Looking for a stringing machine under 2500$

PhilippT

New User
As the title says looking for an electric constant pull stringing machine under the 2500$ mark. With Covid the prices have shot up a bit.

Currently I've been looking at the game X-ELS and the Gamma XLS. The difference is 650$. Is it worth it just for the diabolo?

Also, I'd like to get a self centering machine, but I'm not sure if I'm in the right price range for electric+Self centering.

I'm a fairly new stringer, about 300ish racquets strung at a shop. I'd prefer ease of use, reliability and comfort.

By comfort I mean SC and diabolo.

Thank you
 

Irvin

Talk Tennis Guru
The Tourna 700-ES is not much over your budget if you're in the US. The Gamma 6004 with a Wise should work.
 

Wes

Hall of Fame
As the title says looking for an electric constant pull stringing machine under the 2500$ mark. With Covid the prices have shot up a bit.

Currently I've been looking at the game X-ELS and the Gamma XLS. The difference is 650$. Is it worth it just for the diabolo?

Also, I'd like to get a self centering machine, but I'm not sure if I'm in the right price range for electric+Self centering.

I'm a fairly new stringer, about 300ish racquets strung at a shop. I'd prefer ease of use, reliability and comfort.

By comfort I mean SC and diabolo.

Thank you


@PhilippT,

Is it safe to presume that you meant to say "Gamma X-ELS and the Gamma XLT"? :unsure:

If that's the case, and you've got a budget around $2500, I probably have the answer for you.

Short answer:
The XLT is overpriced (for what you're actually getting).

Get the Gamma 6004 (was $1700 a few months ago - sadly, now $2000) and a Wise 2086 tension head ($625).
This set-up is far more feature rich than either of the machines you mentioned (X-ELS or the XLT).

Despite the price increase of the 6004, this is still a fantastic value with many premium machine "bells & whistles".
If necessary, I can elaborate more on this later.


Long answer:
and...


Although it's not Self-Centering (you'll pretty much only find SC on [some] Gamma machines or some Pro's Pro machines), another possible consideration might be:
Alpha Apex Speed ($1100), plus a Wise 2086 ($625), plus another $200 worth of string. LOL
 

struggle

Legend
Prices are crazy now. I got into my 6004/WISE for less than the current 6004 alone. I paid around $1800 total 8-9 years ago.

Still, it's a good option in that range. Also, in the rare event that the WISE needs service you do have the LO option as a backup.
 

Rabbit

G.O.A.T.
If you don't want sexy, may I suggest the Prince Neos 1000? It's more a tank than a Corvette, but hey it's not going to be used to attract women.
 

CosmosMpower

Hall of Fame
If you don't want sexy, may I suggest the Prince Neos 1000? It's more a tank than a Corvette, but hey it's not going to be used to attract women.

Neither is a Corvette ;)

I love my Neos 1000, debating whether I want to keep using the crank or get a Wise 2086 head.
 

graycrait

Legend
I purchased a used NEOS a few years ago and not so long ago got a Wise. I'm not advocating one over the other among the suggestions already given though because if I had to make a decision today I would be even more confused with current options. The only thing I can say about the NEOS is you can string pretty fast on it and it would take a concerted effort to damage it. It is so simple it reminds me of a John Deere 2 bottom plow or a WWII Sten Gun. Almost agricultural level in design and durability. Sexy it ain't but an elegant sufficiency, Neos and Wise together. But then my daily drivers are either a 2001 CRV or 2-door F150, so my decisions are likely suspect. However I did see two nice appearing Prince Neos 1000s on FB Marketplace for a $1000 ea.
 

PhilippT

New User
@PhilippT,

Is it safe to presume that you meant to say "Gamma X-ELS and the Gamma XLT"? :unsure:

If that's the case, and you've got a budget around $2500, I probably have the answer for you.

Short answer:
The XLT is overpriced (for what you're actually getting).

Get the Gamma 6004 (was $1700 a few months ago - sadly, now $2000) and a Wise 2086 tension head ($625).
This set-up is far more feature rich than either of the machines you mentioned (X-ELS or the XLT).

Despite the price increase of the 6004, this is still a fantastic value with many premium machine "bells & whistles".
If necessary, I can elaborate more on this later.


Long answer:
and...


Although it's not Self-Centering (you'll pretty much only find SC on [some] Gamma machines or some Pro's Pro machines), another possible consideration might be:
Alpha Apex Speed ($1100), plus a Wise 2086 ($625), plus another $200 worth of string. LOL
Hey Wes ;),
Yes I meant the XLT. Everyone does say it's overpriced... If I go with wise + 6004 setup. I'll have a crank for backup and piece of mind which is nice.

How will warranty/repair work? And same for setup? Is it hard or you just mount the wise instead of where the crank is?

