Eagnas Flex 940

[freewalker]

I am thinking about upgrading my stringing machine. Currently I use a Gamma X-2. It is a nice model for beginners.

I am looking for a string machine around $500 for personal use? After reading and researching, it seems that Eagnas Flex 940 is a good buy at $399.

Based on infomation at this forum, Eagnas's customer service and product quality become my concern. But this model received a lot positive feedbacks at stringforum.net.

If you have this model or a similar Eagnas model, could you please comment on its quality and how the customer service is?

Here is a picture of Eagnas Flex 940. Thanks,

http://www.eagnas.com/jpg/fl940ba2.jpg

 

[Gaines Hillix]

There is another company in the US carrying Eagnas machines called thet e n n i s s p o t.net(remove the spaces in the name). Looks like their posted price for the Flex 940 is $479, but they might price match. Might be worth checking them out as an alternative source to Maxline.

 

[barry]

freewalker

Some of us who actually own Eagnas machines have never had a problem with the machines, or customer service. I am up to about 420 stringing now, one spring broke in 5 years 3 months. It cost $12 shipping included and I received it priority mail in 2 days.

You might ask Gaines Hillix what problem he has had with Eagnas, and which Eagnas machine he owned.

I have found problems reported on this site were from people who never owned and Eagnas machine. The 940 looks like a lot of machine for the money. I would give Eagnas a call and talk with the owner, he seems like a nice guy to me, and works many hours. He also knows the products very well. He could have sold me an $85 arm assembly, but said the spring would fix me up. Thought that was professional.

There was one complaint from MatchPoints who bought one, did not like it, sent it back, and Eagnas made him pay the postage. He thought he was ripped off. Whined for about 1 month, before someone posted the return policy. If you read the return policy, Eagnas clearly states the customer pays return postage and Maxline could have charged him a 15% restocking fee in addition to shipping, but they did not.

 

[fastdunn]

O.K. I just finished watching French Open final of Nadal winning
his 1st of probably many more. Isn't tennis a great fun game ?

Anyway, about the issue in this thread.....
From reviews on web, I agree Flex 840 & 940 seem to be more popular models
among Eagnas machines. I also found Flex 840 & 940 got better review
(not 740 though) than reviews on other Eagnas machines.

I would check before you order if you're going to get exactly what is described
in their web page. Or if they're going to change some parts, make sure you're O.K with it.

In my case, it was not a real problem to me because I live 15 minutes
from their business in Torrance, CA. It is nice area for tennis.
There's Robert Lansdorp's club, Jack Cramer's club, and clubs
where Sampras, Davenport, and Tracy Austin grew up.
(I often play in these club, dahdah!)

I purchased my 1st machine from Maxline. It worked fine. Some plastic parts
did not fit exactly and I had to sand-paper it to fit but it was only minor thing.
One of floating clamps failed in 1 year. One of their engneers tried to fix it( She
is Victor's wife, as I know. I could be wrong) at their warehouse.

She could not fix it right. Then she started to blame on me and she claimed
she can't fix it because I abused it. I remember her facial expression.
She was looking at me like she found my sin, if you know what I mean.
She then really started scolding me like she scolds her son.

It's very possible that I abused it and that's fine but I was like
"Why should I listen to this feeling like a kinder garden kid listeing to teacher's
scolding ?". "I paid money. Shouldn't I feel like I'm serviced ? Why should
I feel guilty about it?"

So I stopped her talking and bought another clamp. I came back home and
fixed it by myself. It was fairly easy to fix it. I have engineering Ph.D. after all.

Maxline DID replace the broken piece under warranty, though. They just could not
put it back together right. Another good thing about Maxline is that their
business was set up at a residential house when I visited them.
They would often answer my phone calls or see me pretty much any time.
They tried to fix the clamp from 9:30PM to almost 10:30PM at their warehouse.....

Good luck

 

[fastdunn]

There is another company in the US carrying Eagnas machines called thet e n n i s s p o t.net(remove the spaces in the name). Looks like their posted price for the Flex 940 is $479, but they might price match. Might be worth checking them out as an alternative source to Maxline.

There used be another e-tailer called r a c q u e t s u p p l y.com
which sells Eagnas at exacly same price as Maxline.

But they recently stoped carrying Eagnas machines.
Their web page does not have Eagnas machines
BUT I know they still have some mchines in stock.

Call them and see if they have Flex series or other Eagnas.

 

[wonder_wall]

I am looking for a string machine around $500 for personal use? After reading and researching, it seems that Eagnas Flex 940 is a good buy at $399.

I was in your shoes last fall and I at one point really pored over the Eagnas models listed on their website. Today, I thank God I didn't buy one of those machines.

Couple points:

1. AS ALWAYS, YOU GET (ONLY) WHAT YOU PAY FOR. The Eagnas you are looking at has a WAFER THIN TURNTABLE. No serious stringer would want that weak-looking turntable. So obviously, the wafer thin turntable is cheaper than a real turntable like you get from the other companies - SO TURNTABLE: cheaper, yes, better value: no.

There's a former Eagnas customer out here who got this turntable when the picture on the Eagnas site showed a thicker turntable and in addition to being pissed at the bait and switch I believe he noted some specific mechanical issues with that turntable: DO MORE READING.

2. Maxline's high shipping is a real negative. You say $400, good price. You should factor in shipping WHICH IS MUCH HIGHER THROUGH MAXLINE THAN GAMMA. You will pay I believe $450 dollars for your $400 machine.

Gamma shipping: $20.

The higher shipping price DIRECTLY HURTS you as a customer because you are paying more and if you have to return YOU GET LESS BACK. It's a way of ripping you off, similar to a "restocking fee." So consider that also, Eagnas WILL BE ripping you off if you return, EVEN IN THE BEST CASE SCENARIO.

