New Stringer

[Shamgod]

I'm interested in buying a stringer. Right now i'm looking at the alpha revo, pioneer dc and the LaserFibre Quantum TT - ECO w/DA Clamps.

Is the LaserFibre the best one of the 3 and how much faster is the revo than the other ones?
How long does it take to string a racket on the revo compared to the pioneer and LF?


Thanks

 

[jmjmkim]

No matter how good the machine is, it's the experience in Weaving that consumes the time. More expensive machines are more convenient, and only marginally faster, if any.

 

[Shamgod]

so it wouldn't be more than like a 5 minute difference?

 

[Shamgod]

so the revo wouldn't be any faster than the dropweights?
why would people buy a crank then if it wasn't faster?

 

[jcstennis]

The LF drop weight is different, most of the time you just drop once, no matter the position, the correct tension is pulled... with inferior dw machines, you may have to drop the weight a couple of time to get the bar/weight to horizontal... with a crank, you load the string in the tensioner, crank once, it locks, you clamp, you release, done.

i just got a Revo... LF for over 3 weeks was giving me the same story, basically i had to wait... as much as i wanted the Quantum, the Alpha Revo was available, in stock and i got it fast! (Plus they were able to change my package of "free" goodies!)

BTW, the Revo is a little rough around the edges, but for a machine to use at home, it's worth it! Two thumbs up in my book!

 

[Shamgod]

The LF drop weight is different, most of the time you just drop once, no matter the position, the correct tension is pulled... with inferior dw machines, you may have to drop the weight a couple of time to get the bar/weight to horizontal... with a crank, you load the string in the tensioner, crank once, it locks, you clamp, you release, done.

i just got a Revo... LF for over 3 weeks was giving me the same story, basically i had to wait... as much as i wanted the Quantum, the Alpha Revo was available, in stock and i got it fast! (Plus they were able to change my package of "free" goodies!)

BTW, the Revo is a little rough around the edges, but for a machine to use at home, it's worth it! Two thumbs up in my book!

so the pioneer isn't as good as the LF?
Is revo a little bit faster than the LF?

 

[jcstennis]

LF's claim is that the Quantum is just as fast or close to as fast as a lock out or any other machine. Plus you get constant pull, that's the selling point.

The pioneer looks like a nice machine at a nice price...as good as the LF???????????? Depends on the stringer and their consistency.

Is the Revo faster than the LF?????????? Depends on the stringer and their consistency.

At home i may only have one or two racquets to string, am i going to go fast... most likely not going to break any speed records... but consistency is key.

At a club stringing 10-20 sticks am i going fast... most likely not going to break any speed records... but consistency is key.

I would not worry about speed, just practice and develop good technique. You'll find that it's the user/technique that makes you faster not so much the machine...however, an accomplished user with great technique can utilize and take advantage of what better equipment offers.

 

[Shamgod]

LF's claim is that the Quantum is just as fast or close to as fast as a lock out or any other machine. Plus you get constant pull, that's the selling point.

The pioneer looks like a nice machine at a nice price...as good as the LF???????????? Depends on the stringer and their consistency.

Is the Revo faster than the LF?????????? Depends on the stringer and their consistency.

At home i may only have one or two racquets to string, am i going to go fast... most likely not going to break any speed records... but consistency is key.

At a club stringing 10-20 sticks am i going fast... most likely not going to break any speed records... but consistency is key.

I would not worry about speed, just practice and develop good technique. You'll find that it's the user/technique that makes you faster not so much the machine...however, an accomplished user with great technique can utilize and take advantage of what better equipment offers.

Ok thanks

a dropweight should be more consistent than a crank then right because the string could lose tension at a different rate after the lock out? Can you give an idea for about how long it takes to string a racket on a dropweight once you get good with it?

 

[LttlElvis]

Ok thanks

a dropweight should be more consistent than a crank then right because the string could lose tension at a different rate after the lock out? Can you give an idea for about how long it takes to string a racket on a dropweight once you get good with it?

I think you are starting to get confused about exactly what you want. Do you want speed? Accuracy? Consistency? In truth, any of those 3 machines will get what you want and each have an advantage. Once you are proficient, your stringing time will probably be around 30 minutes. Maybe 5 minutes longer for the dropweights than the cranks.

