Tennis_Bum
Professional
Are there marked differences between the two machines besides the price? Can someone please help. I was going to get a Gamma 5003 but decided to go with either X-ST or ST II.
Thanks
Thanks
Gamma X-ST vs. Gamma Progression ST II
- Thread starter Tennis_Bum
- Start date
Gamma Tech
Professional
All 3 are very similar. They all have the same tensioner, mounting system, string clamps, base clamps, tools & accesories.
there were more differences when the X-Stringers were introduced but now the only difference is in the base. the X-Stringer base is extruded aluminum with 2 drawers and anodized blue color. the red base on the Progression machine is ABS red plastic over a cast aluminum frame. The X-Stringer base takes a little bit more abuse and looks nicer longer in my opinion.
bret
there were more differences when the X-Stringers were introduced but now the only difference is in the base. the X-Stringer base is extruded aluminum with 2 drawers and anodized blue color. the red base on the Progression machine is ABS red plastic over a cast aluminum frame. The X-Stringer base takes a little bit more abuse and looks nicer longer in my opinion.
bret
Tennis_Bum
Professional
You have one of the 3 machines? Do you have X-ST? I called and they said X-ST is newer than Progression. But they looked pretty much the same to me. Of course, I don't know much, this is my first machine. I was going to get Gamma 5003, 6 mount but I will settle for X-ST or Progression. But I am leaning toward X-ST now that it can take a better beating.
Can you talk more about X-ST if you have experience with it? Thanks
Gamma Tech
Professional
tennis_bum I work for GAMMA and have experience with all 3 of the machines you are interested in. what else would you like to know? the X-ST is the newer version.
bret
Tennis_Bum
Professional
Besides the basic tools that come with the X-ST machine, such as Pathfinder Awl , Awl , Pliers and razor cutter, what other tools do I need? Do I need the calibrator right away? I like to ask more questions, but of course I don't have experience with stringing.
Do the tutorial manual comes with the package? I would be clueless to where to start but if I have a manual, and some directions then it would be quite helpful.
Thanks
Gamma Tech
Professional
You would have everything you need to string right out of the box, later on you might want to upgrade 1 or 2 tools. I would suggest a calibrator as soon as you could afford it. you want to use the calibrator as your standard and that insures consistent results from rqt to rqt. you want to check the calibration every 30-50 rqts or if you move it around or travel with it.
the machine manual is basic and about the workings & parts of the machine, if you buy the X-ST from a dist. that provides a stringing package then there is a 'Getting Started Guide' from the USRSA that I think is really good.
bret
the machine manual is basic and about the workings & parts of the machine, if you buy the X-ST from a dist. that provides a stringing package then there is a 'Getting Started Guide' from the USRSA that I think is really good.
bret
Tennis_Bum
Professional
Thanks again. I'll get the X-ST.
onehandbh
G.O.A.T.
I've had the X-ST a little over a year now. Been very happy w/it.
Also bought the stand for it. So (in theory) I could throw it in my
trunk if I one day decide I want to string my racquet in the middle of
the sequoia forest for a more zen experience.
I've strung over 50x with it. Very easy to use and pretty accurate.
Also bought the stand for it. So (in theory) I could throw it in my
trunk if I one day decide I want to string my racquet in the middle of
the sequoia forest for a more zen experience.
I've strung over 50x with it. Very easy to use and pretty accurate.
Tennis_Bum
Professional
Did you get extra tools or just use the standard tools that come with the machine? I just ordered mine today. I was never happy with the string jobs I got for all my rackets so I decided to do it myself.
onehandbh
G.O.A.T.
I don't know the names of all the tools it came with so I'll just
describe them.
1) allen wrench set.
2) tool for adjusting the pillars that hold the racquet
3) sharp pick looking tool for making the grommet holes bigger.
4) duller version of #3 for moving strings during stringing to
prevent string burn.
5) pliers.
6) several sets of strings. (gamma)
I personally like gamma strings but don't use them b/c
they break too quickly for me.
Basically it came w/everything I need. I also later purchased a
tension calibrator.
In reality, all stringers probably give about equal string jobs.
It's just a matter of ease of use and speed. w/o rushing it
takes me about 30 -40 minutes.
Tennis_Bum
Professional
Where did you get your calibrator? I hear WalMart has something, right?
onehandbh
G.O.A.T.
Don't remember. Wasn't Walmart though. I don't really appreciate their
anti-community, anti-union, anti-local business practices. They don't
care enough about how the products on their shelf are made,
who made them, or where they were made.
Just get it from tennis warehouse. It's like $30.
rjkardo
Rookie
You are thinking of the Berkley Digital Fish Scale. It works fine for calibration. Cost about $20 at WalMart.
Rod
Tennis_Bum
Professional
Thanks, that's what I am thinking.
