Do i need a stringing machine?

[tennisnut16]

I am thinking about getting a stringing machine. I would only string my own racquets 3 times a month. However, I want to save money and I also want to do it myself because I am really hands on. I also want to experiment with string set ups. I was just wondering if i needed to string more racquets to justify a stringing machine.

 

[Spatula]

x3 a month at minimum...by stringing yourself that saves you perhaps $30-45 in stringing fee alone, not including string itself.

If you went with an X2, or KM...the machine would pay itself off in 3-4 months. Does it sound like a good move to you?

 

[drakulie]

^^^Great post.

To add.

1. You no longer would have to drive to the local tennis shop to drop of your frame. (money saved on gas)

2. You no longer would have to drive to the local tennis shop to pick up the frame. (money saved on gas)

^^^^^^
(mulitply these two by 3-4 times a month)

3. You no longer have to wait for your shop to tell you when the frame will be ready. You do it at your own convenience.

4. You order the string online, and save money. (strings are typically way more expensive at the local tennis shop)

5. You could take pride in knowing you strung your own frame.

6. If all works out, and you find you enjoy stringing, you may be able to make a few bucks stringing for your friends.


Good luck.

 

[Nuke]

The answer to threads that start this way is always "yes". The answer would be "no" if you had a friend who would string your racquet at cost, or you only restrung your racquet once a year.

 

[autumn_leaf]

3 times a month is fine.

i would practice on some inexpensive racquets with cheap nylon at first like i did.

only reliable tennis shop near me charges like a $20 fee for string .. my x-2 definitely paid for itself.

something drak didn't mention was that you:

- don't have to worry about random incompetent stringers

 

[theace21]

If you are really into tennis, than it is a great investment. But if this is just another phase of jumping into something and getting bored or finding out it wasn't for you - you might wait a year and see if your interest in the game is still the same.

My sons have some pretty expensive gear they had to have, but is sitting in a closet gather dust. Snow board, paint ball setup, bass guitar and amp, keyboard, roller blades/hockey setup, bike to do tricks on - the list goes on.

If you buy a stringer, and keep playing tennis - it is going to save you money, increase your knowledge of the sport and perhaps make a few bucks on the side.

 

[max]

If you are really into tennis, than it is a great investment. But if this is just another phase of jumping into something and getting bored or finding out it wasn't for you - you might wait a year and see if your interest in the game is still the same.

My sons have some pretty expensive gear they had to have, but is sitting in a closet gather dust. Snow board, paint ball setup, bass guitar and amp, keyboard, roller blades/hockey setup, bike to do tricks on - the list goes on.

If you buy a stringer, and keep playing tennis - it is going to save you money, increase your knowledge of the sport and perhaps make a few bucks on the side.

Good stuff! And if you DO plan to stay in tennis a good long while, do the tough route and save up for a $400 machine---something you can use a good 30 years or so. .

 

[Spatula]

Good stuff! And if you DO plan to stay in tennis a good long while, do the tough route and save up for a $400 machine---something you can use a good 30 years or so. .

If your using that logic (30 years)..then a bigger investment would be smarter. Meaning a Neos, or CP machine. IMO a $400 machine is worth a 5-10 year investment. Just my 2c though

 

[mikeler]

Another good reason to buy is so you can try out various string combinations. My purchase actually improved my game because I'm playing with strings that fit my game better.

 

[tennisnut16]

Good stuff! And if you DO plan to stay in tennis a good long while, do the tough route and save up for a $400 machine---something you can use a good 30 years or so. .

Something like the SP Hip Hop? I've only heard good things about that.
Maybe not something that will last 40 years, as I get better, I would like to move to an electric machine.
Any other good quality dropweight machines at around $400? I pretty much can't go over that right now.

 

[Spatula]

For a dropweight, under 400.....Alpha DC plus is a rock solid choice....

 

[1st Seed]

Same here Mikeler

Another good reason to buy is so you can try out various string combinations. My purchase actually improved my game because I'm playing with strings that fit my game better.

I love the fact that you can try all kinds of hybrids,multi's,gut's found tons of strings I love the problem is what to put on.So many options

 

[Luminous]

^^^Great post.

To add.

1. You no longer would have to drive to the local tennis shop to drop of your frame. (money saved on gas)

2. You no longer would have to drive to the local tennis shop to pick up the frame. (money saved on gas)

^^^^^^
(mulitply these two by 3-4 times a month)

3. You no longer have to wait for your shop to tell you when the frame will be ready. You do it at your own convenience.

4. You order the string online, and save money. (strings are typically way more expensive at the local tennis shop)

5. You could take pride in knowing you strung your own frame.

6. If all works out, and you find you enjoy stringing, you may be able to make a few bucks stringing for your friends.


Good luck.

Good points Drakulie also like said it much easier and cost effective way to try out new string combination. I'd deffenlty recommend anyone getting a machine unless you getting restrings at very low prices!