The mounting of the Alphas are the same and the tensioning units are the difference. The crank is faster than the dropweight. For a beginner, the dropweight is more consistent. The cranks become consistent once you have experience and learn to pull at an even rate. The dropweight is more accurate to the numbered tension. The cranks are probably going to give you a slightly looser tension because of the lockout mechanism. However, since tension is relative to your technique and machine, a crank can be accurate relative to a given number, so long as you are always consistent in technique.

The LF is probably faster than the Alpha dropweight, because you don't need to retension. However, once experienced in stringing, you really don't have to retension much with the Alpha once you get the right feel.

Most people who have had a dropweight then switched to a crank, end up liking the crank better. Therefore, my advice would be to get the Alpha crank. Whatever you choose of the 3, you will not be making a mistake.

 

[Shamgod]

I think you are starting to get confused about exactly what you want. Do you want speed? Accuracy? Consistency? In truth, any of those 3 machines will get what you want and each have an advantage. Once you are proficient, your stringing time will probably be around 30 minutes. Maybe 5 minutes longer for the dropweights than the cranks.

The mounting of the Alphas are the same and the tensioning units are the difference. The crank is faster than the dropweight. For a beginner, the dropweight is more consistent. The cranks become consistent once you have experience and learn to pull at an even rate. The dropweight is more accurate to the numbered tension. The cranks are probably going to give you a slightly looser tension because of the lockout mechanism. However, since tension is relative to your technique and machine, a crank can be accurate relative to a given number, so long as you are always consistent in technique.

The LF is probably faster than the Alpha dropweight, because you don't need to retension. However, once experienced in stringing, you really don't have to retension much with the Alpha once you get the right feel.

Most people who have had a dropweight then switched to a crank, end up liking the crank better. Therefore, my advice would be to get the Alpha crank. Whatever you choose of the 3, you will not be making a mistake.

Thanks

So once i got experienced enough with the crank then it would be consistent?
Revo would be faster than LF and i would just string a few pounds higher to take care of the lockout mechanism?
Does a dropweight have to be calibrated or only the crank?

 

[jmjmkim]

Dropweights never have to be calibrated. This does not mean that they were perfectly accurate to begin with . . there is always a margin of error. Cranks on the other hand, have parts such as springs that may lose tension over a lot of use. Thus, after a while, these factors will come into play. If you are going to string a lot of rackets a day, a week, a month, etc. then the crank is definitely worth it and "Speed" is a big factor, since (Less Time = More $). But if you are getting a stringer for personal use, Dropweight is sufficient. With the Dropweights, it is good to get the models that have a fixed clamp, rather than the "flying clamps". But, even the "flying Clamps" are good enough to get a recreational player's racket in tune.

 

[Shamgod]

which one is heavier the REvo or the LF?

thanks

 

[barry]

which one is heavier the REvo or the LF?

thanks

I was looking for a portable and the LF is much lighter than the Revo, it weighs 41 pounds.

 

[Shamgod]

I was looking for a portable and the LF is much lighter than the Revo, it weighs 41 pounds.

thanks a lot

 

[Shamgod]

are the laserfibre clamps as good as the alpha clamps?
Aren't the alpha clamps spring assisted
do starting clamps come with either machine?

 

[jcstennis]

no starting clamps.. but i does not hurt to ask them, maybe ditch some of the string in the deal for a starting clamp..

the Revo weighs 75lbs!

 

[Shamgod]

no starting clamps.. but i does not hurt to ask them, maybe ditch some of the string in the deal for a starting clamp..

the Revo weighs 75lbs!

which one would you take
are the clamps on both machines good? are they both spring assisted?

 

[Shamgod]

what's the difference between single action clamps and double action clamps?
is the stringway ML90 better than the LF and Revo
Which one is the fastest because the 2 dropweights should be very accurate

 

[Shamgod]

how bout stringway, LF, or prince Neos?
Is the Neos the fastest?

 

[Shamgod]

If stringway is just as expensive or more expensive than Neos then why would people buy the stringway?

