Newbie Question: Drop Weight vs Electronic

[enigma54]

I'm thinking of buying an entry level stringing machine. I've never strung before nor have I actually watched a racquet get strung before other than the video from the Silent Partner website. What I'd like to know is whether the electronic SP e.stringer is worth getting for the extra $79 compared to the dropweight version?

Does having an electronic tensioner increase the speed with which you can string a racquet? How much faster typically? What about the accuracy? I've read a few of the older threads here that say that people have had to go and buy a calibrator to check tension because the electronic tensioner wasn't calibrated properly the first time. How much extra does that cost?

I'm just looking to string my own racquets and not run a stringing business on the side so if the only advantage of an electronic stringer is speed, then it's probably not worth spending the extra dough?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[TopSpinTennis]

The drop weight machines take a little to get used to because you have to get the bar horizontal in order to reach your desired tension. As for the e. Stringer, it would cut down some time since you really don't have to mess with the bar. The only thing with the e.Stringer is that I heard it's a little slow when pulling the string.

I don't own either, but that's what I picked up while trying to find answers for the same question.

 

[srv vlly]

when you get used to it the dropweight will be faster than the electronic. i would go with a dropweight to start off with.

 

[KingBugsy]

I'm thinking of buying an entry level stringing machine. I've never strung before nor have I actually watched a racquet get strung before other than the video from the Silent Partner website. What I'd like to know is whether the electronic SP e.stringer is worth getting for the extra $79 compared to the dropweight version?

Does having an electronic tensioner increase the speed with which you can string a racquet? How much faster typically? What about the accuracy? I've read a few of the older threads here that say that people have had to go and buy a calibrator to check tension because the electronic tensioner wasn't calibrated properly the first time. How much extra does that cost?

I'm just looking to string my own racquets and not run a stringing business on the side so if the only advantage of an electronic stringer is speed, then it's probably not worth spending the extra dough?

Thanks in advance for your help!

enigma54- I was in the same EXACT situation you were a few short weeks ago. I did a TON of research on this forum, and read thru almost every post about intro stringers! There are many knowledable fellows on this board... If you do a search you will find many posts by Gaines and the like discussing lower priced stringers.

In sum, I went with the Silent Partner Swing drop weight. Seems as if there may be some calibration issues with "cheaper" electronic machines. Let me amend that actually... Gravity will always be more consistent than any electronic device! Gaines said he was somewhat suspect of cheaper electronic machines as well... Given that info, and the fact that I would primarily be stringing for myself... I went with the Swing. I have strung 3 rackets, and it has worked great. Each time, I get a bit faster. BTW, look for the post I entered about grommets being covered by mains. Some good info in there for first time stringers, specifically about the use of the awl tool! Read it!

Silent Partner seems like an excellent company. First off the videos they have put up for free are great. I have found no other web site that has given away or presents that kind of info. I learned so much from that site, that I felt obligated to buy a Silent Partner machine.

Good luck! Let us know how things turn out.

 

[kobun]

Is that true?
Is the calibration of the machine a real common and big issue with the estringer?


I, too, read thru almost every single intro machine post because im really close to buying my first stringer. I've read all the reviews and posts at string forum .net and that site actually made me switch over to getting the estringer(motor) design over the drop weight.
But now im not so sure.

I figure that the drop weight was more inconsistent because of the user having human error and it would cause sooo many deviations with each and every tensionings of the mains and crosses and would finally create an unequal stringbed WHERE AS the motor would pull at the same tension consistently creating an even stringbed.
This is the main reasoning i came up with when deciding between the SP estringer and dropweight version.



Can anyone offer any more insights or arguments so i can make a more informed decision?
I'm willing to spend around 300$ if someone wants to suggest a totally different brand machine.


thanks as always!
kob

 

[David Pavlich]

The problem with the eStringer is that its tensioning system fluctuates with the voltage. A way to minimize the effect is to use an Uninterupted Power Supply (UPS). It "smooths" out the electricity.

I'm going to assume the post that states that a drop weight, once you are used to it, is quicker than an electronic machine, is meant as a joke.

David

 

[hades]

I would stay away from drop weight machines.

 

[Radical Shot]

I would go with the drop-weight. Here's why.

1. Not reliant on electricity or fluctuations in voltage. This means you can string anywhere, anytime. Take it down to the courts with you if you want.
2. Cheap motors almost always give out sooner or later. The more moving parts, the more there is to go wrong. A drop-weight is a simple, time-tested way of stringing racquets. Simple parts that are easy to replace.
3. Speed issue? What issue? Perhaps the electronic stringer might speed things up by a few minutes, but so what? If you are stringing for yourself, the time is not a real factor. If you're like me, I take about 2 beers to string a racquet - on a drop-weight. If a few extra minutes to string a racquet means another few swigs of the good stuff, then bring it on. This isn't the US Open with a guy like the Scud screaming for a re-string in 10 minutes flat.
4. Stringing a racquet is a very basic process - it isn't rocket science. Once you see how it's done on a drop-weight, you'll see that the principles are the same for just about any machine you'll use, and there's not much to be gained by a lot of extra $$$. Once you've done a few racquets and you get a basic technique, you'll find that your consistency is spot-on and you'll get excellent results. Taking your time to do a good job is part of the joy of stringing your own.
5. Unless you plan on stringing on the Moon, the gravity here on Earth is constant, so your trusty drop-weight will do the same job time and again.

