New to stringers

[roy p.]

Hello, I've been looking around this forum and based on the wonderful debatable threads, I can't seem to choose a stringer that's for me.

I have a budget of around $500 (I can get a little more if necessary)

~I'm completely new to stringing, so I'm not completely sure of my facts

-but what I'm looking for is an easy-to-use machine that doesn't take too much effort to use such as cranks over dropweights(?) and fixed clamps because dropweights require more force so it'll take a little bit longer to string than cranks and fixed clamps are more reliable because they are on the machine.

Please suggest me a machine

Thanks for the help

 

[iplaybetter]

go for a revo the tensioner is easy to use and the clamps are nice

 

[tdowlin2]

I have a Gamma X-6 and it gets the job done fairly well (but it's a dropweight with flying clamps). If I was going to do it all over again I think I would invest in a fixed clamp Laserfibre machine. It'll last you're life.

 

[hadoken]

The Revo is your best bet..a little over your budget but will last you a long long time and save you from the upgrade bug for quite some time. The only other option might be a used stringer on auction if you wait long enough...an Alpha Axis, Gamma 5003 or Prince NEOS II all should be ~$5-$600 used.

Def get a crank tensioner in your budget range from one of the respectable companies. Laserfibre is not worth mentioning at this point because right now its vaporware.

 

[meh]

The easiest-to-use machine out there is the Prince NEOS.

 

[roy p.]

Thanks for your replies, I guess I will definitely get a revo since it is really worth my budget. I have been reading reviews about it and all, if not most, seem very good.

Thanks

 

[aldekeuk]

If you can increase your budget into the $600-650 range i would go with a Gamma X-ST. I got it a couple months ago and it is a really great machine so far.

 

[geom]

I was in a similar situation, looking to spend around $500-600 and was considering both the Alpha Revo and Gamma X-ST. Then I happened into a used Prince Neos in fantastic condition and jumped on it for the same price. I love it. I had used a drop weight when I was in high-school 20 years ago, and the Neos is soooo much easier to use than that.

The consensus seems to be that for that money, you won't go wrong with either the Gamma X-ST or the Revo. But you might also want to take a look on Craigslist in your area for any used stringers. I found a great deal there.

 

[ryan808]

Yup, I second the Gamma X-ST. I was fortunate to pick up a barely used one on Craigslist for $500. It's extremely user friendly as this is my first machine. I have been very happy with it ever since. Great investment, too.

 

[todot62]

I would checkout the new LaserFibre Quantum that is coming out soon. IMO, if the tensioning system is similar to the Stringway system, it is the best, fastest, and most accurate system around. I think they are going to be about $599, so a bit over your budget, but they come with a 10-year transferable warranty. Customer service is also VERY important and you can't go wrong with either Alpha or LF. Really when it's all said and done you would be happy with either; however, the LF will have the newer technology, and TRUE constant pull.

Tod

 

[hadoken]

I absolutely would NOT recommend the LF Quantum because not one has been sold yet and I don't care if it's based on the older machines. Let someone else be the guinea pig for a new machine coming out. I would prefer proven machine from a proven company. Revo fits nicely

 

[todot62]

To say that LasreFibre is not a proven company is crazy. :shock:

Anyone who has been stringing for any period of time knows the reputation that LaserFibre has had for outstanding customer service. I have owned a LF stringer for a while so I speak from personal experience. I fully understand that Stringway made the LF machines, but this company knows what they are doing. They will get it right. If there are any glitches with their machines they will take care of it, but I would not expect any. This is not to say that you will not get the same outstanding customer service through Alpha, because you will. The Revo is a very tried and proven machine, I understand that; but I know if I had a choice I would choose a tensioning system like Stringway's any day over the Revo crank. The SW system is the most accurate constant-pull system you can buy, period. Not to mention much, much faster than a crank. Some may be equal, but none are better. And from what I understand the LF system will be very close. Close enough to as least wait and see.

I guess you can look at anything from many different points of view, but I would not hesitate taking a close look at the LF stringer when it’s released very soon Feel free to call Tim at LF and talk with him. Just get the number from LaserFibre dot com.

Tod

 

[roy p.]

I just ordered the Alpha Revo a few days ago, how will I know when it will come in? Because they ship it from the original manufacturer right?