Ektelon Modle F: Help me see what is missing

JJam2112

JJam2112

Rookie
Hey Guys, I recently purchased this stringer for $85 because it was missing some parts. Overall looks in decent condition. I know it is missing a few things, but please look at the pics and let me know what may be missing. I am not worried about the clamps for the frame, as I will be purchasing a Gamma upgrade soo through David. For the other missing parts I will be contacting Tennismachines.com to purchase the parts. Thanks.

IMG_0559.JPG

IMG_0560.JPG

IMG_0562.JPG

IMG_0563.JPG
 
It appears that your "F" may already have an H upgrade kit installed--that's nice. Typically you would also have a complete set of frame retainers and the throat and riser hold down clamps (but it sounds like David's upgrade kit should remedy those issues). Also, it appears that you need two Allen wrenches--one to adjust the frame retention mechanism (a larger one) and a small one for small adjustments to the lock down mechanism. I would also suggest getting a cover. That said, looks like an amazing deal for $85.

Tennis Machines is definitely the place to contact. Good luck.
 
Thanks. Yeah i thought it was a pretty good deal too. It should be noted that the base was missing so I will be getting that from tennis machines. I looked through the model H manual and looks like im missing the disc break system that go under the machine head assembly. Is the disc break system used much for anyone that has this? I'm Trying to put a list together to get the missing parts. Any thing else i'm missing? Also How do i do the 1 pound incrament adjustments, i see the 5lbs one but not the 1 pound one.
 
Ah yes, I now see the break is indeed missing--comparing your purchase with the H manual is a good idea. You will likely wish to replace the break. It will come in handy.
 
Wow... great price. Did that machine come with a set of Ginsu knives too (last photo)?
 
haha no didn't come with the knife. I was using it to do a pallet change.

I went ahead and bought the base and the disc break set from tennismachines.com and should have it in next week.

I will also be purchasing the gamma upgrade in a few weeks, so if anyone wants my modle H upgrade thats missing clamps. I'll be getting rid of them for cheep. message me if intrested.

Once I have my stringer all complete, ill post pics.

Also it came with a case.
 
Okay so My Ektelon Model F is now complete. I just strung my first racket is it works nicely. Should last me a very long time.
Below is a list and cost of items I used:
1) Stringer Model F: $85
2) Base: $120 (from tennis machines)
3) disc Break System: $50
4) 6 Pt Gamma Quick Mount upgrade (from DT Stringers): $260

Total cost: $515

IMG_0624.JPG

IMG_0623.JPG

IMG_0628.JPG


My stringer came with the upgrade to model H missing the frame hold down pieces. I will be selling those is anyone wants them for $50 shipped. just email me at JJam2112@gmail.com
 
Are you going to continue using the glide bar clamps, or are you considering purchasing the swivel clamp upgrade from DT stringers.
 
As of now I am pretty happy with the normal glide bar clamps that came with it since they are in good condition and work well. If anything happens though to those I would most likely look into then the swivel clamp upgrade then as opposed to trying to find other replacement glide bars.
 
What was your reasoning for the Gamma mount upgrade? It would have been a steal at $255 without the upgrade. It's still probably a bargain but not a steal...
 
Well when I got the stringer, it was missing all the frame retainers and both frame clamps so I would have to invest in those anyways if i didn't do the upgrade. I went with gamma upgrade because you do not need all the different retainers nor will any parts go missing as easily as the others. Plus with 6 point supports the frame is more sable and sturdy during stringing and looks really nice and clean. Made more sense for me to invest in that then for replacement retainers and clamps that might go missing again anyways.
 
Unless you're stringing a lot of fan patterns or racquetball racquets, I'd stick with the glide bars. They're simpler, with less parts, and work just as well.
 
I was also thinking about doing the swivel clamp upgrade, mainly because my clamps are pretty worn and don't glide smoothly. The only clamps i have used are floating clamps and the glide bar clamps. I do like the glide bar clamps but do wonder if the swivel clamp would be an improvement even though I don't string any fan pattern racquets. So I was wondering if I should just wait until tennismachines has the clamps back in stock later next month or get the swivel clamp upgrade. Any suggestions?
 
tnguy133 said:
I was also thinking about doing the swivel clamp upgrade, mainly because my clamps are pretty worn and don't glide smoothly. The only clamps i have used are floating clamps and the glide bar clamps. I do like the glide bar clamps but do wonder if the swivel clamp would be an improvement even though I don't string any fan pattern racquets. So I was wondering if I should just wait until tennismachines has the clamps back in stock later next month or get the swivel clamp upgrade. Any suggestions?
Click to expand...

But then you are approaching the cost of an Alpha Axis Pro and it'll no longer be a bargain. To be honest I would just have gotten the retainers and skipped the new mounts.
 
tnguy133 said:
I was also thinking about doing the swivel clamp upgrade, mainly because my clamps are pretty worn and don't glide smoothly. The only clamps i have used are floating clamps and the glide bar clamps. I do like the glide bar clamps but do wonder if the swivel clamp would be an improvement even though I don't string any fan pattern racquets. So I was wondering if I should just wait until tennismachines has the clamps back in stock later next month or get the swivel clamp upgrade. Any suggestions?
Click to expand...

Many people say they don't do many fan pattern rackets. Almost all Babolat frames have a slight angle on the outside mains. Many Wilson frames have fan patterns, and a lot of the older head rackets. As far a whether or not swivel clamps would be an improvement depends on the specific clamps. When I am ready to tie off I like for my clamps and last tensioned string to be as straight as possible. Anything that pulls the clamp off creates tension loss.
 
Thanks for the input Irvin I will probably get both replacement clamps and the swivel upgrade to see which clamp system I like better.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

dak95_00
Lucky me! Ektelon Model F
Replies
2
Views
1K
dak95_00
dak95_00
B
Ektelon stringing machine
Replies
2
Views
1K
brosamj
B
JohnBPittsburgh
Ektelon Model H
Replies
4
Views
947
Irvin
Irvin
408tennisguy
Found what I think is a good deal....
Replies
11
Views
1K
MAX PLY
MAX PLY
C
Gamma 6002 Es
Replies
12
Views
4K
cfree5119
C
Back
Top