fuzz nation
G.O.A.T.
Some years ago I had a VW GTI and I still miss that thing. Hooray for the hot hatchback, I say...
...more coffee...
...more coffee...
Frugal drop weight'ers: Electronic machine is a REVELATION.
- Thread starter TimeToPlaySets
- Start date
TimeToPlaySets
Legend
$200 Drop Weight & Floating Clamps = Honda Civic.
$500 Drop Weight & Fixed clamps = Acura Whatever
$800 Crank Machine = BMW 3-series
$1300 Electronic Machine = Porsche Cayman
$3000 Babolat Star 5 = Lamborghini Aventador
$500 Drop Weight & Fixed clamps = Acura Whatever
$800 Crank Machine = BMW 3-series
$1300 Electronic Machine = Porsche Cayman
$3000 Babolat Star 5 = Lamborghini Aventador
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mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
No experienced stringer who has used a variety of machines with different tensioning systems agrees with you. Do you know why? Because you are wrong and you have no idea what you are talking about.
Most people who don’t have a clue learn from their mistakes and gain wisdom from their experiences. Your inability or resistance to learn from your mistakes is what sets you apart as a truly rare breed.
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Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
Right now I have an X2 and a Star 5 and enjoy stringing on both of them. I have owned a couple of different LO machines, an electronic machine, a Prince MP100 pneumatic machine, and a crank spring tension machine. I must say every one of those machines had their advantages and disadvantages but all in all I liked them all and enjoyed using them. I have also owned an MG Midget, a Jaguar XKE, a BSA 650 Super Rocket, Triumph 650, an L88 Vette, a Camaro and a Chevelle SS396, 2 Pontiac GTOs, and several other cars before my I got my present F-150. I have probably driven well over 1,000,000 and enjoyed them all. After all that I can honestly say none of that matters as long as I'm happy with the machines I'm using now.
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shamaho
Professional
What !?!? now that I've settled on sticks and strings, now you're tempting me to go over and replace my DW with an Electronic one ? shame....
It would greatly facilitate the sergetti method I'll give you that.... but...
Is there no one arguing that it's doing the crosses that take more more time not the mains ?
Actually that the way or sequence one strings the mains that makes it more convenient and efficient by optimizing or reducing rotations of the racket ?
no other arguments ? am I condemned to start reviewing automatic machines now ? oh... tragedy...
It would greatly facilitate the sergetti method I'll give you that.... but...
Is there no one arguing that it's doing the crosses that take more more time not the mains ?
Actually that the way or sequence one strings the mains that makes it more convenient and efficient by optimizing or reducing rotations of the racket ?
no other arguments ? am I condemned to start reviewing automatic machines now ? oh... tragedy...
shamaho
Professional
You know what ? that's more or less saying that getting the latest and greatest racket is much better then say... a PS85 or a POG
I mean, I am absolutely sure that an experienced stringer can do a much much better and faster job with a DW than me with the damm best machine out there !
now is a electronic more convenient ? you're damm right! but better ? that depends on who works with it
TimeToPlaySets
Legend
No, it's not.
A racket is 1% of your tennis game.
If you suck, no racket will fix your garbage strokes.
Stringing machine.
Will it make your weaves faster? No.
Will it make your string times faster? Absolutely.
Will stringing be less of a PITA ? Yes.
Is it worth the money? That's a personal decision.
For me, it was worth every penny
StringGuruMRT
Semi-Pro
To have a racquet that is perfect for your game greatly depends on style of play, fitness level, swing type, etc. A stringing machine does (for the most part) is not affected by variables of your game. Sure stringers will have their preferences that some machines might not have, but once you have the basics of racquet stringing down, the machine you use will either make you more or less efficient. The one exception I see would be the MiStringer, which doesn't give you room below the frame for traditional hand over hand weaving...
TimeToPlaySets
Legend
Used the amazing machine again today.
I can not even imagine going back to using a toy stringer.
