Prince Neos 1000 or Alpha Apex 2

[COPEY]

I've read quite a bit on this forum, and I'm fairly certain that regardless of which machine I pick I'll be happy with it, but my stringing pro peaked my curiosity about the Prince Neos 1000 this weekend. He admitted he wasn't well versed with respect to the Alpha line, however, he's an adament supporter of Prince machines (he uses the 3000 and 6000 as well as a Star 3).

The question is would I be missing out on something by choosing the Apex 2 over the Neos 1000? His suggestion was that I opt for the Neos over the Apex 2.

 

[Kevo]

I'd go with the Apex 2 personally. I don't really like the idea of the glide bar clamps too much, and the Apex 2 has a nice quick mount on it as well. The Apex 2 is just a more versatile machine I think, but that may not matter to you much if you don't plan on stringing a bunch of different frames.

 

[COPEY]

I'd go with the Apex 2 personally. I don't really like the idea of the glide bar clamps too much, and the Apex 2 has a nice quick mount on it as well. The Apex 2 is just a more versatile machine I think, but that may not matter to you much if you don't plan on stringing a bunch of different frames.

I do actually. Initially I'll stick to my own and my son's...and a couple of outdated frames I have in the garage just to get comfortable, but by the year's end I plan to start branching out a bit, ultimately stringing for the local high schools and people who play on base (indoor courts) since around here it's either Dick's or travel 60 min round trip to get a good string job.

As for glide clamps, I can't say I have a good feel for how they work or even compare to other types of clamps, so it's impossible for me to have a preference one way or the other. I wish I could use both and make an informed decision based on actual experience, but that's not going to happen.

Anyway, thanks for the input, Kevo!

 

[sboo]

I have strung on both machines, and currently own the Apex II with a Wise tension head.


The neos has an incredible efficient, simple design. It was really easy for me to learn to string on and get comfortable with. The mounting system is very fast, and the glide bars are not a big deal after a few weeks.

The Apex has what in my opinion is a better mounting system (6 pt.), but it is slower and takes a while to get the hang of. I feel that the clamps are a little better, and it is nice not to have to take off a glide bar and reposition the other one halfway through. Alpha offers awesome technical support, and the machine is incredibly solid (I don't really like the way the neos stand is put together).

Both are nice, but I enjoy stringing on the Apex II more, and with the Wise tension head it delivers consistent results.

 

[PBODY99]

You can't go wrong with either machine. That said, the Alpha machine handles fan type patterns easier, and doesn't have an issue with the current Crossbow design from Head. My NEOS clone is over 20 years old, so it is a tried and test design, and I have no plans on switching.

 

[beernutz]

Caveat: I have never used an Alpha machine or even seen an Apex 2 and I am a home stringer, not a business.
That said, I :smile: my Neos. The quality of a string job is more important to me than speed but I've found out in only my second Neos stringing that it is a very fast and efficient stringer.

 

[Kevo]

How much difference in time do you guys think the self-centering 6 point and the NEOS 2 point would make? I can't imagine more than a minute.

And glide bars is really a preference thing until you get to an odd pattern, then you have to switch to the floating clamps. If you're not used to using them that will slow you down a bit.

And then there is the oddball frame situation too. I think the crossbow requires an adapter to string it on the NEOS.

I think the NEOS is a nice machine, and I imagine a lot of shops still keep it along side a newer electronic as a backup or overflow machine because it is very good. If you are just going to get one for stringing any possible frame someone might bring in, I think the Apex is a better choice. Not necessarily a better quality machine, just more versatile.

 

[sboo]

At first the self-centering is a bit of a headache but one you get it in the general area it takes only a min or so to mount a stick.

The neos and ektelon model H are easier to go faster on than the Alpha in my opinion. I can do a racket in ~20 mins including clipping strings out/mounting and it will take me ~30 to do it on the Alpha. I just like the mounting system and clamps on the Alpha more, and I think it is a bit more consistent with the Wise Head.

 

[COPEY]

Great - thanks for all the feedback, fellas. Again, it wasn't a matter of being disappointed with either product. I simply wanted a little present-day rationale with respect to which one might be better in certain areas, and why.

