New machine or stay the course?
- Thread starter ryushen21
- Start date
ryushen21
Legend
The story of my new machine continues to get crazier. Ordered the 850, but apparently the machines haven't reached the States yet. My vendor offered me an Alpha Ghost 2 that was in stock and ready to deliver, but after looking at it again (it was in my top 4 machines the last time I bought one), I still didn't want to get it and decided to keep waiting for the 850.
As of this morning, still no progress on the 850, but my vendor does have a USO Baiardo that I might have the chance to buy if the price difference isn't too crazy.
This has to be the craziest rollercoaster I've ever been on for a tennis-related purchase.
As of this morning, still no progress on the 850, but my vendor does have a USO Baiardo that I might have the chance to buy if the price difference isn't too crazy.
This has to be the craziest rollercoaster I've ever been on for a tennis-related purchase.
Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
@ryushen21 who is your vendor. You can buy them directly from Unique Sports.
ryushen21
Legend
I'm aware. Tourna doesn't have the machines on hand. My last update came directly from the rep at Tourna who said they literally don't have the machines to ship despite the orders.
My guess is it's actually a production issue in Taiwan and they are just behind and don't want to pay the shipping costs for less than a full order of machines.
ryushen21
Legend
And now the official update is that supply chain issues are affecting production and the machines won't be ready for delivery until December. Not a good look from Tourna to be leading customers on like this.
So any tourna machine is out. The USO Baiardo was too much of a price difference. So now it looks like I'm getting a new Alpha Ghost 2...
So any tourna machine is out. The USO Baiardo was too much of a price difference. So now it looks like I'm getting a new Alpha Ghost 2...
the_faceless_player
Professional
Sounds about right for Tourna. I was lucky to get my Ennoxx when I did last month. They had one, it got sold before they put my order in and they were supposed to be on backorder for at least 2-3 months. Then randomly they messaged me that the sale fell through and they shipped it to me instead.
ryushen21
Legend
Getting the Alpha.
ryushen21
Legend
My Ghost showed up yesterday. Relatively easy assembly and I went ahead and did my first racquet on it. So far so good.
Surprisingly, I miss the clamps from my old 850 more than the bases right now. I do wish knobs to move the mounting posts made things move more quickly but that's my only real complaint at the moment.
Let's see how I feel after 20 or so frames though.
Surprisingly, I miss the clamps from my old 850 more than the bases right now. I do wish knobs to move the mounting posts made things move more quickly but that's my only real complaint at the moment.
Let's see how I feel after 20 or so frames though.
diredesire
Moderator
Yeah, I really like the clamp heads (also Xpider). I'm not really sold on these particular push-down bases as much as others are so far. I "grew up" on normal twisty action clamps, and the muscle memory doesn't make the push down any faster.
ryushen21
Legend
I've done about 15 racquets now and my only complaint is the clamps. They are just too big and bulky. I will definitely order a set of the Tourna Universals to replace them. The locking action on the clamp bases is smooth and effortless and there is a satisfying click when it locks in place.
For this not being the machine that I wanted, I'm definitely pleased with the purchase.
For this not being the machine that I wanted, I'm definitely pleased with the purchase.
I don't think that will work out very well on your Ghost 2.
Isn't Alpha still utilizing string clamps that have a 12.2mm diameter?
loosegroove
Hall of Fame
loosegroove
Hall of Fame
That aliexpress place has some more svelte options in the 12.2mm space. Might be worth a look.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
I agree the string clamps are too bulky. Forces you to clamp the string farther away from the frame on the last 2 mains on both sides. The Sensor string clamps allowed me to clamp closer to the frame. The billiards at 12 and 6 are also thicker than the ones on the Sensor as well. Billiards that stick out more and string clamps that are wider and thicker means that you aren’t able to clamp as close to the frame as on a Sensor on the center and outer mains.
ryushen21
Legend
Yeah, and it looks like Alpha are the only ones doing a 12.2mm clamp post so I haven't found a lot of options for replacement clamps.
Don't hold me to this, but I think that the following companies may also utilize 12.2mm clamps.
You can look into it, and/or wait to hear from others who have these machines.
- Prince
- HEAD
- Dunlop
- Solinco
Even if I am right, regarding the above, I don't really think that any of their string clamps are particularly "low profile" either.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
They're the same size because ExThree is the OEM for all of them. And the string clamps are virtually the same. I checked out the Head TE-3600 machine at a pro shop and the frame mounting system is virtually identical to the Ghost 2. The base clamps are virtually identical with some slight cosmetic differences. The string clamp bodies are also identical. The adjustment knob is different. Based on what I could tell, the Head string clamp has a sticker indicating which direction to turn the knob to tighten and loosen. Other than this, they appeared to be identical to my eyes.Don't hold me to this, but I think that the following companies may also utilize 12.2mm clamps.
You can look into it, and/or wait to hear from others who have these machines.
- Prince
- HEAD
- Dunlop
- Solinco
Even if I am right, regarding the above, I don't really think that any of their string clamps are particularly "low profile" either.
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