Gamma Tech, Please Help

[xiaobo]

Gamma Tech:

As you might have known, I bought Gamma 6900 ELS string machine with 2 Point SC Mount last month. All Gamma string machines are listed at http://www.racquetballwarehouse.com/ as well as http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/ so I expected they are good for both tennis racquets and racquetball racquets. Unfortunately, I found out that this machine is extremely user unfriendly to racquetball racquets.

Here is the throat picture of of my E-Force Heatseeker 190 racquet before holddown pin is applied:

And there is the throat picture after Gamma's Hold down pin is applied:

Here is the throat picture of of Head LiquidMetal 190 racquet before holddown pin is applied:

And there is the throat picture after Gamma's Hold down pin is applied:

You can see it is very difficult to feed string to E-Force's tubes or Head's holes at throat. I am wondering if Gamma has special throatless adapter or something that can help user to do easier string job for racquetball racquets.

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Regards,

Xiaobo.

 

[Irvin]

I doubt you will find an adapter. You could prerun all your mains and then pull them after the racket is mounted. The good thing is you double pull all your mains so it should not be too much of a problem.

EDIT: You may be able to turn the racket hold down around to give you a little more room where the string goes into the color coded tubes. But depending on the string sometimes it's going to be difficult to get the string in those tubes all the way.

 

[Irvin]

Before you string a racket like that make sure you have all the white racquet supports adjusted. Screw the pads up or down so they contact the frame at a maximum height without blocking the grommet holes. The one on the right in your pictures is too low.

 

[lionel_101]

I string just racquetball racquets of all makes and models.

I could be wrong, but you made a big mistake in buying a 2 point mounting system that has hold downs at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions. You would have done better in getting a 6 position mounting system and where the 12 and 6 o'clock positons just have the adjustable rectangular posts that sit right against the frame.

Wait until you get ProKennex and Gearbox racquets that have the mains tied off at the throat area. You will not be able to tie or pull the tie off knots, as they will be under the hold down device. Prestringing the mains before mounting the racquet is also a pain in the rear, especially on Eforce and Wilson racquets.

With the machines having posts at the 12 and 6 o'clock postions, there is nothing in the way when pulling the strings or in tying off the knots.

I have seen many a racquetball stringers and their machines, and none have the 2 point mounting system machines.

Maybe you can return it and get one that actually works well with racquetball racquets.

Good luck

 

[kingofstring]

I string just racquetball racquets of all makes and models.

I could be wrong, but you made a big mistake in buying a 2 point mounting system that has hold downs at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions. You would have done better in getting a 6 position mounting system and where the 12 and 6 o'clock positons just have the adjustable rectangular posts that sit right against the frame.

Wait until you get ProKennex and Gearbox racquets that have the mains tied off at the throat area. You will not be able to tie or pull the tie off knots, as they will be under the hold down device. Prestringing the mains before mounting the racquet is also a pain in the rear, especially on Eforce and Wilson racquets.

With the machines having posts at the 12 and 6 o'clock postions, there is nothing in the way when pulling the strings or in tying off the knots.

I have seen many a racquetball stringers and their machines, and none have the 2 point mounting system machines.

Maybe you can return it and get one that actually works well with racquetball racquets.

Good luck

I agree a six point would have had more support. Try and find adapters because I know they are out there!

 

[xiaobo]

Before you string a racket like that make sure you have all the white racquet supports adjusted. Screw the pads up or down so they contact the frame at a maximum height without blocking the grommet holes. The one on the right in your pictures is too low.

Irvin:

You are always very nice to me. Thanks for your replies. As far as my racquet mounting in my pictures, I didn't tie up my racquests. I only put them loosely to show what's the issue with my machine.

Xiaobo.

 

[xiaobo]

I string just racquetball racquets of all makes and models.

I could be wrong, but you made a big mistake in buying a 2 point mounting system that has hold downs at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions. You would have done better in getting a 6 position mounting system and where the 12 and 6 o'clock positons just have the adjustable rectangular posts that sit right against the frame.

Wait until you get ProKennex and Gearbox racquets that have the mains tied off at the throat area. You will not be able to tie or pull the tie off knots, as they will be under the hold down device. Prestringing the mains before mounting the racquet is also a pain in the rear, especially on Eforce and Wilson racquets.

