Good dropweight machine
- Thread starter Soianka
- Start date
What's your budget? $200 and under? $400 and under? or maybe even more?
In my opinion, if you are willing to spend for a Klippermate and provided budget is not super tight, at least go a little up and get a Gamma X-2 or a Silent Partner Swing. Not a lot more money to spend but you get noticeably superior machines for that little extra cash.
Also, any decent machine can string an O3 - does she have the little boomerang plastic/rubber thingy tool that is used to make stringing those big open ports easier? It might have come with the racquet, or you could ask your local Prince dealer for one. Even if you don't have that, you can still string an O3 on any machine if you know how. Check the YuLitle videos on Youtube, he has a piece on how to make do if you don't have that little tool.
Also, is she likely to want to string for friends, teammates, maybe even strangers eventually as a side business? If so, it might be worthwhile springing for something a little more than a Klippermate or entry level drop weight. Not that you can't run a stringing business on those machines - quite a few ppl on these boards do just that - but if turning this into a side business eventually is likely, then it does open up more considerations you might want to think about (e.g. speed/efficiency of each string job, physical comfort for the stringer, and a couple more - things that a "better" machine can aid you with, although it's a given that one does need to be a capable stringer in the first place, but that will come with time, learning, experience and practice).
In my opinion, if you are willing to spend for a Klippermate and provided budget is not super tight, at least go a little up and get a Gamma X-2 or a Silent Partner Swing. Not a lot more money to spend but you get noticeably superior machines for that little extra cash.
Also, any decent machine can string an O3 - does she have the little boomerang plastic/rubber thingy tool that is used to make stringing those big open ports easier? It might have come with the racquet, or you could ask your local Prince dealer for one. Even if you don't have that, you can still string an O3 on any machine if you know how. Check the YuLitle videos on Youtube, he has a piece on how to make do if you don't have that little tool.
Also, is she likely to want to string for friends, teammates, maybe even strangers eventually as a side business? If so, it might be worthwhile springing for something a little more than a Klippermate or entry level drop weight. Not that you can't run a stringing business on those machines - quite a few ppl on these boards do just that - but if turning this into a side business eventually is likely, then it does open up more considerations you might want to think about (e.g. speed/efficiency of each string job, physical comfort for the stringer, and a couple more - things that a "better" machine can aid you with, although it's a given that one does need to be a capable stringer in the first place, but that will come with time, learning, experience and practice).
Bolivian Ace
Rookie
I own a Gamma X-2 for about 1 year now, and I'm very happay. It's not expensive and the quality is very high. I string for myself and maybe family, and it takes me about 35 mins for a very consistent job. I've played copetively as a junior and I am very picky on the consistency of my string jobs, so far Gamma has delivered.
meowmix
Hall of Fame
IMO, Alpha has the best machine for the 150 dollar price point. Linear gripper, excellent clamps (the best of the low end stringers), and amazing customer service put it ahead of the x-2 and the klippermate. Very reliable.
Just note however, that with ALL low end dropweights, you'll have problems stringing O3 rackets. You'll need either a boomerang tool from Prince, your hip, or a tool of your own to string O3's. Or, you can avoid the hassle with a 50 50 stringing pattern.
Just note however, that with ALL low end dropweights, you'll have problems stringing O3 rackets. You'll need either a boomerang tool from Prince, your hip, or a tool of your own to string O3's. Or, you can avoid the hassle with a 50 50 stringing pattern.
max
Legend
I REALLY LOVE my Klippermate. And the Kmate service is tops---they helped me once with a couple of old wood racquet string patterns and sent promptly replacement parts once I called on the 800 line.
Damn sturdy and solid; great clamps superior to Gamma (I know because I own both kinds).
Damn sturdy and solid; great clamps superior to Gamma (I know because I own both kinds).
jazzyfunkybluesy
Banned
Max, Do your frames flex much while stringing due to the 2 point mount?