3. Some out here have promoted the fact that apparently Alpha, if you DO NOT BUY FROM TENNIS WAREHOUSE BUT DIRECTLY THROUGH ALPHA VIA NEWTECHTENNIS.COM will let you PICK THE STRING BUNDLE.

Alpha makes Alpha Gut 2000, which is a very popular and very good string, and so you could really load up on this, unlike Eagnas, who I believe GIVES YOU NOTHING other than a "discount" on their god-knows-what-it-is garbage string.

Being able to pick your own string from a supplier that actually sells good string is quite valuable

Tennis warehouse seems to give you a one-year USRSA membership, which is a $100 value if it's something you would need or want anyway.

So 3 factors that should all make you see the price as not such a great deal as you have been thinking. Instead of 400 versus 600, now you're talking 450 versus 550, and YOU ALREADY KNOW FOR SURE YOU'RE GETTING A CRAPPY TURNTABLE.

I believe the "get what you pay for" dictum is REALLY true for Eagnas, based on listening to owners of Eagnas on this board and other boards and listening to ONE OF MY HITTING PARTNERS who owns one of those machines, and his is GODAWFUL.

DO MORE READING on real-world experiences with machines, and when you even see something in a picture on the Eagnas web site that LOOKS REAL CHEAP, don't just ignore that and think, "gee, this Eagnas has all the features of x and is much cheaper." Plus, even if you see a thicker turntable on another model, you can't be sure you'll actually get it according to the person out here who was "bait and switched" and Eagnas DID STILL GIVE HIM AN ARGUMENT!

The only happy Eagnas owners I've seen, e.g. Barry, are people who PAID THE EXACT SAME PRICE FOR THEIR MACHINES after shipping, which Barry did, paying exactly what the comparable Gamma was going for. I'm not sure why he's happy about paying the same for a supposedly low-overhead, budget machine, but he is.

RE: stringforum.net reviews: how do you know those are real people. They aren't identified as users in the forums or anything, anyone could have posted this. BE SKEPTICAL until proven otherwise.

OTOH, it is possible to live with a crappy stringing machine - question is, do you want to for a "theoretical savings" of only $100.

I'd stick with your Gamma X-2 until you can get something that is DEFINITELY MUCH BETTER.

 

[barry]

wonder_wall is another expert who has strung 10 rackets in his life, spent a $1000 on a LF machine, and never owned an Eagnas machine or did business with them. But now he is giving advice, you gotta laugh!

Ignorance must be bliss!

 

[Gaines Hillix]

freewalker

Some of us who actually own Eagnas machines have never had a problem with the machines, or customer service. I am up to about 420 stringing now, one spring broke in 5 years 3 months. It cost $12 shipping included and I received it priority mail in 2 days.

You might ask Gaines Hillix what problem he has had with Eagnas, and which Eagnas machine he owned.

I have found problems reported on this site were from people who never owned and Eagnas machine. The 940 looks like a lot of machine for the money. I would give Eagnas a call and talk with the owner, he seems like a nice guy to me, and works many hours. He also knows the products very well. He could have sold me an $85 arm assembly, but said the spring would fix me up. Thought that was professional.

There was one complaint from MatchPoints who bought one, did not like it, sent it back, and Eagnas made him pay the postage. He thought he was ripped off. Whined for about 1 month, before someone posted the return policy. If you read the return policy, Eagnas clearly states the customer pays return postage and Maxline could have charged him a 15% restocking fee in addition to shipping, but they did not.

Barry, do you have a problem with there being another source for these machines? I only recommended that he might want to check with this other source. I said nothing negative about the machine, right? There have been many other complaints about Maxline's service than the one you mentioned. I've seen them mentioned more than any other company.

 

[wonder_wall]

wonder_wall is another expert who has strung 10 rackets in his life, spent a $1000 on a LF machine, and never owned an Eagnas machine or did business with them. But now he is giving advice, you gotta laugh!

Ignorance must be bliss!

It has a wafer-thin turntable, MAXLINE's shipping rate is MUCH HIGHER than Gamma's or TW's, and they offer nothing with the machine.

My comments about your purchase are also absolutely, provably true (you can ask me for backup if you like, which I've previously provided).

Case closed, Barry, as you like to say.

I'm not asking him to take anything based on my stringing technique expertise, though I apparently can also string a racket just as fast as you can with your machine and you've been doing it for five years!

But as usual, your routine is to simply use the argument "by greater authority" because you as usual AVOID ENGAGING THE ACTUAL POINTS MADE.

 

[squashstring]

1. AS ALWAYS, YOU GET (ONLY) WHAT YOU PAY FOR. The Eagnas you are looking at has a WAFER THIN TURNTABLE. No serious stringer would want that weak-looking turntable. So obviously, the wafer thin turntable is cheaper than a real turntable like you get from the other companies - SO TURNTABLE: cheaper, yes, better value: no.

I noticed this change in design when I was looking through the Eagnas website trying to identify the model of my machine (badged 'Karakal' - actually an EAG-610S - see /lilylee/eag610s.html on eagnas web site).

Older Eagnas machines with swivel clamps (like mine) seem to use a VERY thick (20mm? - I haven't actually measured it - this is a guess) cast iron(?) turntable which has been milled top and bottom to provide a flat surface for the racket frame clamps and the stainless steel (??? mine had slight surface rust!!!) tracks for the clamp bases. This turntable appears to be identical across a range of manufacturers, not just Eagnas, although it is possible that the quality of the metal and the finish is different.