With the machines having posts at the 12 and 6 o'clock postions, there is nothing in the way when pulling the strings or in tying off the knots.

I have seen many a racquetball stringers and their machines, and none have the 2 point mounting system machines.

Maybe you can return it and get one that actually works well with racquetball racquets.

Good luck

I agree that 2 point mounting system is the issue with racquetball racquets. However, this exact same machine is listed at Racquetball Warehouse website here as well: http://www.racquetballwarehouse.com/descpage.html?PCODE=6900ELS2. Would you expect a Gamma string machine selling by Racquetball Warehouse will have trouble to string racquetball racquets? I don't see Gamma 6900 ELS machines at http://www.racquetworld.com/ website. But there are other Gamma string machines with 2 point mounting system selling by RacquetWorld website. So I didn't expect 2 point mounting system would be an issue with racquetball racquets.

I am a brand new stringer and this is my first string machine. I have to admit I made a mistake to pick a string machine with 2 point mounting system. I emailed ism@gammasports.com for this issue on 12/2 but didn't get any response. I am waiting for response from Gamma Tech. If I could not get any response for good solution after 12pm on 12/15, I will call GammaSports to ask for return authorization number.

With $1800 price tag, I expect a trouble free string machine to enjoy my string jobs. But I was frustrated with this machine. Even I am a rookie stringer, over 2.5 hours string job is way too long.

Xiaobo.

 

[Irvin]

Why can't you have a hold down adapter that goes straight back to hold down the racket instead of the one you have now? Would only need to be 1/4" wide with a pad to keep from damaging the racket and a pin that goes into the stringer same as the one you have now.

 

[lionel_101]

It would be great if there is such an adapter as Irvin has suggested is available and it probably should come with this type of stringing machine, so the new owner doesn't have to go out and try to find and buy one.

I think stringing machines were mainly made for tennis racquets that have nice hoops that are easy to mount. These 2 point mounting systems would be great for tennis racquets, just not for many of the racquetball racquets being made today.

The stringing machines I see used for racquetball racquets have a turntable like the Gamma Progression STII that has the adjustable rectangular posts (with pads) at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions.

Of course this is just my opinion, but any kind of hold down plate in the throat area, that covers any tie off holes, will make it very hard to tie and cinch up the tie off knots, not to mention pulling the mains through the handle as in E-force and Wilson racquets.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do Xiaobo.

 

[Gamma Tech]

sorry i've had a lot going of different things going on the past few days.

GAMMA doesn't have any adapters for our 2-Pt mounting system. We only have 2 different 2-Pt systems. (1) basic one on the Prog. 200 and the X-2. (2) self-centering one is the same on all of our upright machines. i'm not sure if i'm going to be able to provide a lot more info than is already posted. i agree w/ lionel_101 and he had some very good points.

any potential refund or exchange would have to go thru TW since they are the company that you paid.

sorry i don't feel very helpful right now.
bret

 

[rich s]

Gamma Tech:

As you might have known, I bought Gamma 6900 ELS string machine with 2 Point SC Mount last month. All Gamma string machines are listed at http://www.racquetballwarehouse.com/ as well as http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/ so I expected they are good for both tennis racquets and racquetball racquets. Unfortunately, I found out that this machine is extremely user unfriendly to racquetball racquets.

Here is the throat picture of of my E-Force Heatseeker 190 racquet before holddown pin is applied:

And there is the throat picture after Gamma's Hold down pin is applied:

Here is the throat picture of of Head LiquidMetal 190 racquet before holddown pin is applied:

And there is the throat picture after Gamma's Hold down pin is applied:

You can see it is very difficult to feed string to E-Force's tubes or Head's holes at throat. I am wondering if Gamma has special throatless adapter or something that can help user to do easier string job for racquetball racquets.

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Regards,

Xiaobo.

FWIW.......Maybe consider buying another hold down pin and have a machine shop neck down the diameter of the pin in the area where it crosses the string plane while maintaining the original diameter when the the pin inserts into the tower and the inserts into the cross piece that rests against the frame.

the pin would need to be machined .050" smaller in dia than the space between your first mains to alleviate the interference and provide some clearance to each main.

it's not an ideal solution but it will solve your problem.

