whichmachine? said:
Okay, that has been at least a couple of replies that said go for fixed clamps. Any thoughts about the premium with the turntable lock and sensory tension jaw system for another $170? Keep in mind that I am new to stringing. I am thinking of just going for the fixed clamps now.
Other than the laserfibre, my next choice is the Gamma Progression II 602FC. Anybody want to comment/compare these 2 machines?
There's a turn table lock now? I own the MS200TT, and there's no brake. I don't see any mention of this on their website... anyone want to chime in on this one?
whichmachine? said:
kevo,
do you own a laserfibre? any comments concerning flying versus fixed clamps? or the gamma progression II 602fc versus the laserfibre?
Fixed clamps are going to make your jobs a lot more consistent, and they're just more solid overall, while being fixed to the base. Furthermore, like was mentioned above, they're useful for fan patterns, and widely spaced strings. Flying clamps are kind of limited in that regard. Laserfibre has what is reputed to be the best flying clamps in the industry, but IMO, if you're going to get flying clamps now, and upgrade later, you're just going to be spending more money. The starting clamps MAY come in handy later, for doing special patterns, or for splicing a string (kind of a hack job, though), but you'll still end up (probably) spending the extra money later. If you can save up, spend it now, and be done with it.
As far as the sensory jaw system, it's fairly useful, but I could live without it. Without the sensory jaw system, it is my understanding that you have to drop the weight all the way down, so it rests on the table after every pull. The only real setback here is that you have to lift and drop the weight all the way down and all the way up every time. This can add time to your job, and can be straining to your arm.
Comparison to the 602FC: Both are excellent machines, the Gamma has an excellent, solid mounting system and clamps. The major difference here is in the tensioner. The 602 FC has a rotating drum style gripper, which will require more string (more wasteful if you string off a reel). This can be a hassle when stringing the 18x20 racquets, and you don't have much extra string to work with in the first place.
Although the 602FC is a "constant pull" (some will debate this, but i won't go in depth into that), you need to get the drop weight level (90 degrees) for it to be truly at reference tension. This is a bit of a hassle because you may need to adjust your pumps each time, which takes longer (although many users become very proficient at this after a few dozen jobs).
Overall, if you are hesitant to spending all the extra money, the 602FC is a good machine, it will last you forever. The drawbacks are all in the tensioning system, and those drawbacks aren't even that big of a deal. I love my laserfibre because it is a one pull, true constant pull, the clamps are extremely easy to use, and I think the base locking system is very elegant and solid. The turn table and mounting system are very solidly built, and I prefer inside 6 pt mounts over outside (personal preference).