Broke the 40 min barrier for the first time.
I can not even imagine going back to using a toy stringer.
Broke the 40 min barrier for the first time.
Yes, but you still have to string the cross strings.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Time to apologize to all the experienced stringers that said they could complete a string job in less than 30 mins who you called liars because you said it was simply impossible.
TimeToPlaySets
Legend
Never do what? (I can't see ignored troll members)
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TimeToPlaySets
Legend
Blank post.
fuzz nation
G.O.A.T.
Maybe try to resist the impulse of taking offense. A grain of salt sprinkled over any opinion here can really help to steer clear of the
UGH!! factor.I have the same machine as our illustrious OP and it's been just right for me, but the notion of "better"or "more convenient" (or even "illustrious") is always relative, right? My old drop weight machine could break down into a box for easy storage in about a minute, so that was a convenience - for me - compared with my table-top machine that lives on a spare desk. Again, it's relative. Probably more convenient with my machine on a spare desk that a floor stand machine that always occupies a footprint somewhere. Those would only make sense for me if I had a shop.
I probably did my fastest re-stringing ever on my old DW, too, but that was a mid match emergency with one of the kids that I coached. I don't want to have to do that again and I was glad that I didn't make a horrible mistake with that racquet. So the DW was potentially pretty fast, but I've found that when I get swamped with string jobs, it's easier (less tedious) to knock out more volume with the electric machine. Two possible versions of "better".
I can say that two aspects of my newer machine seem to be generally better overall. I like six-point mounting after having seen how much racquet deformation can happen with only two-point mounting during re-stringing. My DW turned out consistent string jobs, but it probably stressed the racquets a bit more than my current machine with six-point. In this same neighborhood, I also like that the fixed clamps on my newer machine allow me to set my tensioner maybe 5 lbs. lower than my DW with floating clamps to achieve the same string bed firmness - less inherent drawback. So the fixed clamps also seem to help the stringing process to be less stressful on the racquet.
If your machine produces consistent string beds and doesn't wreck the racquets on it, you've got the most important boxes checked off. No need to argue over a favorite color or who's the greatest guitar player ever. I'm a bass player, so why would I argue about that anyway?
More coffee?
TimeToPlaySets
Legend
Only on this forum of delusion will someone actually make the argument that DW is faster than an electrical electronic.
shamaho
Professional
Nah! I didn't
... that's the problem with written stuff... you write it with one tone in mind, and someone else reads it with the unintented ...tone 
elkwood
Hall of Fame
Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
Every dayNice list of cars ! Bet u wish u held on to the L88 vett !!! C8 looks interesting
Traffic
Hall of Fame
Congratulations on getting a tool that meets your needs and your budget.
So I am a proponent for, if you have the means, get a linear pull machine (crank or electric) vs a DW.
But I also have a feeling @TimeToPlaySets was making some errors on using the DW tensioner. If you are complaining about needing hand strength for tensioning soft strings, you may not be starting with the bar in the fully down position? So you probably made the task harder for yourself.
If going from DW to electric drops your stringing time from 1-2hrs to 45min, then you are definitely doing something wrong. I would guess going from DW to electric might shave 10min off for me. So go from 40min to 30min.
Having said that, I feel there are many ways to use DW machines incorrectly and thus more opportunities for less consistent stringings. So agreed that if you have the means, get the linear pull.
I've gotten to a point where I am consistent and fast enough. I keep thinking about changing my machine to a linear pull. But then I would rather spend the money on more strings or parts for mountain bike. I still string 1-2x a week. And it meets my needs.
BTW, I had an opportunity to use the club's electronic machine. It had so many options and what not. I decided not to use it since I thought I would screw something up. I went into my car, grabbed my machine and strung up a racquet. Didn't even need a power outlet.
So I am a proponent for, if you have the means, get a linear pull machine (crank or electric) vs a DW.