Thanks again!

 

[Mike Cottrill]

Are you assuming they are the same price?
If price is not an issue, the biggest issue with the neos is if you plan on stringing those big oversized fan pattern frames. A little more effort to do on a neos. You may have to use a floating clamp in some cases.

Alpha in the past has provided a second set of clamps for badminton. These can come in handy if you plan on string racquetball frames or badminton frames.

 

[ambro]

Mike,
I believe the price is nearly identical, unless Alpha has raised the price. The Neos is $1099 (from what I remember), and the Apex II is $1095. The Neos has free shipping, but you get more freebies with the Apex (more string, and the string is better, overgrips, badminton clamps, two awls, two pliers, diagonal cutters, etc.), so that part evens out, IMO.

That being said, I love my Apex, and would never, ever go the other route and get a Neos. It may be tried and true, but there's also a reason why there are ZERO modern machines with glide bar clamps and an overwhelming majority of them (high end, at least) have six point suspension mounting. That should tell you something. Two point and glide bar works fine, but six point with swivel clamps are the way to go nowadays.

IMO, the Apex has better clamps, better mounting, and a better stand. It is better than the Neos in every possible way, except that it is not as well known as a workhorse (hasn't been given an opportunity).

 

[COPEY]

Are you assuming they are the same price?

I'm well aware of the difference in price, shipping, and the 'perks' that come with each machine. My focus was mainly on the machine itself, however - clamps, versatility, build quality, etc. One thing I did notice about the Apex with respect to extras is that they throw in a calibrator. Now, I have no way of knowing if it's good calibrator but it's something that caught my eye, and it's one less thing I don't have to buy...at least initially.

As for the Apex 2, I'm pretty secure in my decision that it's the machine I'm going to get (inspite of my stringers recommendation). I considered a dropweight, a crank table top (the Revo specifically), and at one point was seriously considering the SP e.stringer DG. I want to make one purchase and call it a done deal, and I'm pretty sure the Apex 2 with a wise will do it for me - no upgrading to a Star 3 or Prince 6000.

 

[Mike Cottrill]

I want to make one purchase and call it a done deal, and I'm pretty sure the Apex 2 with a wise will do it for me - no upgrading to a Star 3 or Prince 6000.

Since you do not already have a machine and are thinking about an electronic, I would suggest looking at electronic machines instead of getting a crank and upgrading. About the only advantage I can think of with a wise is you have the option of going back to manual tension head if something fails with the wise or power is lost. The wise is a great option for those who already have a manual machine and looking to upgrade.

 

[COPEY]

Since you do not already have a machine and are thinking about an electronic, I would suggest looking at electronic machines instead of getting a crank and upgrading. About the only advantage I can think of with a wise is you have the option of going back to manual tension head if something fails with the wise or power is lost. The wise is a great option for those who already have a manual machine and looking to upgrade.

Hence my rationale for the Alpha and adding on a wise. In 5.1 years (post warranty coverage) if the electronic tensioner fails on the DG or some other stringer, I don't have the option of going to a crank; I'm dead in the water. Moreover, since I'm not running a shop there's no way I can justify springing for anything nicer - it would be a waste of money. I do know that the Prince 6000's tensioner easily disconnects from the stand and can be shipped back to the manufacture for repair/exchange, but it didn't appear that the DG had the same...flexibility (for lack of a better word). Regardless, I like the idea of having a contingency plan to put in play if I need it.

In the end I'm quite certain I'll have no regrets with my choices.

 

[g4driver]

I'm well aware of the difference in price, shipping, and the 'perks' that come with each machine. My focus was mainly on the machine itself, however - clamps, versatility, build quality, etc. One thing I did notice about the Apex with respect to extras is that they throw in a calibrator. Now, I have no way of knowing if it's good calibrator but it's something that caught my eye, and it's one less thing I don't have to buy...at least initially.