 

[Koz]

Everyone needs a stringing machine! Even if you don't play racquet sports

I love my cheapie dropweight, and tell anyone who considers buying a stringing machine that they won't regret it as long as they continue to play tennis.

 

[meowmix]

IMO, a stringing machine shouldn't be bought until somebody has been playing for at least a year, and really enjoying the sport. Unfortunately, many people start playing tennis and enjoy it, but after a little, they find that tennis is no longer enjoyable. For these people, purchasing a machine in that first year is not worth the money.

 

[tennisnut16]

i would practice on some inexpensive racquets with cheap nylon at first like i did.

Any ideas on cheap nylon? I was thinking the same thing. Wouldn't want to waste $15 luxilons on a bad string job!

 

[Il Mostro]

I am thinking about getting a stringing machine. I would only string my own racquets 3 times a month. However, I want to save money and I also want to do it myself because I am really hands on. I also want to experiment with string set ups. I was just wondering if i needed to string more racquets to justify a stringing machine.

Yes. Everyone needs a stringing machine. Two is better than one.

 

[WildVolley]

One thing to consider is that buying a machine won't necessarily save you money if you restring much more often because you are experimenting.

The first six months I had my stringer, I spent more money than if I had someone else string for me. But I was able to find a durable string that fit my game at a budget price.

Given that I play on public courts and don't have easy access to a club stringer, being able to string at home whenever I wanted was also a great convenience.

 

[mikeler]

Any ideas on cheap nylon? I was thinking the same thing. Wouldn't want to waste $15 luxilons on a bad string job!

Start out with synthetic gut. It is cheap and easy to string. I used the Gamma string that came with my machine. Now I use Prince Synthetic Gut with Duraflex (PSGD).

 

[Phril]

Doesn't get much cheaper than this...and I have had good results with it

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpageACFORTEN-FNR16.html

 

[tennisnut16]

wow. thanks that is really cheap. and you can string 8 racquets with that.

I was wondering if I string with a really cheap string, but I don't want to play with it, could I cut them out right away, or should I wait a while?

 

[mikeler]

The description says 15 gauge but the specs say 16?

 

[tennisnut16]

The description says 15 gauge but the specs say 16?

Yeah that is weird. Wonder which one it is (not that it matters)

 

[tennisnut16]

what would you recommend that I do? I am looking at an SP machine because they are getting good reviews and they are Canadian. Should I get the swing right now and if I progress then get the Hip Hop or other stringing machine? I'm fairly certain I will like it and that I will be good at it (I like doing things myself) but would getting the Hip Hop be the right choice? The main thing for me is the clamps (flying vs fixed). Since fixed gives a better stringjob and I am mostly stringing for myself, would the Hip Hop be worth it right now?

 

[StringingIrvine]

It will probbally pay for itself, like everyone else said if you plan okeeping it for 4+ years it will definately pay for itself, not to mention the convience of being able to do it yourself. You get what you pay for, check auction sites, or craiglist, they might have some good deals. I saw a prince neos for 500 bucks on craiglist but i waited to long and they sold it already =(.

 

[tenniscoach07]

After 5 years of playing 4 times a week and now coaching, i just purchased my first machine. Couldn't be happier that i made the plunge, now i just laugh at myself for taking so long!!!!! A BIG YES TO GETTING ONE!!!!!! Before you know it you will be stringing friends racquets and make some side money. GO FOR IT

 

[Irvin]

I am thinking about getting a stringing machine. I would only string my own racquets 3 times a month. However, I want to save money and I also want to do it myself because I am really hands on. I also want to experiment with string set ups. I was just wondering if i needed to string more racquets to justify a stringing machine.

Well let me think. Go to the string section and look up the price of your strings on TW. Subtract that from price you pay to have your racket strung. Add in the cost of gas and wear and tear on your car for two trips to the tennis shop, the cost you think your time is worth for those two trips. Multiply that figure by 36 and that will give you the money you will save ever year you string your own rackets.

Pick out a stringing machine and dive the cost of the stringer by the money you save ever year. You will then have the length of time it will take for that machine to pay for itself.

Irvin

 

[mikeler]

After 5 years of playing 4 times a week and now coaching, i just purchased my first machine. Couldn't be happier that i made the plunge, now i just laugh at myself for taking so long!!!!! A BIG YES TO GETTING ONE!!!!!! Before you know it you will be stringing friends racquets and make some side money. GO FOR IT

Same here. I should have bought a machine years ago.

 

[Nellie]

Also - If you hate it, you can often sell the SP swing/ hip hop for a pretty good amount, since there is not much to break on these things.

 

[Expired]

If you are really into tennis, than it is a great investment. But if this is just another phase of jumping into something and getting bored or finding out it wasn't for you - you might wait a year and see if your interest in the game is still the same.

My sons have some pretty expensive gear they had to have, but is sitting in a closet gather dust. Snow board, paint ball setup, bass guitar and amp, keyboard, roller blades/hockey setup, bike to do tricks on - the list goes on.