 

[Irvin]

I am not sure if it is possible or not but it looks like the pin is held on the hold down with a allen set screw. Take the pin out of the hold down and get a machine shop to make you a long piece to reach back to the throat of the racket with a hold in the other end for a set screw to go on the pin.

 

[xiaobo]

It would be great if there is such an adapter as Irvin has suggested is available and it probably should come with this type of stringing machine, so the new owner doesn't have to go out and try to find and buy one.

I had hoped for such magic throatless adapter from Gammasports to resolve my problem.

I think stringing machines were mainly made for tennis racquets that have nice hoops that are easy to mount. These 2 point mounting systems would be great for tennis racquets, just not for many of the racquetball racquets being made today.

Now I realize racquetball racquet is quite different from tennis racquet from throat point of view.

Thanks.

Xiaobo.

 

[xiaobo]

sorry i've had a lot going of different things going on the past few days.

GAMMA doesn't have any adapters for our 2-Pt mounting system. We only have 2 different 2-Pt systems. (1) basic one on the Prog. 200 and the X-2. (2) self-centering one is the same on all of our upright machines. i'm not sure if i'm going to be able to provide a lot more info than is already posted. i agree w/ lionel_101 and he had some very good points.

any potential refund or exchange would have to go thru TW since they are the company that you paid.

sorry i don't feel very helpful right now.
bret

Thanks for your response even though you couldn't resolve my issue.

Xiaobo.

 

[xiaobo]

FWIW.......Maybe consider buying another hold down pin and have a machine shop neck down the diameter of the pin in the area where it crosses the string plane while maintaining the original diameter when the the pin inserts into the tower and the inserts into the cross piece that rests against the frame.

the pin would need to be machined .050" smaller in dia than the space between your first mains to alleviate the interference and provide some clearance to each main.

it's not an ideal solution but it will solve your problem.

Do you have any idea which hold down pin I can check out?

Thanks.

Xiaobo.

 

[Irvin]

Do you have any idea which hold down pin I can check out?

Thanks.

Xiaobo.

If you losen the allen screw doesn't the pin come out?

 

[xiaobo]

If you losen the allen screw doesn't the pin come out?

Irvin: Do you mean the lever to lock up hold down pin? If I losen the lever, the hold down pin is unlocked, but stay inside the hole.

Xiaobo.

 

[Irvin]

Looking at the picture below it think I see an allen screw in the hold down bar that connects that part that rests on the top of the frame to the pin that goes in the vertical rod.

 

[PBODY99]

Could you mount the frame with the tip held at the throat ?I don't string racquetball so I have nothing but 20 year old memory of somebody talking about this as a way to solve a problem in ~1992.
Good luck.

 

[rich s]

I am not sure if it is possible or not but it looks like the pin is held on the hold down with a allen set screw. Take the pin out of the hold down and get a machine shop to make you a long piece to reach back to the throat of the racket with a hold in the other end for a set screw to go on the pin.

turning that should be pretty easy and if you don't want to turn it you can also mill a flat on each side of the pin

 

[rich s]

Do you have any idea which hold down pin I can check out?

Thanks.

Xiaobo.

Same as what you have now.... Gamma p/n 310.

 

[xiaobo]

Looking at the picture below it think I see an allen screw in the hold down bar that connects that part that rests on the top of the frame to the pin that goes in the vertical rod.

Oh, I have no cotrol of that part. I am afraid I will break warranty if I unscrew it.

 

[xiaobo]

FWIW.......Maybe consider buying another hold down pin and have a machine shop neck down the diameter of the pin in the area where it crosses the string plane while maintaining the original diameter when the the pin inserts into the tower and the inserts into the cross piece that rests against the frame.

the pin would need to be machined .050" smaller in dia than the space between your first mains to alleviate the interference and provide some clearance to each main.

it's not an ideal solution but it will solve your problem.

Well, the problem is mainly caused by the top part of the pin whick blocks the space to feed string to/from tubes/holes at 6 clock. Make pin thinner won't help in such case. But thanks for your suggestion any way.

Xiaobo.

 

[Irvin]

FWIW.......Maybe consider buying another hold down pin ...

Do you have any idea which hold down pin I can check out?

Same as what you have now.... Gamma p/n 310.

