Cheap best-buy portable stringing machine

5th_league

New User
A LO will be faster than a DW machine. DW will usually be a little lower priced and constant pull. It will not be fun going to a tournament and stringing several rackets a day on a DW.
Thanks...Combat is OUT - so only 3 choices left:
1) https://www.pros-pro.com/en/pros-pro-hornet.html
2) https://www.pros-pro.com/en/pros-pro-pioneer.html
3) https://www.pros-pro.com/en/pros-pro-comet.html

We expect to string max. 30-50 racquets/month...not sure we will have time for more stringing, probably we will end up wih approx.20-30 racquets/month
 
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jim e

Legend
If your going to be starting stringing 20-30 per month and possibly 50 per month, and usually your business will increase over time, I would get as much machine as you can afford. The more features the more enjoyable the job is, and you seem to have enough business to recoup a high end machine in short order of time. Otherwise ,no doubt you will upgrade and want to sell what you have .
 

max

Legend
just as well i do not need to make a living stringing racquets - but you are right, the time/quality should be on the operator.
just checked my records, the fastest i have done on an 95 sq" 16x19 with co-poly on the X-2 was 44 mins, and the fastest i have done on an eCP with an 100 sq" 16x19 with multi was 29 mins. both stringing time only. :laughing:

Yeah, I think I timed around 43-45 min. on my Klippermate.
 
Just got my Alpha Pioneer DC+ today. Much more substantial machine with clearly more consistent clamping than my Klippermate. Not sure I like the six-point mounting as much as two because it gets in the way of how I've learned to weave with the Klippermate over the years, but that'll be short lived. Less frame distortion will be nice. I did not notice any tower creep or frame deformation, thought the top K braces put more pressure on the grommets than I anticipated. Happy with the purchase. Expecting to be faster once habituated.
 

WYK

Hall of Fame
The comet will serve you well. I got one during a sale nearly 6 years ago, and it is still chugging along. They are simply and solidly built with nice clamps and cranks in their price range.
The only issue i had with mine was the singing when it hit tension. Here's my post about my fix:

 

5th_league

New User
The comet will serve you well. I got one during a sale nearly 6 years ago, and it is still chugging along. They are simply and solidly built with nice clamps and cranks in their price range.
The only issue i had with mine was the singing when it hit tension. Here's my post about my fix:


Thanks - I hope so...btw, what do you say on this PP model Tomcat vs. Comet ---> https://www.pros-pro.com/de/pros-pro-tomcat.html
I'm concerned about the tension accuracy with manual crank machines like Comet...
 

Wes

Hall of Fame
Thanks - I hope so...btw, what do you say on this PP model Tomcat vs. Comet ---> https://www.pros-pro.com/de/pros-pro-tomcat.html
I'm concerned about the tension accuracy with manual crank machines like Comet...

I don't think you need to be concerned about tension accuracy on the Comet.
Lockout/crank machines have a proven track record (and can be calibrated, if/when necessary). So, that's kind of an unfounded concern.

However, if you're going to be stringing 30-50 racquets/month, I would suggest you just get the Tomcat (since you're clearly already considering it).
Yes, it costs a bit more, but you're getting many upgraded features with a Tomcat, and the stringing process is going to be that much more enjoyable.

Don't worry about the additional cost. The machine will pay for itself in a very short period of time.
It's highly unlikely that, a year from now, you'll look back and say to yourself "you know what... I wish I had bought the Comet instead of this Tomcat".

As it's been said on these boards many times... after purchase, nobody regrets buying more (i.e. better) machine.

See my comments here...
or
 

WYK

Hall of Fame
Thanks - I hope so...btw, what do you say on this PP model Tomcat vs. Comet ---> https://www.pros-pro.com/de/pros-pro-tomcat.html
I'm concerned about the tension accuracy with manual crank machines like Comet...

