My new 8800 Els is here!

My new stringer was delivered today! For once I'll be happy to get to work early! First reports to come soon!

I thought that you would take Bud's advise and get an X-2. After all he says they are just as good!:) Then you would be real happy to get to work!
 
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Alright the machine is up and running! I did the first racquet on it...

KPS 88 with VS Touch @55 lbs.

I wanted to start with a gut job since that was my big reason for going w/ the linear pull. I also set the prestrech function to 10% to see how that would go.

I have to say that after one racquet I love this machine! There are a lot less places for the string to get caught compared to my 6500 Els, and the linear pull is much faster than the rotational. Also I was very pleased to see that Gamma added the tension button to the end of the string gripper. So far I am very happy!

Here is a pic. Sorry for the early morning sun coming through the window...

DSCF2690.jpg
 
Nice machine, I'm sure it makes stringing a pleasure.
My machine has a linnear gripper with a diablo as well, and I use the diablo now for all strings, as the string enters the jaws at the same angulation each time, and makes it gentler on the more fragile strings like nat. gut, as I string a lot of gut.
Good luck with that one, looks real nice!
 
Alright the machine is up and running! I did the first racquet on it...

KPS 88 with VS Touch @55 lbs.

I wanted to start with a gut job since that was my big reason for going w/ the linear pull. I also set the prestrech function to 10% to see how that would go.

I have to say that after one racquet I love this machine! There are a lot less places for the string to get caught compared to my 6500 Els, and the linear pull is much faster than the rotational. Also I was very pleased to see that Gamma added the tension button to the end of the string gripper. So far I am very happy!

Here is a pic. Sorry for the early morning sun coming through the window...

DSCF2690.jpg

For $1200 that was a steal! I like linear a lot better than rotational.

Just kidding on the price, we would all have one if they were that inexpensive.
 
Alright the machine is up and running! I did the first racquet on it...

KPS 88 with VS Touch @55 lbs.

I wanted to start with a gut job since that was my big reason for going w/ the linear pull. I also set the prestrech function to 10% to see how that would go.

I have to say that after one racquet I love this machine! There are a lot less places for the string to get caught compared to my 6500 Els, and the linear pull is much faster than the rotational. Also I was very pleased to see that Gamma added the tension button to the end of the string gripper. So far I am very happy!

Here is a pic. Sorry for the early morning sun coming through the window...

DSCF2690.jpg

Now how did I predict that?:D Congrats man. Btw, is touch the 16g or 17g?
 
Well I do a lot more stringing then I do hitting nowadays... And as for winning matches... well I can't remeber how much fun that used to be :|

The new machine looks sweet StringGuru, I'm sure you'll enjoy it on the days when you have 10-15 racquets staring you in the face.

Based on your high praises, the very positive feedback of others and the ridiculous string incentive, I am ordering a Prince 6000 later this week, so I should have it sometime around the 1st of April. That machine will work alongside my upgraded 5800 ELS (with the suspension 6pt mounting system and upgraded clamps). I am extremely excited about the new machine, and I'll try to post pictures and a short review when it comes in.

Thanks for sharing about your machine, I would love to hear feedback when you get the chance to knock out a few more frames on it!
 
The new machine looks sweet StringGuru, I'm sure you'll enjoy it on the days when you have 10-15 racquets staring you in the face.

Based on your high praises, the very positive feedback of others and the ridiculous string incentive, I am ordering a Prince 6000 later this week, so I should have it sometime around the 1st of April. That machine will work alongside my upgraded 5800 ELS (with the suspension 6pt mounting system and upgraded clamps). I am extremely excited about the new machine, and I'll try to post pictures and a short review when it comes in.

Thanks for sharing about your machine, I would love to hear feedback when you get the chance to knock out a few more frames on it!

Good choice on the Prince Machine! I had second thoughts about the 8800 when I saw the Prince machine at a trade show, but after getting the Gamma machine and stringing on it, I am very happy!
 
thanks for the goods words about the machine. we are always trying to upgrade, sometimes are longer than others.

SG, what are the upgrades in the 8800 compared to the 5800? Thanks.

for 6pts:
8800
suspension mounting arms
switch action base clamps
self centering turntable
24 button keypad

5800
quick mount arms
quick action base clamps
13 button keypad

for 2pts:
base clamps & keypad are the differences.

bret
 
thanks for the goods words about the machine. we are always trying to upgrade, sometimes are longer than others.



for 6pts:
8800
suspension mounting arms
switch action base clamps
self centering turntable
24 button keypad

5800
quick mount arms
quick action base clamps
13 button keypad

for 2pts:
base clamps & keypad are the differences.

bret

Bret,
Couldn't be happier after 5 racquets! Looking forward to the next 700-800!
 
thanks for the goods words about the machine. we are always trying to upgrade, sometimes are longer than others.



for 6pts:
8800
suspension mounting arms
switch action base clamps
self centering turntable
24 button keypad

5800
quick mount arms
quick action base clamps
13 button keypad

for 2pts:
base clamps & keypad are the differences.

bret

Thanks Bret. I will definitely have to consider the 8800 when I upgrade (I was initially thinking SP Opus). Does Gamma still has a string deal similar to Prince?
 
