Gamma X-ES: True Constant Pull?

[davidahenry]

I've read other threads and am confused about the tensioner on the Gamma X-ES tabletop machine. Is is a true constant pull? Or is it an electric lockout - like SP Jive?

Thanks.

 

[YULitle]

It's constant pull.

 

[zidane339]

Hey Yulitle, can you explain constant pull for me? I know dropweights and electronics are, but spring tensioners aren't. Does this affect the string job?

Thanks

 

[YULitle]

Hey Yulitle, can you explain constant pull for me? I know dropweights and electronics are, but spring tensioners aren't. Does this affect the string job?

Thanks

It only does if you are used to the other.

Constant pull means that when the desired tension is pulled, it keeps pulling at that tension.

Lock-out machines (cranks and some electronics) pull to the tension and then stop.

When string is tensioned, it immediately starts to elongate. So, when lock-out machines stop pulling, the tension starts to drop immediately. The tension drops when the string is pulled by a constant pull machine as well, BUT it compensates by constantly pulling at the desired tension.

 

[zidane339]

Ok. Does that mean you should immediatly clamp after tensioning with a spring? How can you adjust?

I'm asking because I'm switching from a Gamma progression dropweight to a Gamma Progression spring tensioner. Thanks.

 

[Max Winther]

You can also reduce tension loss on a lock out machine by pulling at desired tension, releasing tension, then pulling the same desired tension again. The idea is the string does almost all of its elongation during the first pull, so that on the second pull, the actual tension is closer to the desired tension. This of course adds time, but makes for a more accurate tension. The key is consistency. If you double pull, do it on every racquet, every string. If you use a lock out tensioner regularly, just make sure you are consistent in doing that so that the tension will be the same across the stringbed.

 

[Max Winther]

Ok. Does that mean you should immediatly clamp after tensioning with a spring? How can you adjust?

I'm asking because I'm switching from a Gamma progression dropweight to a Gamma Progression spring tensioner. Thanks.

I guess you could clamp right after the string hits desired tension. That would probably end up being a little closer to desired tension. but no matter what you do, do it the same way every time. Don't clamp immediately after tensioning on one string and then wait 2 or 3 seconds to clamp tension on another string.

 

[zidane339]

Thanks Max, I will do that.

 

[iplaybetter]

Ok. Does that mean you should immediatly clamp after tensioning with a spring? How can you adjust?

I'm asking because I'm switching from a Gamma progression dropweight to a Gamma Progression spring tensioner. Thanks.

not necicarily, just do it the same each time

 

[Il Mostro]

My understanding is that with lock out machines you can (should?) compensate for the tension loss in your initial settings, knowing that it will be there due to the nature of the machine.

 

[Max Winther]

yeah, you can always bump up tension 2-3 pounds. Someone here had a chart that showed how much you needed to raise your reference tension based on your desired tension. If anyone has that, itd be helpful.

 

[YULitle]

My understanding is that with lock out machines you can (should?) compensate for the tension loss in your initial settings, knowing that it will be there due to the nature of the machine.

yeah, you can always bump up tension 2-3 pounds. Someone here had a chart that showed how much you needed to raise your reference tension based on your desired tension. If anyone has that, itd be helpful.

This is only if you are used to having it strung with a constant pull. If it is the first time getting the racquet strung, it doesn't do you any good to adjust for this as you don't know which tension will work anyway.

Only adjust when you switch machines.

 

[Max Winther]

Right, so if you are used to a CP, like the progression dropweight, bump the tension 2-3 pounds on your crank lockout and it will probably feel about the same. It also depends on if you use a string that stretches a lot. You may have to add a pound or 2 on syn gut or multi. So just start at 2-3 pounds and go from there.