Gamma X-ELS Stringing Machine - Tension Off

[Michael7]

Hello Everyone, II recently bought a Gamma X-ELS Stringing Machine and noticed it's stinging a lot tighter (10+ lbs) than what I set it to. I know for sure I set it to pound (not kg) and did not put +10 / + 20 prestretch. I did a calibration via a digital + manual (gamma string tension calibrator) and it is accurate.
An example is I recently bought Yonex Vcore 95 (16x20) and asked ************** to string with Head Lynx Tour 17 (poly) at 46lbs. Then I strung up my own Vcore 95 with the same string at 38lbs on the stringer but it feels a lot tighter than the 46lbs that TennisXxpress strung it at. I have also tried to change the string tension speed (slow, medium, fast) but made no difference. Any advise would be awesome!

 

[struggle]

If it reads proper on the calibrators/scales, then it is proper.

Sounds like it is.

Find the number that works for you and stick with it.

BUT, you said the machine is accurate, SO the rest is a guess.

Find your number. If you string for others, set the machine to that and go. They will adjust as needed.....or likely not know the difference in a few pounds RT.

Also, that racquet that ***********strung had sat for awhile and was strung by unknown entities at tensions set that you didn't witness. Your newly restrung racquet (strung by YOU) will feel tighter than one YOU strung even yesterday, all things being equal.

 

[esgee48]

It will be Trial and Error time. As @struggle stated, you do not really have any idea whether you received the racquet at your desired tension. Odds are it will be lower, a lot lower due to shipping, time since stringing, temperature variations, stringer person, machine used to string, etc. Since you have your own machine now, what you should be doing is determining what tension is on the string bed now, add 5-6# to it and string at that tension as a trial. When you find a number that is OK for that string and frame, note it so you can use it again. Every time you change string or frame, the first attempt is a guess for ref tension. A great majority of time, whenever I get a new client or referral, I know that what ever ref tension they ask for will be too tight. That's mainly because when they ask for 53#, they will get 53# ± 0.1# 95% of the time when it comes off my machine. It will not be 51# or 50#.

 

[Herb]

I believe they string on crank machines, so that will also make a difference over a constant pull.

 

[Michael7]

Thanks so much for the feedback - very insightful. I've heard constant pull machines tend to string tighter than crank machines. From what you all know in terms of the most consistent constant pull machines which brands would you recommend? Is there a brand or machine that like is considered top of the line (likely Wilson Baiardo?)

 

[esgee48]

Buy on what you can afford, desired features and expected volume. If you string 2 frames/month, you should not get a $6K machine unless you have $$ to burn. Read the threads at the top of this forum. Personally, I think that Yonex, Technifibre and Babolat have the best reputation tho anytime you get up there cost-wise, they're going to be quite similar.

 

[fuzz nation]

Hello Everyone, II recently bought a Gamma X-ELS Stringing Machine and noticed it's stinging a lot tighter (10+ lbs) than what I set it to. I know for sure I set it to pound (not kg) and did not put +10 / + 20 prestretch. I did a calibration via a digital + manual (gamma string tension calibrator) and it is accurate.
An example is I recently bought Yonex Vcore 95 (16x20) and asked ************** to string with Head Lynx Tour 17 (poly) at 46lbs. Then I strung up my own Vcore 95 with the same string at 38lbs on the stringer but it feels a lot tighter than the 46lbs that TennisXxpress strung it at. I have also tried to change the string tension speed (slow, medium, fast) but made no difference. Any advise would be awesome!

A few years ago I switched from stringing on a constant pull drop-weight machine with floating clamps over to a Gamma Prog. II ELS with fixed clamps. The drop weight machine was from LaserFibre - a U.S. version of Stringway with a patented tensioner. Even though both machines were constant pull, the fixed clamps on the Gamma machine retained more of the tension on each string. I wasn't aware of this difference at the time and the first couple of string jobs I did with the Gamma were perhaps 4-6 lbs. too tight.

Once I figured out that necessary step down in tension to produce the same degree of string bed firmness, everything was cool. If you don't have one of those funky string meters to give you any reference (I've never used one myself), you may just need to re-string your Vcore once or twice to find that "new normal".

 

[Michael7]

Thank you to everyone's insightful feedback!