First Stringing Machine: Buy Used or Invest in High-End?

[PilotJR]

Hi all—I’m an avid player looking to get into stringing and came across a gently used Gamma 5003 6-point (non-SC) for $750 in my city. I’m tempted, but hesitant about it not being the self-centering version. Is this a genuine concern, or am I overthinking it? I also see a few Prince NEOS 1000s for a similar price, but I know there’s debate about the clamping systems. My long-term goal is to eventually add a Wise to my setup.

Alternatively, would it be better to skip the used machines and invest in something with more features, like the Alpha Apex Speed? I like that it’s self-centering with gravity-release clamps, but am I going overboard for my first machine? Of course, that would be double the cost of the Gamma, but I'd be willing to spend extra if there’s a significant long-term difference.

Any advice? Thanks!

 

[Wes]

Hi there, @PilotJR

I can help you with this immensely.
I'll send you a PM (called a "Conversation" here on Talk Tennis). Check your inbox.

Cheers, Wes

 

[cks]

Alternatively, would it be better to skip the used machines and invest in something with more features, like the Alpha Apex Speed?

My recommendation would be to buy a "used machine". That way, if you decided you don't like stringing, you can probably sell it for the same price you bought it for.

My first machine was a Gamma X-ST that I bought used off of craigslist. My second machine I bought was a used Alpha Ghost 2.

 

[Johnnyrocket]

I currently have a prince neos as my machine, but before I was in possession of a drop weight stringer and a Pro stringer (portable electronic stringing machine). Ultimately, I was content with the prince neos which I got for $300. IMO, I don’t think the self centering version is necessary. Of my two years of owning my prince neos, two things were of concern; clamps and accurate tension pulling. My clamps unfortunately were losing tension in its springs and replacements were almost nowhere to be found. Eventually I got two fly clamps to help assist the sliding clamps, so I ended up using four clamps total just to stay safe in my stringing. As for accurate tension pulling, I’ve always wanted to get a tension caliber but I’ve never had an issue with any string jobs in the past two years.

Gravity release clamps are nice especially when you can find replacements. That said, i have heard people make complaint about their gravity released clamps not being able to stay upright to hold tensions. The alpha apex speed is super cool and i wish my prince neos looked like that haha.

Final note: if budget isn’t an issue then by all means invest in the alpha apex speed. If you keep the machine well maintain then you can definitely resell for the price you see for the used machine section assuming if there will be a time for you to hang up the tennis racket.

 

[am1899]

Here’s my story: I spent the better part of the last 10 years buying similar machines to ones you’re considering. So I would I buy a machine like that and then quickly develop a case of “upgraditis.” Then I would sell the machine in question and replace it with something I thought would be better. Rinse, repeat. Finally, I went all out and bought a flagship electronic constant pull machine. The only regret I have is not doing that sooner. Granted, it wasn’t cheap.

My advice: think long and hard about what you think will be your end game machine and try to make this a one-time purchase. Because trust me when I say it is (usually) a royal PIA to buy and sell stringing machines. They are not fun to ship and receive, put together, take apart, etc. The old phrase, “but once, cry once,” comes to mind.

Having said all that, if you feel good about staying at or around that $750 mark, my suggestion would 100% to be on the lookout for a used NEOS (I’d even prefer the NEOS over the apex speed you mentioned). Not sure what your concerns are about the NEOS clamping system. For me the NEOS clamping system is robust, effective, and very fast, with very few drawbacks.

 

[fritzhimself]

Well, I don't know.
Sure, you can start cheaply, but does that have any added value?
If you want to buy a car, you don't look in the 20 years plus older category.
For me, the machine absolutely has to have a lockable turn table and good pliers.
Whether you need support from the manufacturer is also questionable. If I take my Head TE 3300 - I bought it in 2018 and got the investment back in the same year.
I've now strung several thousand frames and the machine hasn't had any significant breakdowns so far.
A little care and good handling during operation and the machine looks like new even after many years.
I have seen machines that looked like they had been standing on the toilet after five years.
Even if you're a handyman, you always have to work on these old things and that's annoying - you should switch the machine on and have fun stringing it and not keep screwing around like McGyver.

 

[struggle]

As a Gamma 6004 owner, I'd buy a Neos before the 5003.

$750 seems alot, but times have changed. It's likely worth that easily.

