First Electric Stringing Machine

[TR3NT]

I am in Australia and am wanting to buy my first Electric Stringing Machine. Not interested in a crank or drop weight machine. I have used a Gamma Progression ELS II extensively so leaning that way but wanted opinions on my other options

1. Gamma Progression ELS II
Price $2250 AUD

Pros
Have used this machine often over the last few years so familiar with it
Seems like a reliable brand
2 year warranty

Cons
No auto base clamps

2. AEF Elec 8 Pro
Price $2000 AUD

Pros
Auto Base Clamps standard
Bit cheaper than the Gamma

Cons
1 year warranty
Relatively unknown brand so not sure if there will be support if something breaks

3. Spinfire Flame with WISE Tension Head
Price $2000 or $2300 with Auto Base clamps AUD

Pros
Plenty of good reviews for this machine
Can easily replace tension head if any issues
2 year warranty

Cons
Most expensive when fitted with auto clamps
Need a spacer to get 360 degree turntable.

Look forward to hearing peoples opinions.

 

[USMC-615]

Is the ELS II you’re referring to the latest, greatest version with upgraded control panel on tension head and upgraded turntable? I have a 2021 model Gamma X-ELS and a few different machines with Wise 2086 ver14 tension heads. I personally would rather have a linear gripper with diablo (Wise) than a rotational gripper (X-ELS) if choosing one or the other, but both tension head styles work fine. You’ve used the rotational gripper of an ELS before many times so you know how some stiffer poly’s can be with that gripper style. And I’m not familiar with the Spinfire Flame at all so I know nothing about it. Prob not much help in telling you anything you don’t already know.

 

[Irvin]

@TR3NT are any of the Thre machines supported in Oz?

 

[brownbearfalling]

Agree with USMC above. I prefer Linear gripper to the rotational.

few major downsides are: rotational gripper puts more kinks in the string, also requires more slack to tension.

are you able to get your hands on the Gamma XLT? If you can get the XLT with the upgrades turntable at a reasonable price that is the way to go.

 

[fuzz nation]

I am in Australia and am wanting to buy my first Electric Stringing Machine. Not interested in a crank or drop weight machine. I have used a Gamma Progression ELS II extensively so leaning that way but wanted opinions on my other options

1. Gamma Progression ELS II
Price $2250 AUD

Pros
Have used this machine often over the last few years so familiar with it
Seems like a reliable brand
2 year warranty

Cons
No auto base clamps

2. AEF Elec 8 Pro
Price $2000 AUD

Pros
Auto Base Clamps standard
Bit cheaper than the Gamma

Cons
1 year warranty
Relatively unknown brand so not sure if there will be support if something breaks

3. Spinfire Flame with WISE Tension Head
Price $2000 or $2300 with Auto Base clamps AUD

Pros
Plenty of good reviews for this machine
Can easily replace tension head if any issues
2 year warranty

Cons
Most expensive when fitted with auto clamps
Need a spacer to get 360 degree turntable.

Look forward to hearing peoples opinions.

My first machine was a table top drop-weight with floating clamps - a U.S. version of Stringway. When I was ready to switch, I got a Progression II ELS and I can say that it's been great for me for about ten years. Not a single issue, hiccup, etc.

You're already familiar with this rig, so I won't tell you what you already know about it. When I got my Gamma, I was extra confident with this brand because I knew that their customer service had earned a very solid reputation. Fortunately I haven't needed to call them for any reason.

While I think that the Prog II ELS is obviously dependable and quite functional (I prefer this one to an older Gamma 5800 floor standing model I had access to for one summer), I don't know what sort of customer service is available in your region. The company that gives you the easiest access to technical help (if you need it at some point) might be the smartest way to go.