IwishIwasbetter - what made you go with the ML90 instead of the Revo 4000? I am in the process of buying a stringing machine and would like your reasoning for going with the Ml90 over the Revo 4000.
I'm not the OP, but I had to make the same decision as the OP, and I also chose the ML90.
Originally, I planned on upgrading from my SP Swing to a SP Crump or Alpha Revo.
Then, I noticed the Laserfibre Quantum. Long story short, I got jipped, got my money back (never got the machine either), and ordered the ML90 because it was the only other Automatic dropweight near my price range ($700ish for the fixed clamps w/brake was a bit more than I originally wanted to pay).
If I could go back, it would still be a tossup between the Stringway machine that I purchased and the Alpha Revo (looking back, the Gamma Progression ST is a great machine as well, though a little bit more expensive).
Here is how I break it down:
Mounting: Draw. The 6 pt on the Revo and Gamma seems quicker, but the Stringway seems to put less stress on the frame (i'm a little bit anal on mounting and double check things, so it'll probably be similar amount of time for most people). Plus, the 6 pt is more universal.
Tensioner: I absolutely love the Auto dropweight. Fantastic constant pull. Though it can be a little bit more cumbersome on stretchy strings, it's still great for the most part. (Note: This is kind of a good and bad quality. The constant pull lets me know if my clamps are slipping, especially on the initial pulls where clamp slippage is most common. This is the good part. The bad part is now I know that my clamps need adjustment, and it pisses me off when I have to adjust the clamps a lot (especially on multis)).
Clamps: Though I've only used the Stringway clamps, i'm kind of leaning towards the Alpha or Gamma clamps. The clamp bases are great on the Stringway, quick and easy, but since they are turned and point up when locked, it takes a little bit of space, and can make crosses a bit more difficult (I easily solve this by turning the clamps around by the 5th and 6th cross). The bases on the Alpha and Gamma seem more discreet (nod to the Alpha base here due to easier use). The big kicker for me though is that the Alpha and Gamma clamps are thumbwheel adjustable, plus they're diamond dusted. My Stringways are not diamond dusted and are adjusted by allen wrench. Sometimes, I have to play with the adjustment quite a bit or I have to clean them, and I think that a diamond dusted clamp would be much better. I'm going to e-mail Alpha/Stringway about this just for reassurement.
Looks/Aesthetics: I have to say that the Gamma Progression ST just looks fantastic. I love the curvy, red, black, and gold color scheme. Though I love the cool look of the Stringway machine as well (Sorry Alpha, but the Revo looks a bit plain compared to these other too, though it still looks good as well
)
Price/Value: Though the Stringway is the cheapest, convenient constant pull (I say convenient because a regular dropweight would just be too time consuming for me), the Alpha gets the nod here for value. I think the price is just right with that model of machine.
Just my 2 cents
, I was about to get a laserfibre machine until i read your thread about how you never received one haha
