Gaines: Alpha Axis Pro Morphed to Apex?

[Mike Cottrill]

Gaines,
From previous posts I noticed you originally had an Axis Pro. Is that the same one they sell today? Then you replaced the turntable and frame mount on the Alpha Axis Pro machine with one from the APEX model. Why did you do this? Was the one from the Axis Pro not sufficient? I have only seen one Alpha machine (can’t remember which model (Blu-DC or APEX??) and it was very smooth, I’m considering getting one, but debating on the model.

Thanks
Mike

 

[Gaines Hillix]

Yes, I upgraded from the Axis Pro to the Apex. The Apex frame mount is a full suspension mount and provides more clearance between the shoulder supports and the frame. The Apex can't block string holes like a standard mount can. The arms also operate with one knob instead of a separate knob for each arm. The arms are heavier and so is the turntable base. If you've ever seen pictures of a Babolat Star 3 or Sensor you'll get an idea of what the Apex frame mount looks like. There's nothing wrong with the mount on the Axis Pro, but the Apex is built heavier and is easier to use.

 

[Mike Cottrill]

Thanks,
Mark from Alpha sent me a picture of that Apex. It looks like a very nice machine. He described it much the same as you “"full-racquet" suspension system”. I see the extra room and the resemblance to Babolat Star 3 support system. Does the Full Racquet suspension mean that no part of the racquet touches the machine except the mount points where the others have a small platform at 12 and 6 o’clock that the racquet touches? What is the advantage of this other than more room (besides the one knob for all which is very nice).

Thanks

 

[Gaines Hillix]

Thanks,
Mark from Alpha sent me a picture of that Apex. It looks like a very nice machine. He described it much the same as you “"full-racquet" suspension system”. I see the extra room and the resemblance to Babolat Star 3 support system. Does the Full Racquet suspension mean that no part of the racquet touches the machine except the mount points where the others have a small platform at 12 and 6 o’clock that the racquet touches? What is the advantage of this other than more room (besides the one knob for all which is very nice).

Thanks

Mike, that's correct. Only the 6 mount points/supports touch the frame and this is where the extra clearance comes from. The advantage is that there is very little in the way of the frame when you are stringing. This helps not only in having no semi-blocked holes at the shoulders, but in easier access to the areas around the top and bottom crosses when you are weaving them. Also, forgot to mention I never have to move the frame support stands on my APEX except for on Super Oversize frames and I almost never run into one of those, thank goodness!

 

[Mike Cottrill]

I’m surprised that Alpha does not have this model on their web site. If you did not have the Wise tension head, would you be happy with the crank that came with it or would you prefer another brand. I was wondering about frame support stands. From the picture, it did not look like they were adjustable.
Thanks
Mike

 

[Gaines Hillix]

I’m surprised that Alpha does not have this model on their web site. If you did not have the Wise tension head, would you be happy with the crank that came with it or would you prefer another brand. I was wondering about frame support stands. From the picture, it did not look like they were adjustable.
Thanks
Mike

Mike, there is really nothing to choose from between the lockout tension heads on the various brands of machines, that I know of. AFAIK, they are all very similar and work on the same principal. Newtech Tennis is an ALPHA associate company and they have the APEX on their website. I agree that Alpha could do more with theirs. The frame support stands on the APEX are adjustable but the system is different than on their other machines. You remove a couple of bolts underneath the turntable and then move the stand to another set of holes and reinstall the bolts. Like I said though, this almost never has to be done once you get them set.

 

[Mike Cottrill]

Gaines,
Thanks for the web site. The Orbitor on Alpha site has a different turntable and frame mount (like the one on the Blu-Dc Plus). The Orbitor SE picture on New Tech shows a different view of the table. I would say they are out of sync.

Do you know if Tennis Machines is still around? I have not been able to connect to their web site for the last two days.
http://www . tennismachines . com
Thanks

 

[Gaines Hillix]

Gaines,
Thanks for the web site. The Orbitor on Alpha site has a different turntable and frame mount (like the one on the Blu-Dc Plus). The Orbitor SE picture on New Tech shows a different view of the table. I would say they are out of sync.

Do you know if Tennis Machines is still around? I have not been able to connect to their web site for the last two days.
http://www . tennismachines . com
Thanks

It took me a couple of attempts, but I was able to connect to their website just a few minutes ago(1820 EST) and it seemed to be working o.k.

 

[Steve Huff]

I, too, have an Apex with a Wise head. It's a nice setup. If you prefer a crank machine, Alpha's crank feels very solid. I keep it stored in a box just in case the electricity ever went out and I had several rackets to get out by the next day.

 

[Mike Cottrill]

Thanks Steve. I got a chance to look at an Axis Pro (I thought it was a BLU-DC Plus but it did not have the black frame mounts, they were blue) a while back and liked the feel of the Machine. That is what sparked my interest. Alpha does not have the Apex in stock at the moment. Still can not get to the tennismachines web site. I’m located in Texas, and looking for a place outside of this state to save on sales tax. Is there anything to watch out for on the Apex? I may take Mark up on his offer to take a trip their store in Austin to check out the Apex. So far all I have seen is a picture.

Thanks