A colleague of mine has the Tom Cat and loves it. He uses it as a 'mobile' stringing machine for one of our clubs as well. It has a rather nice table.
I'm just not the electronic type. I have had two machines give me a lot of trouble in the past. I also love the feel of a crank.
I own a manual transmission truck and a Harley. I'm weird that way. But it means I like the fact that the Comet is put together with standard nuts, bolts, washers, and bearing races. If something is off, needs replacing, or adjustment, it's all done easily with simple tools and parts.
This Comet I bought on a whim because it was on sale for about half what they are asking right now. I was just about to spend €1400 on a Gamma crank. Both would have paid for themselves by now. The Gamma is a slicker machine in use, tho. The crank head on the Comet I had to adjust so it would ride the rail well.
I suggest you put a slick lithium grease on the rail where the crank spends most of it's time, and a machine oil(very light oil) on the hard chromed base after you use it without oil to break it in a bit. I am not fond of the base plates on the Comet - they should be smoother. And since it is curved - it's hard to find a replacement.
The tension calibrates spot on for mine until I reach 27KG, then it goes high by about 1lb up to 30kg. I just keep this in mind and leave it set where it is. Folks who ask for a 27KG string job want it super tight anyways in my experience. I don't do tournaments or pros, though. So my advice may be worth the cost.
I have never had to calibrate it. According to the manual, it is just a turn of a hex screw in the head.
A crank is very sensitive to how you use it - how fast you clamp, whether you pre-stretch, double pull, set the tension higher for a quick single pull, etc etc. So keep this in mind and try to be consistent when stringing a client's racquet.
If I am doing a customer, I ask all the pertinent what who and how questions and try to match what they are looking for or expecting. After owning a Comet for years, and seeing string jobs from other stringers here and abroad, I know how to set it and how to string with it to get there.
I only string a few dozen sticks a year. If I did dozens a month all year, my attitude about ECP machines might likely change.
I would like nicer clamp bases, but the teeth are second to none. Never slip and never molest and don't have to be very tight to hold a string.
If I upgrade, it will likely only be new bases. I don't see another machine in my life unless I am gifted one.

I almost forgot to add - I hated doing Prince O ports in the past. With the clutch and it's long handle on the Comet, I actually enjoy stringing Prince O ports. You only need to use the clutch for 7-8 of the crosses depending on where your ports and braces are(at the 5th or 6th cross on my 98 Tours, the braces are aligned so the string slides right along the slick polymer sides without touching the corners, and it's a straight shot to the puller with almost no angle, requiring no clutch). After a few stringjobs you know how to position the racquet around by pulling the string as you apply the clutch and feed the puller in one motion.
And since it's such a big handle, it is very easy to just flick it off as you are pulling the string through the massive ports after you've clamped it off. Since they have huge ports, it's very easy to insert the string through the ports, and over all the string job doesn't take hardly any more time with one of these. Because of this Comet, I own and use 4 Prince ported racquets and enjoy using and stringing them.
 
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5th_league

New User
PP replied to me that we need these spare parts below additionally (almost as mandatory for Comet or Tomcat):

Any comments on this please?
Thanks
 

esm

Legend
PP replied to me that we need these spare parts below additionally (almost as mandatory for Comet or Tomcat):

Any comments on this please?
Thanks
they are nice to have, but i'd suggest to have a decent cutter and starting clamp at least (or even an awl). the rest are not mandatory.
 

Irvin

Talk Tennis Guru
PP replied to me that we need these spare parts below additionally (almost as mandatory for Comet or Tomcat):

Any comments on this please?
Thanks
I bought a Pros Pro starting clame and it‘s not worth the price of a postage stamp. CAM action pliers just give you string grip. You can easily break many string pulling tension by hand only. Why would you need pliers to get a better grip? Pliers and flush cutter are pretty much a must in my opinion. But my experience with Pros Pro starting clamp has turned me off on any thing Pros pro. I bought some flush cutters for $2.99 that are the best I’ve ever used.
 

Samds0426

New User
Klippermate. I have had mine for 30 years. It is an indestructible machine and the clamps are still among the best floating clamps on the market. Simple machines work. It's also still cheap at $250. Unless you want something with fixed clamps, six-point mounting, and a clutch, you're good with the Klippermate. It is rock solid.
I bought a Klippermate on fb marketplace for $30. Like you said, they are rock solid. My used one is as good as a new one from Amazon, and it is less than an 1/8th of the price.
 

