Decision Time: Gamma x-st or Alpha Revo 4000

[Pinkskunk]

I have done my research among most stringers and finally decided between the two, Gamma x-st or the Aplha Revo 4000.

I want to hear your opinion on which one you would pick if you were to buy one today, and why. Please don't suggest another brand or model, i want to keep it simple, just 2 models, Gamma x-st or Alpha Revo 4000.

Thanks in Advance for your input.

 

[struggle]

it looks like only the gamma has a table brake. may or may not
be of importance to you. it also just looks nicer, but i'm guessing
they are nearly the same machine.

does gamma provide any freebies (string, tools, etc) as alpha does?

 

[Pinkskunk]

i read somewhere Alpha give you about $100 worth of strings, but i dont use Alpha strings.

 

[struggle]

i read somewhere Alpha give you about $100 worth of strings, but i dont use Alpha strings.

yeah, i wouldn't let it be a deal breaker, but you can customize what you get from them, if it matters. call and ask. mark told me i could choose the strings. to some it is a value, to others not so much.

 

[COPEY]

Actually some of their strings aren't bad at all--very good in fact. For instance, I got a pack of Alpha Viper MXT with mine, and I still use it today. Well, I don't use it; I string it for others. I did try it, and I love it - excellent string, but it's not one that's talked about in here. Others have raved about Alpha 2K, which I didn't particularly care for, but hey - to each his/her own.

I'm not sure how proficient you are at stringing, but if you're just starting out, use the free string to practice with if nothing else. Still, you might find something you like.

 

[rich s]

I don't think you could go wrong with either one.

Both are solid machines backed by solid customer service.

I've owned Gamma machines for 10+ years so I would probably opt for the Gamma.

 

[HitItHarder]

I have a Revo 4000 and it is a great machine. So I am happy with my purchase. However, if there is one thing about the machine that I am not crazy about, it is the brake. The Revo 4000 has a screw type brake (meaning you tighten a knob on the turntable post). It doesn't hold very well when stringing Prince O3 racquets. It does work ok, but you still need to put a little pressure on the racquet with a hip to make sure it holds until you clamp.

I don't string that many O3 racquets, so no big deal. And there is always the boomerang tool you can try and get from Prince. Or you can string it with the 50/50 pattern. But in a perfect world I would opt for a better brake on the Revo. Everything else about the machine is top notch and they have great customer service. When I called and ordered mine I was able to tell them what kind of string I wanted. That was a nice touch as well.

I also had heard a while ago that Alpha was going to improve the brake on the Revo, but I don't know if that has ever happened. But you may want to call and talk to Mark about it before you use the brake as a deal breaker.

 

[tennisman917]

which ever one you go with , you cant go wrong. both brands have excellent machines i had the alpha revo 4000 and now i have the gamma x-2

 

[mikeler]

I got a bunch of free strings with my X-ST a few years ago. Can't speak for the Alpha but I love my Gamma. Bret from Gamma visits the message boards to help his customers out too.

 

[indyfob2008]

I got a bunch of free strings with my X-ST a few years ago. Can't speak for the Alpha but I love my Gamma. Bret from Gamma visits the message boards to help his customers out too.

I still believe my high school economics teacher, who told me, "There is no such thing as free lunch." If the retail price of Revo 4000 is $650, but comes with "free strings" and a bucket of grips, my econ teacher would ask me, "is this really a $650 machine?"

It's tempting to compare these 2 machines because they have similar features, and their prices are similar. but don't let the price similarities fool you. How much would the Revo 4000 sell for if they did not send you strings and grips? I'm sure it's still a great machine, but I'm not sure if it's fair to Gamma by putting the X-ST in same price bracket.

 

[mikeler]

I still believe my high school economics teacher, who told me, "There is no such thing as free lunch." If the retail price of Revo 4000 is $650, but comes with "free strings" and a bucket of grips, my econ teacher would ask me, "is this really a $650 machine?"

It's tempting to compare these 2 machines because they have similar features, and their prices are similar. but don't let the price similarities fool you. How much would the Revo 4000 sell for if they did not send you strings and grips? I'm sure it's still a great machine, but I'm not sure if it's fair to Gamma by putting the X-ST in same price bracket.

You got it, nothing in life is free. I almost put quotes around the free strings part in my initial post. I'm sure Gamma did not lose money on those strings. I wanted to make the OP aware so he/she could make an apples to apples comparison with the Alpha.

 

[Pinkskunk]

yes i know about the free string. I dont consider that as a factor when i decide on one or the other. it's the feature and quality of construction.....etc...

I also know the CS is not a question for either of them.

So i guess it's a tossup??

 

[struggle]

So i guess it's a tossup??

if so, get the gamma. the alpha has parts that look identical to my eagnas.
the gamma, not so. nicer looking machine, IMO.

 

[rich s]

The Gamma X-ST has the new configuration turn-table break instead of the old winged bolt....that would be enough to tip the scale for me.....


Edit....if you consider the Progression ST II instead of the X-ST (they are essentially the same machine) you can order it directly from TW and save on ground shipping, not to mention that the ST-II is less expensive than the X-ST.

I know you said, "please don't suggest other machines" , however the ST-II and X-ST are the same machine except for the base.