The newer machines have a much thinner turntable - see the photo on Eagnas's site /maxgen/flturn4.html. I wouldn't use the phrase 'wafer-thin', as in the UK, this implies a couple of mm - the one in the photo on Eagnas's site /maxgen/flturn4.html looks to be about 8mm thick - maybe in the US wafers are really that thick? - I know you're all healthy eaters

According to Eagnas's web site, the new turntable is made of stainless steel with what look to be two of the same thickness of (stainless steel) tracks bolted to it. How does 8mm stainless steel compare with 20mm cast iron? What we need to know from an owner of this type of turntable is whether it flexes more than the older thick cast types. A good test would be to measure the tension loss that occurs as a string is held between two clamps as the pulling force is removed. Anybody able to conduct this experiment?

By the way, my old Eagnas DEN-3200 machine has a (steel?) base that looks to be about 8mm thick. It's very heavy and doesn't flex at all.

I actually would not call 8mm stainless steel 'weak-looking', I thought the new design of turntable looked rather elegant and hi-tech. But if it flexes more than the old cast type, I would not be interested!

Paul

 

[drop shot]

Is it just me?

Is it just me or does that mounting assembly look identical to the Alpha Revo 4000?

 

[fist pump]

barry,

im beginning to suspect you are hired by maxline to stay online here at tw.com and protect the company , at the same time bash other companies . you are a marketing tool , and you speak english well .

 

[Cfidave]

I am also looking at the Flex 940. I compared it to the Mutual Power Hercules 630 ($500.00) & the Silent Partner JAzz ($600.00). To go to Gamma or Alpha is $800.00, just to much for very similar machines. The Eagnas does seem to have a thinner turntable, which is bothering me. Just not sure if saving 100-$200 is worth the risk. Then there is the customer service thing. Right now I am leaning towards the Herc 630.

 

[wonder_wall]

barry,

im beginning to suspect you are hired by maxline to stay online here at tw.com and protect the company...

In Barry's defense, based on his posting history, I don't believe he is an agent of Maxline, and I did think about this for a while.

I think he simply sees alot of Eagnas bashing and feels UNREASONABLY INSULTED hence he gets a little pissed. (I know the feeling.) Barry's main point is that HIS MACHINE WORKS FINE even though it's an Eagnas. (My point is, even though it's an Eagnas he paid the same as a Gamma! And those who get a "deal" are the ones who get crappy turntables, ridiculously bad mounting systems [including those of the Eagnas 6-point variety], non-functioning clamps, etc. Again, that's my theory.)

Now, I AM ACTUALLY MORE SUSPICIOUS OF THE CONSISTENT ALPHA PROMOTERS out here, since TW SELLS ONLY ALPHA and this is of course a TW board, hence THEY WOULD LIKE THE STEADY ALPHA PROMOTION.

Coincidence? I don't think so, and not even because people are being paid or anything like that, but:

If you read TW's POLICIES GOVERNING DISCUSSIONS ON THESE BOARDS, you can assume that THE ONLY LEGITIMATE DISCUSSION HERE is promotion of them and their products. IN THEIR POLICIES THEY ASK YOU TO NOT DISCUSS THE COMPETITION. TW will, for example, block out words of DIRECT COMPETITOR'S web sites.

Eagnas, Gamma and Laserfibre are INDIRECT COMPETITORS in the sense that if a person reading postings here buys an Eagnas who otherwise would buy an Alpha from TW, I believe they don't appreciate you using THEIR BOARDS for this. I believe this based on COMMON SENSE AND THEIR SPECIFIC POLICY, available for all to read (a separate forum is dedicated to their policy).

So, actually I sympathize with Barry in part, because I think ETIQUETTE PUTS HIM ALL BY HIMSELF. He is willing to fairly actively promote Eagnas, which is a little rude in TW's backyard, but at the core he's not really very different from others out here who consistently promote Alpha and noone here complains about those people, I BELIEVE FOR THE ETIQUETTE REASONS ABOVE, it's perfectly in keeping with the etiquette here to PROMOTE THE HELL OUT OF ALPHA.

(I'm not saying Alpha isn't a good company, just saying I personally view all comments out here in that light of "the local etiquette" and I believe others should as well.)

My own reasons for posting here are that I saw INCREDIBLY STRANGE REMARKS against Laserfibre and noone correcting them, remarks so strange I've called them "mendacity." That is my only reason for coming out here.

Ironically, it was Barry who WAS saying alot of this weird stuff that caused me to initially post out here. But BARRY WAS IN FACT LARGELY REPEATING THE MENDACITY OF OTHERS AS HE'S CLAIMED. Those others just tend to hide away once the issue is brought to the fore, unlike Barry, who while he doesn't respond to directly asked questions, he AT LEAST FACES THE FIRE IN SOME WAY (usually with a "case closed" after a quite unrelated observation).

I would again encourage people trying to research to READ ALOT ON OTHER NON-CORPORATE-OWNED STRINGING FORUM SITES AS WELL, e.g. stringforum.net, ******************.com (oops, I guess they are competition, it's grandslam stringers.com, remove the extra space from there). I *think* I can say that here, since those sites aren't actually "competition" to TW (oops, evidently I can't).

The other forum sites are not "corporation dictated" like this one. This board may have more features but I'd still use the other ones to stimulate freeer discussions than can be had here, for reasons of etiquette and perhaps other reasons as well...

 

[bigbanger]

Now, I AM ACTUALLY MORE SUSPICIOUS OF THE CONSISTENT ALPHA PROMOTERS out here, since TW SELLS ONLY ALPHA and this is of course a TW board, hence THEY WOULD LIKE THE STEADY ALPHA PROMOTION.