As for the Apex 2, I'm pretty secure in my decision that it's the machine I'm going to get (inspite of my stringers recommendation). I considered a dropweight, a crank table top (the Revo specifically), and at one point was seriously considering the SP e.stringer DG. I want to make one purchase and call it a done deal, and I'm pretty sure the Apex 2 with a wise will do it for me - no upgrading to a Star 3 or Prince 6000.

Copey,

Check your PMs if you don't mind. I'm interested in purchasing an Apex II also, and I noticed you're retired USAF. I'm still in the USAFR with 13 years Active Duty.

Your thought process in buying the Apex II is exactly what I needed to read, and I'm looking to school off your putt if you don't mind me copying your homework.

v/r

g4driver

 

[David123]

haha good luck this thread is like 6 months old but copey is still around

 

[David123]

what machine did u end up buying copey?

 

[COPEY]

what machine did u end up buying copey?

The Apex II

Copey,

Check your PMs if you don't mind. I'm interested in purchasing an Apex II also, and I noticed you're retired USAF. I'm still in the USAFR with 13 years Active Duty.

Your thought process in buying the Apex II is exactly what I needed to read, and I'm looking to school off your putt if you don't mind me copying your homework.

v/r

g4driver

Got the e-mail, driver - will respond to it in just a sec. I work nights, so I'm just getting in. Need to do a few things for shift change, then I'll send you an e-mail. ;-)

 

[g4driver]

David123,

I am fully aware of the original date of this thread started by Copey on 12 Jul 09. I am just hoping to get in touch with him sometime. Nothing urgent, as I don't need a stringer this week or even next month. I do want to purchase one and the Apex II is the leading contender for me.

FYI Copey purchased an Apex II.

He did his research and bought one, and if he subscribed to this thread, he will get an email notification that someone else replied to it. I sent him a PM, but like many other forums, users sometimes don't notice the PM, so was hoping he might be subscribed to this thread. If not, I will simply make a post on a more active thread that he posted a few replies on.

v/r

g4driver

 

[g4driver]

The Apex II

Got the e-mail, driver - will respond to it in just a sec. I work nights, so I'm just getting in. Need to do a few things for shift change, then I'll send you an e-mail. ;-)

You typed a response in while I was typing one to David123. Thanks for the reply. Take your time, I'm not in a rush. I just got in myself. Glad you saw this thread by the way.

 

[Zhou]

David123,

I am fully aware of the original date of this thread started by Copey on 12 Jul 09. I am just hoping to get in touch with him sometime. Nothing urgent, as I don't need a stringer this week or even next month. I do want to purchase one and the Apex II is the leading contender for me.

FYI Copey purchased an Apex II.

He did his research and bought one, and if he subscribed to this thread, he will get an email notification that someone else replied to it. I sent him a PM, but like many other forums, users sometimes don't notice the PM, so was hoping he might be subscribed to this thread. If not, I will simply make a post on a more active thread that he posted a few replies on.

v/r

g4driver

Good luck with your purchase. I bought my Apex II almost 2 years back and I have never looked back. Mark is a fantastic man to work with and made purchasing a breeze.

 

[David123]

is the apex only different than the Revo in the fact that it has self centering amounts and stand? i don't want to pay extra 500$ for that. I would rather get a wise. The new updated Revo comes with metal knobs and 3 tooth clamps. so i guess it makes it the same as the apex except for those things. Is the crank the same and clamps the same then?

 

[g4driver]

Zhou,

Thanks for your comments. Your statement about not looking back is a strong point. Mark's customer service seems almost unheard of these days, and that coupled with his outstanding products will earn him my business.

I have never owned a stringer, but I've tried to educate myself on the pros/cons of various stringers. The Apex II and Axis Pro are $300 difference in price. I don't want to buy an Axis Pro, and six months later, think to myself, "I wish I had purchased the Apex II". I don't see me stringing that many racquets in the immediate future (mostly friends), but I would like to start slow, and string more in my free time. When my friends refer their friends, I could see me stringing maybe 20-25 sticks a month max.

Copey & Zhou,

1) Are the mounting system and clamps the main differences between the Apex II and Axis Pro? And would I notice the difference if I've never owned a stringer? I realize I can ask Mark these questions, and I will, but I would like your opinions as guys who own the machines.


