Pro's Pro Challenger I vs Penta Premium Stringer 3600

[penguin]

ok so, I am going to buy one of these two stringing machines. the Penta costs a bit more and the only extra feature I can see on it is the diamond dusted clamps, and I can't tell if it has a ratchet like the Challenger I. Is "diamond dusted" a real worthwhile thing, or is it meaningless jargon that doesn't tell you whether the clamps are better or worse.

Basically I am new to stringing- I don't want to spend much money, but I'll shell out the extra £30 or so if the Penta is somehow going to give me less hassle.

So, does anybody have experience of these machines?

 

[Anton H]

I'm a 3600 user and i've had it for 2 years now. I'm very happy with it. When comparing the two side to side i think the minor difference beside the clamps is the 6 point system. The Penta 3600 has a symmetrical system for the side clamps where both sides are clamped in with one button turn. While the pro's pro needs to be done separately. Which gives more risk for warping your frame one way or the other.

Idk if you can buy a footstand for the pro's pro but for an extra 80 euro or so you can buy the foot stand which holds strings, a table with your tools and can be adjusted in height to your preferences. I have it and i really enjoy that aspect of it and not having to put the stringer on a table. But you need the space cause it's not easy to take apart.

 

[Protennis2014]

I'm hoping to buy a CHALLENGER I, I have friends with the Penta Stringer 3600 and they tell me 2 problems in particular for me, one says that the clamps have diamond dust but it is not true, and it does not catch the finest strings well(17-18-19), Second you have trouble string below 42 - 43 pounds, the one that lives at sea level, or play with low pounds , this is not the machine. Many of them, in fact, have made an investment in buying very good Clamps, diamond powder universals and five teeth, from Taiwan, that cost $ 80 a pair, but substantially improve the string. Actually I prefer Pro's pro challenger I, with universal Clamps, cheaper and functional, and accept low tensions for my string


Enviado desde mi F5121 mediante Tapatalk

 

[penguin]

I'm hoping to buy a CHALLENGER I, I have friends with the Penta Stringer 3600 and they tell me 2 problems in particular for me, one says that the clamps have diamond dust but it is not true, and it does not catch the finest strings well(17-18-19), Second you have trouble string below 42 - 43 pounds, the one that lives at sea level, or play with low pounds , this is not the machine. Many of them, in fact, have made an investment in buying very good Clamps, diamond powder universals and five teeth, from Taiwan, that cost $ 80 a pair, but substantially improve the string. Actually I prefer Pro's pro challenger I, with universal Clamps, cheaper and functional, and accept low tensions for my string


Enviado desde mi F5121 mediante Tapatalk

thanks for your reply. I went with the Challenger I. going to contact the retailer today because the gripper indents the strings, and the (three-tooth) clamps indent the strings or let them slip depending on how tight they are set. Early stages yet, and maybe solveable (I already cleaned with alcohol so its not that). But I'm happy to hear about problems with the Penta as I was starting to think I might have made the wrong choice...

 

[Znak]

thanks for your reply. I went with the Challenger I. going to contact the retailer today because the gripper indents the strings, and the (three-tooth) clamps indent the strings or let them slip depending on how tight they are set. Early stages yet, and maybe solveable (I already cleaned with alcohol so its not that). But I'm happy to hear about problems with the Penta as I was starting to think I might have made the wrong choice...

Did you have to upgrade the clamps?

 

[Imago]

substantially improve the string. Actually I prefer Pro's pro challenger I, with universal Clamps, cheaper and functional, and accept low tensions for my string

Challenger I + Universal clamps = Pioneer I, what I have. Universal Premium clamps (27 euro each) are even better. I think both have some kind of cristaline dust which still holds 4 years now. As for the low tension I use the right side of the weight to tell the kilograms so that my dynamic final string tension as per stringmeter corresponds more closely to the set reference tension. Using the left side gives me 5 kg higher DT than the set RT. Of course, it depends on the elasticity of the string too.

 

[penguin]

I got the 5 tooth ones which were a bit better but there are still small indents unless it's a tough string

I've seen similar ocmplaints about the pentagon though so...

Did you have to upgrade the clamps?