TW only appears to carry two of Alpha's models, and they also sell Prince machines, so I'm not sure where you're getting this from. BTW, I just bought an Alpha Apex and it's everything others have said it is - a high quality machine backed by an excellent company with great technical support (I've even received e-mail responses from Mark Gonzalez on the weekend). And no, Mr. Conspiracy Theory, I don't work for TW.

-- bb

 

[Mike Cottrill]

TW only appears to carry two of Alpha's models, and they also sell Prince machines, so I'm not sure where you're getting this from. BTW, I just bought an Alpha Apex and it's everything others have said it is - a high quality machine backed by an excellent company with great technical support (I've even received e-mail responses from Mark Gonzalez on the weekend). And no, Mr. Conspiracy Theory, I don't work for TW.

-- bb

Bigbanger
I will second that. Best support I have had inside or outside of tennis. How are those adaptors?
Mike

 

[bigbanger]

Bigbanger
I will second that. Best support I have had inside or outside of tennis. How are those adaptors?
Mike

I've only strung one frame on the Apex so far and in my haste to use the new machine I forgot to use the adapters. I'll use them next time and let you know.

-- bb

 

[Gaines Hillix]

wonder_wall, of course one might have some suspicion that a corporate sponsor of an internet message board who sells a particular product, in the case you seem to be concerned about Alpha stringing machines, somehow promotes those machines to the exclusion of another brand like LF or Eagnas or brand x. All I can tell you is that I have been on this board as long as anyone and am one of the few hold-overs from the old board, which I'd been a member of for a couple of years and during those roughly 4 years TW nor Alpha done anything to promote their products on this board. I don't work for TW or Alpha and the only reason I recommend their products is because I've had good experience with the machines and with their support. I am not the only one. The Kudos about their machines just seem to keep building up. I would not hesitate to post information that was not complimentary to Alpha if I thought it was warranted. The difference is, and you may not understand this yet, is that when people are treated right by a company they are more likely to go back to the company with a problem and show a little patience with them to get the problem resolved. With a company like Maxline when you don't get good service or resolution to your problems they end up getting trashed on places like this. The LF machines have also had an excellent history on here and I recommend them as well as the Gamma machines. I quite often mention all of them in the same sentence. LF seems to have run into some issues in the last 6 mos. with their product availability and their responsiveness to phone calls and emails, but they still have great products and take care of their customers. I think the bottom line is every company, even top notch ones, have problems and what separates the good from the ordinary is how they handle those problems. A problem can be an opportunity to make a customer happy. Some companies just don't seem to understand that.

 

[fastdunn]

barry,

im beginning to suspect you are hired by maxline to stay online here at tw.com and protect the company , at the same time bash other companies . you are a marketing tool , and you speak english well .

Actually, I mentioned this in another thread too simply
because Barry sometimes sounds exactly like Victor or people in Maxline.


Barry appeared slightly after a Gamma rep appeared here.
I'm not claiming I have an evidence that Barry is from Maxline.
But if he somehow is, this constitutes as an illegal activity.

Don't get me wrong. I'll still buy things from Maxline.
But I'll continue to post things about Maxline fairly but
the place needs some improvements, IMO.

Americans are pretty tough customers. They like bargain.
Eagnas is a bargain and a really good deal sometimes.
But amrican customers wouldn't put up with sub-par customer
service.

 

[wonder_wall]

TW only appears to carry two of Alpha's models, and they also sell Prince machines, so I'm not sure where you're getting this from. BTW, I just bought an Alpha Apex and it's everything others have said it is - a high quality machine backed by an excellent company with great technical support (I've even received e-mail responses from Mark Gonzalez on the weekend). And no, Mr. Conspiracy Theory, I don't work for TW.

-- bb

First, IT'S AN ETIQUETTE THEORY, not a conspiracy theory, I think I clearly identified it as such. And, beyond etiquette, this is the TW policy in black and white if you weren't aware:

"NO PROMOTION OR ADVERTISING OF TENNIS WAREHOUSE COMPETITORS ALLOWED. THIS IS OUR MESSAGE BOARD AND WE PAY TO MAINTAIN IT. IF YOU WANT TO DISCUSS A COMPETITOR, PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL OF OUR REQUEST AND DO THIS PRIVATELY, NOT ON TALK TENNIS."

Second, I thought someone might mention the Prince machine thing.

Are those machines ever discussed here? One costs $3000 and the other is a $1200 regular crank machine and an INDUSTRY ICON.

Neither is the subject of much discussion here in my experience, so of course they can't have much to do with what I'm saying does happen in the discussions that DO TAKE PLACE HERE.

 

[Mike Cottrill]

Wonder_wall,
Yes, those machines have been discussed here. Actually a fellow that was posting here bought one of those Prince $3000 machines. Not sure how he made out though. I do not remember him posting after his purchase. The neos machine is probably the most well known machine in the world and has been discussed as well.
Mike

 

[wonder_wall]

Wonder_wall,
Yes, those machines have been discussed here. Actually a fellow that was posting here bought one of those Prince $3000 machines.

I don't doubt it, nevertheless, it's one case, the exception that proves the rule. I'm only saying in my experience here, Prince 3000's don't figure prominently in any discussions. I honestly believe the Prince 3000 appears to be a FABULOUS machine (there, that should make the etiquette people happy!).

If it would please you I can change my original statement to the more verbose "In the most popular and far and away most discussed category of sub-$1000 stringing machines, TW sells only Alpha."

My posts are verbose enough as it is without having to add stuff like that to make a couple people happy! :\

 

[Jack the Hack]

OK, I have an Eagnas Flex 940 and it was the second stringing machine that I've bought from Maxline in the past 8 years or so. Therefore, I feel like I am qualified to throw in my opinion.