WYK

Hall of Fame
PP replied to me that we need these spare parts below additionally (almost as mandatory for Comet or Tomcat):

Any comments on this please?
Thanks

Like has been said - a good starting clamp like a Gamma or Babolat, and something decent to cut with. Occasionally I use needle nose to pull the tip of something or grab it as needs be if things get tight on my 18X20 blades and I didn't pay enough attention pulling off the reel.
 

WNB93

Semi-Pro
I do not know what everyones problem is with Pros pro starting clamps. I never heard anyone say exactly what the issue was. Have used them for the past year without much problems. They did fall apart twice but it was easy to put back together. Never had one slip (I always mark the string just in case) etc.
Sure the Babolat one is much nicer but Pros pro is like 20EUR compared to 55EUR on the Babolat one.
 

Irvin

Talk Tennis Guru
I do not know what everyones problem is with Pros pro starting clamps. I never heard anyone say exactly what the issue was. Have used them for the past year without much problems. They did fall apart twice but it was easy to put back together. Never had one slip (I always mark the string just in case) etc.
Sure the Babolat one is much nicer but Pros pro is like 20EUR compared to 55EUR on the Babolat one.
The Pros Pro starting clamps I received did not close flush. You can see daylight between the 2 plates near the pivot. Only the tips touch. the only thing they were good for is shredding string. Worthless POC
 

Mongolmike

Hall of Fame
I do not know what everyones problem is with Pros pro starting clamps.
They did fall apart twice but

Maybe them "falling apart" twice isn't a big issue, but they still fell apart twice.

I've had my original Klippermates for almost 20 YEARS, 500+ racquets, and they've never fallen apart.

Something falling apart, even if it is an easy fix, does not speak quality imo.
 

Rabbit

G.O.A.T.
Go with @Richard Parnell starting clamps. Better than the new babolat i bought and sold once I received my RP starting clamp. The RO is as close to the GSS starting clamp as you can get.
 

Bud

Bionic Poster
Pros pro hornet. I’m not recommending this machine. I’ve never used one just giving you an idea of what may fit your needs.
A stringer with a stinger :X3::sneaky:

Gamma X-2 with Stringway flying clamps. Still using mine after 15 years (y)
The stock clamps are plastic but work well.
 

dachness

New User
There are also 2 other manual PP options in the price range of manual Gamma X-6GC PRO & PP F6 (electronic) :
1) Combat https://www.pros-pro.com/en/s340-pros-pro-combat.html
2) Comet https://www.pros-pro.com/en/pros-pro-comet.html

I really cannot decide among these 4 machines which one will be the one... any suggestions (based on our requirements)?

EDIT : PP F6 electronic is out of stock and also not that reliable as manual ones so now there are 4 again choices PP Hornet is IN again
If you go with Comet, you could add a Wise tension head at a later date. No adapter needed.
 

WYK

Hall of Fame
That spring loaded arm on the TMS is likely going to make a more reliable tensioner than a drop weight.
 

LOBALOT

Legend
When my son was 10 and a junior tournament player I faced this same question. I reviewed all these options and purchased a $2800 (at the time) Alpha Ghost 2 machine and in looking back it was one of the best purchases I have ever made.

As a new stringer it was easy to use as I was able to focus on my technique vs. the mechanics of using the machine and I was able to receive consistent and solid results for my son and others.

As you indicate you will string for others and from proceeds in stringing for I was able to pay back the investment in 2 years. It would have been faster but I started buying string.

I will let others speak to options for machines in Europe but I just wanted to point out that if one has the wherewithal I wouldn't view the expenditure without thinking about the potential payback.
 

Chalkdust

Professional
That spring loaded arm on the TMS is likely going to make a more reliable tensioner than a drop weight.
How so?
I mean one can possibly question the accuracy of something like an X-2 based on floating clamps, 2-point mount, machine flex...
But the accuracy of the tensioner in a drop weight is hard to question. Because basic physics. Certainly more reliable than a spring that needs calibration.
 

struggle

Legend
How so?
I mean one can possibly question the accuracy of something like an X-2 based on floating clamps, 2-point mount, machine flex...
But the accuracy of the tensioner in a drop weight is hard to question. Because basic physics. Certainly more reliable than a spring that needs calibration.

I agree about a DW, BUT most L/O machines rarely/never need calibration. A DW arm/weight makes for less portability which is the main reason to
go another route as far as portability is concerned. I'd have no issue using either tensioning mechanism in such a scenario.
 