 

[ichaseballs]

The Neos is popular on here for a reason, if you have the option to get one I'd pick the Neos 1000 as well.
Probably hold value better than anything else.

 

[hadoken]

I owned both. Sold the 5003 for my NEOS. I hated cone swivel clamps vs the speed of a glide bar. 5003 is fine if u get a killer used deal but straight up Neos over 5003

 

[stapletonj]

If you know how to string already, be sure you string a racket on the machine before you buy. If the seller won't let you, don't buy the machine, just politely walk away.

Starting with a cheap drop weight is OK to see if you despise stringing or not, but understand that the ease/pleasure/quality/speed of stringing increases (a lot, IMHO) with the upgrade path
from 2 point drop weight clamp to table, to crank, to floor stand, to electronic floor stand......

where you start is basically up to your pocketbook and how sure you are you want to string and how much

 

[Wes]

If you know how to string already, be sure you string a racket on the machine before you buy. If the seller won't let you, don't buy the machine, just politely walk away.

Absolutely agree.

Starting with a cheap drop weight is OK to see if you despise stringing or not, but understand that the ease/pleasure/quality/speed of stringing increases (a lot, IMHO) with the upgrade path
from 2 point drop weight clamp to table, to crank, to floor stand, to electronic floor stand......
where you start is basically up to your pocketbook and how sure you are you want to string and how much

Once again, I concur completely.

 

[lidoazndiabloboi]

Hi all—I’m an avid player looking to get into stringing and came across a gently used Gamma 5003 6-point (non-SC) for $750 in my city. I’m tempted, but hesitant about it not being the self-centering version. Is this a genuine concern, or am I overthinking it? I also see a few Prince NEOS 1000s for a similar price, but I know there’s debate about the clamping systems. My long-term goal is to eventually add a Wise to my setup.

Alternatively, would it be better to skip the used machines and invest in something with more features, like the Alpha Apex Speed? I like that it’s self-centering with gravity-release clamps, but am I going overboard for my first machine? Of course, that would be double the cost of the Gamma, but I'd be willing to spend extra if there’s a significant long-term difference.

Any advice? Thanks!

When I first got into stringing, I bought a used drop weight from a friend, just to learn and get used to stringing. As I got better at stringing, I started stringing rackets for friends. Before long, I found a used stand up crank machine to upgrade to. As i did more and more rackets, I eventually upgraded to a used Babolat Start 5, and then to my current Wilson Baiardo. You can also upgrade your machine as you go on your stringing journey, while selling off the previous one. So my suggestion is to stick with an economical machine, learning how to properly string, then upgrade accordingly. You mentioned the self centering option, which is great to have, but not necessary. How to properly center the racket, should be part of the stringing skillset you learn while using an economical machine.

 

[struggle]

When I first got into stringing, I bought a used drop weight from a friend, just to learn and get used to stringing. As I got better at stringing, I started stringing rackets for friends. Before long, I found a used stand up crank machine to upgrade to. As i did more and more rackets, I eventually upgraded to a used Babolat Start 5, and then to my current Wilson Baiardo. You can also upgrade your machine as you go on your stringing journey, while selling off the previous one. So my suggestion is to stick with an economical machine, learning how to properly string, then upgrade accordingly. You mentioned the self centering option, which is great to have, but not necessary. How to properly center the racket, should be part of the stringing skillset you learn while using an economical machine.

no more needs to be said on this. well stated, and simply. cheers!

 

[MaxSwing]

When I first got into stringing, I bought a used drop weight from a friend, just to learn and get used to stringing. As I got better at stringing, I started stringing rackets for friends. Before long, I found a used stand up crank machine to upgrade to. As i did more and more rackets, I eventually upgraded to a used Babolat Start 5, and then to my current Wilson Baiardo. You can also upgrade your machine as you go on your stringing journey, while selling off the previous one. So my suggestion is to stick with an economical machine, learning how to properly string, then upgrade accordingly. You mentioned the self centering option, which is great to have, but not necessary. How to properly center the racket, should be part of the stringing skillset you learn while using an economical machine.

Absolutely agree on this. I did a cheap 2nd hand drop weight for 50 odd racquets before going to a Tennisman deluxe le and dont think I will move from this as my racquets per year could justify any more but it was such a massive upgrade in regards to feel and use.