Needing stringing machine recommendations(trying to buy a new one)

[orbit]

Hi all. I'm a fairly new stringer, only done maybe 10 racquets at most using a very old Eagnas machine that had been sitting in my garage for so many years. Anyways, long story short, after stringing multiple of my own raquects, I've gotten the technique down but the tension was never on par with what I put it at. I figure this machine is way too old, and I'd rather have a dropweight with a clutch rather than having to manually hold the string down for the string lock to adjust it.

This is the machine that I've been using... but finally got fed up with the tension problem. I figure it's from sitting in the garage for so many years without being properly cleaned and so on.

http://www.eagnas.com/jpg1/h10a2.jpg


Anyways, I'm looking to buy a new machine and have no idea where to start. My budget is right around $400 since I know I will be stringing for many years to come and it will save me money in the long run. I've heard of Gamma X-2 as a good $200 machine, but someone had also recommended me Alpha as well( which are pretty pricy). Any tips would help! Thanks!

 

[orbit]

Also, the machine I've been using is a way older model than what the picture is, but it's the same idea, with the string lock.

 

[oldcity]

they are all going to seem overpriced. get the most features you can afford or within budget. consider a nice used machine. read the sticky at the top o the page.

 

[orbit]

Thanks. I've looked over the thread, but trying to research what exactly I'm looking for. I was interested in the Alpha DC Plus since I know I'll be stringing for a long time. I was having tension issues with my old machine, and figure this one is a way better upgrade.

 

[oldcity]

the dc plus is the only machine i've used and only a couple of months so i can't compare. its nice and i'm happy with it. there is a thread on this page where a guy said he is going to upgrade from his alpha because he didn't like using a dropweight. maybe you can ge a good deal. i think its fairly new.

 

[bigmalik76]

I am currently stringing with a klippermate but am looking to get a Gamma Progression ST II Stringing Machine. http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Gamma_Progression_ST_II_Stringing_Machine_/descpageGAMMA-STII.html

I know it is much more than you are looking at but if you consider that this machine will basically last forever with minimal upkeep (spring tensioner adjustment from time to time).
From my experience I wish I would have just gotten a more expensive machine. If you are ok with a drop weight I would go with Gamma Progression II 602 FC Stringing Machine

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Gam...FC_Stringing_Machine/descpageGAMMA-602FC.html

because of the fixed clamps and ratchet mechanism. I think you would want those features for sure. The alpha Dc would be comparable but I think the Clamps are better on the Gammas. Again this my just my two cents.

 

[beernutz]

I don't want to offend you but if you're having difficultly getting consistent tension from a drop weight machine like the simple Eagnas you showed (or a Klippermate or X-2 or an Eagnas Hawk-10) then the cause is most likely operator error and not the fault of the machine. Just saying, because upgrading the machine won't automatically fix those kinds of problems.

Those simple two point mount flying clamp dropweights can be a pain in the whatsis to use but they are perfectly capable of producing consistent accurate string jobs because they are constant pull. I used a Klippermate for over 5 years and except for a more stable base and different clamps it looks pretty close to what you're using and I know it produced just as consistent string jobs as I can do on my Prince Neos 1000 (which cost about 6 times as much). I also enjoy stringing about 6 times more now because of the ease of use of the Neos.

 

[orbit]

The only thing I'm having trouble with is the tension. I usually string with synthetic gut, and I've always had trouble using the Eagnas machine. Mainly because of the string gripper. It would grip the string but if it wasn't tight enough then I'd have to manually reset it and lock it again, and it was becoming a pain the ass. Also, another problem with the tension, I believe isn't user error, but calibrating the tension. This machine has been sitting in the garage for at least 10 years, and part of the tension bar is rusty, so I don't believe it's giving very accurate results. It is always looser than what it should be. Since this machine is a pain in the ass, and hasn't been used in a long time, I figure at least buying a machine that makes stringing more comfortable would be beneficial. That's why I'm interested in the Alpha DC. I've checked reviews, and a lot of people seem to enjoy it, either that or the gamma progression. I figure it's just a matter of preference.