 

[Znak]

I got the 5 tooth ones which were a bit better but there are still small indents unless it's a tough string

I've seen similar ocmplaints about the pentagon though so...

Does it affect the strings in their lifespan or durability?

 

[penguin]

Does it affect the strings in their lifespan or durability?

it seems not. Still using a gut/poly hybrid that was my first full job on the machine (I had already swapped some crosses) and was before I got the 5 tooth clamps. It's showing wear, but not related to the places where the strings were stressed in stringing as far as I can tell. perhaps if it was full poly string maybe the nicks would add to string friction?

then again, I'm not really a string-breaker.

What I have been doing from the start though is putting a piece of paper inside the gripper to make it less harsh. Cardboard (as I saw suggested) was too thick too fit. The paper gets covered in little pinpricks...


aside from the cosmetic improvment, the 5 tooth clamps seem a lot less likely to slip on the first main, which I found really annoying.

I dont' have a starting clamp.

 

[Znak]

it seems not. Still using a gut/poly hybrid that was my first full job on the machine (I had already swapped some crosses) and was before I got the 5 tooth clamps. It's showing wear, but not related to the places where the strings were stressed in stringing as far as I can tell. perhaps if it was full poly string maybe the nicks would add to string friction?

then again, I'm not really a string-breaker.

What I have been doing from the start though is putting a piece of paper inside the gripper to make it less harsh. Cardboard (as I saw suggested) was too thick too fit. The paper gets covered in little pinpricks...


aside from the cosmetic improvment, the 5 tooth clamps seem a lot less likely to slip on the first main, which I found really annoying.

I dont' have a starting clamp.

Good to note, just saw a YouTube clip talking about the paper technique as well. Thanks!

 

[Kontojohn]

I'm a 3600 user and i've had it for 2 years now. I'm very happy with it. When comparing the two side to side i think the minor difference beside the clamps is the 6 point system. The Penta 3600 has a symmetrical system for the side clamps where both sides are clamped in with one button turn. While the pro's pro needs to be done separately. Which gives more risk for warping your frame one way or the other.

Idk if you can buy a footstand for the pro's pro but for an extra 80 euro or so you can buy the foot stand which holds strings, a table with your tools and can be adjusted in height to your preferences. I have it and i really enjoy that aspect of it and not having to put the stringer on a table. But you need the space cause it's not easy to take apart.

Hi my friend, i just bought Penta Premium 3600 with WISE 2086, and I want to ask you something if you will...
The Penta Premium 3600 clamps are leaving "toothbites" on the string, so i am considering to upgrade them with other clamps that work better.
Is it my fault or did you had the same problem;

 

[stapletonj]

paper technique - business card works wonders right size, right thickness

 

[elsk]

Hi my friend, i just bought Penta Premium 3600 with WISE 2086, and I want to ask you something if you will...
The Penta Premium 3600 clamps are leaving "toothbites" on the string, so i am considering to upgrade them with other clamps that work better.
Is it my fault or did you had the same problem;

How are you finding this setup in general? I've seen this setup bundled at a retailer and was looking to upgrade to it but so far haven't as it's quite expensive.

 

[Kontojohn]

The setup and build of Penta is quite steady and firm. The only problem that occured was by the "toothprints" on the string from the included clamps.
I talked with the WD String Company that i bought the machine, and said that if I wanted to upgrade the clamps, will cost about 81 pounds each one,
and will have it in a month... So I am looking for a cheaper way until I become realy quick in stringing business...
I tried the "paper technique" and it worked just fine! I had tried to put leather and also rubber into the tooth area, but didnt worked as good as the paper technique.
The problem is that after 2-3 string jobs the paper will need to be replaced. And that is annoying because I have to clean the surface from the glue...
I will allways have my mind to improve the "paper technique"

 

[mcneilm]

Hi just an update on this, has anyone found better clamps for the 3600 and where can I get them from? I'm also facing the toothprints issue, plus the clamps move a bit sideways in their clamp holders once the tension head is released, so I'd be "happy" to buy better fitting and better biting clamps if anyone has a recommendation from experience in this sort of upgrade for the 3600?

