neos 1000 vs klippermate - observations

[nyta2]

context:
* been using klippermate drop weight for 40y+
* racquet stringing frequency 1x/week
* small fluctuations in tension don't bother me (eg. +-5lbs)... i end up adjusting my stroke accordingly, and my string breaks within the week anyway (can adjust tension next time)
* buddy gave me a neos 1000 (for a hundo) when he upgraded/wanted to get rid of it to make space...

Observations after stringing up a few on the neos...
* solid machine, seemingly no tension loss due {clamping, drop weight leveling variability, head/throat clamp slipping}
* safer for racquet (head/throat clamp is solid on neos vs. km)... i have accidently let the drop weight free fall when the string slips the clamp... but probably haven't done that in 15-20y
* feels maybe probably 3-5lbs tighter than klippermate (guessing i've been playing with a tension ~5lbs lower than what the drop weight was showing, compared to the neos tension)
* slightly faster to string... (threading the crosses is still the major time sync)... casually stringing (not rushing), probably saves 5-10m (g. 30m down to 25-20m) tops (mainly from not having to level the drop weight... but i'm decently fast at estimating the string length needed to level the drop weight)
* heavy! harder to move around the room, but also less likely to fall over... never have knocked over the km, but the possibility is always there - but could be mitigated with bolting the km to the stand for example)

conclusion
* happy to own an iconic tank of a machine for a pittance, makes me feel like a real stringer..
* but can't say i'd be disappointed if my buddy asked for it back (on the flip side i wouldn't sell it either, even though i can probably 5-6x my money)... would be perfectly happy stringing on my 40y klippermate (and prefer the portability of it (put in closet though since i break weekly it stays out or bring to a tourney))
* if i strung commercially, i can see why this is a preferred machine (for precision, and racquet safety), but still the cross threading is the annoying/time consuming part

thoughts? anyone else feel the same?

also any accessories, upgrades or bling you'd get for a plan vanilla neos?

 

[esgee48]

Neos 1000 is no longer made and parts are harder to find. But they are commercial grade machines, which will last for decades if maintained. Their value has gone way up market-wise.

 

[nyta2]

Neos 1000 is no longer made and parts are harder to find. But they are commercial grade machines, which will last for decades if maintained. Their value has gone way up market-wise.

i see the 10smasheens shop is sold out of alot of stuff... would you recommend scouring the bay for parts that are know to wear/break? if so which parts?

 

[Irvin]

would you recommend scouring the bay for parts that are know to wear/break? if so which parts?

Clamps and glide bars. More often parts don’t wear out as much as some people think. The problem is the parts are cleaned well enough or they are improperly cleaned.

 

[Irvin]

The Dogs also wear out

 

[nyta2]

The Dogs also wear out

thx, had to look that up... https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/ind...neos-1000-racket-moving.646089/#post-13454478

 

[Peppershaker]

I have a NEOS 1000 that I purchased used, no idea how old it is but I'd guess 30 years old. Although I also have a NEOS 1500 I put a WISE on the 1000 years back and it is my go-to machine. These things are a tank, and although some parts do wear as many of them that are out there it really is a shame there are no quality after-market parts available. I know I'd gladly purchase matching clamps and glide bars. I help string at times at a Tennis Center on occassion and string on their Wilson Bairdo, and I prefer the NEOS 1000 w/WISE any day!

 

[Steve Huff]

I'd say the "dogs" and the tension adjustment spring are the things that will wear out. Get more than 1 set of dogs. Other things: the rubber pads that the racket sets on, on the mounting post (you can actually make these out of gasket material), new clamps (1 extra set should do), a half-length clamp bar would be nice, and a couple of extra glide bars (they don't wear out often, but people tend to damage them accidentally sometimes). As for an upgrade, you can add a Wise Tennis Head and make it a full electronic stringer.

 

[nyta2]

I have a NEOS 1000 that I purchased used, no idea how old it is but I'd guess 30 years old. Although I also have a NEOS 1500 I put a WISE on the 1000 years back and it is my go-to machine. These things are a tank, and although some parts do wear as many of them that are out there it really is a shame there are no quality after-market parts available. I know I'd gladly purchase matching clamps and glide bars. I help string at times at a Tennis Center on occassion and string on their Wilson Bairdo, and I prefer the NEOS 1000 w/WISE any day!

was amused to see a club still using a neos1000 (setup in the middle of their floor), but a large electric stringer (white or silver colored... very fancy looking) was tucked away in the corner - collecting dust)...
asked the pros why they don't use the fancy looking one, "the neos is way simpler"
likewise the guy who sold me the neos (due to moving/retiring/etc...) said, that despite owning a baiardo, he preferred the neos