Specifically I have comparing the Gamma Progression II 602 FC and the Alpha Pioneer DC Plus. This will be my first stringing purchase so I want to pick the one that will make stringing the easiest (since I'm a beginner) and will also last the longest since I play on using this for years to come. I was leaning towards gamma because of the USRSA getting started stringing guide... so any input or preference?
Gamma vs. Alpha
- Thread starter rpr006
- Start date
Cobra Tennis
Professional
I would get a crank to be honest. I would hold out for a used NEOS in your area (check crags...or tennis machines)
How much do used ones go for? because a new one is more than double of what I was going to spend on a drop weight.
Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
Assuming you want a 6 point fixed swivel clamp machine the NEOS is out unless you want to step up to the 1500. The Alpha machine has K type side supports where the Gamma has C / V side supports. The Gamma because of the side supports would be easier to use.
I sold my Gamma 6004 / Wise earlier this year primarily because of the side supports. Now that the new supports are available for the older model 6004 it would've been harder for me to sell it but they weren't available back then.
I sold my Gamma 6004 / Wise earlier this year primarily because of the side supports. Now that the new supports are available for the older model 6004 it would've been harder for me to sell it but they weren't available back then.
Cobra Tennis
Professional
a used NEOS on craigslist might go for $500-$750. Tennis machines sells used ones for $750.
An Ektelon model H is the same thing.
Get the best stringer you can for your budget. If you do a cheap one now, you'll want to upgrade later.
Heck, even TW strings all of their frames on a NEOS.
Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
If you want a 6-point mount, the 1500 is out as well.
Cobra Tennis
Professional
Don't take my comments saying the gamma or alpha is a bad way. But for the $ and you want to be using it for years to come, the NEOS is rock solid and will last you forever. I can't speak as much for the gamma and alpha
Well i originally was looking at the gamma progression 200 for a basic beginner string but my budget grew some and decided on the two previously mentioned because they fit right in budget and would be better in the long run. Also from what I read, i wanted fixed claps as appose to flying clamps and the 6 point mounting system would just be a bonus.
one thing about the Alpha that I like is the linear string gripper. Is one really better than the other? linear vs rotational?
sp1derman
Professional
What are these side supports you mentioned that I can get for my 602?
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showpost.php?p=8391228&postcount=10
See the difference there (the Wal-Mart version has the older-style supports with blue pads)
Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
The linear gripper is a plus but if you're going with a 6 point the C supports is a much bigger plus.
I'm pretty sure you will have to buy them from Gamma give them a call and ask for John he can tell you if they have them for the 602.
Until last year Babolat had the patent on the V supports. Now Gamma is making them also. If you have ever had a blocked hole on you 602 you know that K supports can be a problem. I've string about 400 rackets on my babolat and have never ran into a blocked hole not even with the CAP grommets on Head rackets.
It looks like they have refurbished ektelon model H stringer for $650 which seems reasonable. I just don't know anything about this machine...
it's the bomb. it's a Neos, essentially.
coming from that company, it's gonna be a great machine.
otherwise, my opinion is that gamma>alpha, but only generally.
they both have excellent customer service, i just like the gamma machines better, side by side.
edit: you always gotta try to bargain, when you can.
Cobra Tennis
Professional
Bam. There is your machine.
eelhc
Hall of Fame
If you can stretch the budget and don't have to string fanout patterns, go for the used Ektelon Model H from Tennis Machines. It'll basically be as good as new.
Between the Alpha and the Gamma I would choose the Alpha. The Alpha has the linear gripper, it has better base clamps and string clamps. The new Gamma string clamps are composite not metal (designed by heir finest accountants).
If for some reason you're not happy with any of these machines or stringing, you'll basically be able to get close to what you paid for the Ektelon but not even close for the Gamma or the Alpha.
It's not a stretch to say that more tennis racquets are strung on a Neos machine than any other machine. TW uses Neos machines. The Ektelon model H is essentially a Neos.
Between the Alpha and the Gamma I would choose the Alpha. The Alpha has the linear gripper, it has better base clamps and string clamps. The new Gamma string clamps are composite not metal (designed by heir finest accountants).
If for some reason you're not happy with any of these machines or stringing, you'll basically be able to get close to what you paid for the Ektelon but not even close for the Gamma or the Alpha.
It's not a stretch to say that more tennis racquets are strung on a Neos machine than any other machine. TW uses Neos machines. The Ektelon model H is essentially a Neos.
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oldcity
Rookie
I've had an Alpha DC plus for two years and it has been solid for personal stringing. No blocked holes and the linear gripper has been great. The clamps seem to be pretty good quality and its been easy to string with. No experience with the gamma, but some guy has an alpha for sale in the classifieds.
Don't let your choice be swayed by a "getting started stringing guide". Youtube has plenty of videos showing how to string. You will learn quickly. Both Gamma and Alpha machines are fine. I suggest you consider coughing up $700 for the Gamma crank machine instead of $500 for the dropweight machine.
Cobra Tennis
Professional
Great choice! If you EVER have any issue or question, Mark at Alpha goes above and beyond the call of duty. Amazing customer service.
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