Chalkdust

Professional
I agree about a DW, BUT most L/O machines rarely/never need calibration. A DW arm/weight makes for less portability which is the main reason to
go another route as far as portability is concerned. I'd have no issue using either tensioning mechanism in such a scenario.
Yes agree with you, and agreed on reasons to go L/O vs DW.
Just wondering why another poster questioned accuracy of DW tensioning mechanism, since my thought would be that it's as accurate as you can get, given the simplicity of the mechanism and the physics involved.
 

LOBALOT

Legend
At last year's NCCA regional final one of my son's teammates racquets needed to be restrung and so helped out. they had a lockout there and I hadn't strung on one for several years.

One thing I noticed on the crosses is that I am in the habit of hitting the button and then quickly straightening the crosses as they are tensioned and before the "beep". It was more awkward to do that on the crank as it was kind of like patting your head and rubbing your belly except it was straightening with your left hand and turning with your right hand.
 

esgee48

G.O.A.T.
Next time you use that LO, put some tension on the crank, straighten the cross, then lock out. That’s the way I remember doing it. Like you, I can’t pat my head with one hand and rub my stomach with the other. :alien:
 

LOBALOT

Legend
Next time you use that LO, put some tension on the crank, straighten the cross, then lock out. That’s the way I remember doing it. Like you, I can’t pat my head with one hand and rub my stomach with the other. :alien:

That makes a lot of sense. I should have figured that out on my own!
 

WYK

Hall of Fame
Yes agree with you, and agreed on reasons to go L/O vs DW.
Just wondering why another poster questioned accuracy of DW tensioning mechanism, since my thought would be that it's as accurate as you can get, given the simplicity of the mechanism and the physics involved.

Physics is one thing. Stringing machines are more reliant on the person using it.
The mechanism is only maybe simple on the Stringway(assuming you've used the ruler correctly at the start). On most others, how you use the DW machine can greatly affect the results.

 
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WYK

Hall of Fame
I agree about a DW, BUT most L/O machines rarely/never need calibration. A DW arm/weight makes for less portability which is the main reason to
go another route as far as portability is concerned. I'd have no issue using either tensioning mechanism in such a scenario.

Lockouts spend 99.999% of their lives under virtually no tension. Once calibrated, they tend to stay that way, sometimes for years. I have measured my Comet and a bud's NEOS with weights and with digital and spring scales.
I test them at the beginning of every season. Neither of us have had to adjust our calibration since our first setting years ago(7 years in my case). We do live in Ireland, though, where the weather doesn't change much. Both machines live indoors.
It's usually between 60*F and 70* for months during the season.
 

WYK

Hall of Fame
Its not just the footprint. The Gamma x-2 with fixed clamps weigh a ton

Most lockouts weigh a tonne. That spring loaded arm looks fantastic for a portable machine. My lockout is a tank.
The Comet is a complete pain to drag to the club. But since I have to drag it around all over Ireland, it still is better than a NEOS and far faster than a DW.
 

RSA Tennis

New User
W
Most lockouts weigh a tonne. That spring loaded arm looks fantastic for a portable machine. My lockout is a tank.
The Comet is a complete pain to drag to the club. But since I have to drag it around all over Ireland, it still is better than a NEOS and far faster than a DW.
What do you currently string on?
 

WYK

Hall of Fame
W

What do you currently string on?

I mainly string on a Comet now. I need to bring it to two clubs 1.5 hrs from each other, so use the table top version. It's insanely heavy, tho.
The Penta 7600 is markedly lighter. I was looking at that instead when ProsPro gave me xmas over stock for half what the 7600 was going for.
But since it's paid for itself long ago, I always regret not getting the 7600.
Having said that, the Comet is what I would consider the minimum level if you want to purchase from ProsPro or Eagnas. Anything below that line is not worth it. This thing works extremely well, and is a very simple design.
I also suggest getting the right machine straight off the bat. Save up if you have to.
 

