Pro's Pro Challenger 1 Stringing Machine

[TennisKeen]

Hi Guys,

I'm based in the UK (I say this as most of machines you can buy in the US aren't available here) and am looking to buy my first stringing machine...

I'm on a tight budget but can probably stretch to just over £300 but only if it is really worth it. I'm currently seriously considering buying the pro's pro challenger 1 machine (£200), it's main features are:

6 point mounting system,
swivel clamping system,
quarter turn clamp locking screw,
360 degree turntable,
Drop weight tensioning

Does anyone have any experience with this machine or if not can you tell me if the features are ok? I'm open to any recomendations within the price limit (I'd prefer a dropweight machine to sping or crank tensioning).

Thanks,

 

[Danstevens]

It's a good machine, the same as the Eagnas Challenger I. There's nothing really wrong with it at all and it'll make a great first machine.

Just out of interest, where are you buying it from? Would it be W&D by any chance?

 

[TennisKeen]

Thanks, and yes W & D

 

[lenderbender]

just looking at the W&D website now. Somebody care to enlighten me as to what a ratchet tension system entails?

 

[smirker]

Hi Guys,

I'm based in the UK (I say this as most of machines you can buy in the US aren't available here) and am looking to buy my first stringing machine...

I'm on a tight budget but can probably stretch to just over £300 but only if it is really worth it. I'm currently seriously considering buying the pro's pro challenger 1 machine (£200), it's main features are:

6 point mounting system,
swivel clamping system,
quarter turn clamp locking screw,
360 degree turntable,
Drop weight tensioning

Does anyone have any experience with this machine or if not can you tell me if the features are ok? I'm open to any recomendations within the price limit (I'd prefer a dropweight machine to sping or crank tensioning).

It's a great first machine to learn how to string on. I bought mine at Christmas and have done quite a few racquets on it now. The mounting system and clamps are good and good after sales from W&D. The ratchet system also helps speed things up.
Thanks,

just looking at the W&D website now. Somebody care to enlighten me as to what a ratchet tension system entails?

Basically the ratchet alows you to adjust the tension in small steps. Without it you have to judge how far to push the lever forward to achieve horizontal. With the ratchet it doesn't matter as you can just ratchet it a click at a time until horizontal is reached. With the varying stretch in strings i would advise buying the ratchet model. It will make life a lot easier.