I like the 940 and have had nothing but good results with it. I purchased the machine in January and paid $399 plus shipping, and it came with a basic set of stringing tools and a free 660' reel of 16g "Perfect Spin" string, which looks and plays a lot like Prince TopSpin. In my opinion, this was a killer deal compared to the prices of similar upright, 6 point mounting, swivel clamp, spring tension machines. In fact, I play tennis 5-6 days per week and hit with mamouth topspin, so I break a lot of strings. Between my own racquets and the occasional string job for a friend, I probably service between 4-6 racquets per month - which means I have already recieved my return on investment with the 940.

I originally learned to string on an Ektelon Model H, and although the mounting system and clamps are different, the general operation of the 940 is very similar. Before I bought the machine, I was worried about the "suspension" mounting system as I was used to a "lock down" system previously. However, it does seem to secure the racquets just fine and I have seen no sign of distortion when I am pulling tension. When I first got the machine, the tension was calibrated just fine... but I found I needed to adjust it after about a month, which I think is normal. Before I do any stringing, I always check the tension calibration and have found that I've only had to adjust it that one time so far.

I have only had one other Eagnas machine for comparison, the Hawk 80 - which is a table-top drop-weight machine. The Hawk 80 is a simple, entry level string machine and it worked fine for me. However, I wanted an upright with a spring tensioner, and I perceive the Flex 940 to be a big upgrade.

Now, to address specific issues that others have brought up:

1. The turn table is not "wafer thin" in my opinion. I went out and measured mine and found that the table was made from 1/4" steel, and there is absolutely no perceptable flexing - which would lead to tension loss - when I am stringing a racquet.

In terms of the "thin" turn table and not getting what was advertised, I believe that the unsatisfied customer that wonder_wall was referring to was matchpoints in this thread:

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=44438

My Flex 940 looks exactly like the picture that was posted, except... when I received my 940, I was pleasantly surprised to find it came with the upgraded PN-1012 swivel clamps instead of the older PN-1002 clamps that were advertised. These new clamps are actually higher quality, and were provided free of charge.

2. The shipping cost for my machine was about $50. However, I have also bought several bicycles off of **** and the shipping charge is about the same. If you go to UPS.com and price out the shipping on a 50 lb package, I think you will find that this is the going rate. Therefore, I see no indication that Maxline is "ripping people off" with the shipping.

(I believe that Gamma must either be using a different shipper than UPS - US Postal maybe - or is putting back some of the shipping costs into the price of their machines.)

3. As others have pointed out many, many, many times... the customer service from Maxline (primarily Victor) is not what somebody would expect from a professional company in the United States. The standard is high here, and Maxline does not meet this in general terms. I did not have any major problems with my purchases, but I did exhaustively detail my experiences and observations in some threads earlier this year:

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=33136&page=2&pp=15&highlight=Eagnas

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=37756&highlight=Eagnas

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=38146&highlight=Eagnas

My advice about Eagnas is the same as it was a few months ago...

If you are a home stringer that is not servicing racquets for a living, then the Flex 940 is an excellent choice because of the value. Since you are not relying on the machine for income, you can probably afford to deal with any customer service issues that may arise and in the end, you will have a great machine for less than $500.

However, if you own a tennis store and are stringing to feed your family, then you absolutely need the best product and customer service available. (For instance, if a major part fails under warranty, you want a company that would be willing to ship you a replacement machine while the other is being fixed.) If that is the case, even though it will cost you more money, you are probably better off going with a higher end machine from Alpha or Gamma because of their superior warranty support and customer service.

 

[fastdunn]

freewalker, Jack_the_hack summed up really nicely.
My expriences are similar as Jack's on its customer service.
You probably have a good idea on Eagnas and Maxline by now....

 

[Gaines Hillix]

I don't doubt it, nevertheless, it's one case, the exception that proves the rule. I'm only saying in my experience here, Prince 3000's don't figure prominently in any discussions. I honestly believe the Prince 3000 appears to be a FABULOUS machine (there, that should make the etiquette people happy!).

If it would please you I can change my original statement to the more verbose "In the most popular and far and away most discussed category of sub-$1000 stringing machines, TW sells only Alpha."

My posts are verbose enough as it is without having to add stuff like that to make a couple people happy! :\

wonder_wall, another characteristic of this board and most of its members is that they are looking for stringers that cost less than $1000 and they are not full time stringers. Many of the posts in the stringing machine section start out with a subject like, "what's the best machine for under $xxx" and that number is often $300 or $500. It is natural that machines that cost over $1000 are not typically dicsussed here. Not that they never are, but for the most part the dicsussion is about lower cost machines. If someone asked what is the best crank machine I can buy regardless of cost I'd respond with these models; Gamma 6004, Prince Neos 1000 and Alpha Apex. If someone said they had a budget of $3000 the Prince 3000 and Alpha Orbitor SE would be among the recommendations although I would probably also refer them to the GSS board for other recommendations.

 

[GuyPerez]

I have owned two machines in my lifetime. The first was an eagnas star y 12-3 (same as barry). I had it for over one year and strung a BUNCH with it. Built like a freaking tank and worked just fine. I bought new clamps for it as well as got the manual for it. The machine purchase itself was from an individual owner. The clamps and manual were purchased from Victor. I had no problem buying the clamps.

When I wrote asking to buy a manual, Victor replied, " Dear Sir, we are in the stringing machine business, not the manual business." I was stunned and wrote him a polite email explaining that having dealt with him before, I was certain he did not mean to be so rude and maybe he should put a little more thought into his use of language. He photocopied a manual and mailed it to me for $12.