 

[lilxjohnyy]

BTW, the Revo is a little rough around the edges, but for a machine to use at home, it's worth it! Two thumbs up in my book!

What did u think was a little rough about it?? I thought the turntable brake could have been improved, my arent perfect often, and the string often gets caught in the release button. Other than that its nearly perfect. Had it for about 1.5 years

 

[lilxjohnyy]

the Revo weighs 75lbs!

One time i tried to carry it upstairs by myself, not a good idea!

 

[rdg0753]

I'm interested in buying a stringer. Right now i'm looking at the alpha revo, pioneer dc and the LaserFibre Quantum TT - ECO w/DA Clamps.

Is the LaserFibre the best one of the 3 and how much faster is the revo than the other ones?
How long does it take to string a racket on the revo compared to the pioneer and LF?


Thanks

I cannot tell you which machine is better but I can definitely tell you that don't buy Laserfibre. I ordered my machine about 45 days back and after receiving fake tracking number and estimates from LF, I tried to cancel the order. I could not get my money back from LF untill I disputed the charge with my creidt card company. I received the credit just two days back. If you look at posts in this forum you will find that I am not the only one. I will now be placing order with Stringway (ML 90).

 

[Shamgod]

I cannot tell you which machine is better but I can definitely tell you that don't buy Laserfibre. I ordered my machine about 45 days back and after receiving fake tracking number and estimates from LF, I tried to cancel the order. I could not get my money back from LF untill I disputed the charge with my creidt card company. I received the credit just two days back. If you look at posts in this forum you will find that I am not the only one. I will now be placing order with Stringway (ML 90).

is the stringway machine just as accurate as the laserfibre?
is the automatic dropweight system just as good?
a brand new Neos is like $1050
a stringway is $900
is the Neos faster and more consistent than the stringway?
is it worth $150 more?

 

[Deleted member 25923]

Hey rdg, if you're getting the ML90, don't forget to request a table brake. Alpha can install it for you, and it's well worth the $12-13

 

[rdg0753]

is the stringway machine just as accurate as the laserfibre?
is the automatic dropweight system just as good?
a brand new Neos is like $1050
a stringway is $900
is the Neos faster and more consistent than the stringway?
is it worth $150 more?

I am afraid I cannot answer that as I am new to stringing. I just wanted to share my ordering experience with Laserfibre with you. But if you read the reviews of Stringway ML90 in this forum you will find all your answers. Mansewerz gave a good review of the machine few days back. Even my tennis club stringer endorses stringway ML90 in a big way. I think I won't regret my decision of going with Stringway.

 

[rdg0753]

Hey rdg, if you're getting the ML90, don't forget to request a table brake. Alpha can install it for you, and it's well worth the $12-13

Thanks, I will do so.

 

[Shamgod]

If stringway is just as expensive or more expensive than Neos then why would people buy the stringway?

What kind of rackets can't the stringway mount? Are there any adapters?

 

[tailofdog]

Word Of Warning

I cannot tell you which machine is better but I can definitely tell you that don't buy Laserfibre. I ordered my machine about 45 days back and after receiving fake tracking number and estimates from LF, I tried to cancel the order. I could not get my money back from LF untill I disputed the charge with my creidt card company. I received the credit just two days back. If you look at posts in this forum you will find that I am not the only one. I will now be placing order with Stringway (ML 90).

I know stringers who are professional and state SW cannot be calibrated.
I know one tournament player who upgraded to SW and cannot get it to pull the right tension or get anyone who is able to help. This fellow has plenty of stringing experience and spent $2000.00AUD on his SW. So be cautious

 

[Shamgod]

I know stringers who are professional and state SW cannot be calibrated.
I know one tournament player who upgraded to SW and cannot get it to pull the right tension or get anyone who is able to help. This fellow has plenty of stringing experience and spent $2000.00AUD on his SW. So be cautious

so u wouldn't recommend stringway?
anyone else have this problem?

 

[Shamgod]

it's seems like everyone has something against Stringway and LaserFibre
Is there anything bad about the Revo?