![[d]ragon](/data/avatars/m/26/26312.jpg?1574364787){kind=avatar}
[d]ragon
Hall of Fame
Klippermate is pretty good machine. Yes they would be able to string O ported racquets as they do come with a brake pin (that stops the turntable from moving). I haven't used the X2 but having used the Klippermate, I think the X2 is a slightly better machine because of the ratchet however, I'm not sure if it has a brake for O port racquets. The ATS Super Stringer II I hear is pretty similar to the X2 but also has a nice tool tray. But I've only used the Klippermate so I really can't how good the clamps on the other two are.
Depends on your price range. If under $200, then the Klippermate, X2, and ATS are pretty much the best options. You should check thE BAY, craigslist, or the classified section of these forums to see if you can a used one for a bit cheaper.
Also, how old your daughter is and how competitive she plays. If shes not super competitive, then these machines will be fine. If she is, she might need a higher end machine (with fixed clamps) to ensure more consistent string jobs. Not saying these machines can't produce good string jobs, it's just higher end machines make it alot easier and faster. Also higher end machines provide more support for the racquet. Lower end machines provide enough support while holding the racquet but if your daughter is competitive, it might be better if her racquet is supported better during stringing.
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aussie
Professional
Klippermates do a very good job of producing replicable string jobs. Like all dropweights, they are not quick with the average string job around an hour. They look rather agricultural, and the gripper jaws use a totally different tensioning mechanism to the drum method, but works just as well. They have a lifetime warranty on the machine and all tools and accessories to the original owner and is the only machine manufactured in the USA if that is important to you. They have superb after sale support and are only too happy to ship free replacement parts to you if needed - even to Australia!!
Thanks everyone for the answers.
My daughter is 16 and she is a very competitive junior player.
I'm tired of spending so much on getting racquets restrung, so I think this sort of present would be good for both of us.
I'm really only looking for her to string her own racquets but if she gets very good at it, I suppose she might want to do a few here and there for other folks.
My daughter is 16 and she is a very competitive junior player.
I'm tired of spending so much on getting racquets restrung, so I think this sort of present would be good for both of us.
I'm really only looking for her to string her own racquets but if she gets very good at it, I suppose she might want to do a few here and there for other folks.
Here is a link to the USRSA guide on stringing machines. Read about the different type of features that are available with machines, as this will at least give you some idea of what is available. Be sure to click on the bottom of the page where it talks about the features table, and on that page you can click on the tabs on the top for different features as well.
Everyone has there own preferences. That said some do fine with the low end machines and thats fine, but for me the bare minimum would be a machine with fixed clamps, a good brake and a six point mounting system.
Others here will dissagree with that, but like I said, everyone has there own preferences.Good luck in your decision.
Anyways you may wish to read this article that the USRSA put out a while back:
http://www.racquetsportsindustry.com/articles/2008/08/2008_guide_to_stringing_machin.html
Since you did say she may string for other people a quality machine would be in order, you get what you pay for, and I would get the most machine that you could afford, but like I said thats me, and not everyone would agree on that.
Also if you know of a local stringer, see if you could watch a racquet being strung, irregardless of the type of machine that they would be using, as it would give you a better understanding of the procedure, and the functions that different machines would have to offer.Just a thought.
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dancraig
Hall of Fame
Be aware that many times a machine is purchased for a child and the child decides they don't like stringing racquets. The parent then becomes the stringing machine operator.
Chose a machine that you will enjoy using, because you may become the one using it.
[d]ragon
Hall of Fame
Well you definitely can get a good machine for under $500. The main feature of higher end machines for support is 6 point mounting systems that allow for more even distribution of stress on the racquet. This is good for the longevity of the racquet but I believe if shes a competive player, fixed clamps are the more important feature of machines. More on that below but most (if not all) machines with fixed clamps come with 6 point mounting anyways
How often does she need restrings?
Since she is competitive, I highly recommend fixed clamps. As opposed to flying clamps (which come with many cheaper machines), fixed clamps do not rely on clamping onto other strings to hold tension; instead they are anchored to the turntable. This makes for better tension maintenance when the string is clamped and leads to more consistent string jobs, quite important when playing competitively to have racquets that are of consistent tension.
