Gamma x-st base clamp compatibility?

[shadow01]

Hey guys. I have the gamma x-st with wise on a stand with casters. Love the setup and it works for me.

when stringing mains - I get virtually no draw back. When stringing crosses I get a little draw back (don’t mind because it doesn’t affect my playability and if it does I can compensate to keep consistent). Also - you would have to be super sensitive to tension differences for that to matter - and no one I string for is Pro level . It would be nice to have some feedback when the base clamp is locked on the track, like a click or something - which the stock clamp doesn’t do. Again not a big deal - and never had an issue with the clamp moving because I didn’t lock it tight enough.

having said that - wondering if there are any base clamps that would work with this stringer that may have the lock feedback and potentially less draw back on the crosses. More so for curiosity- not looking to change them out. But if one ever breaks - would be good to know.

 

[Dags]

I doubt any drawback is coming from the movement of the base clamps (if those really are moving, they need cleaning and tightening), but rather the fit of the string clamps within the base clamps. That’s one of the features that I imagine makes a premium machine, well, premium, whilst those of us in the mid and lower price range see wider tolerances.

You can mitigate it somewhat by clamping the string and before locking the base, pushing the string clamp in the direction that you would experience drawback. If the string clamp has already travelled as far as it can move within the base, then when you release tension, there’s nowhere further for it to go. How consistent this is, I'm unsure. I also have a Wise, and if I push the clamp in the opposite direction, then it removes some of the load and the tension head noticeably adjusts. I have opted for the simplicity of clamping 'normally' and accepting minor drawback.

Apologies that it doesn’t answer your direct question. If you are ever looking for new base clamps, there is a need to make sure they’re compatible not only with the rails and turntable, but also the string clamps. Whilst I have replaced the string clamps on my machine (a RAB Stringmaster 1000), if I ever felt the need to do the bases, there’s a good chance I’d upgrade the machine. The whole is usually greater than the sum of the parts.

 

[struggle]

The higher end "switch action" Gamma base clamps would certainly work ( can't imagine they wouldn't).

These are found on the 6004 and the higher end electronic Gamma uprights (but not the lowest electronic
upright, IIRC).

Although, if i were to replace them I'd look at something like Xpider bases. There are also some on the Big T Tennis
site that look intriguing from Pro's Pro.

 

[shadow01]

Thanks @Dags & @struggle ! Dags - now you got me curious as to the cause of the drawback. Again, i'm not concerned by it - but just for curiosity's sake to see if I can tweak. But I won't be making any changes that I can't replicate consistently - I agree with that. Struggle - I didn't realize gamma made "switch action" - if and when I ever change - i'll reach out to them to check on pricing and compatibility. The Xpider bases look awesome! but seem only to be available from Tourna and are pricey! Agree with Dags that replacing the whole machine would probably be better at that point.

 

[struggle]

I get a tiny bit of drawback from my Gamma clamps ( the bases don't move) but i do "pre-load" them as @Dags suggests.

As i've said before, it's physics/tolerances..... the higher you extend the string clamp, the more it will deflect. It cannot be negated
100%. Tighter tolerances help, but it is what it is. If you clamp right at the frame/grommet you won't be missing much as the rest
is pulled on the next pull, BUT around a turn........ don't overthink it, just minimize it.

 

[Wes]

Hey guys. I have the gamma x-st with wise...

...wondering if there are any base clamps that would work with this stringer that may have the lock feedback and potentially less draw back on the crosses. More so for curiosity- not looking to change them out. But if one ever breaks - would be good to know.

@shadow01,
Does your X-ST have the straight slots/rails, or the newer curved slots?

 

[shadow01]

@shadow01,
Does your X-ST have the straight slots/rails, or the newer curved slots?

They have a slight curve to them.

 

[Wes]

The higher end "switch action" Gamma base clamps would certainly work ( can't imagine they wouldn't).

These are found on the 6004 and the higher end electronic Gamma uprights (but not the lowest electronic
upright, IIRC).

Although, if i were to replace them I'd look at something like Xpider bases. There are also some on the Big T Tennis
site that look intriguing from Pro's Pro.

They have a slight curve to them.

@shadow01,

This may provide you with more detail...

 

[struggle]

^^^^^ well stated. Good demo.

My clamps don't have the springs on the hosel, yours must be newer than mine. Dunno

I have two sets (got a set on warranty, one doesn't function as well)). They are
insanely expensive and easily justify "upgrading" on initial purchase to a
higher end machine (5003 vs 6004, for example) as well the lower end upright
electronic to higher (forget the numbers).

Is that a 5003 with the curved slots?

Yes, the NEW high end elect. machines base clamps are quite nice looking!!

Gamma's base clamp applications/choices is the only qualm i have with their machines
and lower than the 6004. Makes me scratch my head. I
often recommend Alpha (a common comparison) for that reason
alone. Otherwise i like the finish etc of the Gamma machines likely abit more.

 

[shadow01]

@Wes & @struggle - thanks guys! amazing. Took all of the mystery out of it. Great discussion and knowledge for sure.

 

[Bomber412]

Why do you have 2 stringing machines? Just curious: there any benefits of having 2 machines? Thanks