronic machines. I think with either a decent drop weight or a crank machine with fixed clamps you can get your work done efficiently.

 

[albertobra]

If you are gonna string just for yourself and a couple of friends, I don't see the reason for raising the budget to match the range of the electronic machines. I think with either a decent drop weight or a crank machine with fixed clamps you can get your work done efficiently.

Like this one for example?

https://www.gamma-europe.com/Gamma-Stringing-Machine-Progression-II-200

 

[mmk]

Like this one for example?

https://www.gamma-europe.com/Gamma-Stringing-Machine-Progression-II-200

That uses floating clamps, not fixed clamps. Most stringers prefer fixed, and the minority that prefer floating are usually using Stringway clamps, which aren't cheap.

 

[Arzivu]

Like this one for example?

https://www.gamma-europe.com/Gamma-Stringing-Machine-Progression-II-200

As mentioned above, this machine contains floating or flying clamps. These clamps need to grab two strings simultaneously, whereas fixed(which means being glued to the machine) grab only one. If you are looking for stability and less tension loss during the stringing process, fixed clamps is the way to go. In Europe, the two best cheap choices are either premium stringer 3600 or pros pro challenger.

 

[Atewonate]

I’ve read the Gamma X-2 is a good stringing machine for beginners. But it appears to no longer be available from Gamma? I don’t see it on TW either. Has it been discontinued?

 

[esgee48]

Have a conversation with @Traffic about the fixed clamped drop weight machine he purchased [Gamma 602FC] . The only thing missing from your list of desired features is the electronic constant pull [eCP]. It is small, a table top, has fixed clamps, has a company tech on these boards, has spare parts if you break or lose pieces, stringers here are familar with it.

If you do only 1-4 frames a month, the KM, the X2 or Progression 200 are OK. They all use floating/flying clamps. If more, then it's time to get a machine with fixed clamps.

If you really want a lockout or crank, consider the Gamma ST II.

 

[Traffic]

I have a Gamma Progression II 602FC. 6pt mount, fixed clamp, drop weight. I think I've strung 130 racquets? Or something like that.
My son came home from skills class and is packing up for Nationals. So while he was taking a shower and getting something to eat, I took his racquet and re-strung it in about 25min from the time I started cutting the strings to putting the damper back. That's probably about the fastest I can go. Typically I budget about 45min on a lazy Saturday morning.

IF I had to do it again, I wouldn't mind going with a crank LO machine. I like the 6pt mounting because I can safely cut out my crosses to re-use my Nat gut mains and just string cross.

I like the fixed clamp because it's simple and quick. I watched some Youtube videos of floating clamp operation and while it's definitely doable for stringing for me, I just like the easy starting using a starting clamp and fixed clamps. Plus less things floating around (I already have enough tools in the bin that rattle around).

But the thing that I worry about on DW is the inconsistency of the pulls. I watched some newbie tutorials on Youtube and was amazed of the variations in pulling the strings. I won't go into not pulling the 2 mains to reference tension (floating clamp), but if you hit reference tension (horizontal bar) with your first try, vs needing 2-3 iterations of releasing, ratcheting, tensioning, repeat..., you have different levels of pre-stretch. Also, the time it takes to start pulling tension and clamping your string can vary because of this. So each string is seeing different durations of tensioning (potentially).

Having strung enough racquets and recognizing what contributes to consistent stringing is important. For example, I try to hit reference tension on two iterations; one to get very close but under, the second is just one or two notches to hit horizontal. It takes me about 8sec from the time I start dropping the weight to clamping off. I repeat this every single time.

By contrast, a crank or electronic tensioner can repeat the tension to reference consistently every time and it's easier to clamp it off within x.x sec every time.

But if you keep these factors in mind and get enough practice, the 602FC works well for stringing once a week.

 

[XJ9]

what if now im looking for DW vs crank?
which one provides more precise tension?

 

[esgee48]

Cranks require consistent rotation to lockout. Then consisten clamping times. And you must straighten crosses before pulling. DW require consistent estimates of slack required to level bar. You must wait for bar to be level and stop moving before clamping. Crosses can be straighten wile pulling. Technique provides consistent repeatable results. Whether you hit ref tension or not is based on stringer techniques. Machine can only help you get there. For example, a lot of posters use Racquet Tune for measuring tension. If you follow directions [RTFM], you can measure tension quite accurately. If not, you can only estimate relative tension. Precision means you can get the same tension all the time with same string, frame and ref tension. Accuracy is when you hit ref tension on all three at the same time. What you want really is accuracy, but if you get consistent results, you can compensate.

