Eagnas Hawk 80

[Matt21]

Does anyone have experience using this machine? I've been researching stringing machines over the past several weeks. I was "this close" to pulling the trigger on purchasing an X-2, but then a friend told me I'd enjoy stringing much better on a drop weight that had 6pt mount system and fixed clamps. Eagnas' Hawk 80 seems comparable to the Progression 602-FC/X-6FC for almost $200 less.

I've read all the mixed-to-negative reviews on Eagnas cust service, but if I have a solid machine, there's no need to talk to cust service. So, any comments on Eagnas Hawk 80? How does it compare to other models you've used?

 

[Lakers4Life]

Are you buying one New or Used? I would not buy one new, I'd rather get a Challenger I or a Flex 740.

 

[Matt21]

I was looking at a new one. I've also heard a Challenger 2 was coming out.

 

[Lakers4Life]

It's been out but not available in the US. The only difference I see is the Challenger II does not come with a tool set.

 

[struggle]

challenger I

 

[Matt21]

Why the Challenger 1 vs. the Hawk 80? They sorta look like the same machine (minus the Challenger having a tool tray).

 

[struggle]

Why the Challenger 1 vs. the Hawk 80? They sorta look like the same machine (minus the Challenger having a tool tray).

not sure i see much/any difference except that the challenger 2 and 3 don't show up on the USA website, up front anyhow. if you search those models they do come up, not sure. like was said before, maybe not available in the US.
also, i didn't see prices for the 2 or 3, didn't look hard though.

where are you?

edit: vs the hawk 80, my bad...challenger I looks beefier to me. looks much like the stand up models in componentry.

there have been many happy challenger I owners here, haven't heard much about the hawk 80. for the same reason, i got the 910
over some of the other crank/upright offerings from eagnas.

 

[Matt21]

Lakers4Life:
Are you an Eagnas owner?

 

[Lakers4Life]

I buy and sell mostly Eagnas machines, so I know a bit about them.

 

[LttlElvis]

I had an Eagnas Hawk 800. It has the exact same table, clamps, and mounts. The only difference was the Hawk 800 is a crank with a table stand.

If your choice was between the Hawk 800 and Challenger I, I would choose the Challenger I because the side mounts are easier to adjust. The Hawk 80 and 800 side mounts are simple but kind of time consuming to mount a racquet.

 

[Fearsome Forehand]

The Challenger is a more updated/slicker design but the Hawk 80 is a good little stringer. The Hawk is looking a bit dated, I'm not even sure why Eagnas offers so (too) many models. There is an apparent lack of marketing expertise in play.

Since the price difference is only $30 (289 vs 319), not worth much deliberation. Get the Challenger. There is also a Combo that sells for 319 that is similar.

 

[Lakers4Life]

I think I had a Hawk 800, I thought it was an EAG-150 but the 12/6 mounts were different. They both have the W side mounts.

Getting back the the topic, The Challenger I is your best bet for a Drop wieght. The other alternative is a Flex 740, same mounts as the Challenger, but with cone-lock base clamps.

 

[Matt21]

Well, my choice was going under $200 (Gamma X-2 + 5 packs of string) or going value with the Eagnas machine. On one hand (from a value perspective), I can get the Gamma for essentially, what amounts to 9 dollars (I avg about $30 spent on each string job so $30 x 5 free packs of string means $150 savings on string). In addition, I can get the Gamma for free shipping. But then, there's the issue with flying vs fixed clamps (plus I've not hear much good about the Gamma flying clamps).

On the other hand, from a value perspective, when I started this stringer research, the first model I was tempted to buy was the X-6 @ $359 (and I didn't even blink at the price; I just thought I was getting a good deal, for what practically would have been $159, if I accounted for how much it costs me (avg) to have mine strung). That said, the Challenger I looks like a much better value (if they are still doing the free string sets). Does Eagnas or another retailer that sells them offer free shipping? (Their website looks like they offer a free reel of string with the purchase of stringers).

 

[Matt21]

Differences-wise, I also noticed that the Challenger I has 3-teeth clamps vs the Combo 740 having 5-teeth clamps. Does one work better at gripping the string?

 

[Lakers4Life]

Those are just old pictures, all new Eagnas Swivle Clamp machine come with the PN-1012 clamps. Have you considered buying a used machine?

 

[LttlElvis]

Don't choose a stringing machine based on the free sets of strings. In the long run, those are always throw away sets or practice sets. You probably already have an idea of the strings you like. Better to get a machine with the qualities you want and buy a cheap reel to practice on.

 

[Lakers4Life]

^^^+1 I agree. From the Free sets I've seen from Gamma, there is maybe one or two strings that are decent. Usually it's Gamma Zo, Marathon 15L,TNT2 Fatcore, Challenger 16, Flex Core Power 16, and Marathon DPC 15L. So don't expect Gamma Professional or any high end string from Gamma.

As for the free reel of Eagnas Perfect Spin, is like a cheap version of Prince Topspin.