 

[Kontojohn]

Hi just an update on this, has anyone found better clamps for the 3600 and where can I get them from? I'm also facing the toothprints issue, plus the clamps move a bit sideways in their clamp holders once the tension head is released, so I'd be "happy" to buy better fitting and better biting clamps if anyone has a recommendation from experience in this sort of upgrade for the 3600?

Hi, they said that in 8 weeks from now, they will have the new and improved clamps for Penta 3600. Until then... improvisation...

 

[mcneilm]

Thanks kontojohn! Excuse my ignorance, but who are “they”?

 

[Kontojohn]

Thanks kontojohn! Excuse my ignorance, but who are “they”?

https://www.wdstrings.com/

 

[brano.janicko]

https://www.wdstrings.com/

Hey guys, buying new PS3600, did new diamond coated clamps helped with the "toothprint" issue ? Can you compare them with standard (old) clamps ?

 

[TennisObsessed]

Emailed "them" a couple weeks ago and they said the clamps on the PS3600 were not changing and they removed reference to the diamond coated clamps on the product description page. It's my understanding (could be wrong) that the diamond coated clamps are an upgrade...

 

[brano.janicko]

Emailed "them" a couple weeks ago and they said the clamps on the PS3600 were not changing and they removed reference to the diamond coated clamps on the product description page. It's my understanding (could be wrong) that the diamond coated clamps are an upgrade...

As you say, its an upgrade for 80 pounds (for both), just thinking if its worth to buy it with upgraded clamps or not,... What's your experience with the machine and the clamps ?

 

[struggle]

Clean your clamps with alcohol and loosen them enough but not too much (no slippage)
and you should be fine. A few "tooth marks" (we call that "ghosting" usually) is not an issue
and is somewhat normal pending the string, clamps, stringer, user, etc.

 

[TennisObsessed]

Unfortunately, don't have direct experience... as I was looking, I got scared away from the PS3600 by comments here about the inferiority of the clamps and advice to stay away from the European brands (Penta and Pro's Pro). I was bummed because they seemed like good value machines (and might be - I just don't have the experience).

 

[brano.janicko]

If any of you would like to upgrade basic clamps on penta 3600 to diamond dusted clamps here you go (AEF N50 clamps , 80 euros for both, recomended by reseller)...

 

[MilanA]

Did someone already try the new Pro's Pro Challenger X model?

 

[j1mster]

Did someone already try the new Pro's Pro Challenger X model?

yes it was good for a few months but afterwards it started having little problems constantly, spring on drop weight head breaks at least once a year(solution:replace or create a new bend on existing spring), one of the clamps constantly require adjusting, i think was defective from the start. Maybe becuase i string alot of rackets but I would not recommend it for someone who strings for a lot of people.

 

[brano.janicko]

My PS3600 stringer works perfectly like new after a year although I only stringed about 30 rackets as I don't have time to play tennis so much anymore and I am looking for selling it..

 

[Dillon4787]

My PS3600 stringer works perfectly like new after a year although I only stringed about 30 rackets as I don't have time to play tennis so much anymore and I am looking for selling it..

Where are you located? What are you looking to get for it?

 

[brano.janicko]

Where are you located? What are you looking to get for it?

Sent you a PM

 

[bengilmore01]

I'm a 3600 user and i've had it for 2 years now. I'm very happy with it. When comparing the two side to side i think the minor difference beside the clamps is the 6 point system. The Penta 3600 has a symmetrical system for the side clamps where both sides are clamped in with one button turn. While the pro's pro needs to be done separately. Which gives more risk for warping your frame one way or the other.

Idk if you can buy a footstand for the pro's pro but for an extra 80 euro or so you can buy the foot stand which holds strings, a table with your tools and can be adjusted in height to your preferences. I have it and i really enjoy that aspect of it and not having to put the stringer on a table. But you need the space cause it's not easy to take apart.

Has this stringer ever warped or changed the shape of the racket

 

[j1mster]

Has this stringer ever warped or changed the shape of the racket

every 6point mounting machine I ever used whether its $1000 or $10,000 all bend the racket temporaily, as long as you secure it well it should be ok. I have used silent partner swing machine and some stringway machines, think they have a better design for securing. but most customers will assume the 6 point on a 10k machine is the best or professional looking.

 

[wksoh]

Sent you a PM

Is your machine sold? Are you located in US? Thanks.