LOBALOT

Legend
I mainly string on a Comet now. I need to bring it to two clubs 1.5 hrs from each other, so use the table top version. It's insanely heavy, tho.
The Penta 7600 is markedly lighter. I was looking at that instead when ProsPro gave me xmas over stock for half what the 7600 was going for.
But since it's paid for itself long ago, I always regret not getting the 7600.
Having said that, the Comet is what I would consider the minimum level if you want to purchase from ProsPro or Eagnas. Anything below that line is not worth it. This thing works extremely well, and is a very simple design.
I also suggest getting the right machine straight off the bat. Save up if you have to.
Why not do what clubs in our area do? Instead of having the stringer taking the stringing machine to them... The stringer brings the racquets to the machine and back and picks up more.
 

WYK

Hall of Fame
Why not do what clubs in our area do? Instead of having the stringer taking the stringing machine to them... The stringer brings the racquets to the machine and back and picks up more.

You mean like a runner from the courts to the office? We occasionally do this, yeah, during competitions at one of the clubs I go to.
But I live in two counties depending on the time of year - Wicklow and Waterford/Tipperary. Ok, three counties. So this thing has to move.
The sticks still come to me. Dunno who brings their stringer to the sticks.
 

LOBALOT

Legend
You mean like a runner from the courts to the office? We occasionally do this, yeah, during competitions at one of the clubs I go to.
But I live in two counties depending on the time of year - Wicklow and Waterford/Tipperary. Ok, three counties. So this thing has to move.
The sticks still come to me. Dunno who brings their stringer to the sticks.

Right, in our area the stringer does a lap between clubs every day and picks up rackets. He strings them and returns them the net day.

Even during competition why bring the stringer to the club vs. the racquets when needed to the stringer?

Especially if you are stringing for competition you would want a better stringing machine I would assume anyway and the portables tend to have less features.
 

WYK

Hall of Fame
Right, in our area the stringer does a lap between clubs every day and picks up rackets. He strings them and returns them the net day.

Even during competition why bring the stringer to the club vs. the racquets when needed to the stringer?

I'm confused by your questioning. Perhaps it means you are confused as to why I have to travel with the machine?
I live mainly well south of Dublin in the next county over(which itself is a huge metropolitan area). But I often work in Waterford and Tipperary.

Perhaps a map would help(map not to colour scale - Ireland is actually greener):

iremap.jpg


As you can see, Waterford is two counties over(technically three since I have to travel nearly the entirety of Wicklow as well), and across the mountains from me.
I can't go there, collect racquets, and then bring them to my wife's home in north Wicklow on a daily basis and actually expect to make money on it.
Fuel alone would be about 50 euro. And there is no one major motorway connecting the two places I go, so a lot of side roads and time.
I only string in Waterford when I, and my stringing machine, are IN Waterford at my own home. The same with Tipperary, except I have to travel through half of Dublin to get to the motorway to head there.

I just realised you might have thought when I said I worked there, that I work as a stringer. I don't, not mainly. I work in Tipperary and Waterford as a farm manager, forester and ranch hand.
So I am not travelling there expressly for stringing.

This is the work I usually do:



Yes, I am laughing at you guys when you complain about callouses on your hands. ;)
 

LOBALOT

Legend
I'm confused by your questioning. Perhaps it means you are confused as to why I have to travel with the machine?
I live mainly well south of Dublin in the next county over(which itself is a huge metropolitan area). But I often work in Waterford and Tipperary.

Perhaps a map would help(map not to colour scale - Ireland is actually greener):

iremap.jpg


As you can see, Waterford is two counties over(technically three since I have to travel nearly the entirety of Wicklow as well), and across the mountains from me.
I can't go there, collect racquets, and then bring them to my wife's home in north Wicklow on a daily basis and actually expect to make money on it.
Fuel alone would be about 50 euro. And there is no one major motorway connecting the two places I go, so a lot of side roads and time.
I only string in Waterford when I, and my stringing machine, are IN Waterford at my own home. The same with Tipperary, except I have to travel through half of Dublin to get to the motorway to head there.

I just realised you might have thought when I said I worked there, that I work as a stringer. I don't, not mainly. I work in Tipperary and Waterford as a farm manager, forester and ranch hand.
So I am not travelling there expressly for stringing.

This is the work I usually do:



Yes, I am laughing at you guys when you complain about callouses on your hands. ;)

Wow that is cool. Wasn't trying to question at all. Sorry, I didn't mean to cause an issue. Please accept m apologies.
 
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