As I got better and busier with stringing, I wanted to try a floor stand model and a crank or electric. Victor was helpful in guiding my decision based on my needs. All emails were answered promptly and politely.

I also started a conversation with Mark at Alpha. I can honestly tell you, it has been like dealing with a best friend, only more professional. That man has helped me tremendously and seen to it that I am 100% satisfied. I own an Alpha now an am very pleased.

Honestly, I almost bought a combo 910 (eagnas) from Victor, but my dealings with Mark were so positive, I went with him and Alpha. I don't have bad things to say about eagnas products as mine was rock solid. I don't even have bad things to say about Victor. The was the one rude incident, I called him out on it, and he responded appropriately and all was cool after that.

Keep in mind that the Star y12-3 that barry owns and I used to is one of the most expensive products (dropweight or crank) that maxline offers. I can't speak for or against any other product since, as barry points out, I have no direct experience with them. But barry, the way you describe matchpoints' experience is untrue. He is not a whiner. He received a product that was very different that what was advertised on the website. It may have been good or bad, I don't care, but it was not what he bought and paid for. He should not be responsible for shipping or restocking. Adding insult to injury, he was, according to him, not well treated on the phone. No excuse for that.

 

[freewalker]

I have not decided which model to buy yet. Maybe Eagnas Flex 940, or maybe not. But your post did help me alot.

Thank you all for your feedbacks, comments, and help.

THANKS!

 

[drop shot]

Flex 840

I tried out a friends Flex 840 this weekend and it's similar in design to my Alpha Revo 4000. I really couldn't tell that thre was any tension loss or turntable flexing. Seemed ok to me. The clamps seemed much like the ones on my Revo. I am not an expert by any means so I am sure that others could probably give better comparisons.

 

[barry]

drop shot

I also compared the 840 with the revo 4000, and could not find any differences. If anything, I think the Eagnas is a little better quality and comes with a better manual.

For $399 you cannot beat the price, plus it is a great machine to someday upgrade to the Wise Head and save yourself $280.

Got to say I think Eagnas has decent products at a fair price.

 

[Gaines Hillix]

Barry, I don't know what version of the Revo 4000 you looked at, but the current version looks a lot different than the Eagnas Flex 840 on their website. The Flex 840 has a thin, stamped steel turn table. The Revo 4000 has a much thicker turntable. The clamps are also different. The Eagnas machine has their low end, cone lock clamp bases and the PN-1002 clamps have a poor reputation for slipping. And as usual, the Eagnas website is misrepresenting features on their machine and the Alpha machine. The Eagnas site says the Revo 4000 also has conelock clamps, which is not true. The Revo 4000 has spring assisted, quick action swivel clamp bases. They also claim that their shoulder supports are different, again untrue. Both use half-V shoulder supports per the pictures on their websites. Here are links to both machines;

The Flex 840

http://www.eagnas.com/flex840.html

The Revo 4000

http://www.newtechtennis.com/html/NTT-MACHINES.php?SubCategoriesID=1&name=Revo 4000

 

[SW Stringer]

I priced the Flex 840 in February - here's what Victor sent me in reply:

Dear Sir:

Thanks for your e-mail.

The Flex 840 has been upgraded to have 2 PN-1012 swivel clamps.
It also has 1 DP-507 diagonal cutter, 1 NP-500 needle nose pliers,
1 BS-809 tennis awl, and 1 PN-3092 string mover.

The total cost is as follows:

GROSS UNIT
DESCRIPTION CARTON WEIGHT DIMENSION PRICE

Flex 840 STRINGING MACHINE 2 65LBS 25.5X14.7X15.3" 399.00
SHIPPING COST (via UPS ground) 45.00
Free 1 reel of Perfect Spin string, 1.30mm, 16G, 660' ($75 value)

So the picture at the Maxline site doesn't reflect the new 3-prong clamps - PN-1012.

FYI

 

[fastdunn]

I also compared the 840 with the revo 4000, and could not find any differences. If anything, I think the Eagnas is a little better quality and comes with a better manual.

Flex 840's mounting base is made out of steel plates(in other words,
you start with a steel plate. Cut it and bend it by machine).

Revo 4k's mounting base is made of casted steel, I believe.
You make a mold and you put in melted steel to make the shape.
It's kinda similar to Combo 810
http://www.eagnas.com/lilylee/com810.html
or Smart 808
http://www.eagnas.com/tabletop.html#SM808

Actually Flex 940's mounting base is similar to more expensive
Alpha Axis Pro($799) if you just compare the mounting base.
Eagnas is therefore pushing Flex 940 pricing same as table top
version Flex 840. One time I asked Maxline to discount Flex 840($399)
quoting Flex 940($399) has the same price but they declined.

Eagnas Combo 910 and Smart 909 "look" like they are comparable to
Alpha DC Plus($899) but I personally do not know all the details
of their features...

 

[Kevo]

I have an Eagnas Challenger 1. It's a drop weight with ratchet, but the turntable and clamps are the same as the combo 810 from what I can tell. It is cast aluminum, and it is heavy. I actually think that the thinner turntable would be better on a table top because it is a lot of work to lift that thing out of the closet whenever I want to string a racquet.

Anyway, I've been happy with my Eagnas, and the only thing I can ever imagine breaking on it is the clutch spring which gets a lot of use. It looks like it would be easy enough to replace though. Anyway, just make sure to figure out what features you want in a stringer and then take a look at all your options. I almost bought an Alpha machine, but they didn't have any in stock, and since they didn't seem substantially better than the Eagnas I went ahead and bought one. It wasn't a bad experience or anything, but I also didn't buy the cheapest model they sell either.