 

[brano.janicko]

Is your machine sold? Are you located in US? Thanks.

Not sold yet, I am from central Europe unfortunately

 

[wksoh]

Not sold yet, I am from central Europe unfortunately

Thank you! I just ordered one

 

[mcneilm]

https://www.wdstrings.com/

Hi all I've decided to bite the bullet and upgrade the clamps at the Alibabe link here here- to help answer the questions on this thread, the penta pro 3600 is a solid base machine and I see no warping of the racquets on it, and it works great with the Wise, but the clamps and their locking mechanisms aren't the best, particularly the clamps themselves - the bite marks are just annoying and they either bite or slip (there's no sweet spot), although to be fair I am not sure the bite marks make any difference to the strings playability/smoothness/durability. Still the perfectionist in me can't abide by it, so I will be upgrading them. My question is whether people went for the 12mm diameter or 12.2 diameter clamps on the link above (my calipers show 12.1mm on the current clamps)? Also, has anyone upgraded and got any feedback they are willing to share i.e. are the new clamps worth it? Ta muchly for reading.

 

[wksoh]

I now own both the challenger 1 and the penta premium. Both can get the job done. I found tension to be almost identical. If for the same price, I prefer the penta premium. The rachet head is bigger and rachet mounting is sturdier. Also less parts prone to rust in the penta premium.

 

[Folsom_Stringer_Musa]

Hi all I've decided to bite the bullet and upgrade the clamps at the Alibabe link here here- to help answer the questions on this thread, the penta pro 3600 is a solid base machine and I see no warping of the racquets on it, and it works great with the Wise, but the clamps and their locking mechanisms aren't the best, particularly the clamps themselves - the bite marks are just annoying and they either bite or slip (there's no sweet spot), although to be fair I am not sure the bite marks make any difference to the strings playability/smoothness/durability. Still the perfectionist in me can't abide by it, so I will be upgrading them. My question is whether people went for the 12mm diameter or 12.2 diameter clamps on the link above (my calipers show 12.1mm on the current clamps)? Also, has anyone upgraded and got any feedback they are willing to share i.e. are the new clamps worth it? Ta muchly for reading.

Alibabe - Not baba any more?

 

[wksoh]

Alibabe - Not baba any more?

Ali Babe

 

[mcneilm]

Ali Babe

Hey, that’s my million pound business idea right there

 

[brano.janicko]

Alibabe - Not baba any more?

Did you buy them ? Did it make noticable difference ?

 

[wksoh]

Alibabe - Not baba any more?

Fortunately, My penta premium 3600 didn't encounter gripping or slipping issues.. . I avoid multifilament string though.

 

[mcneilm]

Did you buy them ? Did it make noticable difference ?

Haven’t got them yet I’m waiting for delivery will let you know

 

[mcneilm]

Hello all, just a quick update, the clamps from AliExpress arrived, and whilst i have only strung one racquet (with pro pro blackout, an RPM Blast style string) with them (I'll give a more thorough update once I've done 10-20 racquets), I'm going to say now that they are a vast improvement over the original clamps with the PP3600. Several reasons
1) no ghosting, or the most minimal of ghosting is apparant (waaaayyyy less than for the clamps that came wiht PP3600)
2) (and this is the biggest reason) the clamp size is much more compact and it really allows you to get the clamps next to the grommets on all the strings to avoid tension loss and you only need to have one string inbetween the clamped strings for the clamps to be able to sit "side by side" at the top of bottom of the racquet (you needed 3 strings in the middle for this to happen with the chunky PP3600 default clamps)
3) the 12mm shaft diameter fits much more snugly into the PP3600 clamp arms, so drawback once you release the wise2086 clamp tension is noticeably less (ps some WD40 on the shaft when you insert it is my recommendation)
4) when you clamp/unclamp them if feels effortless, and really looks and behaves a lot more like the youtube videos from people with 3-5K pro stringing setups.