Thanks for your time.

 

[David123]

yeah i am wondering the same thing about the Revo which is the exact same (i believe and what i've heard on these forums) as the axis pro. Are the clamps and everything the same? is it just the SC mounts that make it more expensive? The new revo comes with 3 tooth clamps so that compares to the apex.

 

[g4driver]

yeah i am wondering the same thing about the Revo which is the exact same (i believe and what i've heard on these forums) as the axis pro. Are the clamps and everything the same? is it just the SC mounts that make it more expensive? The new revo comes with 3 tooth clamps so that compares to the apex.

For me a stand is paramount, along with outstanding "Highest Rated J.D. Power and Associates" equivalent quality customer service. Mark has earned that level of respect and will get my business. Eagnas lost my business before I was even in the market for a stringer with the horror stories of their poor service.

When I was about to graduate college, I purchased a 1989 Jeep Wrangler. When the Jeep had 12,417 miles, the entire electrical system went haywire. Chrysler had just purchased Jeep. I had no lights (inside or out), no gas gauge or any other electric gauge.

The local Jeep dealership told me the vehicle was out of warranty and Chrysler would not fix the problem. The warranty ran out at 12K. I had to pay to get some of the exterior lights working. The gas gauge never worked again, nor did any interior light ever work again, including the backlights on the speedometer and odometer. I used the tripometer to determine when I needed gas, as I could get 300 miles per full tank of gas. In the five years that drove that Jeep without a gas gauge, I ran out of gas, one time, early on in my adaptation to the "No-gas Gauge Jeep" while still in college. Thankfully I was at the library which was just up the hill from a gas station about a block away. Neutral and brakes got me to the gas station. Did Chrysler/Jeep consider just how many people I would tell my ordeal to over the last 21 years? No they didn't.

I wrote to Jeep/Chrysler, stating that will I might be a college student, when I graduated I would likely buy more vehicles. I told Jeep/Chrysler, not only would I never by another one of their products, I would never buy any Big Three vehicle. And I never have, and I never will. Japan has had 100% of my business for the last 21 years, and the only country that might ever get my business again isn't American, it's German.

Poor customer service has a way backfiring on consumers like me, and great customer service like Alpha's has a way of attracted consumers like me. Kudos to Mark and the team at Alpha! This is exactly the type of company I like to do business with. I am sure Mark, Copey and others can help me pick out the proper Alpha stringer for my current and future needs.

Looking forward to learning more about the differences between the Apex II, and the Axis Pro. I will place a call to Mark tomorrow, but would love to hear from guys like Copey who own the Apex II and from anyone who has an Axis Pro.

Good night guys!

 

[David123]

For me a stand is paramount, along with outstanding "Highest Rated J.D. Power and Associates" equivalent quality customer service. Mark has earned that level of respect and will get my business. Eagnas lost my business before I was even in the market for a stringer with the horror stories of their poor service.

When I was about to graduate college, I purchased a 1989 Jeep Wrangler. When the Jeep had 12,417 miles, the entire electrical system went haywire. Chrysler had just purchased Jeep. I had no lights (inside or out), no gas gauge or any other electric gauge.

The local Jeep dealership told me the vehicle was out of warranty and Chrysler would not fix the problem. The warranty ran out at 12K. I had to pay to get some of the exterior lights working. The gas gauge never worked again, nor did any interior light ever work again, including the backlights on the speedometer and odometer. I used the tripometer to determine when I needed gas, as I could get 300 miles per full tank of gas. In the five years that drove that Jeep without a gas gauge, I ran out of gas, one time, early on in my adaptation to the "No-gas Gauge Jeep" while still in college. Thankfully I was at the library which was just up the hill from a gas station about a block away. Neutral and brakes got me to the gas station. Did Chrysler/Jeep consider just how many people I would tell my ordeal to over the last 21 years? No they didn't.

I wrote to Jeep/Chrysler, stating that will I might be a college student, when I graduated I would likely buy more vehicles. I told Jeep/Chrysler, not only would I never by another one of their products, I would never buy any Big Three vehicle. And I never have, and I never will. Japan has had 100% of my business for the last 21 years, and the only country that might ever get my business again isn't American, it's German.

