Mansewerz's Guide to Buying Stringing Machines

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also, how long would you say it takes you to string a racquet?

How long when you started?
How long now?

:)

It takes me 45 minutes on average to string with the Klippermate now. The fastest I ever did was 39 minutes on a racquet I'd previously strung at least 5 times with the same string.

It probably took me over an hour the first few times I used the Klippermate but I got quickly got it down to the time it takes now. If I strung more than once a month I'd probably get good enough with weaving crosses to get my time down to 30-35 minutes but those extra 10 minutes a month lost really aren't important enough for me to worry about.

It will be interesting when I pick up my Neos next week to see how fast I can get with it. Our tennis club MRT uses one and I've seen her do a racquet in around 20 minutes with it. Of course she weaves like a magician but everything about that machine seems to be built for speed.
 
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^^sports authority strings for $1 if you buy it there. But quality is the issue.

Where did you buy ur klippermate?

Oh and the "try" was the stringing part, not the buying
 
So if i wanted to string my own racquet and try and start a small biz stringing racquet, would a dropweight still be sufficient? Also, do these machines last after x amount of racquets?
 
So if i wanted to string my own racquet and try and start a small biz stringing racquet, would a dropweight still be sufficient? Also, do these machines last after x amount of racquets?
All machines are going to last you a significant amount of time (a dozen years +)

The question here is what are your needs. Re-read this sticky, and decide what your needs are, and then come back and ask more focused questions. We can't direct you towards a machine until you understand why you are interested in purchasing one ;)
 
well, im definitely going to re string my racuqet a couple times, experiment with some diff strings since im new to the whole stringing experience. Im also thinking bout restringing some other ppl's racquets on the high school team.

My main question is= Is it really worth the extra money for the crank? Is the tuning(re-adjusting) a real pain?

Oh and some1 mentioned the dropweight being heavy? like how heavy?

I was looking at the gamma x-2 and probably the gamma crank(since ats sports has gamma and they seem reliable)
 
Whoa, sorry for not replying earlier. No it will not be a major hassle, but a brake will help. I think ex03's will be a hassle without a brake. With the regular o ports, a sharpie cap can be used to separate the strings.

Thanks for answering, Mansewerz - I wasn't worried about the delay; I know people get busy at times.

After much reading and consideration I think I've settled on the SP e.Stringer. Should have it by Oct if they don't sell out again lol.
 
Thanks for answering, Mansewerz - I wasn't worried about the delay; I know people get busy at times.

After much reading and consideration I think I've settled on the SP e.Stringer. Should have it by Oct if they don't sell out again lol.

You should be very happy with that machine. I know IL Mostro loves his!
 
I have read through the thread and would like your thoughts on what a beginner should get. I will string about 4 times a month. Here is what is important to me:

1. Ease of stringing with either poly or natural gut strings - currently using Wilson KPS 88 and K90 racquets

2. Accuracy

3. Speed - hope to do it in 30 minutes or less after a few times using the machine.

4. Low maintenance - no need to do calibration etc,

Is there such a machine for $700 or less?
 
I have read through the thread and would like your thoughts on what a beginner should get. I will string about 4 times a month. Here is what is important to me:

1. Ease of stringing with either poly or natural gut strings - currently using Wilson KPS 88 and K90 racquets

2. Accuracy

3. Speed - hope to do it in 30 minutes or less after a few times using the machine.

4. Low maintenance - no need to do calibration etc,

Is there such a machine for $700 or less?

well no need to do calibration narrows it down to dropweight, just get good i guess
 
I have read through the thread and would like your thoughts on what a beginner should get. I will string about 4 times a month. Here is what is important to me:

1. Ease of stringing with either poly or natural gut strings - currently using Wilson KPS 88 and K90 racquets

2. Accuracy

3. Speed - hope to do it in 30 minutes or less after a few times using the machine.

4. Low maintenance - no need to do calibration etc,

Is there such a machine for $700 or less?