There are 2 minor cons to date
1) the handle on the clamp protrudes quite far out when in an unclamped state - if you are finishing mains and you've pointed both the handles towards the centre of the racquet (so you can get right up to the edge of the grommet - the side of the clamp facing away from the handle is flatter/thinner towards the clamp teeth so you can get it into smaller spaces), you might find the handles clash with each other. Solution: string one ahead one side at the end of the mains, or just be a bit dextrous with your digits
2) the adjustment dial doesn't have a marker on it to visually see where it is turned to. This is useful if you change between certain strings regularly a lot and want to just set different biting points without testing it first. Solution: use a permanent marker and put a dot on the dial

I had some slippage on the first couple of goes, but to be fair I hadn't done any calibration, just started using them straight out of the packaging no slippage after I tightened the clamp dials a quarter turn.

I've shown some pictures of them, and will try to show some pictures demonstrating some of the above points in due course (probably a couple of weeks). But for 100 bucks, I am so far v happy with my purchase.

HTH. Happy to take questions

Edit: Can't upload photos right now, sorry, will try again later.

 

[brano.janicko]

Hello all, just a quick update, the clamps from AliExpress arrived, and whilst i have only strung one racquet (with pro pro blackout, an RPM Blast style string) with them (I'll give a more thorough update once I've done 10-20 racquets), I'm going to say now that they are a vast improvement over the original clamps with the PP3600. Several reasons
1) no ghosting, or the most minimal of ghosting is apparant (waaaayyyy less than for the clamps that came wiht PP3600)
2) (and this is the biggest reason) the clamp size is much more compact and it really allows you to get the clamps next to the grommets on all the strings to avoid tension loss and you only need to have one string inbetween the clamped strings for the clamps to be able to sit "side by side" at the top of bottom of the racquet (you needed 3 strings in the middle for this to happen with the chunky PP3600 default clamps)
3) the 12mm shaft diameter fits much more snugly into the PP3600 clamp arms, so drawback once you release the wise2086 clamp tension is noticeably less (ps some WD40 on the shaft when you insert it is my recommendation)
4) when you clamp/unclamp them if feels effortless, and really looks and behaves a lot more like the youtube videos from people with 3-5K pro stringing setups.

There are 2 minor cons to date
1) the handle on the clamp protrudes quite far out when in unclamped state - if you are finishing mains and you've pointed both the handles towards the centre of the racquet (so you can get right up to the edge of the grommet - the side of the clamp facing away from the handle is flatter/thinner towards the clamp teeth so you can get it into smaller spaces), you might find the handles clash with each other. Solution: string one ahead one side at the end of the mains, or just bit dextrous with your digits
2) the adjustment dial doesn't have a market on it to visually see where it is turned to. This is useful if you change between certain strings regularly a lot and want to just set different biting points without testing it first. Soution: use a permanent marker and make a dot on it

I had some slippage on the first couple of goes, but to be fair I hadn't done any calibration, just started using them straight out of the packaging no slippage after I tightened the clamp dials a quarter turn.

I've shown some pictures of them, and will try to show some pictures demonstrating some of the above points in due course (probably a couple of weeks). But for 100 bucks, I am so far v happy with my purchase.

HTH. Happy to take questions

Edit: Can't upload photos right now, sorry, will try again later.

sounds great ! Actually a video of them in use would be much appreciated. But great review anyway , thanks.
Just to confirm, did you go for 12.0 mm diameter ?

 

[mcneilm]

Yes I went for the 12mm ones, I measured the penta premium clamps with a caliper first and they came out to be around 11.8mm in diameter, so i bought the 12mm and hoped !
I'm happy to upload videos, if anyone knows of a site where I can upload them for free and then link to it from here (I tried imgbb for photos but this site rejected my links)

 

[brano.janicko]

Yes I went for the 12mm ones, I measured the penta premium clamps with a caliper first and they came out to be around 11.8mm in diameter, so i bought the 12mm and hoped !
I'm happy to upload videos, if anyone knows of a site where I can upload them for free and then link to it from here (I tried imgbb for photos but this site rejected my links)

I am sure you can post videos / links from Youtube here..

 

[MagPro]

Hi my friend, i just bought Penta Premium 3600 with WISE 2086, and I want to ask you something if you will...
The Penta Premium 3600 clamps are leaving "toothbites" on the string, so i am considering to upgrade them with other clamps that work better.
Is it my fault or did you had the same problem;

Sorry to revive this old post. But, did you end up upgrading? If so to what? Thanks!