Dropweights are the cheapest but they are the slowest. Granted, it's relative. It's really not that slow, it's just crank and electrics are alot faster but more expensive. Most dropweight machines with fixed clamps come in around the $400 mark. The most notable are the Silent Partner Hip Hop ($379), Mutual Power 680/730 ($349), Mutual Power 690/750 ($389), and Alpha Pioneer DC Plus ($429). Add about $30 for shipping (a site I know shipping is only $5)
The difference between the 700 and 600 series Mutual Power machines is the way the tensioner holds the string and pulls it. The 600s have linear tensioners while the 700s are rotary (I don't know the exact term actually)
This is mostly preference. See this thread
The difference between the lower 600s and 700s vs the higher 600s and 700 is that the higher numbers (690 and 750) come with a tool tray and more importantly, a clutch. This makes stringing faster because you don't have to adjust the slack of the string to achieve the correct balance, instead it allows you to simply rotate the tension head. Quite convenient.
From what I've read of the Alpha Pioneer DC Plus and pics I've seen of it, I do not believe it has a brake.
I use the SP Hip Hop and it's a great machine. It's got a clutch too (I used to use a Klippermate and know that the clutch is very useful). The 2 things I don't like are 1) no tool tray (ahahah) 2) clamps aren't the smoothest to move around but this is fixable by lubricating the clamp tracks. I don't know how strong the brake is though so in the even its not super strong, your daughter may have to hold the turntable with her hip to provide abit more support. Or you could help by holding it for her. See this video.
Again, check amazon, thE BAY, and the Classified forum section to see if you can find one for abit cheaper.
Hope this helps
max
Legend
I don't see any flexing there.
slice bh compliment
G.O.A.T.
If you want quality, simplicity and portability, check out LaserFibre's dropweight machines.
1st Seed
Professional
Go with the HIP HOP,well built,good 360 turntable,A ok brake for you're O3's,Ball bearing clutch,
I average an hour or less per stick.All my custies have been very satisfied with the consistentcy.Warranty as well.
I'll suggest this over the others.X2,Klippermate.
It will pay it self off on no time!
Take Care Merry X-mas
Good gift, she and yourself will love it.
You'll be cryin that you didn't grab it years ago, as I was.
I average an hour or less per stick.All my custies have been very satisfied with the consistentcy.Warranty as well.
I'll suggest this over the others.X2,Klippermate.
It will pay it self off on no time!
Take Care Merry X-mas
Good gift, she and yourself will love it.
You'll be cryin that you didn't grab it years ago, as I was.
What about this one? They compare it to the SP Hip Hop and it costs less
http://www.eagnas.com/hyper60.html
http://www.eagnas.com/hyper60.html
HitItHarder
Semi-Pro
Some people like Eagnas. Some people do not. It is a cheaper machine but you may possibly sacrifice some customer service and after sale support. However, some people have very positive accounts of Eagnas support and dealings with Victor.
Here is a thread on Eagnas where this is discussed. I don't have an opinion one way or the other, just make an informed decision.
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=109611
Here is a thread on Eagnas where this is discussed. I don't have an opinion one way or the other, just make an informed decision.
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=109611
meowmix
Hall of Fame
Eagnas has an overinflated bad reputation. They're your typical company run by old school Chinese- if I'm in power, then you be polite to me. Essentially, if you're nice to them and nice in your requests, you'll get (more or less) what you want. If you start off with an attitude, prepare for a scream fest of a conversation.
Eagnas is also a no-nonsense type of company. When you pay that 400 dollars, you're getting EXACTLY what you payed for. Other companies might throw in some extra string, an extra clamp if yours falls apart, etc. Eagnas, you get what you ordered and nothing else. Stuff falls apart? Go order some more, we're not covering it. Customer service is alright, but it's nowhere like what you'll get with most everybody else.
If you can handle that, then you're somebody that should consider the Eagnas route (the Eag 300 is an especially attractive machine for most people, comparable to the Neos 1000).
Eagnas is also a no-nonsense type of company. When you pay that 400 dollars, you're getting EXACTLY what you payed for. Other companies might throw in some extra string, an extra clamp if yours falls apart, etc. Eagnas, you get what you ordered and nothing else. Stuff falls apart? Go order some more, we're not covering it. Customer service is alright, but it's nowhere like what you'll get with most everybody else.
