Prince Neos 1000 and Alpha Apex

[perllog]

Prince Neos 1000 and Alpha Apex -> Revo 4K vs other Alpha models

Hi all,

I've just started my research on buying a stringing machine and came across these two machines with similar price . The Prince Neos 1000 is listed here at TW for 1200USD and the other is 1149USD at NTT web site.

I can't seem to find any article about the prince on this forum but quite a few about the Alpha. The feedback on the Prince machine at TW product page was quite positive however.

Could someone please give some comparison about their features, quality, bang for the bucks, and opinions (objective or subjective are all welcome) .

Many thanks
Perl

 

[diredesire]

Both are great machines, it really depends on what you're using them for... i think i'd give the Prince machine the nod speedwise, it is a bit of a dated machine, though...

The mounting system for the Prince is a very sturdy 2 point (i hesitate to call it a 2 point, as it's incredibly steady/solid and tried and true) and it's quick to mount once you get the hang of it. The build quality is exceptional, the brake is great, my major gripe is the clamping system. It's a single action, glide bar system which is itself a great system if you prefer it, but you have to remove the rails to do the crosses, and this was weird if not a little tricky for me the first time i strung on the neos, it also doesn't handle fan patterns well/if at all (without a flying clamp).

If you're using it in a pro shop, i'd probably have to give the NEOS the nod as it's fast, solid, and proven to be a great machine.

The Apex however, has double action clamps, which i prefer although some people do not, i think once you get the hang of it, dual action clamps can be just as fast as a good single action clamp. The mount some people would prefer, although i again would not, i'm one of the minority that prefer inside mounting, as i feel the outside gets in the way a little more frequently, and you have to string "around" them, although this is hardly a major gripe, i just don't prefer it.

I'd probably go with the Apex as a hobby/home stringer, and the NEOS as a volume/shop stringer.

 

[Gaines Hillix]

I've strung on both and I prefer the Apex. The full suspension mount is just as fast to mount the frames on and with the way it's built obstructing the frame isn't an issue. The base on the stand on the Apex makes it more stable. The Neos wants to tip over when you pull hard on a string with pliers, for instance. You also don't need flying clamps to string fan shaped patterns, which are common on racquetball racquets and some tennis racquets(I still run into these more than I would have thought).

 

[thefossman]

Alpha Apex vs. Prince Neos

I've strung on both and I prefer the Apex. The full suspension mount is just as fast to mount the frames on and with the way it's built obstructing the frame isn't an issue. The base on the stand on the Apex makes it more stable. The Neos wants to tip over when you pull hard on a string with pliers, for instance. You also don't need flying clamps to string fan shaped patterns, which are common on racquetball racquets and some tennis racquets(I still run into these more than I would have thought).

All due respect, but you've been listening too much to those who accuse you of working for Alpha. Comparing these two machines is like comparing a Wilson Ultra II standard to a Wilson nCode Six-One Tour. 1980s technology vs. state of the art. I used the orange Wilson Ultra II standard in college, but it's not my first choice today. I used to string on the Neos, but for the same money the Alpha is a much better bet. Pick the Apex. Be happy. String well.

P.S. I don't work for Alpha, TW or any other vendor or retailer. I've owned a bunch of Babolat, Prince and Eagnas machines over the last 25 years.

 

[Mike Cottrill]

When I first started looking at the Apex, I ran into a 1yr old Neos for sale. Took a good look at it and decided against it. There were no Apexes in my area. The only Alpha machines I had to compare were the DC-Blu. To be honest, The DC-Blu (s) is saw were in bad shape (I think one of them had been dropped). The Neos are good machines and you can’t go wrong with them. Old school machine, but solid as a rock. I do prefer the suspension system on the Apex. It is best if you can compare them.

Mike

 

[thefossman]

Suspension mount vs. 2 point? Are you kidding me?

When I first started looking at the Apex, I ran into a 1yr old Neos for sale. Took a good look at it and decided against it. There were no Apexes in my area. The only Alpha machines I had to compare were the DC-Blu. To be honest, The DC-Blu (s) is saw were in bad shape (I think one of them had been dropped). The Neos are good machines and you can’t go wrong with them. Old school machine, but solid as a rock. I do prefer the suspension system on the Apex. It is best if you can compare them.