 

[drop shot]

just found out

I spoke with my friend whose machine I used and I did find out that he had "upgraded" the machine and it does have several parts that werent't originally on the machine. I am unsure as to what modifications he made but he is a mechanical engineer and he does have several parts of other Gamma, Alpha and Prince machine parts lying around in his garage so it is quite possible that the machine I used was a hybrid of several other machines ans I didn't really pay close attention since I was in a hurry.

 

[Gaines Hillix]

I priced the Flex 840 in February - here's what Victor sent me in reply:

Dear Sir:

Thanks for your e-mail.

The Flex 840 has been upgraded to have 2 PN-1012 swivel clamps.
It also has 1 DP-507 diagonal cutter, 1 NP-500 needle nose pliers,
1 BS-809 tennis awl, and 1 PN-3092 string mover.

The total cost is as follows:

GROSS UNIT
DESCRIPTION CARTON WEIGHT DIMENSION PRICE

Flex 840 STRINGING MACHINE 2 65LBS 25.5X14.7X15.3" 399.00
SHIPPING COST (via UPS ground) 45.00
Free 1 reel of Perfect Spin string, 1.30mm, 16G, 660' ($75 value)

So the picture at the Maxline site doesn't reflect the new 3-prong clamps - PN-1012.

FYI

Just confirms that you're never sure what you're going to get when you order a machine from these guys. I've seen posts where people claim they received an upgrade vs what they expected and others that were just the opposite. Guess if you're lucky, you're lucky. If you're not, then good luck getting it resolved.

 

[barry]

Gaines Hillix

I ordered my machine and got exactly what I ordered, it took 7 days to arrive!

Cannot say enough good things about the service and products I have bought from Maxline!

Maybe you should buy something from Maxline, and then you might have something to complain about. To my knowledge, you own an Alpha machine and think the world should only buy Alpha products. Moreover, when someone presses you, Gamma is OK.

Reading your post are getting a little redundant, maybe you should start your post with “I read where” since you have no experience with the products!

There are many good machines out there; I guess if I read enough of these threads, I could be an expert too.

 

[Gaines Hillix]

Gaines Hillix

I ordered my machine and got exactly what I ordered, it took 7 days to arrive!

Cannot say enough good things about the service and products I have bought from Maxline!

Maybe you should buy something from Maxline, and then you might have something to complain about. To my knowledge, you own an Alpha machine and think the world should only buy Alpha products. Moreover, when someone presses you, Gamma is OK.

Reading your post are getting a little redundant, maybe you should start your post with “I read where” since you have no experience with the products!

There are many good machines out there; I guess if I read enough of these threads, I could be an expert too.

Barry, don't know what you've been reading, but it's not my stringing machine recommendations. I recommend Gamma, LF and Silent Partner and Alpha and several others for those who are looking for high end machines. I've also recommended an alternate source for Eagnas machines since the issue seems to be with Maxline's service. And I've said it before and I'll say it again, 99% of all knowledge is not original. Have you read the latest post by DownUnder about his experience with the much anticipated Eagnas 8000? The beat goes on my friend.....

 

[Audiodude]

Gaines Hillix

I ordered my machine and got exactly what I ordered, it took 7 days to arrive!

Cannot say enough good things about the service and products I have bought from Maxline!

Maybe you should buy something from Maxline, and then you might have something to complain about. To my knowledge, you own an Alpha machine and think the world should only buy Alpha products. Moreover, when someone presses you, Gamma is OK.

Reading your post are getting a little redundant, maybe you should start your post with “I read where” since you have no experience with the products!

There are many good machines out there; I guess if I read enough of these threads, I could be an expert too.

Unlike Allanis Morrisette's examples, this is truly ironic.

 

[ohnomrbill]

I just received my Flex 940 today and the turntable is far from "paper thin"...

The clamps are upgraded (yes they have an older version on their web page)and I had confirmed with Victor prior to ordering. 2 years ago I had purchased a Hawk 26 and approximately 2 months ago the drum tensioner went bad. I called and explained that I did not have the original receipt but I did have the packing list. He said just send it in and they would repair and send back. Took about 1 week for him to send back, not bad! So, after selling my intro-level stringer I took the plunge and bought the Flex 940. Assembled it this evening and will string this weekend (an appropriately timed Father's Day present).

 

[drop shot]

Do tell..

Please give us a full review of the Eagnas 940 after you string the racquet. I am trying to keep an open mind about Eagnas. I did buy one from them 3 years ago the Hawk 80 and didn't like the plastic pieces used to hold the frame against the side supports. It seemed kind of flimsy. But I am beginning to suspect that maybe the flex 840 may not be a bad machine after all. What's sad is that it wouldn't take a whole heck of a lot to make Eagnas better. A revamping of the customer service dept. complete with an English speaking rep who could be trained by Mark Gonzales at Alpha. Secondly maybe better quality materials on their machines. I did get some of their kevlar string and it wasn't too bad.

 

[freewalker]

ohnomrbill:

Please give us an update on how your Flex 940 works. Is it a machine with good quality?

I just received my Flex 940 today and the turntable is far from "paper thin"...

The clamps are upgraded (yes they have an older version on their web page)and I had confirmed with Victor prior to ordering. 2 years ago I had purchased a Hawk 26 and approximately 2 months ago the drum tensioner went bad. I called and explained that I did not have the original receipt but I did have the packing list. He said just send it in and they would repair and send back. Took about 1 week for him to send back, not bad! So, after selling my intro-level stringer I took the plunge and bought the Flex 940. Assembled it this evening and will string this weekend (an appropriately timed Father's Day present).