Poor customer service has a way backfiring on consumers like me, and great customer service like Alpha's has a way of attracted consumers like me. Kudos to Mark and the team at Alpha! This is exactly the type of company I like to do business with. I am sure Mark, Copey and others can help me pick out the proper Alpha stringer for my current and future needs.

Looking forward to learning more about the differences between the Apex II, and the Axis Pro. I will place a call to Mark tomorrow, but would love to hear from guys like Copey who own the Apex II and from anyone who has an Axis Pro.

Good night guys!

Very nice way to look at it. I loved reading it. I can't wait to find out the difference between the axis pro and apex.

 

[Zhou]

Zhou,

Thanks for your comments. Your statement about not looking back is a strong point. Mark's customer service seems almost unheard of these days, and that coupled with his outstanding products will earn him my business.

I have never owned a stringer, but I've tried to educate myself on the pros/cons of various stringers. The Apex II and Axis Pro are $400 difference in price. I don't want to buy an Axis Pro, and six months later, think to myself, "I wish I had purchased the Apex II". I don't see me stringing that many racquets in the immediate future (mostly friends), but I would like to start slow, and string more in my free time. When my friends refer their friends, I could see me stringing maybe 20-25 sticks a month max.

Copey & Zhou,

1) Are the mounting system and clamps the main differences between the Apex II and Axis Pro? And would I notice the difference if I've never owned a stringer? I realize I can ask Mark these questions, and I will, but I would like your opinions as guys who own the machines.


Thanks for your time.

I find the mounting system to be just fine. I purchased mine from a very early batch when the very first few were being shipped over so I actually have two different mounts as they can be taken off and adjusted. I find them easy to use and it makes mounting a breeze. I talked with Mark regarding the change in tooling as they were modifying the Apex II.

The difference IMO is negligible but if you can, it is a plus. It doesn't necessary make mounting that much quicker, but the simplicity is what I like about it. I recommend the Apex II also because the turn-table is higher quality.

 

[COPEY]

Copey & Zhou,

1) Are the mounting system and clamps the main differences between the Apex II and Axis Pro? And would I notice the difference if I've never owned a stringer? I realize I can ask Mark these questions, and I will, but I would like your opinions as guys who own the machines.


Thanks for your time.

I can't comment on the differences in the turntable, but what I can tell you is regardless of what stringer you buy, you won't notice any differences in terms of functionality for the simple fact that you've never used a another machine. If you went with the Axis, you'd love it because it'll work like a charm, allowing you to string rackets day-in and day-out if you chose to. Now let's fast-forward several months - you're proficient at stringing, can knock out a job in 40 min or so, and you've got your own little routines pretty much fine tuned. You have a chance to string on an Apex II or even a drop weight - any other stringer...that's when you'll be able to figure out what really stands about your machine vs. what shortcomings it has (in your opinion). I've only used an Apex II (actually, I did get a chance to do couple of pulls on a Neos just to see what glide bars were all about, but in my opinion that doesn't count), and to me it's an awesome machine. Now, to someone like ddawg who's sporting a Star 5, the Apex II would probably be a little uh...cumbersome lol. But I'm a novice stringer with very limited experience with respect to types of stringers and how they actually compare. All I know is I have no regrets about the purchase I made.

I went with the Apex II because I wanted self-centering mounting arms, the locking casters (you asked if they locked in your e-mail), the 3-tooth clamps...and I even liked the reel hanger. Would I have been happy with an Axis Pro? Definitely, but I knew at some point I would regret not getting the features I just mentioned at some point in the future, which would probably result in me dumping whatever machine I settled for and getting what I wanted in the first place.

I know I'm set with respect to stringers; I don't have a need or desire to get anything better. Moreover, I really don't think it would make stringing more enjoyable (for me). The things that make stringing moderately painstaking at times have nothing to do with the stringer. It's usually things like blocked holes, tubing broken grommets, excessive coil memory with some strings, etc.