But I also have a feeling @TimeToPlaySets was making some errors on using the DW tensioner. If you are complaining about needing hand strength for tensioning soft strings, you may not be starting with the bar in the fully down position? So you probably made the task harder for yourself.
If going from DW to electric drops your stringing time from 1-2hrs to 45min, then you are definitely doing something wrong. I would guess going from DW to electric might shave 10min off for me. So go from 40min to 30min.
Having said that, I feel there are many ways to use DW machines incorrectly and thus more opportunities for less consistent stringings. So agreed that if you have the means, get the linear pull.
I've gotten to a point where I am consistent and fast enough. I keep thinking about changing my machine to a linear pull. But then I would rather spend the money on more strings or parts for mountain bike. I still string 1-2x a week. And it meets my needs.
BTW, I had an opportunity to use the club's electronic machine. It had so many options and what not. I decided not to use it since I thought I would screw something up. I went into my car, grabbed my machine and strung up a racquet. Didn't even need a power outlet.
TimeToPlaySets
Legend
It's not about times. It's about the sheer delight of not putzing around with that god awful ratchet wheel garbage.
Get the electronic machine. DW machines are low grade trash
Get the electronic machine. DW machines are low grade trash
Traffic
Hall of Fame
Yes. A tool that works for you is a great investment.
I wouldn't buy an entry level DW machine. But after having used one, if I were to only string once a month or two, it is a perfectly good tool for the job.
I'm stringing 1-2x a week. I can justify upgrading to a linear pull machine. But the DW doesn't anger (filtered equivalent to p.o.'d) me off quite enough to push me over the edge. I've got my eye on a new carbon fiber mountain bike which is a higher priority.
Just how is normal trash different from low grade trash? I typically thought trash is trash. I really never heard of low grade trash. Is that trash that is rated? Maybe you spend time grading trash in different levels? What would high grade trash be different than low grade?
TimeToPlaySets
Legend
Great question.
High grade trash would be a NEOS 1000 with a broken clamp.
It is broken, therefore trash, but inherently a high quality item.
Low grade trash would be a DW stringer
It is not even broken, but is trash, since its inherently a low quality item.
High grade trash would be a NEOS 1000 with a broken clamp.
It is broken, therefore trash, but inherently a high quality item.
Low grade trash would be a DW stringer
It is not even broken, but is trash, since its inherently a low quality item.
Tennis_dude101
Professional
Hmmm, not sure where my Pro Stringer fits into this hierarchy?
I just knew you were a trash talker
Since you are asking, your best to ask @TimeToPlaySets , as he is the one who talks trash.Hmmm, not sure where my Pro Stringer fits into this hierarchy?
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Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
Doesn’t the Pro Stringer come with it own little trash bag? May as well throw it in the trash like TTPS (allegedly) did with his X2. But not sure, if TTPS said he was going to do something but really did or didn’t is that considered allegedly or not? @Tennis_dude101 if you can’t find it in your heart to throw it in the trash send it to me and I’ll allegedly throw it away for you, but I’m not going to pay shipping for doing you a favor.
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Traffic
Hall of Fame
I think there was a post where he sold his X2 to help pay for his used electronic to make the cost work even better for b/c ratio.
I can definitely appreciate the time and effort savings of going to something like an electronic tensioner vs a DW. But I'm a bit hung up on this post. Going from 1-2hrs to 40min? So going from 1hr, well, maybe if you are not proficient with using a DW. But from 2hrs is just hyperbole or you are doing something very wrong. That does speak to the thought of the DW being "trash" because it is not intuitive how to use it and there are really no one video tutorial available that shows you proper technique. You have to watch about 3-4 videos and piece the right methods together. But this is more a testament to your lack of patience rather than the machine. So I think you have to own some of the "trashiness".
I just finished stringing a friend's racquet. Took me 45min. That included cutting out his old strings, mounting, bridging one of the main tie-offs (18x20) and all those extra freakin' weaves. I need to get him to switch to an open 16x19.
haqq777
Legend
Have this exact drop weight stringer (without the fancy electronics).
https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Gamma_Progression_II_ELS_Stringing_Machine/descpageGAMMA-GPELS.html
OMG.