 

[mmk]

I’ve read the Gamma X-2 is a good stringing machine for beginners. But it appears to no longer be available from Gamma? I don’t see it on TW either. Has it been discontinued?

I see it at the Gamma site, along with the equivalent but less expensive Progression 200. They'll get the job done, but I'm very glad I moved from an X-2 to a fixed clamp crank machine.

 

[albertobra]

Have a conversation with @Traffic about the fixed clamped drop weight machine he purchased [Gamma 602FC] . The only thing missing from your list of desired features is the electronic constant pull [eCP]. It is small, a table top, has fixed clamps, has a company tech on these boards, has spare parts if you break or lose pieces, stringers here are familar with it.

If you do only 1-4 frames a month, the KM, the X2 or Progression 200 are OK. They all use floating/flying clamps. If more, then it's time to get a machine with fixed clamps.

If you really want a lockout or crank, consider the Gamma ST II.

What differences are there in using floating/flying clamps vs. fixed clamps.? Is it just that it takes more time with floating/flying clamps, or is there also a quality job issue?
Thank you!

 

[PBarre]

What differences are there in using floating/flying clamps vs. fixed clamps.? Is it just that it takes more time with floating/flying clamps, or is there also a quality job issue?
Thank you!

There should be less tension loss with fixed vs flying clamps, but then again, if done properly, both can achieve a quality stringing job with predictable outcome. Flying clamps are used in more portable machines, for example. Fixed clamps are fixed to the base and can result in less drawback than flying clamps, but as it is with a surgical procedure, it is less about the tools used, and more about the surgeon’s experience and attention to detail.


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[Traffic]

What differences are there in using floating/flying clamps vs. fixed clamps.? Is it just that it takes more time with floating/flying clamps, or is there also a quality job issue?
Thank you!

I think it boils down to ease of use. Your own attention to detail and practice will produce repeatable results.

 

[Tennis_dude101]

What differences are there in using floating/flying clamps vs. fixed clamps.? Is it just that it takes more time with floating/flying clamps, or is there also a quality job issue?
Thank you!

I used to get my racquets strung professionally on a Wison Baiardo before purchasing my Pro Stringer that uses flying clamps and can't tell the difference when playing with the racquet. Over the past 4 years I've strung racquets for a lot of members of varying abilities at my club and have had no complaints about the string tensions produced using flying clamps. Fixed clamps may be quicker but I've never found this to be a problem for me as I only do 2-5 racquets a month.

TD

 

[XJ9]

i have watched some videos on youtube and it seems that stringing with cranks machine is a lot faster than DW!

 

[PBarre]

i have watched some videos on youtube and it seems that stringing with cranks machine is a lot faster than DW!

That is a fact. No disputing that LO or CP machines are faster stringing compared to DW machines. But your original post was wondering which machine (leaning toward electronic originally) would be best for you and your purposes. Using a DW in 40 mins or using a CP or LO in 25-30 minutes when you are only doing a few dozen racquets per year, shouldn’t really weigh heavily into your decision, XJ9.

 

[PBarre]

That is a fact. No disputing that LO or CP machines are faster stringing compared to DW machines. But your original post was wondering which machine (leaning toward electronic originally) would be best for you and your purposes. Using a DW in 40 mins or using a CP or LO in 25-30 minutes when you are only doing a few dozen racquets per year, shouldn’t really weigh heavily into your decision, XJ9.

I still contend that a good DW machine, with fixed clamps, will serve you well and long!


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[ejdtennis]

If your budget is $500-$700 and you want to learn how to string, get a drop weight with fixed clamps. You can learn on that and add a Wise tension head later if your volume builds up and/or you really want electronic.

Alpha Pioneer DC Plus
Gamma X-6 FC
Gamma Progression Ii 602 FC

Other option if you have the floor space would be a good condition used Prince Neos 1000 in that range.

Worth listening to this podcast with Mark Gonzalez of Alpha talking about stringing machines and pros and cons of various types:

https://tennisfiles.com/stringing-machine-tips-tricks-podcast



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[XJ9]

thanks for the recommendations!
so generally speaking for the budget of $500-$700 we can only get DW?
not even a cranks machine?

and i would like to ask for you guys' opinions on Eagnas, coz i found its price is relatively low!

 

[XJ9]

If your budget is $500-$700 and you want to learn how to string, get a drop weight with fixed clamps. You can learn on that and add a Wise tension head later if your volume builds up and/or you really want electronic.

