possible new stringing machine

[flash44]

hi i am considering this as a possible first stringing machine. id say the budget is around $200 and i would only be stringing for myself and a few friends and family members.

Specifications:

* Six-point, suspension mounting system
* Drop-weight tensioning system
* Linear ball bearing string gripper with spring clutch (ratchet)
* 10-90 pound tension range, kilogram scale available
* 360 degree swivel turntable with brake
* Two slim diamond-coated, heavy-duty dual-action thumb-adjustable stainless steel swivel clamp (fixed clamps): 2 PN-1012 tennis clamps
* Handle any diagonal stringing (fan patterned frames)

Features:

* Six-point, suspension mounting system provides 10-point maximum supports and eliminates any racquet distortion.
* Micro-adjustable head and throat mounting posts: could move in and out without any adapter.
* 4 individually adjustable side-support arms (heavy-duty)
* Padded K-shaped shoulder supports
* Padded head and throat mounting posts secure any frame (including deep V-shaped throats), no cosmetic damage to any frame.
* Stainless steel ratchet (spring clutch) string gripper makes stringing much easier and faster without need to clamp and repull. See operating procedures.
* Dual-action swivel clamps can move in any direction up and down; and can handle all types of racquets without extra accessories.
* 2 slim diamond-coated, thumb-adjustable stainless steel swivel clamps (PN-1012). Stringing has never been as easy and efficient as it is now with the Eagnas thumb-adjustable clamp.
* All-metal ConeLock swivel clamp bases: provide smooth operation.
* 2 drop weights for constant pull tensioning
* 360 degree racquet rotation with brake
* Metal machine base with level-adjustable pads
* Tools: 1 6mm T-shaped Allen wrench, 1 3mm Allen wrench, 1 2.5mm Allen wrench
* Free stringing tools: 1 DP-507 diagonal cutter, 1 NP-500 needle nose pliers, 1 BS-809 tennis awl, and 1 PN-3092 string mover
* User's manual
* Free illustrated stringing tutorial guide: show you how to string racquets step by step
* String all racquets: tennis, oversized tennis, widebodies, longbodies, fan patterned, squash, racquetball, and badminton.
* 5 years warranty

http://www.eagnas.com/jpg/fl740ba2.jpg

Eagnas Portable Racquet Stringing Machine
Model Number: Flex 740

 

[theace21]

Looks like you have made up your mind. Good Luck...

 

[jj300]

One note, I don't think the mounting system counts as suspension. Suspension systems have the racket mounted in mid air, and the 6 and 12 oclock spots of the racket do not rest on the machine like this eagnas does. In true 6 point syspension system, the racket is held up by the 4 side supports and the top and bottom support is away from the mounting post. I can't find any good close ups to show it but look at pics of most babolat machines to see what I mean

 

[flash44]

i read some reviews that contained problems (i think minor ones) about this machine. i also would like to kno that if i do run into these probelms, is the eagnas customer service really that hard to deal with?

 

[jj300]

I always suggest calling the company and asking several questions. If they are patient and give you answers you are happy with, the chances are they will great, if they try to get you off the phone asap then stay away from the company. My main reason for going with alpha is the fact that I spent couple hours asking Mark questions on e-mail and over the phone and he always gave me all the info I needed, and I never felt rushed to get off the phone or like I was bothering him.

 

[drop shot]

Eagnas

Not to beat a dead horse but my friend called Eagnas a few months back and was going to as a few questions about the machine he was looking at. After the second question the "customer service" rep said "YOU WANT THE MACHINE OR NO?!?!?!

 

[theace21]

I always suggest calling the company and asking several questions. If they are patient and give you answers you are happy with, the chances are they will great, if they try to get you off the phone asap then stay away from the company. My main reason for going with alpha is the fact that I spent couple hours asking Mark questions on e-mail and over the phone and he always gave me all the info I needed, and I never felt rushed to get off the phone or like I was bothering him.

Great advice. Call them and see how much support they give you before you buy. I also 2nd what JJ said about Mark at Alpha. I emailed him a couple of times, and he always was extremely helpful.

I have never dealt with Eagnas - but really how much support do you think you should get when their machines are the cheapest on the market. I would pay more for an Alpha - and I would expect them to stand behind what they sell. You are buying a bargain machine, better know how to use it, adjust it, and maintain it. Their profit margain has to be very low...You get what you pay for!!!

 

[boxingguy]

Flash44 -- I bought the combo version of that machine. Different turntable, same ratchet string gripper. The ratchet drum didn't work. Returned it (the ratchet drum), they sent me another one (or the same one?), it worked for a couple of racquets, then started slipping. Then exchanged it for a manual crank (kept the turntable, clamps and tools, sent back the machine base and drop weight apparatus). The manual crank is okay. Draw your own conclusions. Good luck.

 

[flash44]

how much would an alpha machine be with 6 points mounting and fixed clamps? im really trying to find any machine with 6 points mounting and fixed clamps, doesnt matter if its a tabletop or not.

 

[Ben42]

I also had trouble with the ratchet drum on the Flex-740 I briefly had. It didn't move freely around the post when tensioning, so the tension was really, really inconsistant.

In my case they actually refused to service the machine. Instead they told me I should just lower the arm "very slowly." I finally sent the whole machine back and ended up having to contest the charges on my credit card to get a refund.

 

[flash44]

how about this

Mutual Power Hercules 610
#

6-point mounting system with 4 independent heavy duty CrMo alloy articulated adjustable mounting arms suitable for any different size of racket frame.
#

4 K-shape mirror finished padded shoulder support and 2 padded anti-slip head and throat mounting posts to protect your valuable racquets.
#

With load spreaders at tip and throat mounting design for user ultra convenient, fast and secure mounting racquets and stringing.
#

2 drop weights keep constant tension pulling.
#

Tension range:9-102 lbs (or 4-46 kgs). Both pounds or kilograms tension scale reading available.
#

Adjustable width linear ball bearing string gripper.
#

Factory Calibrated and tested
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2 diamond-dusted fingers adjustment aluminum alloy thumb-adjustable swivel tennis clamps.
#

Easy operate cone lock swivel clamping system with durable carbon-steel handle.
#

Maintenance free heavy duty steel 360 degree swivel turntable for racquets rotation, suitable for all racquet types for smooth action and positive string anchoring.
#

Table stand with base tool tray and length scale.
#

Free 2 stringing tools - Awl and needle nose pliers.
#

Full Pre-assembled. No user assemble required.
#

5-year warranty.* (Check Policy warranty section

http://www.mutualpower.net/Hercules610b.htm




do you guys think its worth the extra money over the eagnas flex 740? cause i mean the flex 740 got some bad reviews on the string forum dot net website