Get a 6 point mount and fixed clamps on a drop-weight and you won't look back.

Hope this helps.
RS

 

[Audiodude]

I would go with the drop-weight. Here's why.

1. Not reliant on electricity or fluctuations in voltage. This means you can string anywhere, anytime. Take it down to the courts with you if you want.
2. Cheap motors almost always give out sooner or later. The more moving parts, the more there is to go wrong. A drop-weight is a simple, time-tested way of stringing racquets. Simple parts that are easy to replace.
3. Speed issue? What issue? Perhaps the electronic stringer might speed things up by a few minutes, but so what? If you are stringing for yourself, the time is not a real factor. If you're like me, I take about 2 beers to string a racquet - on a drop-weight. If a few extra minutes to string a racquet means another few swigs of the good stuff, then bring it on. This isn't the US Open with a guy like the Scud screaming for a re-string in 10 minutes flat.
4. Stringing a racquet is a very basic process - it isn't rocket science. Once you see how it's done on a drop-weight, you'll see that the principles are the same for just about any machine you'll use, and there's not much to be gained by a lot of extra $$$. Once you've done a few racquets and you get a basic technique, you'll find that your consistency is spot-on and you'll get excellent results. Taking your time to do a good job is part of the joy of stringing your own.
5. Unless you plan on stringing on the Moon, the gravity here on Earth is constant, so your trusty drop-weight will do the same job time and again.

Get a 6 point mount and fixed clamps on a drop-weight and you won't look back.

Hope this helps.
RS

Very sound advice.

 

[Semaj]

I just bought (2 days ago) a Tyger drop weight machine with 6 point mounting system and 2 fixed clamps. From what I understand, a drop weight machine is just as good a motor powerd one except you will just have to get useto droping the weight accuratly. The machine arrives on friday, Cant wait!

 

[kobun]

So it would seem there is not much reason to get the electronic motor tensioning system over the drop weight system when we are comparing cheap models like a nominally good drop weight stringer vs. a cheap motor stringer.


If there is not much difference, I don't see why one would spend the extra 80$ on an electronic stringer when it works just as well as the drop weight system. They both seem to have their errors.


I wouldn't want to be bothered by purchasing an extra string calibrator to test the estringer and buy a UPS backup power system just to make sure the voltage was correct. Plus I don't like the fear of the motor being off and me not knowing about it.
I would assume a surge protector might help with the voltage concern and be a cheap alternative....... but im still convinced that the drop weight machine would be more consistent regardless of price.

So I can't see any justification in the extra 80$ purcahse. Heck... it almost seems the drop weight has got the estringer beat in accuracy and quality.
If someone is getting a stringer this cheap, i doubt they are going for full volume stringing... so a few more minutes to string a racquet is no concern to me. Accuracy and quality is what i want.
Initially, i thought the motor would be more accurate becaseu the motor would always pull the same amount and would not comprise of human error, but i'd rather not go thru the trouble of calibrating and purchasing 50$+ materials just to check for and maintain consistency.
So it looks like i will be going for the The Silent Partner Swing drop weight tensioning system for 200$.



Any Estringer owner's out there care to argue? I'm more than open to it, cuz i'll be ordering a stringer in a week.


Thanks,
Kobun

 

[max]

Good pick with the SP Swing. I like Radical Shot's comment about the two beers; that's about right.

 

[barry]

Good pick with the SP Swing. I like Radical Shot's comment about the two beers; that's about right.

I have had (2 drop weight systems) for over 14 years , it works well, but am buying electronic machine. Time for a change. Probably get an Aria, really looking forward to 360 rotation.

 

[enigma54]

Thanks for all the insightful responses! I think I will also be opting for the SP Stringer dropweight over the electronic version.

 

[Gamma Tech]

I also agree with Radical Shoot's opinion.

I did a search and found this information about the angle of the dropweight and tension. the original post is HERE. take a look at the angle and the small difference in tension it causes.

Also, you were worried about the tension fluctuating on a dropweight. The e.stringer's tension can vary by 15lbs. before it constant pulls again. The tension on the most expensive gamma electronic machine fluctuates about .5-1lbs. before it re-pulls. the electic machines are about 2-4lbs. The dropweight machine is going be very acccurate, it will just take a little more time.

bret

 

[kobun]

I also agree with Radical Shoot's opinion.

I did a search and found this information about the angle of the dropweight and tension. the original post is HERE. take a look at the angle and the small difference in tension it causes.

Also, you were worried about the tension fluctuating on a dropweight. The e.stringer's tension can vary by 15lbs. before it constant pulls again. The tension on the most expensive gamma electronic machine fluctuates about .5-1lbs. before it re-pulls. the electic machines are about 2-4lbs. The dropweight machine is going be very acccurate, it will just take a little more time.

bret

hey, thanks a bunch gamma tech.