Mike

I'm going to hammer this point. If you own a shop and you've got a variety of stringers using any of your machines, you've got to invest in a suspension mounting system. I've had to buy more members than I care to remember new sticks because one of my guys "squashed" an oversize Prince on a two point machine. I got rid of all my "old school" stringers years ago and guess what? I haven't had to purchase a frame for a member since. Think I've done a better job teaching teenagers to string? You betcha'. But kids are kids and the suspension mounts on machines like the Apex are a whole lot better at keeping oval frames oval. Dollar for Dollar ... No Comparison.

 

[perllog]

Revo 4000 and other more expensive models

Thanks all for sharing your thoughts on the Apex and Prince Neos 1000 .

I've now decided to stay with Alpha machines and wanted to learn more about them before buying one for my own use and possibly tennis friends that may have stringing need in the future.

I' ve got this question in my mind between the Revo 4000 and others from Alpha, as best I can tell from the pictures and specs, there are two main differences between the Revo 4000 and the more expensive models:

- The Revo has "6 points wide stretch mounting system" and the Blue DC has "Six-point Racquet suspension mounting system" while the Apex has "Air-suspension six-point mounting system" . How are these mouting system differ and how do they affect the quality of the stringing ?

- The other main difference is the stand . Does the stand provide much greater ease in stringing and therefore necessary for large volume of stringing jobs and the table top in no way inferior to those with stand in so far as quality of a stringing job except its throughput ?

I couldn't tell of any other significant differences between the Revo and other more expensive models.

For personal use and occasional stringing for friends and others , does one need a model with stand ?

With Revo 4000 can I put it on the floor and work without having a table top ?

Besides, the way it looks , Revo 4000 will take less room for storage , which to me is a big plus since my garage is running out of room . I'd like to have the dimensions of the Revo 4K but couldn't find it on NTT website . I wonder Alpha has it stored off somewhere ?

Thanks all for your comments
Perl

 

[Mike Cottrill]

Point taken. I agree for the most part. But it does not remove the entire human factor. One still has to pay attention to what they are doing.. It sure is easy to over tighten the frame.. I like the Apex design better, but they both have their advantages. Kids tend to be rough on machines too.

 

[Gaines Hillix]

All due respect, but you've been listening too much to those who accuse you of working for Alpha. Comparing these two machines is like comparing a Wilson Ultra II standard to a Wilson nCode Six-One Tour. 1980s technology vs. state of the art. I used the orange Wilson Ultra II standard in college, but it's not my first choice today. I used to string on the Neos, but for the same money the Alpha is a much better bet. Pick the Apex. Be happy. String well.

P.S. I don't work for Alpha, TW or any other vendor or retailer. I've owned a bunch of Babolat, Prince and Eagnas machines over the last 25 years.

I'm a little confused....I said I've strung on both the Neos and the Apex and that I think the Apex is a better machine. I don't work for Alpha, TW or any other tennis related company(except for my own little stringing business). So, where's the ambiguity in that, thefossman?

 

[GuyPerez]

Gaines,
I think fossman actually has your back on this one. Sounded to me like he was encouraging you to not hold back for fear of being accused of being biased toward Alpha. My take on it.

 

[Mike Cottrill]

Gaines,
I think fossman actually has your back on this one. Sounded to me like he was encouraging you to not hold back for fear of being accused of being biased toward Alpha. My take on it.

Agree with Perez..

 

[Gaines Hillix]

Mike, Perez, thanks....

 

[barry]

GuyPerez

How did you Wise head work out? You mentioned you had sold the solid steel monster (y-12) and bought an Alpha with a Wise head.

Just curious how it worked out, and is it easier to string.

 

[GuyPerez]

thanks for asking barry. I had the custom mount for the Wise conversion made and then ended up buying an upright crank machine (Alpha) at the last second. I decided to try the crank for a while before getting a Wise and so far it has been great. I sold my y12-3 for a good price on ****. So now I have the custom mount just sitting around. Anyone looking to turn a good dropweight into an elctric with the Wise should drop me a line.