Once again, and I probably sound like a broken record...get as much machine as you can afford and you'll probably be content for quite some time. You'll eventually get your money back regardless of what you buy if you string for others, but more importantly you won't be saying, "man, if only I had spent the money and got an xxxx".

 

[g4driver]

Copey & Zhou,

Thanks much for all your answers and info.

Just curious, what came with your Apex 2? Tension calibration tool? Starting Clamp? Strings? I thought I remembered reading something about $100 worth of something, but can't find that link any longer.

I found this link which mentions "stringing tools, operating manual and calibrator are all included."

http://rmsboulder.com/alphaapexiistringingmachine.aspx


Thanks

 

[Rex]

Copey & Zhou,

Thanks much for all your answers and info.

Just curious, what came with your Apex 2? Tension calibration tool? Starting Clamp? Strings? I thought I remembered reading something about $100 worth of something, but can't find that link any longer.

I found this link which mentions "stringing tools, operating manual and calibrator are all included."

http://rmsboulder.com/alphaapexiistringingmachine.aspx


Thanks

I just ordered an Alpha machine and mine is coming with $100 worth of Alpha strings, tension calibration tool, and stringing tools. I think a starting clamp would be a little extra.

 

[g4driver]

Rex,

Thanks. Did you order a Revo 4000 and a Wise?

I know you have a lot of experience stringing, and wonder how many sticks you string a month?

I was thinking of just buying an Apex 2 now, and seeing how things go. If I string more than I expect, I reasoned I could allows upgrade to a Wise in the future.

The stand and locking casters were a big deal for me, as I will have to move the stringer around where I'm placing it. Unfortunately, my garage lets in too much salt air (7 miles from the Atlantic Ocean) and too many tools rust down there. So the compromise is the stringer is going inside the house in a spare bedroom. But it has to be wheeled to the closet when not in use, otherwise, I will be in the doghouse from my better half. :wink:

 

[Rex]

Rex,

Thanks. Did you order a Revo 4000 and a Wise?

I know you have a lot of experience stringing, and wonder how many sticks you string a month?

I was thinking of just buying an Apex 2 now, and seeing how things go. If I string more than I expect, I reasoned I could allows upgrade to a Wise in the future.

The stand and locking casters were a big deal for me, as I will have to move the stringer around where I'm placing it. Unfortunately, my garage lets in too much salt air (7 miles from the Atlantic Ocean) and too many tools rust down there. So the compromise is the stringer is going inside the house in a spare bedroom. But it has to be wheeled to the closet when not in use, otherwise, I will be in the doghouse from my better half. :wink:

I used to string a lot for about 10 years for me and others. At that time I would string about 30-40 rackets a month on average. I was stringing with an Ektelon H for a long time and that's all I knew. I moved and left my machine with my sister, so I had to order a new one since I am playing more tennis here.
I just ordered the Revo 4000 for space here in my new place here and due to the fact I wanted a 6pt mounting system and fixed clamps. The Apex 2 is a sweet machine with the 6pt suspension system. I would have gotten one, but its a bit out of my budget right now.
I will most likely order a wise the future, but I have to deal for now.
If I were in your position and had the money to shell out on a machine, I would pick up the Apex 2. The wheels would be super easy to move the machine around, since I had to pick up my ektelon and move it to the living room to string from my downstairs garage .

 

[David123]

I used to string a lot for about 10 years for me and others. At that time I would string about 30-40 rackets a month on average. I was stringing with an Ektelon H for a long time and that's all I knew. I moved and left my machine with my sister, so I had to order a new one since I am playing more tennis here.
I just ordered the Revo 4000 for space here in my new place here and due to the fact I wanted a 6pt mounting system and fixed clamps. The Apex 2 is a sweet machine with the 6pt suspension system. I would have gotten one, but its a bit out of my budget right now.
I will most likely order a wise the future, but I have to deal for now.
If I were in your position and had the money to shell out on a machine, I would pick up the Apex 2. The wheels would be super easy to move the machine around, since I had to pick up my ektelon and move it to the living room to string from my downstairs garage .

did any rackets ever break on your Ektelon?

