Gamma vs. Mutual Power

[davidahenry]

Hey Gang. I was all set to purchase a Gamma 5800 ELS before the end of this month, but then I've been checking out the Mutual Power Atlas 9600 (MP's top of the line electronic constant pull machine) and am considering it as well.

I am confident the 5800 ELS will be a great machine, and I have the funds to purchase it. The MP is less than half the price though, and like most people, I am always happy to save money.

5800 ELS is linear. MP is rotational. Both look nice. Gamma's quality customer service and support are givens. MP's seems to be good as well. Price of MP is about $1,200 less.

Can anyone shed any light on the comparison between these two machines? If you had to choose between the two, which one would you choose and why? Is the 5800 ELS worth the extra $1,200?

Thanks.

 

[Max Winther]

The ELS is obviously a better and more advanced machine. A pro shop or something wouldn't think twice and order the Gamma right away, I would think. However, since it looks like you don't need professional quality results or anything, The MP seems like the more sound investment. The dropoffs dont really justify the price difference.

 

[Il Mostro]

Atlas 9600 Not CP

I was down to the MP Atlas 9600 and the SP DG as my choices. The MP is not constant pull, it is an electronic lockout once peak tension is reached. It does not recognize and compensate for tension loss. Give James a call and ask the question in very specific terms and he will give you the same answer. His rationale is that the motor will wear out prematurely if it continues to operate at peak tension. I saw no point in getting an electronic machine that does not have CP. Actually, the 9600 is the equivalent of the SP Jive function-wise.

I opted for the DG. Also, SP has a better set of clamps -- the ones on the Aria, Opus and Maestro which can be had for an extra charge.

Just my decision making process thanks to help received from many of the guys here -- YMMV.

 

[Max Winther]

Oh, I didn't know the 9600 wasn't CP. That is def. something to consider. Consider looking at some of the machines the post above me listed.

 

[davidahenry]

Thanks. I did not know that either. That is definitely a deal breaker for me. I want a true constant pull machine. This makes my decision much easier.

Well maybe not... I have also been looking at the Silent Parnter Aria tonight. It looks like a very good machine, but the price differential between it and the 5800 ELS is not as large. Therefore, for about $500 more, I'll probably go with Gamma still. We'll see...

 

[Il Mostro]

I almost made the same mistake, but was saved by this forum

 

[iplaybetter]

Thanks. I did not know that either. That is definitely a deal breaker for me. I want a true constant pull machine. This makes my decision much easier.

Well maybe not... I have also been looking at the Silent Parnter Aria tonight. It looks like a very good machine, but the price differential between it and the 5800 ELS is not as large. Therefore, for about $500 more, I'll probably go with Gamma still. We'll see...

i almost mentioned the aria, i think the clamping on the Aria would be suppirior, the mounting slightly inferior, and the tensioning just a smidgen inferior, the clamping will be one of the most noticeable things

 

[Max Winther]

It would suck to get it all set up, get to pulling your first string, and realize that its lockout. James' rationale for why its not CP is dumb too. "Too hard on the motor"? well then make a stronger motor! I guess for 959, its hard to knock it. Its still one of the lowest priced electric models from a reputable brand. No spring assisted clamp bases either. If youve got the money, it'd probably be wise to go with the gamma. Probably will be error free for years. Plus gamma is on a whole other world in terms of volume than MP, so you know they will stand behind their product.

 

[Il Mostro]

For that type of machine the Jive is a good deal $699 + $120 for the stand. I just couldn't see a better value than the DG and adding the better clamps sealed the deal (they are supposedly the same/similar as the Babolat 5 Star clamps) -- $999 + $150 for the clamps. I'm just going to use this at home for myself and friends, so it is probably over-kill on my part. The USRSA review was very informative as were the experiences of people here who have the DG.

 

[Max Winther]

Yeah you probably get a better overall product with SP for the money. With gamma, you've got to pay for all the advertising they do. You ask 100 regular club players if theyve heard of gamma, 90 of them will say yes. 7-10 will say yes to SP. Doesn't mean the machine is better, just means the end user will have to pay for the publicity. Which like I said would be good in a shop/club environment. People recognize the name gamma, they are more likely to feel comfortable with the stringer and the chance of repeat business.

 

[Il Mostro]

You are absolutely right. In the shop, the brand/prestige of the machine is a big part of the marketing mix and perceived quality of the string jobs. And no doubt there is an enhanced durability/accuracy factor with the high end machines which makes them a good investment for the professional.

 

[Max Winther]

Yeah, but I don't know if the OP needs a pro quality machine. I can understand him wanting to get a nice CP electric machine, but the 5800 ELS is probably overkill unless you are stringing for a lot of people or at tournaments or something where accuracy and consistency cannot be compromised.

 

[iplaybetter]

or for volume, thats part of my justification for the prince 3k, higher volume, and better players