I see an allen screw in the hold down bar that connects that part that rests on the top of the frame to the pin that goes in the vertical rod.

Oh, I have no cotrol of that part. I am afraid I will break warranty if I unscrew it.

I don't think you are following your thread

 

[Irvin]

I still think the best method for the E-Force is to run all the mains before you mount the racket then pull two mains at the same time from the top of the racket.

 

[lionel_101]

To see how an Eforce racquetball racquet like the one the OP has is strung, just search "Eforce racquet stringing video". Below is a link if this site allows it to be shown.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Mw5jg9M1cg

It shows an experienced person in stringing Eforce racquets mounting and stringing the racquet and the stringing machine he uses.

The machine best suited for all/most racquetball racquets is the one without the hold down mounting posts at 12 and 6 o'clock. This type of stringing machine allows for easy mounting and easy access to the head and throat areas of the racquet.

Yes, you can pull all the mains and then mount the racquet on the stinging machine, but it is time consuming and can often lead to strings being crossed, which means taking the racquet off and pulling the mains again. The problem of the hold down unit(s) being at the head and throat can still cause troubles in tightening and tying off tie off knots on many racquetball racquets.

I assume the OP bought the expensive machine to string all models and makes of racquetball racquets and to string them as easy as possible. If he can exchange the current one for a different model, with the mounting system like the one in the video, he would be better off and happier.

Once again, good luck to the OP.

 

[rufusbgood]

Interesting thread.

When I first began stringing, the most popular stringing machine here in the US was the Ektelon H. Ektelon is a racquetball name, not a tennis name. People seem to forget that. The consensus in this thread seems to be that 2 pt mounting such as you'd find on an Ektelon H is not suitable for racquetball racquets. Weird.

OP. You are having problems because you are new to stringing. I don't have any experience with the Pro Kennex and Gearbox racquets mentioned by Lionel, but I have strung plenty of racquetball racquets with a mounting system like yours. I have the option of using both 6 pt and 2 pt mounting here in my shop and 99.99% of the time, I go with the 2 pt.

There's 2 approaches I'd suggest:

One is to fit the racquet on the vise with only the head of the racquet clamped down. Weave ALL the main strings following the mfrs pattern but don't tension. Leave a loop of string long enough to reach the tension head between the second and third mains on each side. Once you've got all the mains in, secure the throat, then tension.

The other is to secure both ends of the head and use a long nosed plier to feed the string into the tubes or holes at the throat.

Either of these methods will work. I have used both. At times I've combined them. Racquetball racquets do take more time but your current speed is a reflection of inexperience.

 

[Irvin]

...secure both ends of the head and use a long nosed plier to feed the string into the tubes or holes at the throat...

Good luck trying to see the color coded tubes in the bottom of the racket and get the string in the right one. They're hard enough to see when they're all lit up.

 

[rufusbgood]

Good luck trying to see the color coded tubes in the bottom of the racket and get the string in the right one. They're hard enough to see when they're all lit up.

Perhaps you should invest in a good lamp like the one Jim E uses. I don't have any problem seeing the color coded tubes. What I do have a problem with on the E-Force racquets is the noticeable drag at the handle that prevents the two strings you tension with one pull from getting anywhere near equal tension.

 

[Irvin]

Perhaps you should invest in a good lamp like the one Jim E uses. I don't have any problem seeing the color coded tubes. What I do have a problem with on the E-Force racquets is the noticeable drag at the handle that prevents the two strings you tension with one pull from getting anywhere near equal tension.

I have a good light but I don't think that hold down bar is transparent. All you need to do it look first anyway.

If you are looking for equal tension on both strings try using the Pre-Stretch mode on your tensioner. That way when it drops down to the reference tension on the string being pulled directly you will have closer to equal tensions.

It should not be hard with a digital calibrator to determine how much pre-stretch you need. Better yet don't string racketball rackets. LOL

 

[rufusbgood]

^^^Actually, I am toying with the idea of dabbing liquid silicone on the tube ends after I have the mains pre-weaved. I figure if I do it with a cotton swab, capillary action may be sufficient to get me some sliding action without getting lubricant anywhere near the clamps. Haven't tried it yet. Will let you know.