Words can't even express what a quantum leap this is.
This is the best tool upgrade I have done in years.
If you're regularly stringing with a drop weight
you have no idea what you are missing.
Treat yourself before you die and leave your money to offspring who will fly 1st class.
What is that?
I am an idiot who has no idea what he's doing ?
Macho syndrome? I don't need a fancy pants yuppie machine.
I feel sorry for people who have gotten by with a drop weight their entire lives.
Tension with a press of a button. It is utterly insane.
I am so glad I ditched the garbage drop weight after only a year.
Stringing elastic ZX or Gut takes 2-3 adjustments of the ratchet wheel.
The ratchet wheel snags the string and chews it up.
If stringing high 50s, you need to turn that ratchet wheel one last time until a vein in your neck explodes.
At some point, old people don't even have that kind of grip strength.
Not convinced? I'm just an idiot on the internet? Fine.
Go to your local stringer and at least ask him to let you try stringing a few mains.
Tell me you don't smile like you've just had an orgasm. Yes, it's that much better.
$1400. Your money or your life.
It is the most joyful money you will ever spend in your life.
And you'll get back 50-75% of it when you retire from tennis.
Can't afford $1400?
If you find a used one, drop everything and go buy it.
Leave work early, and drive directly to the seller's house.
If you've been on the fence, or are just used to living the slogging life of a DW guy
Go withdraw $800 right now, and prepare yourself for stringing nirvana.
https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Gamma_Progression_II_ELS_Stringing_Machine/descpageGAMMA-GPELS.html
On a sidenote, why are my stick get shortened a tad every single time I use this stringing machine? Something about this Gamma Progression II two point mounting you think? Because I swear I am following instructions to the dot and have strung atleast a dozen times to rectify the issue but nothing. As soon as I am done stringing and I take racquet off and measure, it is a quarter of an inch short. Very frustrating to the point where I am thinking maybe a 6 point mounting stringer might not shorten.
And no, I string low to mid forties and I don't want to make my mains looser than crosses etc to rectify. I like how an even bed strung racquet plays.
And this is for everyone. What do you guys think I'm doing wrong? Or is it the stringing machine?
Thanks for the help
MAX PLY
Hall of Fame
I vote for closing this thread. I am afraid that Tends To Push Sh** finds inner strength from belittling the choices, techniques or purchases of others. The plain truth is that stringing machines do in fact differ wildly in the way they work and how efficient they are. And, generally, the higher the price, the more advanced the machine (duh!). That correlation hardly makes any machine "trash" and to make such an accusation is snobbery at its' most distasteful. A good stringing technician can do a quality job on any machine and while the quality of the machine may very well lend itself to ease of consistent end-products, the use of an economic drop weight or similar machine is not a fair criticism of the hobby stringer. I know a great many top notch stringers that learned on some very basic machines (Klippermates, TRs (for those of you who remember), lower priced Gammas, etc.). In fact, kudos to the manufacturers who make the hobby so accessible--you can actually learn a great deal about stringing on those machines. What matters most is the careful technician who operates the machine. I have seen a ton of folks operating state-of-the-art machines who I would let nowhere near my racquets. I suspect I would not let the OP string my racquet under the supervision of Richard Parnell and the ghost of Warren Bosworth.
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TimeToPlaySets
Legend
No, you don't get to control what other people want to discuss.
If no one wants to discuss this topic, the thread will die on its own
That's how the internet works.
The rest of us can continue to discuss how much better CP is over junk DW toys.
How about you just unsubscribe? Don't open this thread. Problems solved.
Just wondering where did you get your data on the above statement, as I'm sure not all cp machines are the same as well as not all dw machines are the same.
I'm convinced .
This is one of your few comments that most here will agree on.