An auto drop weight maybe.

Ml 90 with fixed clamps?
http://www.stringway-nl.com/USA/index.html
 
parasailing: for 4 times a month, I think you can easily go with either Klippermate, Gamma x-2 or Silent Partner Swing.
Save the extra money for good clamps & string & some beer :)
 
I have read through the thread and would like your thoughts on what a beginner should get. I will string about 4 times a month. Here is what is important to me:

1. Ease of stringing with either poly or natural gut strings - currently using Wilson KPS 88 and K90 racquets

2. Accuracy

3. Speed - hope to do it in 30 minutes or less after a few times using the machine.

4. Low maintenance - no need to do calibration etc,

Is there such a machine for $700 or less?

A drop weight with fixed clamps and six-point mounting fits the bill and is well within your budget. I would not discount getting a crank solely due to the need for occasional calibration. Do not bother fooling around with floating clamps if you have the budget to do otherwise. There is just no point to this (unless you are looking for a uber-portable machine). You can take your pick of several good machines from established, well respected manufacturers -- pros, cons and personal preferences for these machines are well documented in this forum. Good luck.
 
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Excellent Thread!
I've been reading up on stringing for quite a while now, this has been quite helpful in narrowing down my choices when I'm finally ready to pull the trigger on one.
I think I will end up with a drop weight that is 6 pt. mounting w/fixed clamps and a clutch. That seems to be the "most bang for the buck" if not overly concerned about speed.
 
Adding one more criteria.

I just read the thread: "Cone lock vs. spring assisted"

I think I will have to edit my required features list.

(1) Drop weight (want affordable constant pull)
(2) 6pt. mounting (want less chance of distortion)
(3) clutch (want one hand operation)
(4) spring assisted fixed clamps (want power windows not crank)

Still torn on drum gripper vs. linear pull. It seems there is much varied opinion on this board as to which one is best for natural gut.
 
I just read the thread: "Cone lock vs. spring assisted"

I think I will have to edit my required features list.

(1) Drop weight (want affordable constant pull)
(2) 6pt. mounting (want less chance of distortion)
(3) clutch (want one hand operation)
(4) spring assisted fixed clamps (want power windows not crank)

Still torn on drum gripper vs. linear pull. It seems there is much varied opinion on this board as to which one is best for natural gut.

I have an SP Hip Hop and it is a great machine. It doesn't have spring assisted clamps and it doesn't seem like a big deal but I've never used spring assisted before. You know when the clamp it tightened when it goes passed parallel with the rails. It also has a rotational gripper which has worked great for me so far though I've never used natural gut. The Main reason I bought it was for the mounting system which it good because both side arms move together rather than having to adjust each independently.
 
I just read the thread: "Cone lock vs. spring assisted"

I think I will have to edit my required features list.

(1) Drop weight (want affordable constant pull)
(2) 6pt. mounting (want less chance of distortion)
(3) clutch (want one hand operation)
(4) spring assisted fixed clamps (want power windows not crank)

Still torn on drum gripper vs. linear pull. It seems there is much varied opinion on this board as to which one is best for natural gut.

I should note that "Spring Assisted" is kind of used loosely, to get really nice "spring assisted" clamps, you're looking at the >$2000 machines, in general. (Switch action). There are several excellent clamp bases that fall somewhere in between "cone lock" and (true) "spring assisted" clamps. I think what you'll end up settling with is one of those types of clamps ;)

(I'm not positive on the "innards" of the alpha clamps, but they do seem to be nice...)
 
An alternative idea...?

Hi everybody,

I don't know if I did well for bringing this thread into life again, but I have to say that there is some very good discussion going on in here, whereas, sadly enough, I see that in other threads people are asking questions in vain.

Of course you get no serious answer if you ask something vague or too general. Now, I want to ask something in particular and I appreciate any comments you guys make.