 

[Irvin]

^^^Actually, I am toying with the idea of dabbing liquid silicone on the tube ends after I have the mains pre-weaved. I figure if I do it with a cotton swab, capillary action may be sufficient to get me some sliding action without getting lubricant anywhere near the clamps. Haven't tried it yet. Will let you know.

I wonder if powdered graphite would work as a lubricate? Let us know what you find I don't think I will try it but I would be interested in the results.

 

[xiaobo]

I still think the best method for the E-Force is to run all the mains before you mount the racket then pull two mains at the same time from the top of the racket.

One is to fit the racquet on the vise with only the head of the racquet clamped down. Weave ALL the main strings following the mfrs pattern but don't tension. Leave a loop of string long enough to reach the tension head between the second and third mains on each side. Once you've got all the mains in, secure the throat, then tension.

Yes, you can pull all the mains and then mount the racquet on the stinging machine, but it is time consuming and can often lead to strings being crossed, which means taking the racquet off and pulling the mains again. The problem of the hold down unit(s) being at the head and throat can still cause troubles in tightening and tying off tie off knots on many racquetball racquets.

I did try to string my Head LiquidMetal 190 with mains pre wired per Irvin's suggestion on Tuesday night. It was a hybrid string with Iontec Hexa 1.20 on main and Premium Natural Gut 16g on cross. Both strings are from Mambatennis and Iontec is a free sample set. As lionel_101 pointed out, it was very time consuming and difficult to keep track of the string path. Mains were tangled a few times. It took me longer time (3 hours) to finish my string job.

Another possible drawback to pre-wire main is that it may require longer main string so a full set of 40ft string may not long enough to do 2 piece string. But I am not sure about it.

To see how an Eforce racquetball racquet like the one the OP has is strung, just search "Eforce racquet stringing video". Below is a link if this site allows it to be shown.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Mw5jg9M1cg
It shows an experienced person in stringing Eforce racquets mounting and stringing the racquet and the stringing machine he uses.

I have these 2 vedios downloaded from youtube. Thanks a lot.

I assume the OP bought the expensive machine to string all models and makes of racquetball racquets and to string them as easy as possible. If he can exchange the current one for a different model, with the mounting system like the one in the video, he would be better off and happier.

Exactly.

The other is to secure both ends of the head and use a long nosed plier to feed the string into the tubes or holes at the throat.

Long nosed plier should help string job with E-Force racquet, but not sure Head LiquidMetal racuuet. I will try to buy one anyway.

Thanks.

Once again, good luck to the OP.

You are very kind to me. Thanks a lot.

Xiaobo.

 

[xiaobo]

The other is to secure both ends of the head and use a long nosed plier to feed the string into the tubes or holes at the throat.

How about this curved long nose plier? It is available at Amazon.

 

[rufusbgood]

Long nosed plier should help string job with E-Force racquet, but not sure Head LiquidMetal racuuet. I will try to buy one anyway.

Exactly. When I do the E-Force racquets I use the long nose pliers when needed, which isn't very often. When I do the Head racquets I use the other method, leaving the throat hold down clamp off until I have all the mains in place (untensioned, of course).

I haven't found the bent nosed pliers useful for racquetball but that could be because mine are on the short side.

But you've really got me shaking my head with your most recent post. I have never run into a single racquetball player with either natural gut or poly in their racquets and here you are doing a hybrid!?!? Other than durability, is poly beneficial in any way on a racquetball court? You've really piqued my interest here.

 

[xiaobo]

Exactly. When I do the E-Force racquets I use the long nose pliers when needed, which isn't very often. When I do the Head racquets I use the other method, leaving the throat hold down clamp off until I have all the mains in place (untensioned, of course).

Do you need extra longer main string to pre-wire all mains for Head racquet? The regular main for Head is 23ft. How long do you need?

But you've really got me shaking my head with your most recent post. I have never run into a single racquetball player with either natural gut or poly in their racquets and here you are doing a hybrid!?!? Other than durability, is poly beneficial in any way on a racquetball court? You've really piqued my interest here.

You might be surprised one more time. E-Force racquet is an one-piece stringing, but I did it with hybrid. It's a great setup. Here is the link to my review:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=406308.
You may recommand it to your customers.

Thanks.

Xiaobo.

 

[rufusbgood]

Do you need extra longer main string to pre-wire all mains for Head racquet? The regular main for Head is 23ft. How long do you need?