 

[counterpuncher]

I cannot tell you which machine is better but I can definitely tell you that don't buy Laserfibre. I ordered my machine about 45 days back and after receiving fake tracking number and estimates from LF, I tried to cancel the order. I could not get my money back from LF untill I disputed the charge with my creidt card company.

Unfortunately I had a similar experience which concluded only a few days ago. I really did want this machine, but after the initial 2 weeks of correspondence and immediate responses from Ted before I purchased the machine, 10 weeks of excuses (email system being down, customs issues - as I am in Aus), lack of inventory and no replies was finally enough for me to dispute the charge with Mastercard and have them refund my money.

I think as per other customers, I was more than generous in giving LF a chance to dispel the stories of poor customer service, poor business practice and deliver the quality machine they advertise, all to no avail. Poor business practives were also confirmed by Stringway, hence one of the reasons they cut ties with LF. My suggestion if you want to go with an automatic drop weight is to go with the Stringway.

 

[Shamgod]

I know stringers who are professional and state SW cannot be calibrated.
I know one tournament player who upgraded to SW and cannot get it to pull the right tension or get anyone who is able to help. This fellow has plenty of stringing experience and spent $2000.00AUD on his SW. So be cautious

Unfortunately I had a similar experience which concluded only a few days ago. I really did want this machine, but after the initial 2 weeks of correspondence and immediate responses from Ted before I purchased the machine, 10 weeks of excuses (email system being down, customs issues - as I am in Aus), lack of inventory and no replies was finally enough for me to dispute the charge with Mastercard and have them refund my money.

I think as per other customers, I was more than generous in giving LF a chance to dispel the stories of poor customer service, poor business practice and deliver the quality machine they advertise, all to no avail. Poor business practives were also confirmed by Stringway, hence one of the reasons they cut ties with LF. My suggestion if you want to go with an automatic drop weight is to go with the Stringway.

But besides the customer service which machine is better for the machine not the customer service. I'm ok with waiting for a while. Because tailofdog said that stringway wasn't accurate. Is the only complaint with the LF that the customer service is bad? What rackets can't be strung on the stringway because of the inside mounting? PDR+ can right?is there an adapter for ones that can't?

thanks

 

[TenniseaWilliams]

My opinion:

The SW is accurate. The inside 2pt mount makes this machine even more accurate, it is very stiff. It is a pain to mount some racquets, I don't remember if I use the angled adapter on PDR, but certainly on any of the Aero. If the hoop looks angled away from the strings, use the adapter. They are very nice.

The LF has a standard 6pt mount, and a great tensioner. They are very nice. I want one.

The Revo has a standard 6pt mount, is maybe not as accurate as the other two (crank) but is upgradeable to electronic which could lead to faster, easier stringing. They are very nice. I wouldn't mind stringing on one, or having one of my racquets strung on it.

If you are in a hurry, pick the Revo or the SW.

 

[Shamgod]

My opinion:

The SW is accurate. The inside 2pt mount makes this machine even more accurate, it is very stiff. It is a pain to mount some racquets, I don't remember if I use the angled adapter on PDR, but certainly on any of the Aero. If the hoop looks angled away from the strings, use the adapter. They are very nice.

The LF has a standard 6pt mount, and a great tensioner. They are very nice. I want one.

The Revo has a standard 6pt mount, is maybe not as accurate as the other two (crank) but is upgradeable to electronic which could lead to faster, easier stringing. They are very nice. I wouldn't mind stringing on one, or having one of my racquets strung on it.

If you are in a hurry, pick the Revo or the SW.

ok thanks
can the adapter work with all rackets or only babolats?

 

[Shamgod]

anyone know?
can anyone answer the neos question?

 

[Shamgod]

is the LF mounting system bad or is it just not as good as the stringway?
The drop weights are the same design right? And what's a diablo?
what does a table break do?

 

[Shamgod]

if i can get a Neos for $800 should i get a Neos or a Stringway?

 

[1012007]

is the LF mounting system bad or is it just not as good as the stringway?

The drop weights are the same design right? And what's a diablo?

what does a table break do?

