I'm down to two options for stringing machines

[TonyB]

After much painstaking research and a heck of a lot of reading, I've narrowed my choices for a personal stringing machine down to two options: the Gamma X-2 and the Alpha String Pal.

Price is a major concern for me, obviously. I don't intend to do a LOT of stringing -- just for my own personal use. But I do plan on researching a pretty wide variety of strings and tensions for a new racquet in the near future, so I figure a cheap stringing machine will save me money in the long run. Add to that the fact that the nearest tennis shop is a 30+ drive and that makes the decision to buy a stringing machine pretty simple.

Anyways, I've read some good comments on the Gamma X-2 and it definitely looks like a solid machine. I don't really care about the free string -- it's quite probable that I won't be using too much of it anyways. My only concern lies with the floating clamps. I've read that they're bulky, don't clamp well, and hard to remove. For anyone that has actually USED them, what's your opinion?

Also, I can't believe that NOBODY around here has tried an Alpha String Pal machine. Yet I cannot for the life of me find any reasonable review or solid opinions on this machine. It looks like a good deal -- clutch mechanism in the weight arm, metal flying clamps, linear string gripper, etc. Plus, you get Alpha's great customer service. Sounds like a winner to me.

Anyways, I'm leaning towards the Alpha machine, mainly because of the metal clamps and linear gripper. But if someone has any negative comments to make about that machine, I'd love to hear them, as I don't want to be the "Guinea Pig", so to speak.

 

[goblake14]

I love my X-2, although the mounting could be better and I see where better clamps could make a difference. Either is probably a great choice.

 

[TonyB]

Thanks for the reply.

My only other concern is with the racquet support arm (I'm not sure what it's called). You know, the long bar that swivels on the base that supports the two vertical racquet holder arms. I'm not sure which model, if either, has a stronger design in that respect.

They both look to be pretty much the same. But I've read where a flimsy design can lead to racquet twist and tilt during tensioning.

Any opinions on this feature of either machine?

 

[SW Stringer]

TonyB says: "After much painstaking research and a heck of a lot of reading, I've narrowed my choices for a personal stringing machine down to two options: the Gamma X-2 and the Alpha String Pal."

My suggestion, buy them both, use both for as long as you need to find your favorite. Write a nice review. Post it here. Sell the extra machine on the big auction site, you'll probably recoup 95% of the purchase price, plus you can make a little on the shipping to probably break even or maybe come out ahead on the total transaction.

Plusses: Get experience on two machines, make your own decision. Possibly make more money than you paid for the extra machine.

Minus: Extra initial investment.

You be the judge.

 

[TonyB]

That's a good idea -- in theory.

But who's going to front the money for the extra machine? I certainly don't have an extra 200 clams kicking around for fun. If I did, I probably wouldn't be buying a $140 machine to begin with.

Besides, I've never had much luck trying to recoup the cost of an item in an attempt to sell it through "that big auction site." Even though plenty of my friends seem to make a good buck here and there by selling items, I just haven't quite developed the knack. I probably lose 10-20% of my original investment on that site on every item I sell.

Anyways, I have a new proposal -- if anyone wants to buy the "second" machine for me and have it shipped to my address, I'll be happy to test it, review it, and post a highly-detailed review on it here for everyone's benefit. Thereafter, upon completing the review, I'll gladly ship the "losing" machine (on my own nickel) to the financier for them to do with as they please.

As a result, it would cost me the grand sum of a one-way shipping cost to do this review and as a result, everyone will get the benefit of a direct, detailed comparison of two comparable machines.

Any takers?

 

[dancraig]

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/search.php?searchid=1261284

You probably already checked this, but if not here are some search results.

 

[TonyB]

Yes, I've done about 30 searches on these forums and others as well.

Still cannot find more than a single paragraph about the Alpha String Pal. I think I've got a good picture of what the X-2 is like from reading the reviews and commentary, but I can't get any picture of the String Pal because of the lack of information about it on the web.

Still looking for opinions on EITHER machine right now, especially with the Gamma floating clamps and the stiffness/rigidity of the racquet holder arm.

 

[goblake14]

Not sure what you mean by racquet holder arm but I can tell you more about the clamps. They are a little bit bulky and they aren't the most friendly clamps but at the same time, you get what you pay for. I am intrigued by the linear string gripper on the string pal and this would be a nice feature but by looking at the photos, the string pal looks much less sturdy than the X-2. The X-2 has a tool tray built in which is nice too. If I were you, I would go with the X-2 because of the sturdiness factor. That said, I don't think you can go wrong with either.

 

[Jonny S&V]

My X-2 gets the job more than done. The clamps are pretty bulky but they are pretty good. I would get the X-2, and then when you have the money, upgrade the stringer to fixed clamps, 6-point system, etc...

 

[TonyB]

Is there any particular benefit to the linear gripper on the Alpha Pal as opposed to the radial gripper on the Gamma machine?

I always thought the linear was better, but I'm not entirely sure why. And I'm not sure that it's THAT much better to be a factor in my decision.

I'm still looking for ONE opinion on the Alpha machine from someone that has actually used it.

Thanks.

 

[gotwheels]

TonyB, Have you called Alpha and talked to Mark or Greg (800-922-9024)? They are very knowledgeable and will answer your questions without just pushing their product. In my discussions with them, they have suprisingly noted positive features in other manufactureres machines! You don't do this unless you have confidence in your product. From my expereience they will not steer you wrong and their service is second to none. And yes, I am the pround owner of my second Alpha machine because of their knoweldge, service, and product quality.

 

[TonyB]

Yes, I've spoken with Greg. He seemed quite "short" with me, frankly. Every answer was "yes" or "no." Nothing elaborate at all, and I was asking all sorts of questions about the Alpha machine.

Perhaps Mark is a little more verbose and will elaborate on the various strengths/weaknesses of the different machines. But Greg didn't really have any opinions at all on the competitors' machines. And the funny thing is that he didn't even comment very much on the Alpha machines. I asked some specific questions on the flying clamps, and I wasn't really satisfied with the answers. I think Greg left me with more questions than answers after I was off the phone.

There just seems to be a complete lack of information on the Alpha String Pal right now. From what I can tell, they haven't sold a single machine!

 

[gotwheels]

TonyB, doesn't sound like a good experience with Greg at Alpha. I have talked with both Greg and Mark, both were patient and helpful with all of my questions. The reason I think the String Pal is a solid machine for $129 (!) are the features (clutch, linear string gripper, vice stocks appear to be the same as some of their other machines). I am on my second Alpha and have been very pleased with the build quality and service. E-mail Mark (mark@alphatennis.com), I would be disappointed if he didn't respond and try to answer any questions. Good luck on your choice. Most of all, move forward and get a stringer - you seem the type that will enjoy the process. Remember, anyone can string, but good stringing is an art and a science.