Currently planning on buying a stringing machine. Budget is always a problem, but I don't care spending a bit more if I get more value. So I ended up with 2 choices.

Buy an electronic machine like the gamma Progression ELS

OR

Get a cheaper crank machine and add the 2086 Tennis Head to it.

What do you think about this...?
 
Hi everybody,

I don't know if I did well for bringing this thread into life again, but I have to say that there is some very good discussion going on in here, whereas, sadly enough, I see that in other threads people are asking questions in vain.

Of course you get no serious answer if you ask something vague or too general. Now, I want to ask something in particular and I appreciate any comments you guys make.

Currently planning on buying a stringing machine. Budget is always a problem, but I don't care spending a bit more if I get more value. So I ended up with 2 choices.

Buy an electronic machine like the gamma Progression ELS

OR

Get a cheaper crank machine and add the 2086 Tennis Head to it.

What do you think about this...?

if i were you i would just get an alpha revo 4k or the gamma progression st ll n add the wise 2086 to either one , btw they came out with the new wise 2086 pulling system
 
nice job Mansewerz! I wish I had known about this forum before I purchased my machine; however, I have to say, my Eagnus Combo 810 is pretty good for the money. Tell me what you think.
 
What are the differences in these 3 machines?

I am interested in the 680, but how much quality is sacrificed when compared to the Silent Partner?

-Mutual Power Hercules 680 ($299)
-Mutual Power Hercules 690 ($329)
-Silent Partner Hip Hop ($379)
 
What are the differences in these 3 machines?

I am interested in the 680, but how much quality is sacrificed when compared to the Silent Partner?

-Mutual Power Hercules 680 ($299)
-Mutual Power Hercules 690 ($329)
-Silent Partner Hip Hop ($379)

The difference between the MP Hercules series, if you look closely at the stringer gripper, the lower one has a cam gripper and the higher one has a linear gripper. The Hip-Hop has a cam gripper, but has centering racket mounts.
 
if i were you i would just get an alpha revo 4k or the gamma progression st ll n add the wise 2086 to either one , btw they came out with the new wise 2086 pulling system

Yeah, you think so? It's the most probable scenario for me right now.
Thanks for responding to this :).
 
The good thing about the wise is you can buy it later on so your not $1000 in the hole from the start
 
Leaving in Europe, I am a little worried with how reliable the Wise is.
I am not going to lie, I like it a lot, but if something goes wrong it's going to be a little more complicated to send it away for service (it will need to ship to the U.K. actually).
I took the time to phone the distributor in the U.K. and they told me that there is a 10% (!!!) possibility that something might go wrong and it will need service. This doesn't make me feel confident.
Alternatively, I found a tabletop stringing machine at a french tennis web site. It's constant pull, a little more expensive than the crank+wise combo. They told me it's manufactured by gamma but branded differently for the obvious purposes. The looks of it confirm it's a gamma machine. Not minding the extra cost, do you think that reliability will be better ensured? (BTW compatibility with gamma accessories is guaranteed and yes buying a gamma machine right from the start is even more expensive).
 
I'd have to see the machine. Even then, I don't know much about oversea companies' machines/reliability.
 
A stringing machine is a considerable investment. I would like to show you the machine somehow, but I think I am not supposed to post any urls... It is identical to the gamma progression ELS. Let me know if I can somehow contact you privately and let you have a look.
 
I think with any machine on the market there is a 10% possible chance of failure. If you were to buy it from the distributor, they can probably replace the bad machine or lend you a loaner.
 
It looks very similar, but looks aren't what matter, it's what's on the inside. Many Eagnas electronics look the same as Babolat machines, but their internal components are worse.

I'm not sure about that company since I never heard of it. I recommend making a new thread, it will get more traffic.
 
A general statement or two about various companies.

Alpha-Alpha is known for great customer service. Mark G. is known to be very helpful. He is also a member of Talk Tennis :D.
He also responds to e-mails very quickly.