The Stringway machines do not have a 2 pt mounting system. It is a 5 point insides support also described as “direct” because it supports the racquet there where the main strings put the heavy load on it. There where the racquet is pulled inwards by the main strings the supports push it backwards.
The stress in the racquet material is lower than on any 6 point outside system.

The dropweight are not the same design, the clamping system is different and the SW does not need the Diablo to protect the string.


The Diablo is meant to lower the pressure in the string clamp to prevent damage to the string. The string is wrapped around the Diablo before it is put into the clamp.



the table brakes makes it possible to lock the table, all SW machines can be supplied with a table brake. When stringing a Prince O3 racquet, the brake can be handy.

if i can get a Neos for $800 should i get a Neos or a Stringway?

There are quite some differences between the SW ML100 / 90 and the Neos, which may be arguments to choose the SW:

- The SW is constant pull which means high accuracy while the Neos is LO can lose 10 or more lbs depending on the speed of pulling and the type of string.

- The SW has rotating clamps which do not have to be changed when going from the mains to the crosses. The Neos has glide bars that have to be switched after doing the mains. This will add some minutes on the stringing time, and cause un-needed hastle

- Both machines have direct inside support, the Neos 2 points at the head and 1 at the throat, the SW 3 points at the head and 2 points at the throat.

- The SW 100 / 90 are a table top machines the Neos is an upright machine. The SW 100 is available as an upright which is called the ML120.

My opinion:

The SW is accurate. The inside 2pt mount makes this machine even more accurate, it is very stiff.

The Stringway machines do not have a 2 pt mounting system. It is a 5 point insides support also described as “direct” because it supports the racquet there where the main strings put the heavy load on it. There where the racquet is pulled inwards by the main strings the supports push it backwards.

The stress in the racquet material is lower than on any 6 point outside system.

 

[Shamgod]

The Stringway machines do not have a 2 pt mounting system. It is a 5 point insides support also described as “direct” because it supports the racquet there where the main strings put the heavy load on it. There where the racquet is pulled inwards by the main strings the supports push it backwards.
The stress in the racquet material is lower than on any 6 point outside system.

The dropweight are not the same design, the clamping system is different and the SW does not need the Diablo to protect the string.


The Diablo is meant to lower the pressure in the string clamp to prevent damage to the string. The string is wrapped around the Diablo before it is put into the clamp.



the table brakes makes it possible to lock the table, all SW machines can be supplied with a table brake. When stringing a Prince O3 racquet, the brake can be handy.





There are quite some differences between the SW ML100 / 90 and the Neos, which may be arguments to choose the SW:

- The SW is constant pull which means high accuracy while the Neos is LO can lose 10 or more lbs depending on the speed of pulling and the type of string.

- The SW has rotating clamps which do not have to be changed when going from the mains to the crosses. The Neos has glide bars that have to be switched after doing the mains. This will add some minutes on the stringing time, and cause un-needed hastle

- Both machines have direct inside support, the Neos 2 points at the head and 1 at the throat, the SW 3 points at the head and 2 points at the throat.

- The SW 100 / 90 are a table top machines the Neos is an upright machine. The SW 100 is available as an upright which is called the ML120.




The Stringway machines do not have a 2 pt mounting system. It is a 5 point insides support also described as “direct” because it supports the racquet there where the main strings put the heavy load on it. There where the racquet is pulled inwards by the main strings the supports push it backwards.

The stress in the racquet material is lower than on any 6 point outside system.

ok thanks
so would Neos times and SW times be about the same?
What are the negatives of the SW and Neos?
Does the SW need a converter for a PDR+ or a APD+ or O3 rackets?

And what advantages does the Neos have over the Revo?

 

[Shamgod]

Is the LF dropweight more gentle than the SW?
Which one is more accurate?
Is the LF mounting system bad? or is it just more stress than SW?
the LF is more universal right?
what rackets need adapters for the SW?

Thanks

 

[LttlElvis]

Sham,

Just pick a stringer and be happy with it. No matter what you choose, it will pay for itself. Your questions are all over the place and I think you are just confusing yourself. By stringing on your own, you will figure out what features you like and you will know what you want on your next machine. You won't go wrong on any of the machines you are looking at. Even an inexpensive Klippermate can pay for itself in a month.