 

[ohnomrbill]

Well, I strung 2 rackets last night with the first being an old Prince Spectrum 110 and the 2nd being my Yonex MP-2i.

I spent about 2 years stringing with a dropweight/flying clamp system so the fixed clamp was new to me....

The suspension system took a few minutes to adjust (just different then the clamps I had on previous machine).

First racket took 50 minutes and second 45 minutes.

Overall Impression: If you string 1 or 2 rackets a month, there is really no reason to get a dropweight with flying clamp machine. The crank system is very easy to use and produces a very consistent stringing job.



The setup is so much easier for me personally. I used to dread stringing the bottom crosses on my old dropweight because of the lack of room beneath the turntable and the frame, it was just tedious.

Clamps: Very easy to use. The spring assisted model may be faster and easier but extra cost was a factor for me.

Crank: Numbers on the dial could be larger for us older guys, but I just have to put on the reading specs....

 

[ohnomrbill]

review continued

So, for $460 I think it's a great deal (machine, basic tools, 660 ft string (yes I have it in my racket and will play this weekend) and shipping)

Yes, someone more fluent in English would be a great help at Eagnas, but I haven't had any problems with Victor.....

Their instruction manuals aren't the best but the turntable came fully assembled, so assembly was straightforward.

The crank system is easy to use although after hitting the release button on the first try I quickly learned to hold the handle simultaneously......

I was leaning toward a Laserfibre but the prices were out of my range

______________________________________________________________

The MS200TT (desktop model) http://www.laserfibre.com/MS200_TT.html

Standard $699 with 360-degree double action clamps, 4-point mounting and our EXCLUSIVE One Pull / Any Angle Smart Weight tensioning system. 100% upgradeable to a Premium version.

Premium $879 with the 360-degree double action clamps, 5-point mounting system, Automatic Sensory Tension Jaw system and our EXCLUSIVE One Pull / Any Angle Smart Weight tensioning system

Premium $999 with the single action, 360-degree swivel clamps, 5-point mounting system, Automatic Sensory Tension Jaw system and our EXCLUSIVE One Pull / Any Angle Smart Weight tensioning system

 

[POGO]

First racket took 50 minutes and second 45 minutes.

Overall Impression: If you string 1 or 2 rackets a month, there is really no reason to get a dropweight with flying clamp machine.

You took about the same time as a person never been stringing before on a drop weight machine.


I disagree with not recommending a drop weight machine with flying clamps for someone who strings only 1 to 2 rackets a month. For that amount of racket stringing a budget drop weight stringer will suffice, specially for someone wanting to learn how to string for the first time, to get the basics down.

 

[barry]

ohnomrbill

You got the best deal going, and victor at Eagnas is a decent hard working person. It took me about a 1 hour for each of the first 10 rackets. Now I do them in less than 30 minutes using a drop weight fixed clamp machine. A crank would even be faster. I like the 940, thinking about getting the desktop versions.
I read where some of the Alpha’s crank users claim their tension is 5 pounds looser than using a drop weight system. Could be why so many Alpha users are replacing the crank with a Wise tensioner.

Curios if it is a design issue with Alpha (springs) or have you noticed any tension loss with the new 940.

 

[fastdunn]

ohnomrbill

I read where some of the Alpha’s crank users claim their tension is 5 pounds looser than using a drop weight system. Could be why so many Alpha users are replacing the crank with a Wise tensioner.

Curios if it is a design issue with Alpha (springs) or have you noticed any tension loss with the new 940.

The resulting string bed tension with all crank machines
is usually 5-10% lower than those done with a drop weight
machine assuming a same reference tension.

 

[barry]

fastdunn

Makes me wonder why the extra 5 pounds is not included in the tensioner design. Do all crank tensioners work the same?

If you pull 50 pounds, the tension on the string should be 50 pounds, not 45. It is 50 pounds on a drop weight machine, spring mechanisms must not be very precise!

 

[Ben42]

It's not that the mechanism is imprecise, they just work differently.

When a crank tensioner pulls to its set tension it locks the string and stops pulling. There is a small drop off in tension in the time it takes from when it's stopped pulling until the person stringing then clamps off the string.

Because a constant pull machine, like an electronic or a dropweight, is constantly pulling on the string until it's clamped off it there isn't that little bit of tension loss.

That's why a stringbed on a CP stringer feels about 5% tighter.

It's not a flaw with the tensioner, just the way the systems work.

 

[ohnomrbill]

barry & pogo

ok, for the stringing time:

Do you count cutting out the strings, frame inspection, frame mounting?

If not, 30 minutes is my actual stringing time.

I was leaning toward the desk top version but quite happy that I purchased the 940 (if you have the available space in garage or spare room).

My first try with a drop weight flying clamp took 90 minutes. I did read the instruction manual as I went for both machines. I just never was any faster than 50 minutes on the dropweight. I remember it taking me a few minutes to learn how to tie knots...... I really doubt that someone who has never strung a racket (or watched someone string) could perform it in under 50 minutes on a dropweight. I would sit down with an adult beverage, give them the manual and a string reel and start the stopwatch....

the thread below says it all!

Ok I just got my Alpha. How the F do you use this thing...HELP!


Since I plan to continue playing tennis for years to come, the additional money for a better machine is well worth it. I did learn the basics on my entry level machine. In hindsight I would have purchased the Flex 940 to start since I enjoy stringing my own rackets and experimenting with different strings.

 

[barry]

ohnomrbill

It takes me 30 minutes total, cutting the strings, and reeling off 40' from the reel.

When you cut out old strings, I start in the middle and move diagonal. Make an X pattern, it seems to be the fastest and quickest method.

Also the 940 is as good as they get.