 

[Rex]

did any rackets ever break on your Ektelon?

Nope. Never had any issues. The mounting system did start slipping when stringing rackets on me though, but that was easily fixed by cleaning and adjusting some screws on the machine.

 

[David123]

Nope. Never had any issues. The mounting system did start slipping when stringing rackets on me though, but that was easily fixed by cleaning and adjusting some screws on the machine.

Alright, thanks for your response

 

[g4driver]

Thanks Rex,

I was clueless about stringers until I started asking questions and reading. I'm only slightly less clueless now, but the 6 point mounting and clamps on the Alpha stringers seems like a solid choice. Last winter I started looking at the Revo 4000. I figured if I can string five sticks a month at $15 labor, that's $75 per month, and in 16 months the cost of an Apex 2, shipping, and a starting clamp will be recovered. The fact that the stringer should last 20 plus years is a bonus.

YULitle's YouTube Channel has been a great source of information for newbies, but I'm only scratching the surface of the learning curve.

Congrats on your new stringer, and thanks for your input. Comments like yours make me feel better about the purchase. I'm about to send Mark an email and see if I can order the Apex 2 tomorrow.

Good night.

 

[struggle]

did any rackets ever break on your Ektelon?

you shouldn't break any racket on any machine, unless the stick was already compromised.

 

[Rex]

Thanks Rex,

I was clueless about stringers until I started asking questions and reading. I'm only slightly less clueless now, but the 6 point mounting and clamps on the Alpha stringers seems like a solid choice. Last winter I started looking at the Revo 4000. I figured if I can string five sticks a month at $15 labor, that's $75 per month, and in 16 months the cost of an Apex 2, shipping, and a starting clamp will be recovered. The fact that the stringer should last 20 plus years is a bonus.

YULitle's YouTube Channel has been a great source of information for newbies, but I'm only scratching the surface of the learning curve.

Congrats on your new stringer, and thanks for your input. Comments like yours make me feel better about the purchase. I'm about to send Mark an email and see if I can order the Apex 2 tomorrow.

Good night.

No problem! You will be very happy with your purchase. Mark answered all my questions and told me the difference between the Apex 2, Axis Pro, and Revo 4000.
If you have any questions feel free to ask me anytime. I'll try my best to help you answer any questions about stringing.
You make me wish that I should have ordered the Apex 2 now.

 

[COPEY]

Copey & Zhou,

Thanks much for all your answers and info.

Just curious, what came with your Apex 2? Tension calibration tool? Starting Clamp? Strings? I thought I remembered reading something about $100 worth of something, but can't find that link any longer.

I found this link which mentions "stringing tools, operating manual and calibrator are all included."

http://rmsboulder.com/alphaapexiistringingmachine.aspx


Thanks

A bunch of string, cutters, needlenose, calibration tool, awls, straightening tool, AND a starting clamp. I'd buy an additional clamp, however. Trust me - you'll use it, and often.

 

[David123]

A bunch of string, cutters, needlenose, calibration tool, awls, straightening tool, AND a starting clamp. I'd buy an additional clamp, however. Trust me - you'll use it, and often.

An additional starting clamp? or swivel clamp?

 

[David123]

No problem! You will be very happy with your purchase. Mark answered all my questions and told me the difference between the Apex 2, Axis Pro, and Revo 4000.
If you have any questions feel free to ask me anytime. I'll try my best to help you answer any questions about stringing.
You make me wish that I should have ordered the Apex 2 now.

Rex you have the Gamma 5003? right? i can't remember.

 

[g4driver]

To Copey, Rex, Zhou,

Thanks so much for your help guys. I just got off the phone with Mark. The Apex 2 should be here Friday, as it will ship today.

I wouldn't have made this purchase without your inputs.

And I hope you don't mind me asking for your advice in the future.

g4driver

 

[Rex]

To Copey, Rex, Zhou,

Thanks so much for your help guys. I just got off the phone with Mark. The Apex 2 should be here Friday, as it will ship today.

I wouldn't have made this purchase without your inputs.