 

[Shamgod]

Is the Revo faster than the LF and SW dropweights?
cause if it is i think i'd go with the Revo

What's an average time with the Revo, LF, and SW?

thanks

 

[Deleted member 25923]

Is the Revo faster than the LF and SW dropweights?
cause if it is i think i'd go with the Revo

What's an average time with the Revo, LF, and SW?

thanks

I've been able to go 30 mins on my SW, probably faster if I string more often or try to go as fast as I can.

 

[Shamgod]

I've been able to go 30 mins on my SW, probably faster if I string more often or try to go as fast as I can.

ok thanks
anyone have a time for Revo and is the LF about the same as SW?

 

[Redflea]

Shamgod:

Are you going to be stringing for yourself, or you and a few buddies, or the entire tennis team?

All this focus on speed seems pretty over the top unless you're going to be doing this for $ and in high quantity. If you are, ignore my comments below.

But...if you're going to be stringing for yourself or yourself and friends a drop-weight is fine...pretty much any machine will be fine as long as it well made. As noted previously the biggest variables in your stringing time are going to be your weaving and knot tying skill/speed. The drop weight/crank difference wouldn't be significant until you got very good at those parts of the process.

I'd worry much more about getting a well made machine from a company with good support.

 

[Shamgod]

Shamgod:

Are you going to be stringing for yourself, or you and a few buddies, or the entire tennis team?

All this focus on speed seems pretty over the top unless you're going to be doing this for $ and in high quantity. If you are, ignore my comments below.

But...if you're going to be stringing for yourself or yourself and friends a drop-weight is fine...pretty much any machine will be fine as long as it well made. As noted previously the biggest variables in your stringing time are going to be your weaving and knot tying skill/speed. The drop weight/crank difference wouldn't be significant until you got very good at those parts of the process.

I'd worry much more about getting a well made machine from a company with good support.

For now i wanna just string for myself and a few others on my team, but later on i wanna string for more people and profit. I don't want to spend $400-$900 and get a slow machine or a machine that's not as good as another one. After i get good at stringing the difference in machine time would make a difference wouldn't it? I don't want to have to buy a new machine if i spent a lot of $ on this one. I just want one that's decently fast and consistent.

Thanks

 

[VGP]

Redflea finally asked the question I was going to ask.

I just want one that's decently fast and consistent.

All the machine names that have been thrown around are good quality machines at decent prices. Speed and consistency comes more from the stringer (you) than anything else.

BTW, if you want the best deal. Buy used.

Score yourself a used Alpha, Gamma, or Prince/Ektelon. Customer service is top notch and guys like Mark at Alpha and Bret at Gamma will set you up on whatever you need on questions and parts.

 

[Redflea]

Redflea finally asked the question I was going to ask.



All the machine names that have been thrown around are good quality machines at decent prices. Speed and consistency comes more from the stringer (you) than anything else.

BTW, if you want the best deal. Buy used.

Score yourself a used Alpha, Gamma, or Prince/Ektelon. Customer service is top notch and guys like Mark at Alpha and Bret at Gamma will set you up on whatever you need on questions and parts.

Ditto on Mark at Alpha, he is the bomb. Great guy, will go the extra mile for you. (I haven't worked w/Brett directly, but have heard the same about him.)

 

[jim e]

For now i wanna just string for myself and a few others on my team, but later on i wanna string for more people and profit. I don't want to spend $400-$900 and get a slow machine or a machine that's not as good as another one. After i get good at stringing the difference in machine time would make a difference wouldn't it? I don't want to have to buy a new machine if i spent a lot of $ on this one. I just want one that's decently fast and consistent.

Thanks

From what you are saying, you should spend as much as you can afford and get the best machine you can, with as much features as well, as it seems that you will be doing this for some time. I never heard of someone wishing that they bought a cheaper machine, but many that upgrade later as they wish they got a better one to begin with.Look at the USRSA guide to machines, on the USRSA web, under magazines August 2008, a good article, as it lists many machines features and prices, you do not need to be a member to view that. I referenced to it a # of times on these boards and listed the links as well.