Dunno. I've been doing them 1 piece. In order to have all the mains in place and still have a large enough loop for my first pulls I measure out 12 ft of string for the short side. That is with multis. I would expect co-poly to do very little stretching at the sort of tensions we are discussing.

You might be surprised one more time. E-Force racquet is an one-piece stringing, but I did it with hybrid. It's a great setup. Here is the link to my review:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=406308.
You may recommand it to your customers.
Xiaobo.

I have a couple customers who break string often enough to discuss this as a possibility. I'll be interested to hear how you feel about this setup as it ages. BTW, have you played either natural gut or co-poly in a racquetball racquet as a full bed?

 

[Irvin]

I did try to string my Head LiquidMetal 190 with mains pre wired per Irvin's suggestion on Tuesday night. It was a hybrid string with Iontec Hexa 1.20 on main and Premium Natural Gut 16g on cross. Both strings are from Mambatennis and Iontec is a free sample set. As lionel_101 pointed out, it was very time consuming and difficult to keep track of the string path. Mains were tangled a few times. It took me longer time (3 hours) to finish my string job.

Another possible drawback to pre-wire main is that it may require longer main string so a full set of 40ft string may not long enough to do 2 piece string...

It takes 23' of string to string the crosses and 16' for the mains. If you are using hybrid stringing the 17' left over won't be long enough for a second racket so why do you care if it takes a little more? Most string sets are not 40' long but are actually longer than that. You can also use your starting clamp to bridge the string if you do have a short loop of string.

Difficult to track the string path? When you pull up on one string you will see the other connected end go down. That's the next string you tension.

How do your strings get tangled? You run them through a grommet on one end and out a grommet on the other. You should not wrap the string around a main going from one end to the other. Again the starting clamp will some in hand to keep a little tension on the string to get it all straight so they don't get tangled.

 

[xiaobo]

It takes 23' of string to string the crosses and 16' for the mains.

It is 23ft main and 16ft cross.

If you are using hybrid stringing the 17' left over won't be long enough for a second racket so why do you care if it takes a little more?

I would like to try the hybrid of 23ft copoly main with 16ft natual gut, then the hybrid of 23ft natual gut main with 16ft copoly if possible. In addition, someone might bring a 40ft set string and ask me to restring his Head racquet with 2 piece stringing.

Most string sets are not 40' long but are actually longer than that. You can also use your starting clamp to bridge the string if you do have a short loop of string.

Will try it.

Difficult to track the string path? When you pull up on one string you will see the other connected end go down. That's the next string you tension.
How do your strings get tangled? You run them through a grommet on one end and out a grommet on the other. You should not wrap the string around a main going from one end to the other. Again the starting clamp will some in hand to keep a little tension on the string to get it all straight so they don't get tangled.

It was my first time to pre-wire main string on Head racquet so please bear with me. I am sure I will do much better job with experience.

Thanks.

Xiaobo.

 

[xiaobo]

I have a couple customers who break string often enough to discuss this as a possibility. I'll be interested to hear how you feel about this setup as it ages. BTW, have you played either natural gut or co-poly in a racquetball racquet as a full bed?

I have never played full bed with either natural gut or co-poly in a racquetball racquet. This is my first try with hybrid as well. I saw a lot of positive reviews with copoly main and natural gut cross from Tennis players and decided to give it a try with racquetball racquet.

I would expect longer play time with copoly on main since copoly should have better durability. Another way is the hybrid of natual gut on main and copoly on cross. This setup should have more power over control. But I am hesitated to do it since my primary racquet is E-Force Heatseeker which requires at least 28ft on main. The 12ft leftover natural gut would be useless. In addition, the durability for natural gut on main is uncertain.

Xiaobo.

 

[rufusbgood]

I have never played full bed with either natural gut or co-poly in a racquetball racquet. This is my first try with hybrid as well. I saw a lot of positive reviews with copoly main and natural gut cross from Tennis players and decided to give it a try with racquetball racquet.

Thanks for getting back to me.

Am I correct in thinking that this is your first stringing machine? And, if it is, how many stringings have you done so far?

 

[Irvin]

...In addition, someone might bring a 40ft set string and ask me to restring his Head racquet with 2 piece stringing...