If you can handle that, then you're somebody that should consider the Eagnas route (the Eag 300 is an especially attractive machine for most people, comparable to the Neos 1000).
COPEY
Hall of Fame
There's some darn good advice/suggestions in this thread, but this one^ jumped out at me lol. Obviously it makes perfect sense, and I'm sure it's an angle not many parents thought of when purchasing a stringer for their kid.
My son plays, owns two racquets, loves trying out new strings, but in his world it just takes too much time; he'd rather be doing something...actually, anything else lol. Needless to say if I'd purchased my Apex 2 for him I'd be one ticked-off dad.
It makes sense to buy the most machine you can afford, but it also makes sense to consider that if you're buying for your kid, he or she may learn that stringing racquets is just not their thing. I think the advantage to starting on the low end is if they don't like it you can always sell it, and quickly I'm sure.
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well if your looking towards getting an eagnas machine i would go with a crack machine. i just recently bought an eagnas, when i was was researching them i found that people have the most problems with a drop weight and electric stringers. the machine that were recommended to me were the flex 840, flex 940, and the eag 350. i ended up going with the flex 840
max
Legend
An interesting post and it offers insight. One wonders, though, how many bucks they've left on the table due to the public perception they, at least in part, have generated.
I don't know. Maybe there's more economic success if you're nice to the customer. I know in my case, I'm greatly impressed with the Klippermate people: if all American firm ran like theirs we would be, as a nation, truly world class.
ilikephobo
Semi-Pro
my standards for a decent stringing machine are
always:
6 Point Mounting System.
and
Fixed Clamps.
i would suggest you look at this list right here.
http://stringforum.net/mforum.php
Accuracy:
and before i was looking for a electronic stringing machine to replace my drop weight i was looking through the cheaper electronic machines by Eagnas. i asked my friend about it and he said that Drop weights are actually the most accurate as long as the rod is horizontal because it's gravity we're talking about and with Electronic machines you gotta do calibrations and stuff.
always:
6 Point Mounting System.
and
Fixed Clamps.
i would suggest you look at this list right here.
http://stringforum.net/mforum.php
Accuracy:
and before i was looking for a electronic stringing machine to replace my drop weight i was looking through the cheaper electronic machines by Eagnas. i asked my friend about it and he said that Drop weights are actually the most accurate as long as the rod is horizontal because it's gravity we're talking about and with Electronic machines you gotta do calibrations and stuff.
meowmix
Hall of Fame
In theory, drop weights are indeed the most accurate. However, considering that most people never get the drop weight perfectly leve, they're usually off by 1/2 pound-1 pound on each string. When I string my racket, you get almost a 1/2-1 note pitch difference in each string. Not sure if this is due to inaccuracy, or the length of the strings... Then again though, most people don't notice a 1 pound difference in string tension, on 1 random string.
That being said, high end electronics are the most accurate. You do have to calibrate every so often, but when you have a computer controlling the tension down to the last 1/100th of a pound of tension, you can't really get much more accurate. The question is, do you really need it to be that accurate.
That being said, high end electronics are the most accurate. You do have to calibrate every so often, but when you have a computer controlling the tension down to the last 1/100th of a pound of tension, you can't really get much more accurate. The question is, do you really need it to be that accurate.
max
Legend
Some fellow a few years back, took out the math involved and suggested that a person can go 3-degrees either way above or below exact level and still be accurate within a pound. I guess it depends just how sloppy you are.
I think the big misconception here might come because people are not used to a CP tension on their frame. . . so the dropweight job seems different.
[d]ragon
Hall of Fame
If you're stringing for high level players then yes. But I think the main appeal of electric machines is speed and ease. Much much faster than dropweights. I would even say faster than cranks but then again, some people might crank the lever faster than I do. But it has accuracy and constant pull over crank machines (assuming you have a decent quality machine).
I wish I had the money for an electric machine. The first machine I ever strung on was a Babolat Sensor and man is it smooth. Such a nice machine. Of course I bet there are others just as nice.