And I hope you don't mind me asking for your advice in the future.

g4driver

Congrats on your purchase! I know you'll be very happy with the machine.

 

[COPEY]

Hey driver, congrats on your purchase. You'll love the machine, that's for sure. As for asking for advice, sure thing - anytime. I'm not sure if they corrected it, but the one thing I wasn't thrilled about was the fact that the Apex 2 doesn't come with an instruction guide. Mark sent me a very general maintenance/how to instructional via e-mail, and that helped some, but there are quite a few minor things that pop up when you're brand new to stringing that an in-depth guide could explain. He said they were in the process of developing one when I purchased mine, so maybe you'll get one. If not, it's certainly not a showstopper, and by no means did it detract from my satisfaction with the machine itself. For my wants/needs I made the right decision to buy the Apex 2.

If you have any questions you can ask me directly, post here (LOTS of guys here can help ya - Jim e, Irvin, ddawg, Zhou, Lakers, Barry, YuLitle...just to name a few). You can also call Mark or Greg - they're awesome, and they'll answer any question you have.

If you read/watch enough videos you'll probably figure out quite a few things on your own. But if you're in a hurry, posting here works, especially after hours when Alpha is closed for business.

 

[COPEY]

An additional starting clamp? or swivel clamp?

Starting clamp. When doing 2-piece, I don't tie-off the cross at the top until after I'm done tying off at the bottom, and I use my other starting clamp to tighten the parnell knot. I also like having an additional starting clamp in the event I come up short and need to use it as a bridge.

Got your e-mail, David, and I'm pretty sure I explained my reasons for choosing the Apex 2 over the Neos. It was a personal preference--the Apex 2 suited my needs better than a Neos would've. Buy your Neos - you'll be happy with it.

 

[David123]

Starting clamp. When doing 2-piece, I don't tie-off the cross at the top until after I'm done tying off at the bottom, and I use my other starting clamp to tighten the parnell knot. I also like having an additional starting clamp in the event I come up short and need to use it as a bridge.

Got your e-mail, David, and I'm pretty sure I explained my reasons for choosing the Apex 2 over the Neos. It was a personal preference--the Apex 2 suited my needs better than a Neos would've. Buy your Neos - you'll be happy with it.

Alright thanks Copey. Do you suggest i buy 2 starting clamps with my Neos as well? I am assuming yes? But I haven't heard of many people having more than one starting clamp :S

 

[COPEY]

There are several guys that have more than two actually, but those are the guys who have years and years of stringing experience, and have picked up starting clamps over time with size variations or types.

Do I recommend two? Actually I'd have to say I recommend you have at least one. Two is simply a luxury. I know there are a few guys that don't use a starting clamp, and it's not considerered a necessity since you can string without one, but I like having two.

Probably the best suggestion I can give is to get one, string with it for a while, and if you're content with one, you're all set. If you encounter a situation where you think it'd be "nice" to have an additional clamp...nuff said. ;-)

 

[struggle]

There are several guys that have more than two actually, but those are the guys who have years and years of stringing experience, and have picked up starting clamps over time with size variations or types.

Do I recommend two? Actually I'd have to say I recommend you have at least one. Two is simply a luxury. I know there are a few guys that don't use a starting clamp, and it's not considerered a necessity since you can string without one, but I like having two.

Probably the best suggestion I can give is to get one, string with it for a while, and if you're content with one, you're all set. If you encounter a situation where you think it'd be "nice" to have an additional clamp...nuff said. ;-)

yep, two would be sweet, one is nice, none would suffice.

i have one, and could ALWAYS use a vise grip and some soft blocks of wood to make a second if needed. eventually, i'll have two. maybe.

 

[jim e]

yep, two would be sweet, one is nice, none would suffice.

i have one, and could ALWAYS use a vise grip and some soft blocks of wood to make a second if needed. eventually, i'll have two. maybe.

Yes, I have 3 of them. They are cheap enough, and I always keep one with a scrap string on it for a bridge when I get short on string length.

 

[drakulie]

^^Yup. same here.

I have a few starting clamps. Keep one with a scrap piece of string to use as bridge.