That should not be a problem

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46O51oFgzEE

 

[xiaobo]

Thanks for getting back to me.

Am I correct in thinking that this is your first stringing machine? And, if it is, how many stringings have you done so far?

Yes, it is my first string machine. I did 3 string jobs on my Ektlon Smash racquet with Forten Nylon 16g as warm-up, then 2 string jobs on my E-Force Heatseeker with Forten Nylon 16g. Finally, string the hybrid on Heatseeker. After that, strung once with Forten Nylon on my Head LM before hybrid on Head LM racquet.

Xiaobo.

 

[xiaobo]

That should not be a problem

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46O51oFgzEE

Thanks.

Xiaobo.

 

[rufusbgood]

Yes, it is my first string machine. I did 3 string jobs on my Ektlon Smash racquet with Forten Nylon 16g as warm-up, then 2 string jobs on my E-Force Heatseeker with Forten Nylon 16g. Finally, string the hybrid on Heatseeker. After that, strung once with Forten Nylon on my Head LM before hybrid on Head LM racquet.

Xiaobo.

I'd be curious to hear how you do with a string that's been specifically marketed to racquetball players. Something like E-Force Oxygen 17. I think you'd find the stringing itself is easier. Your comments on it's playability would interest me as well.

Thanks.

 

[xiaobo]

I'd be curious to hear how you do with a string that's been specifically marketed to racquetball players. Something like E-Force Oxygen 17. I think you'd find the stringing itself is easier. Your comments on it's playability would interest me as well.

Thanks.

The factory string of E-Force Heatseeker is E-Force Oxygen 17. I played it a few months before trying copoly/gut hybrid. Before that, I played with Ektelon Premier Power 17g, Ektelon Lightning String 17g, and Prince Premier 17g strings. It is my feeling that multifilament racquetball strings don't have enought power and control. That is why I had strong desire to test hybrid. I won't look back to multifilament racquetball strings after tried copoly/gut hybrid.

 

[rufusbgood]

I'm not a racquetball player but my experience in tennis with factory stringing is that it is usually not done to my taste. I would not write off a string based on the way it plays in a pre-strung racquet.

 

[xiaobo]

TW emailed me Return Authorization number yesterday to return this machine, but warned me that there is a possible restocking fee. Considering the cost of return shipping charge and possible restocking fee which could be up to 20%, I figured it is not worthwhile to return it. The cost is just too high to justify return. I am not very happy with my Gamma 6900 ELS with 2 point SC mounting system, but I have to stick with it.

Xiaobo.

 

[lionel_101]

TW emailed me Return Authorization number yesterday to return this machine, but warned me that there is a possible restocking fee. Considering the cost of return shipping charge and possible restocking fee which could be up to 20%, I figured it is not worthwhile to return it. The cost is just too high to justify return. I am not very happy with my Gamma 6900 ELS with 2 point SC mounting system, but I have to stick with it.

Xiaobo.

Xiaobo,

Sounds like your typical company BS. The company person should know if there is a restocking fee or not for a stringing machine and is just using the word "possible" to scare you off from trying or even thinking about returning it.

But the shipping charges alone for such a big machine is probably expensive and if they do tack on a restocking fee it would be a big hit on your wallet.

After reading the posts, it sounds like you are able to use the machine well enough to do you racquetball racquets, but granted not as easy or as fast.

I gather you could try and resell it for close to your original price, but would it be worth the trouble.

Good luck and happy stringing.

 

[xiaobo]

Xiaobo,

Sounds like your typical company BS. The company person should know if there is a restocking fee or not for a stringing machine and is just using the word "possible" to scare you off from trying or even thinking about returning it.

Looks like that is the way how TW handles the possible return of string machine.

But the shipping charges alone for such a big machine is probably expensive and if they do tack on a restocking fee it would be a big hit on your wallet.

Exactly.

After reading the posts, it sounds like you are able to use the machine well enough to do you racquetball racquets, but granted not as easy or as fast.

Yes, I can string my racquetball racquets with this machine. But it takes much longer time. I hope I can improve my turnaround time with experience.

I gather you could try and resell it for close to your original price, but would it be worth the trouble.

I expect that reselling it at this time would cost me as much loss as well.

Good luck and happy stringing.

You are very nice to me. Thanks a lot.

Xiaobo.