Right now, looking at pricing, 6004 + wise is a stretch. But I do plan on keeping the machine forever and do others' racquets. Shouldn't be impossible to make the money back.
 

struggle

Legend
Basically, you just mount the WISE on the track, very simple. BUT, with the 6004 you have the option of
NOT buying the adapter, which retains 360 degree rotation.

I have gone that route, no adapter....360 rotation. Seems a simple route, less money etc. 360 itself is not really a huge addvantage.
 

brownbearfalling

Hall of Fame
The difference between the ELS and XLT is the ELS is a rotational tensioner and the XLT is linear pull. I much prefer linear pull because there is less kinking of the string and requires less slack to tension the strings.

I would say the Gamma XLT is a good machine for the price because there are not many other linear pull electronic machines that are under $2500. But I would recommend getting the floor stand along with the machine ($170).

if you decide to do the Wise head conversion I recommend using the gamma progression II 602FC as the base machine. It is a drop weight so the wise mounts directly to the base of the machine instead of attaching it the rail ( on crank machine). It makes the whole unit more compact and balanced. Also can save you money. Here’s the estimated break down of the cost:
Machine: $650
Floor stand: $170
Wise: $625
Drop weight mount: $40
Optional cover: $35
This would put you at $1520 before taxes and shipping.
You can use that extra money from your budge to purchase strings in bulk and quality hand tools.
 

Irvin

Talk Tennis Guru
The difference between the ELS and XLT is the ELS is a rotational tensioner and the XLT is linear pull. I much prefer linear pull because there is less kinking of the string and requires less slack to tension the strings.
The XLT has a diablo on it. When using the diablo with memory string like gut you have to be careful of kinking because the diablo will put a loop in the string that can cause kinking.
 

PhilippT

New User
Basically, you just mount the WISE on the track, very simple. BUT, with the 6004 you have the option of
NOT buying the adapter, which retains 360 degree rotation.

I have gone that route, no adapter....360 rotation. Seems a simple route, less money etc. 360 itself is not really a huge addvantage.
Would you want 360 rotation? Seems like a great thing you'd get for not spending money on an adapter??

Unless I'm missing something?

I'm leaning towards a 6004 and a wise. Only 1 problem/question. How reliable will something like this be? I like that the 6004 has some nice features, good clamps that are found on higher end gamma machines and that it's SC. So adding a wise seems like a no brainer. How reliable is the wise itself? Basically bulletproof?
 

PhilippT

New User
@Wes Looks like the 6004 and the wise have all I need. Looked at your explanations and they seem rock solid .

Only question is buying said machines in Canada is gonna cost me 3750$ before tax in Canadian dollars. Stateside, it'll cost 3200$ converted...

What's the best way to bring it in from the states?
 

struggle

Legend
The XLT has a diablo on it. When using the diablo with memory string like gut you have to be careful of kinking because the diablo will put a loop in the string that can cause kinking.

I string gut all of the time with a diablo. This is a non-issue. Gut must be cared for no matter what machine you are using.
 

am1899

Legend
The base clamps on the Gamma XLT leave a lot to be desired IMO. If the XLT included the base clamps from the 6004, then it might be a more compelling option. But they’re not included, so for me, the price difference between the XLS and XLT is not justified.

The Gamma 6004 + WISE is a solid option, no doubt about it. But if I had and was willing to drop the coin for that, I’d be really tempted to spend just a little more to get either the Ghost 2 or the Tourna 700-ES.
 

Irvin

Talk Tennis Guru
The Gamma 6004 + WISE is a solid option, no doubt about it. But if I had and was willing to drop the coin for that, I’d be really tempted to spend just a little more to get either the Ghost 2 or the Tourna 700-ES.
I’ve owned both the Tourna 700-ES and the Gamma 6004 with a Wise. The Tourna has better clamp bases, better clamps, better turntable, better tension module, and is lower in price. I only mentioned the Gamma in my first post because I thought it was $300 cheaper. The bad thing about the Tourna is they are out of stock until at least September.
 

struggle

Legend
I’ve owned both the Tourna 700-ES and the Gamma 6004 with a Wise. The Tourna has better clamp bases, better clamps, better turntable, better tension module, and is lower in price. I only mentioned the Gamma in my first post because I thought it was $300 cheaper. The bad thing about the Tourna is they are out of stock until at least September.


I'll buy most of this. And i'm a happy 6004/WISE owner. But, i want you to elaborate on the "better tension module". I look forward to your response, thanks in advance. Convince me i need to upgrade!!

Especially for a LOWER price!!! Enlighten me!!
 

dachness

New User
I purchased a Tourna 300-CS and Wise tensioner and am very happy with both purchases.

I believe people have mentioned that the 300-CS has better clamps than the Gamma 6004 and it has a benefit of single knob adjustment for the racket mount arms on each side. Gamma has 3 adjustment knobs per side while the Tourna has 2 knobs per side.
 
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