I agree that high end electronic are very accurate, but the calibration is not an issue at all, at least with my machine.It has self calibration each time it is turned on, and so far after 2 years of good use with this machine, when I check it with an electronic tension gauge, it has been right on and have yet to need to recalibrate it. I no longer even check it as often as I once did,as I use to check it monthly, and it never needed adjustments. I just checked it last week, and probably wont check again for a while, as never was an issue.
meowmix
Hall of Fame
3 degrees isn't a whole lot (IMO). I remember the thread you're talking about, and it said that something along the lines of 20 degrees got you off by 5 pounds. Still, when you're talking the average tennis player, +/- 2 pounds isn't going to be all that noticable, especially after the tension evens out.
[d]ragon;4177681 said:
With all due respect to the OP, I doubt that the daughter is quite that good to be needing accuracy within 1/100th, or even 1/10th of a pound
Really? Wow... I was under the impression that they sometimes got off tension by a little and needed some maintance from time to time. Obviously, I was mistaken.
[d]ragon
Hall of Fame
With all due respect to the OP, I doubt that the daughter is quite that good to be needing accuracy within 1/100th, or even 1/10th of a pound
Probably not
max
Legend
I go around on this issue. In the end, for me the equation is something like this:
"Max only strings about once every three weeks, and it takes about an hour, more or less. . . if money were no object, it would be nice to save 15 minutes on the string job (plus it would be fun to have a ritzy machine). . . but that's not really equally a great time savings for me, given that I'm only stringing for myself one time every three weeks during the season."
The more advanced calculation I make, after this, is to consider the machine's amortization over time; i.e., I may not save much time during one year by having a $700 machine. . . but over 30 years it surely adds up, however, it's not likely I'll be alive by then.
"Max only strings about once every three weeks, and it takes about an hour, more or less. . . if money were no object, it would be nice to save 15 minutes on the string job (plus it would be fun to have a ritzy machine). . . but that's not really equally a great time savings for me, given that I'm only stringing for myself one time every three weeks during the season."
The more advanced calculation I make, after this, is to consider the machine's amortization over time; i.e., I may not save much time during one year by having a $700 machine. . . but over 30 years it surely adds up, however, it's not likely I'll be alive by then.
Thanks for all the advice. I think I'll avoid the Eagnas just because of their reputation.
I'll take a look at the other machines mentioned and make a decision.
Now, I have to find a decent ball machine for her that won't break the bank.
Aren't you going to be a human ball machine?
Thanks for all the advice. I think I'll avoid the Eagnas just because of their reputation.
I'll take a look at the other machines mentioned and make a decision.
Now, I have to find a decent ball machine for her that won't break the bank.
Silent partner is having some sales on ball machines right now.
I believe they actually started out as a ball machine company before adding stringing machines to their lineup.
I like my Silent Partner Swing. Everything is adjustable with a turn of the knob. The quality of the machine is really good. Their metal flying clamps are good too and they won't hurt your hands like the Gamma X-2 (from what I heard). The only thing you would probably want is a starting clamp (but not required) and you should be set. The crappy thing is, they charge you $30 for shipping.
STRINGWAY!
Got one for my son, quality is fantastic (very solid build) and it's an Automatic Drop Weight so it only requires one drop a the weight making it very fast (for a drop weight) similar to a crank (if not quicker) and very precise with constant pull.
More expensive than other drop weight options but the quality difference and performance improvement is quite noticeable.
It's worth a look!
Good luck on your quest!
Got one for my son, quality is fantastic (very solid build) and it's an Automatic Drop Weight so it only requires one drop a the weight making it very fast (for a drop weight) similar to a crank (if not quicker) and very precise with constant pull.
More expensive than other drop weight options but the quality difference and performance improvement is quite noticeable.
It's worth a look!
Good luck on your quest!
gocard
Semi-Pro
I have a Gamma X6-FC (fixed clamps). It's been working really well for me so far. I think it was almost $500 but I got a good deal back when I was in the market for one. Another one I looked at was the Alpha dropweight with fixed clamps. That one is a bit cheaper than the Gamma but otherwise is pretty similar, apart from the ratchet area.
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