Silent Partner-I've dealt with them just like many others, and no problems whatsoever. Steve has been helpful and even sent a tracking number for my shipment upon request. They're located in Canada.

ATS sports-ATS was very helpful with my first machine purchase. They called me to let me know that I could get free shipping with $50 worth of strings. They called me after I purchased my machine, and they even gave me a discount on the strings. They could have just left me without any strings and charged shipping, but they look out for customers.

Gamma-I've heard that ATS=Gamma. Gamma has no problems from what i've heard. They even have a technician that frequents these boards to help out. His username is Gamma Tech.

Eagnas-This is where I won't keep it short and sweet. Eagnas is often referred to on these boards as a company with horrible customer service and way too many machines. They sell their machines for a cheaper price, yet a lot of times, you get horrible quality and bad customer service.

However, there are many that give positive reviews to Eagnas. As it turns out, they have a few machines that are quite reliable, and for some odd reason, they give great customer service with them! In my opinion, going with Eagnas is a gamble. However, when choosing their reliable machines, it's most likely a gamble you will win. Eagnas is a strange company, but with proper knowledge, you can get a whole lot of bang for your buck when dealing with Eagnas.

Note: It often helps if you can go to the actual warehouse (in California) when purchasing your machine.

Eagnas Machines worth looking at:
  • Eag-300
  • Flex 940

Links
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=213954&highlight=eagnas
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=202901&highlight=eagnas
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=213294&highlight=eagnas
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=209612&highlight=eagnas
I have the Eagnas Flex 940 and have had no problems with it (strung >500 rackets).

yes, the customer service is very odd, no doubt about it!

but for $420, the price for a crank machine vs. a drop weight is a no-brainer IMO. I owned a drop weight at first, and after buying the Flex 940, I really wish that I had spent the extra $ to begin with!
 
It looks very similar, but looks aren't what matter, it's what's on the inside. Many Eagnas electronics look the same as Babolat machines, but their internal components are worse.

I'm not sure about that company since I never heard of it. I recommend making a new thread, it will get more traffic.

No need eventually, confirmed it with Gamma Sports, it's the same machine...
I talked to Bret, these guys are professional and provide very good support.

I also informed them about the - generally - ridiculous pricing policy on Gamma machines in Europe...
 
No need eventually, confirmed it with Gamma Sports, it's the same machine...
I talked to Bret, these guys are professional and provide very good support.

I also informed them about the - generally - ridiculous pricing policy on Gamma machines in Europe...

One company ats marked it down to $1099 for the X-els and $1079 for the els. Other sites show $1299 and $1279. Looks like a nice table top, weighs 57 pounds.
 
One company ats marked it down to $1099 for the X-els and $1079 for the els. Other sites show $1299 and $1279. Looks like a nice table top, weighs 57 pounds.


Barry thank you so much for mentioning...
Yes I like ELS a lot, but these companies are not shipping to Europe right ?

I need to stick to the french retailer :-?
 
How much does TOP stringing machines that **** and P1 service use cost ??? they are supposedly the best machines out there, i am told. I was thinking about buying one like those .
 
How much does TOP stringing machines that **** and P1 service use cost ??? they are supposedly the best machines out there, i am told. I was thinking about buying one like those .

As far as P1, don't they use Star 3's? If so, they are not made any more and can only be found for a premium.
 
^^Yup, Priority one use the Star 4, and they are very hard to come by. The typically go for over 2 thousand dollars but are extremely hard to find. The Star 3 is much easier found, they are awesome machines and are a bit cheaper in price.

As for ****, they use the Bairdo, which sells for about 7-8 thousand???
 
Do I need a stringing machine?
If you belong to any, but not limited to just one, of the following groups, then you may need a stringing machine.

-My stringer charges $15 or more for basic synthetic gut

$15?? :shock:

My local stringer charges $18 for the cheapest poly and $25 for basic synthetic. Guess it's time to get a machine of my own.
 
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