Need input on Prince 3000 (also considering 1000)

[letplaytennis]

There's 2 stringing machines available locally (within 3 hr drive each). One is electric and has more moving parts and the other is the 1000. I'm liking the idea of the more modern 3000 but I'm conserned with the availability of replacement parts and electronics breaking down.

Price wise, the 3000 is $1100, comes with tools and 25 sets of string (dont' care about the strings)
Neos 1000 is $900 and comes with a Wise tension calibrator ($120 value).

Thanks for your input.

 

[CosmosMpower]

I don't know much about the 3000 but 900 for a Neos 1000 with a wise is a steal.

Edit: nevermind read that as a Wise tension head...900 is average if it's just a calibrator.

 

[MAX PLY]

Will you use the machine for more than your racquets? I am leaning toward the Neos 1000 particularly if this is mostly for personal use, assuming it's in really good shape (for $900, it should have little wear--I give no value credit for the calibrator (you can buy a serviceable calibrator for 30 bucks)--see if the seller will take 750-850--with or without the calibrator. If it was a Wise tension head, then the Neos + Wise Tension Head would be a no-brainer but it seems it's just the digital Wise calibrator. The Neos is virtually indestructible (LO is not an issue and glide bars + the Neos Clamp is outstanding UNLESS you will be doing a significant number of fan-patterned racquets). The 3000 was a good machine but I think parts are scarce (but you confirm, you could check with Tennis Machines). If you want constant pull, you can always purchase a Wise Tension Head but you can find your favored LO tension just as easily. The risk with the 3000 is if you can't get parts it becomes an ugly statue.

Make sure you inspect both carefully (including stringing a racquet on each, if you can). Good luck.

 

[letplaytennis]

He's not budging much past the $900 price point. The machine is in like-new condition. I guess I can unload the Wise Tension Calibrator for $50 and get the total cost down to $850 knowing that I could get the money back sometime in the future.

I'll mainly use it to string for myself and a few friends, only 2-piece, so no ATW. It has the stock head on it, NOT the Wise Tension Head. That would be nice. I already have a tension calibrator so this would be the first thing to go bye bye.

Thanks for the input. Looks like I'll be staying away from the 3000.

 

[MadisonTennis]

I bought a used Prince 3000 about 2 years ago for $675. I really was very lucky because the seller was local and was just about to sell it for $850 but was going to have to pay to ship it to CA. He said if I can pick it up, he would sell it for $675.
I have only had 1 issue that has happened twice. One of the clamps broke twice. I really thought I was going to be in a bind but tennis machines had the parts. Not sure what other parts they have but they were great to work with and only charged me $20 each time for the parts and shipping. I mainly string for my son, myself and some buddies if they ask but I did use it to string for a local WTA challenger at our club twice. Strung about 50 rackets each time but told them I am retired from doing it last Spring. Just was not worth the hassle.

Overall I have been very pleased with it other than the clamp issue. I used to have a Klippermate so this was a big ungrade if you know what I mean. Also I pretty much paid off the stringer the first time I strung for the tourney so it has been a good investment.

 

[letplaytennis]

Thanks for all the input.

Instead of buying the 1000 or 3000 from Austin/Houston, I checked CL one last time and an Alpha Pro in almost like new condition popped up 30 minutes away. I ended up buying it. Everything works better than expected and is a significant upgrade to my Eagnas.

I'm still looking for a Prince 1000, when one shows up locally, and I'll just sell the Alpha.

 

[Strawbewwy]

Sorry for tagging along this thread, in a similar boat kind of wanting to upgrade since I'm seeing a decent volume and I want to string more this year, maybe try to advertise on Craigslist/Facebook.

I currently use a very old (22 years iirc) alpha Blu dc plus that I picked up for about 120 bucks a year ago when I picked up tennis again, I think the table top is replaceable by the Revo 4000 table... I'm really interested in a wise but the price on the tension head is almost as much as a brand new LO machine

There is a local guy trying to sell a prince 5000 for 800 bucks, should I bite? What are some concerns I should be aware of? Or should I just get a wise?

Thanks in advance!

 

[letplaytennis]

$800 sound like a good deal. Offer $600 and see if the seller will budge, but I'd pick it up for $800 depending on condition.