Tell me your thoughts on this.
Gamma Progression II ELS or Alpha Revo 4000 with Wise 2086 Electronic Pro. Head Tensioner.
I will probably be stringing for just myself a lot and maybe a some other people.
And tell me if you think there's a better stringer than these two that's under 1,400 dollars.
@Calebdominc,
If I
have to choose between
only the 2 you've listed... the Revo 4000 w/ Wise.
However, since you're going to add a Wise anyway, I think there are other options you may want to think about.
$1364 ($739 + $625) is a lot to spend -
just to have a crank back-up tensioner on hand (if/when needed) for a tabletop machine.
The same thing can be accomplished, for about $210
less, by adding the Wise to an Alpha Pioneer DC+ ($529 + $625)
Same turntable, same mounting, same string clamps, same base clamps (and you'd
still have a back-up tensioner - it would just be the drop weight, rather than the crank).
After all, the stock tensioner is going to merely be
back-up anyway, so why spend an extra $200+ to have a crank tensioner sitting in a box, rather than a drop-weight tensioner sitting in a box?
Along these same lines, you could add the Wise 2086 to a Gamma Prog. 602
FC or Gamma X-6
FC ($580 or $600)
Any of the above combinations would yield you a perfectly decent fixed clamp, electronic constant-pull machine (with a diabolo and an adjustable linear gripper) - for between $1154 and $1225.
-------------------------------------------------
If you
really want to add the Wise to a tabletop
crank machine (like the Revo 4000), you might also consider the following choices as well...
- Gamma Progression ST II ($870 tabletop crank)
- Gamma X-ST ($900 tabletop crank, same machine as the Prog. ST II but has 2 storage drawers within the blue metal base)
- Tourna 300-CS ($945 upright crank)
All 3 of the above have very similar/comparable features (aside from the 300-CS upright coming with a stand).
One thing to mention about the Revo 4000, Gamma Prog. ST II and the Gamma X-ST...
If you put these machines on any table of normal/typical height, the mounted racquet will then be at a height much higher than you'd likely want it (unless you are very tall).
This peculiarity is due to the height differential (between where the bottom of the base is, and where the mounted racquet is).
So, the only real remedy for this situation is to (a) find a table that is a very unusual height (like roughly the height of your knees) or (b) buy a dedicated stand (Gamma makes one for their machines, it's $140).
Otherwise, you may be working at a height other than you'd prefer.
Note: In case you aren't already aware - most stringers like to have the mounted racquet to be around the height of their elbows.
-------------------------------------------------
Regarding 360 degree rotation (after adding a Wise)...
You
will have 360 degree rotation after adding a Wise onto a Revo 4000, Gamma Prog. ST II or Gamma X-ST.
However, I don't think you'll have 360 degree rotation with a Wise added to a Pioneer DC+, Prog. 602
FC or X-6
FC.
Just trying to give you as many "little" insights as possible.
-------------------------------------------------
You may want to read more of my thoughts, in similar conversations...
Posts #5 and #11
Posts #2, #4 and #11
and...
and...
and...
and...
and here is @Andl's epic Gamma X-ELS/Prog. II ELS write-up/review...
-------------------------------------------------
Lastly...
The "best bang for your buck" (as far as tabletop eCP machines go) may very well be the Pro's Pro Tomcat.
It has many features found on various high end machines.
- linear gripper w/ diabolo (very similar to a Wise)
- variable speeds, lb./kg. & pre-stretch options (very similar to a Wise), knot function, brake function
- solid turntable with self-centering feature
- diamond dusted swivel clamps
- nice button release/gravity release base clamps
- "C" shaped side mounts
- side mounts adjust in/out simultaneously by turning one knob
Not bad for just $1160 (plus shipping).
BTW, a separate Tomcat stand is also available, if desired (for about $120)
Now... the only reason that I'm not jumping up & down, screaming "get a Tomcat!", is because I haven't actually seen/handled one in the flesh yet (and, therefore, I can't attest to exactly how good the QC is on it).
It certainly
appears to be
very good.
These videos should give you a fairly good idea of the Tomcat's build and features...
Overview...
and...
In use (pay no attention to the incorrect use of the diabolo)