If you buy a stringer, and keep playing tennis - it is going to save you money, increase your knowledge of the sport and perhaps make a few bucks on the side.

Are you my dad? O__o
I had the exact same stuff growing up.

 

[autumn_leaf]

If you are really into tennis, than it is a great investment. But if this is just another phase of jumping into something and getting bored or finding out it wasn't for you - you might wait a year and see if your interest in the game is still the same.

My sons have some pretty expensive gear they had to have, but is sitting in a closet gather dust. Snow board, paint ball setup, bass guitar and amp, keyboard, roller blades/hockey setup, bike to do tricks on - the list goes on.

If you buy a stringer, and keep playing tennis - it is going to save you money, increase your knowledge of the sport and perhaps make a few bucks on the side.

this is a very good point. i had a bike my parents bought me and my sis in 4th grade. around $150 ea and we rode them for a few months. we moved to MA from CT from NY (where we originally lived) and finally threw them out 4 years ago. so around 6 years of non-use.

also bought a game steering wheel for GT4 and it just sits in my closet.

so it would be nice to know how long Tennisnut has been playing.

what would you recommend that I do? I am looking at an SP machine because they are getting good reviews and they are Canadian. Should I get the swing right now and if I progress then get the Hip Hop or other stringing machine? I'm fairly certain I will like it and that I will be good at it (I like doing things myself) but would getting the Hip Hop be the right choice? The main thing for me is the clamps (flying vs fixed). Since fixed gives a better stringjob and I am mostly stringing for myself, would the Hip Hop be worth it right now?

Another poster mentioned the forten nylon, that is the exact string i ordered when i started, you said 8 full string jobs, it's actually enough for 16. i bought that along with a reel of Gosen Micro 16 and glad i did. the forten was too springy so i haven't strung it anymore once i got the stringing techniques down. also don't be afraid if the forten snaps as it often will. had it snap on the last cross the first few times i strung a racquet and thought it was my fault only to find out it snaps often.

i started with the gamma x-2 and still have it. string for myself, friends, and teammates.

i'm thinking about upgrading my machine now after nearly a year (prolly around 8 months now). I would go for a good portable machine first and see if it's something you're gonna stick with. After a year or so the machine will more than paid for itself and if you string for others you can save up for a better machine. on the bright side stringing machines don't lose much value so selling it online is no problem.

 

[tennisnut16]

^^^

My bad. you're right, 16 raquets. Thanks for spotting that.

I have been playing for a year and a half, but I am playing competitively and I am going to (hopefully) get a scholarship, so I won't be quitting anytime soon.

I don't really want to upgrade and spend even more money. I think the ideal stringing machine for me is a) cheap
b) fixed clamps (consistency)
c) dropweight (constant pull)
d) and while it isn't a must, 6 mount
I tend to be a perfectionist and occosionally obsessive about things and tennis is turning out to be one of those.

I am leaning (as I mentioned before) to the SP Hip Hop. It meets all my requirements and I haven't found a cheaper machine with the same sort of specs. If there are cheaper ones, I am all ears!

 

[1st Seed]

Stick with the Hip Hop.Had mine for a while and it works amazing.Order it before it's out of stock.SP machines sell quickly. Worth the money,well built.

Take care.

 

[tennisnut16]

^^^

Thanks for the recommendation.
I will probably be getting one next week (hopefully).

 

[tennisnut16]

Do I need to calibrate a dropweight? I've heard for dropweights you only need to calibrate the first time. Do I need to buy a calibrator or is there another way (cheaper)

 

[Roddickalltheway]

Doesn't get much cheaper than this...and I have had good results with it

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpageACFORTEN-FNR16.html

that's what I started out with. However, that stuff is so thick that if you're stringing an o3 like I was, it is next to impossible to thread that it through.

 

[lolitsanasian]

I am thinking about getting a stringing machine. I would only string my own racquets 3 times a month. However, I want to save money and I also want to do it myself because I am really hands on. I also want to experiment with string set ups. I was just wondering if i needed to string more racquets to justify a stringing machine.

or u can just use a 50-60 pound weight xD

 

[beernutz]

If you get a decent machine, not only will you save money on your own stringing but you will likely pick up some side business if you want it. I have a Klippermate which basically paid for itself in 6 months many years ago. I've strung racquets with it for a friend who needed one day turn around which he couldn't get from our local pro shop, not to mention that our local pro charges $20/frame plus string. I've done this a few times and usually get comped with a decent bottle of wine for every couple of racquets I do for him.

My work buddy who strings with an Ektelon H model he picked up for nothing (yes he got it FREE because he is a wheeler-dealer) which is the same as a $1,100 Prince Neos 1000 http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpageACPRINCE-NEOS.html strings for himself but has also bartered his stringing services to get all kinds of stuff worth probably hundreds of dollars a year. He doesn't even need the money or want the hassle of running a side stringing business, but what he does get for the free stringing he does definitely makes it worth his time.