Alpha Pioneer DC Plus
Gamma X-6 FC
Gamma Progression Ii 602 FC

Other option if you have the floor space would be a good condition used Prince Neos 1000 in that range.

Worth listening to this podcast with Mark Gonzalez of Alpha talking about stringing machines and pros and cons of various types:

https://tennisfiles.com/stringing-machine-tips-tricks-podcast



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Seems that its a really cool podcast!
Sadly I am at work now, will definity listen to it after work.
thanks mate!

 

[Vlad_C]

You could get a crank machine for $700USD or less, just not a very good one.
With the brand you mentioned, quality and tolerances are not great, but if you own a set of tools and you're willing to put a little bit of time and effort into it, you would probably be able to make it work.

Also, if you care about your racquets, look for a stringing machine with a 6-point mounting system.
A lot of people will tell you that a 2-point is just as good or better, but that's just not the case.

Also, I would never consider using floating clamps, except maybe if I got stranded on a deserted island and that was the only option.

 

[albertobra]

If your budget is $500-$700 and you want to learn how to string, get a drop weight with fixed clamps. You can learn on that and add a Wise tension head later if your volume builds up and/or you really want electronic.

Alpha Pioneer DC Plus
Gamma X-6 FC
Gamma Progression Ii 602 FC

Other option if you have the floor space would be a good condition used Prince Neos 1000 in that range.

Worth listening to this podcast with Mark Gonzalez of Alpha talking about stringing machines and pros and cons of various types:

https://tennisfiles.com/stringing-machine-tips-tricks-podcast



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Thanks to everyone's postings, really helping to take the correct decision!

@ejdtennis any site where I can look for a used machine ( I am flying to Italy soon, so it should be a Europe based website) ?

 

[hurworld]

@albertobra and @XJ9 I asked this similar question in another thread here:

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/ind...rogression-ii-200-for-hobby-stringing.629150/

The main takeaways I was advised to go with were:
- 6 pt mount
- fixed clamps
- fast (crank: ~25-30mins per racquet) vs slow (drop-weight: ~40-45mins per racquet)

I was all set to plunge for the Pro's Pro Comet (6pt mount, fixed clamps, crank), but it seems they are all out of stock from PP's website, as well as Racquet Depot in the UK. The next available Pro's Pro manual machine is Challenger X (6pt mount, fixed clamps, DW) whcih comes out this month, and cheaper by 1/3 than the Comet. I guess for our low-volume usage, DW is ok. The option to upgrade to electronic tensioner in the future is there too, I suppose.

I've been looking out on Big Auction site too but there are very few that comes up. And when they do, they want collection only due to size and weight of machine, which is understandable. A couple of Neos 1000 or 1500 came up but they were seriously far from me.

 

[albertobra]

Yep the Cornet one looks reaaly nice and is inside my budget, though out of stock on Raquet Depot, any other place to look at?

https://www.racquetdepot.co.uk/pros-pro-comet-stringing-machine/

This one with fixed clamps has a decent price and is avaliable in Raquet Depot. And shipping is only about $20..

https://www.racquetdepot.co.uk/penta-premium-stringer-3600-stringing-machine/

 

[gmatheis]

Like this one for example?

https://www.gamma-europe.com/Gamma-Stringing-Machine-Progression-II-200

I used to string on that and it gets the job done but after getting a better machine I realized how much I didn't like the composite clamps. They are very hard to make not slip while also not crushing the string.

If you can get something with fixed clamps you will be much happier … but if you just want to try stringing without investing too much money it is a good way to start.

If your budget is $500 I would probably go with the Alpha Pioneer DC Plus, or watch craig's list , the auction site etc for a good deal on a used machine.

 

[PBarre]

I used to string on that and it gets the job done but after getting a better machine I realized how much I didn't like the composite clamps. They are very hard to make not slip while also not crushing the string.

If you can get something with fixed clamps you will be much happier … but if you just want to try stringing without investing too much money it is a good way to start.

If your budget is $500 I would probably go with the Alpha Pioneer DC Plus, or watch craig's list , the auction site etc for a good deal on a used machine.

I have the Alpha Pioneer DC Plus for 5 years now, $500 on TW. Free shipping in US. Good machine, clamps are decent, no repairs needed to it yet. Sits atop a portable chopsaw table that my son strings on now. You wouldn’t be disappointed, and as was stated earlier, you could add a wise 2086 tension head (electronic stringer attachment) at a later time when you have more $ to spend...


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