Novice looking for a cheap machine
- Thread starter TLy963
- Start date
COPEY
Hall of Fame
Have you read Mansewerz's Guide yet? If so, just so a search on the machines you're considering. There's plenty of info out there on those models, and there's not much to them, so it's not like you're looking at major differences in terms of how they operate.
Thanks
thanks for the link, it was helpful. I think i would rather have better quality equipment (clamps) of the klippermate than the slight usefulness of the ratchet system of the gamma x-2.
Do you know how the warranty will be affected if i buy it used from another person?
thanks for the link, it was helpful. I think i would rather have better quality equipment (clamps) of the klippermate than the slight usefulness of the ratchet system of the gamma x-2.
Do you know how the warranty will be affected if i buy it used from another person?
Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
Thanks
thanks for the link, it was helpful. I think i would rather have better quality equipment (clamps) of the klippermate than the slight usefulness of the ratchet system of the gamma x-2.
Do you know how the warranty will be affected if i buy it used from another person?
thanks for the link, it was helpful. I think i would rather have better quality equipment (clamps) of the klippermate than the slight usefulness of the ratchet system of the gamma x-2.
Do you know how the warranty will be affected if i buy it used from another person?
Thanks
ignore my reiterating post. Your post answered my question and then some. Thank you.
ignore my reiterating post. Your post answered my question and then some. Thank you.
cknobman
Legend
I love my Klippermate, the thing is freaking solid as a tank!!!
Clamps are high quality steel and not cheap plastic junk.
I have absolutely no problems stringing with my Klippermate.
Since I am a brand new stringer and have never owned/operated another machine I dont know what I am missing by not having a rachet but it cant be that important considering how easy it is to use my Kilppermate already.
I confidently say that my Klippermate (with stand) is the absolute best tennis related purchase I have ever made.
In less that 2 full months it has already saved me $40 in string jobs (my area stringer charges $10 labor for stringing).
Clamps are high quality steel and not cheap plastic junk.
I have absolutely no problems stringing with my Klippermate.
Since I am a brand new stringer and have never owned/operated another machine I dont know what I am missing by not having a rachet but it cant be that important considering how easy it is to use my Kilppermate already.
I confidently say that my Klippermate (with stand) is the absolute best tennis related purchase I have ever made.
In less that 2 full months it has already saved me $40 in string jobs (my area stringer charges $10 labor for stringing).
cknobman
Legend
Why do you say the Klip clamps are not that good?
I have 3 clamps to compare in my collection: My original Klippermate clamps, Stringway Double and Tripple, and the fixed clamps on my Ektelon H. The Klippermates hold their own against the other 2, unless you string with the JET, for which the S.way tripple is key. In fact, in some ways I prefer the K.mates, particularly that they can be opened and closed easily with one hand.
The only drawback to the Klippermate clamps is that they're short-- with less surface area, it's pretty easy to have them too tight, which easily scars softer strings, and I find they have to be cleaned more frequently to not slip.
The only drawback to the Klippermate clamps is that they're short-- with less surface area, it's pretty easy to have them too tight, which easily scars softer strings, and I find they have to be cleaned more frequently to not slip.
Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
They are too short and only clamp on two strings. Because they are shorter there is more twisting. The triple clamp from stringway grips three strings to prevent twisting and on your tie off that makes a big difference in the drawback due to twisting and also the clamp grips a wider section on each string.
EDIT: You could accomplish just about the same thing by using a starting clamp to hold the main on one side and both of the KM clamps when tying off. Which is a much cheaper alternative.
EDIT: Also the clamps from Gamma are wider clamps than the KM.
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volleygirl
Rookie
Klippermate = American made, Gamma = made in China. That all you need to know?
cknobman
Legend
I have noticed some scaring on my multi string. It has not cause the string to break any faster but when looking at it you can tell exactly where I clamped the string at.
Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
Your clamps should be adjusted to the point where they just slip then tighten them up slightly. If you have never got to the point where your clamps don't slip you are more than likely clamping too tight.
cknobman
Legend
FYI Killpermate is made in USA specifically.
As for the Gamma clamps I have read quite a few complaints about the plastic construction and "diamond" coating lasting a very limited amount of time, do you own a Gamma and if so have you experience problems with that?
It's not really going to matter which one you get-- they both work fine for those who own each (with the possible distinction that the all metal K.mate clamps have better longevity). The best part of this is that they'll both pay for themselves in 8 or so stringings (easy to do if you start experimenting with your tensions and strings), so there's really no loss if/when you need/want something better.
Get either, use it stock for a while, then upgrade clamps or get a machine with more bells and whistles if you want to.
There's a reasonable chance that you'll like stringing enough that you won't mind collecting different clamps and other tools anyway...
Get either, use it stock for a while, then upgrade clamps or get a machine with more bells and whistles if you want to.
There's a reasonable chance that you'll like stringing enough that you won't mind collecting different clamps and other tools anyway...
I'll quickly add my two cents. These threads don't do much good because people are generally satisfied with their choice and both work well.
If you're stringing a lot of poly, the ratchet offers a slight advantage over the Klippermate. For other strings (syn and multi), my experience having used both is that the KM cam gripper is faster and easier once proficient.
As for the clamps, I have both the KM and the Gammas. I don't like the Gammas and only use them in the occasional emergency. The KM clamps are excellent.
You're not going to go wrong with either of these machines.
If you're stringing a lot of poly, the ratchet offers a slight advantage over the Klippermate. For other strings (syn and multi), my experience having used both is that the KM cam gripper is faster and easier once proficient.
As for the clamps, I have both the KM and the Gammas. I don't like the Gammas and only use them in the occasional emergency. The KM clamps are excellent.
You're not going to go wrong with either of these machines.
jonestim
Hall of Fame
I have an ATS Super Stringer 2, which is just a rebranded Gamma Progression 200. I was initially worried about the clamps, but then realized that by the time I wore them out I would probably be ready to upgrade to a nicer machine anyway. So far I've only done about 25 racquets but the clamps show no wear.
Buy either and realize you don't have to stick with this machine for life. It's just a starter machine to see if you enjoy it.
Buy either and realize you don't have to stick with this machine for life. It's just a starter machine to see if you enjoy it.