I think so. we always have something to help out with the purchase of a machine. when your interested i can get you in contact with the right person.
bret
 
Good choice on the Prince Machine! I had second thoughts about the 8800 when I saw the Prince machine at a trade show, but after getting the Gamma machine and stringing on it, I am very happy!

Yeah I looked at the ELS 8800 as well, the 12 month no payment deal was pretty solid, but at the end of the day, the 160 free sets of string and the fact that I already have a gamma 5800 ELS made the decision for me.

Unfortunately...I ordered the machine today and it's backordered until the 23rd of April, so I don't get it until late April/early May. Needless to say that's a little disappointing, but nonetheless I'll still post some pictures and a review once it comes in.
 
I will definitely have to consider the 8800 when I upgrade (I was initially thinking SP Opus).

Don't give up on the Opus yet. From what I've seen and read, it is a sweet machine. It is almost identical to the machines used at the 2008 Aussie Open.

With that said, you can't go wrong with the 8800 ELS. It is built like a tank with all the bells and whistles you could want/need. My local shop has an 8800, and it is very nice.

I love my SAM Pro-Master - now sold by Xtreme Sports Sports Machines as opposed to SAM. You can check it out at www.xtremesportsmachines.com. It costs about $2,800 - which is less than both the Opus and the 8800. (I am not sure if Xtreme has a U.S. distributor though, and if not, shipping from Australia could be very expensive.)

Take care.

DH
 
^^^^^
I would certainly consider the SAM too. Lovely machine. But I think you are 100% correct about the lack of USA distribution. The clamps on the TS Precision 700 would a sweet addition to the Opus.
 
The clamps on the TS Precision 700 would be a sweet addition to the Opus.

I agree! I once read where Albert Lee stated that the clamps on the Precision 700 were the best he's ever used. That is saying a great deal considering that he has strung on some of the best machines in the world.

Take care.

DH
 
Il Mostro, why upgrade so soon? What about the DG don't you like? The only flaws I can see are the brake, the non-self centering mounting towers (the brackets are, but the towers aren't, unless i'm mistaken), and the rotational gripper.

The Opus also looks cooler, but let's not be superficial :D
 
Il Mostro, why upgrade so soon? What about the DG don't you like? The only flaws I can see are the brake, the non-self centering mounting towers (the brackets are, but the towers aren't, unless i'm mistaken), and the rotational gripper.

The Opus also looks cooler, but let's not be superficial :D

No flaws at all. Actually the brake lock works fine -- just did 3 O3's for a friend and had no problems. The rotary gripper has been fine with every type of string; it just needs a little more string than a linear gripper. Best keypad in SP's line IMO. I test tension regularly and it is always spot on. Unless I begin drooling on myself, I should be fine centering the towers for a few more years. It is a great machine and hits the sweet spot in terms of price value for me.

You'd have to know me and my compulsive habits to understand the sick thinking behind the idea of upgrading. It took me about 20 years to finally build an audio system I did not want to upgrade. Same with cars -- I am finally done with two of my cars and have one restoration project that will be going on for a couple of years. Sometimes there's just that itch that needs scratching.

I am not thinking of doing it tomorrow, though. I have a modicum of self control. :-)
 
Il Mostro: So your working on an auto resto. I did one with my brother many years back, a 55 T Bird. Took the body off the frame and started from that frame up.Took a few years. Whatever you believe the cost will be to restore it, double that figure and that will be more in line, at least thats what we found out. The car turned out nice, he still has it, and its a beauty.
 
Congrats.............

Congrats on your new G8800Els SG. It's a great machine that will deliver every time, we are very happy with ours.

Cheers, TennezSport :cool:
 
Il Mostro: So your working on an auto resto. I did one with my brother many years back, a 55 T Bird. Took the body off the frame and started from that frame up.Took a few years. Whatever you believe the cost will be to restore it, double that figure and that will be more in line, at least thats what we found out. The car turned out nice, he still has it, and its a beauty.

Double it? Maybe you are being too conservative. :-) These things tend to take on a like of their own. '55 T Bird is a beautiful and highly collectable model. An American work of art. I have a 1969 Alfa Romeo GTV that originally thought I would use as a track car and, even thought the suspension, engine and gearbox were built for the track (100% period correct modifications and the car does go like stink), it is just too nice. <65,000 chassis miles and *every* receipt and piece of documentation since new. So I plan on selling my 86 GTV6 to help finance the work (and score some much needed points with the wife) , bring it back to correct original condition and drop all the go-fast parts into a rolling chassis for the track.
 
Don't give up on the Opus yet. From what I've seen and read, it is a sweet machine. It is almost identical to the machines used at the 2008 Aussie Open.

With that said, you can't go wrong with the 8800 ELS. It is built like a tank with all the bells and whistles you could want/need. My local shop has an 8800, and it is very nice.

I love my SAM Pro-Master - now sold by Xtreme Sports Sports Machines as opposed to SAM. You can check it out at www.xtremesportsmachines.com. It costs about $2,800 - which is less than both the Opus and the 8800. (I am not sure if Xtreme has a U.S. distributor though, and if not, shipping from Australia could be very expensive.)

Take care.

DH

have u posted any stringing vids on youtube lately
 
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