gamma x-2 vs. silent partner swing dilemma

[RxRev]

Hi all, ive been torn about which stringing machine to get. After a lot of research, ive narrowed it down to two machines: gamma x-2 and the SP swing.

The silent partner is $230 (retail + shipping) while the gamma costs $139 (retail plus free shipping). Is the 90 dollar difference worth it? considering the SP swing has all metal clamps and a "six point" system?

I was lookin at some pictures of the SP swing, and noticed that it seems like there isnt a whole lot of room to work under for the flying clamps, does anyone have any input about this? for example, there isnt enough room or its cramped under the racquet to work with the flying clamps?

i kno both are great, solid machines, i just want to get my money's worth.

for future questions, this is going to be my first machine, my budget is around 200 (230 is pushing it), i wont be upgrading for some time, i break strings about once a week, and im not interested in eagnas machines

 

[Fedfan4life]

Have you looked into the Alpha string pal? From what I've read here is that the gamma flying clamps aren't good. The string pal is 120 USD and you have to wait a month for them to get some stock in.

 

[RxRev]

yeaa ive looked into the alpha string pal as well and its seems like a good machine with the linear gripper. however, its seems like the construction is a little less in quality compared to the other two machines. its also has a two point mounting system...but wont be available for another month or so...

decisions decisions...i think ive narrowed it down to two machines: alpha string pal and SP swing...

is the SP swing mounting system that much better? if not i think i would go with the alpha..cuz i dont want to warp my racquets =/...

 

[racquetlab]

the sp swing 6 point mounting system is not a true 6 point.

With the Gamma you get a lot of free strings for practice, but yes, the flying clamps are not the best. They grip perfectly well, but are harsh on the hands. Build qualiy is what you can expect fot $140.

The build quality on the alpha is likely to be the best of all three, but it's not in stock.

All said, you're paning to spend less than $200, it's not like you're going to stick with those machines forever. All are fine and have drawbacks at the same time.

I ended up with the X-2 and am perfectly happy with it.

 

[xtremerunnerars]

Great post^^^


The clamps are fine. I've had them for 6 months and they're still just as good as they were originally. They aren't really too bad on the hands if you adjust them correctly.

 

[racquetlab]

I actually ended up taping the tips of the release handle as the sharp edges ended up cutting the side of my finger where I release them.

But all said and done, the X-2 is a solid machine, easy to use and I'm stringing Poly/multi hybrids which takes me 45 minutes and I get consistent results. It's also small enough that it's unobtrusive in our small NYC apartment.

 

[Voltron]

I would prefer the X-2 because the SP Swing looks cramped, and it kinda looks cheaply made.

 

[RxRev]

hmm icic, after more research and reviews, i think im going to go with the x-2....$90 bucks more for the sp is a lil too much, just for the pseudo six point mounting system..