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MAX PLY
Hall of Fame
Ah, middle schoolers, I forget! I’m afraid your one dimensional thinking took me too literally. My point was really an indictment of your “trash talk” about others’ machines. The rest of my post speaks for itself. Look, I guess I’m happy you were able to earn the money (or get it from your mom) to buy a serviceable electronic machine. But I find using your good fortune to ridicule others’ machines appalling (by the way, I’m pretty sure there’s not a “rest of us”—just a pathetic wannabe). What makes it doubly so, is that as far as I can tell, you have no learned basis for your “trash talk” as you seem to have only strung on two machines and have strung fewer racquets in your life than most of the serious posters on this section of the board strung last weekend.
Of course, I will not unsubscribe or refrain from opening threads. As long as there are Trolls, Toadies, Puppets and Sycophants spreading their vitriol, I’ll do what I can to combat it. I suspect the quality posters/stringers here will do likewise.
TimeToPlaySets
Legend
I'm sorry you can not afford a CP machine.
However, that is not my fault, and I am entitled to my opinion that DW is trash compared to CP.
I've owned both and speak from my experience.
Considering that I am the one with the costly machine, and you are not, it is odd that you ridicule my financials.
I will gladly answer any financial advice questions you may have so that you too can own this next level machine.
However, that is not my fault, and I am entitled to my opinion that DW is trash compared to CP.
I've owned both and speak from my experience.
Considering that I am the one with the costly machine, and you are not, it is odd that you ridicule my financials.
I will gladly answer any financial advice questions you may have so that you too can own this next level machine.
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TimeToPlaySets
Legend
Hey, I am the one with the fancy $1300 stringer, unlimited private coaching, and natural gut
Clearly, I'm doing something right, LOL
rogerroger917
Hall of Fame
You string your own rackets? I have the stringer pick up and drop off my kids rackets weekly. 8 frames a week. I think he uses the Biardo machine. It's very nice. And I don't have to spend my own time to string rackets.
Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
TimeToPlaySets
Legend
Hey, I'm not the one attacking a guy who enjoys the finer things in life. Bitter jealous hater.
MAX PLY
Hall of Fame
^^^Yep, that's pretty much me--ask anyone on this board. Of course, I am not attacking everyone who is not me. By the way, I am curious . . . what did you do with your prior machine? I'd like to think you donated it to some junior player (a poor one) who could appreciate it and get some use out of it until he or she gets rich.
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el__zopilote
Rookie
I love my Klippermate. It has saved me a lot of money and its reliable. Spending upwards of $1,000 on a machine and doing labor yourself is the worst of both worlds.
TimeToPlaySets
Legend
You have no idea what you are missing.
And your logic is poor.
$1000 gets you 20 string jobs.
That's like 2 years?
Instead you choose to toil over the terrible DW for decades.
Penny wise, pound foolish
Shroud
G.O.A.T.
Ok I will play. Your lamo $1300 machine can't possibly compare to my $2300 setup. Its clearly better because well price dictates quality all the time. And OMG a ROTATIONAL gripper? No wonder your gut is breaking fast. All that stress. Everyone knows a LINEAR gripper is better because its more expensive.
Penny wise, pound foolish indeed. OP wasted money on a cheap machine and had to spend even more to get a good one, and its not even as good as poor old Shrouds setup...
Penny wise, pound foolish indeed. OP wasted money on a cheap machine and had to spend even more to get a good one, and its not even as good as poor old Shrouds setup...
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Has it occurred to you that perhaps you are the only person who struggles so mightily with a drop weight and that is the reason why no other drop weight owner agrees with you???
Now for the million dollar question...why is it that you’re the only one who struggles so much with the drop weight??? Lack of ability or lack of intellect? Maybe both?
Perhaps it’s you who is terrible and not the drop weight machine. Especially considering how much trouble you had following step by step video instructions on how to tie the Parnell knot and how you couldn’t figure out to open up a package of strings without ending up with a bird’s nest on your floor.
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