Questions about Eagnas String Machine

[Stayhungry]

I am thinking of a string machine, and did some research. Eagnas looks a good choice for personal use. When I compare different models on its website, some questions came up. The customer service really proved many comments here . No answer to my email and nobody picked up the phone. So here are my questions.

What is the difference between Flex and Combo series? They have same features and look almost the same except color.

Is Wise 2086 head compatible to all Eagnas machine? How difficult to install Wise on a drop weight machine?

Eagnas website lists Wise head at $585 ($625 on TW). Does it have warranty from the manufacturer?

Thanks, I really appreciate your help.

 

[mmk]

The Combo series have better base clamps than the Flex series. I'd recommend either Gamma or Alpha over Eagnas.

 

[jim e]

For the Wise,
TW usually has a price match policy. I would call TW as they have very good customer service.
You buy Eagnas you can figure no customer service, and if you have problem what would you do for parts, service, etc. You could be just out of luck. Usually with machines you will get what you pay for.
If you are looking for a bargain, there are used machines typically on the big auction site. There are the quality big name brands listed used from time to time, if you are patient.
Only purchase I made from Eagnas was years ago, was a pair of the 3 tooth fixed clamps as I knew they would fit my machine. They sent one new one and one well worn out one used.Even though it was used, it still worked. Poor customer service to try to let them know, but I'm sure they knew just what they sent. I at least knew what the 3 tooth clamps were like, and just stuck with the 5 tooth ones that came with my machine ,as those I liked the best . Your call on a large purchase, as long as you are aware of that company issues and can deal with that.

 

[frank52]

The Flex 740 ($369 +$50 ship) has the ConeLock clamp bases while the Combo 710 ($429 +$50 ship) has the spring-assisted clamp bases. I originally ordered the Flex 740 but ended up buying the Combo 710 because the Flex 740 was not in stock. You can buy the Alpha Pioneer DC Plus dropweight from TW for $20 more than the Eagnas Combo 710. That might be a better way to go. The Combo 710 does have decent turntable, clamps, string gripper, and dropweight with clutch mechanism. The clamp bases are the frustrating part.

If you get the Flex 740 you can buy better parts to upgrade the clamp bases. Do a search on this forum for fixing ConeLock clamp bases. Again, probably better to get the Alpha.

 

[Irvin]

No answer to my email and nobody picked up the phone. So here are my questions.

The same thing may happen if you have an issue with the machine.

Is Wise 2086 head compatible to all Eagnas machine? How difficult to install Wise on a drop weight machine?

The Wise will fit on all LO machine with no problem other machine require adapters.

TW usually has a price match policy. I would call TW as they have very good customer service.

TW also has free shipping Eagan’s does not.

 

[Stayhungry]

Thanks all for valuable information. Really helpful!

I didn't consider shipping cost when I compare prices. Alpha is only $20 more than combo 710 with shipping cost. Great selling point! Does Alpha have good clamp bases?

Beside the string machine and the Wise head with adapter, what else do I need?

If you are looking for a bargain, there are used machines typically on the big auction site. There are the quality big name brands listed used from time to time, if you are patient.

What is the big auction site? Thanks

 

[Irvin]

What is the big auction site? Thanks

E B A Y

 

[Stayhungry]

E B A Y

I thought there are other big ones

 

[frank52]

Consider getting the stringing machine now and the Wise at a later date. You may find that a dropweight is plenty good enough for your personal stringing needs.

 

[struggle]

I was mostly happy with my Eagnas Combo 910. Much happier with my Gamma 6004.

 

[Irvin]

I thought there are other big ones

Try all the big ones then LOL

EDIT: FB marketplace and craigslist

 

[Smithpat]

I still consider myself a novice when it comes to stringing (this is my disclaimer), but I made the mistake of purchasing a used Eagnas machine and it was nothing but a headache. In my opinion, there are so many better machines out there for not much more money. I replaced the Eagnas with a used Neos 1000 that I ran across at a decent price. I was immediately shocked at the difference in the two machines. You cannot even compare the quality. I would save myself the trouble and just by a better machine to begin with. Good luck.

 

[Smithpat]

I still consider myself a novice when it comes to stringing (this is my disclaimer), but I made the mistake of purchasing a used Eagnas machine and it was nothing but a headache. In my opinion, there are so many better machines out there for not much more money. I replaced the Eagnas with a used Neos 1000 that I ran across at a decent price. I was immediately shocked at the difference in the two machines. You cannot even compare the quality. I would save myself the trouble and just by a better machine to begin with. Good luck.

 

[Smithpat]

I still consider myself a novice when it comes to stringing (this is my disclaimer), but I made the mistake of purchasing a used Eagnas machine and it was nothing but a headache. In my opinion, there are so many better machines out there for not much more money. I replaced the Eagnas with a used Neos 1000 that I ran across at a decent price. I was immediately shocked at the difference in the two machines. You cannot even compare the quality. I would save myself the trouble and just by a better machine to begin with. Good luck.

 

[Smithpat]

I still consider myself a novice when it comes to stringing (this is my disclaimer), but I made the mistake of purchasing a used Eagnas machine and it was nothing but a headache. In my opinion, there are so many better machines out there for not much more money. I replaced the Eagnas with a used Neos 1000 that I ran across at a decent price. I was immediately shocked at the difference in the two machines. You cannot even compare the quality. I would save myself the trouble and just by a better machine to begin with. Good luck.

 

[struggle]

Dude said it four times.

He's right.

 

[Smithpat]

Sorry about my little glitch. I experienced a technical difficulty.

 

[Rabbit]

I would not recommend EAGNAS based on what I've read about their machines. I would heartily recommend Prince as I have experience with both the 1000 and 1500. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase an Alpha machine or a Gamma. Prince & Alpha are manufactured at the same location. I've been told that Gamma machines aren't as solid as Prince & Alpha, but I don't have any experience with Gamma lockouts.

 

[Stayhungry]

Thanks for all suggestion. Eagnas doesn't look like a good choice . And Alpha DC Plus is only $20 more than Eagnas Combo 710. The answer is pretty clear.

Does Alpha DC Plus come with all necessary tools? What other tools are needed?

 

[esgee48]

Starting clamp. You can string without one, but life is really easier if you have at least one. The only other tool you'll use frequently is the awl.

 

[darklore009]

a starting clamp also has the benefit of saving the worst case scenario when you dont have enough string to reach the gripper of your stringing machine. I cant imagine how many times it saved me from having to redo the crosses again, wasting time, and strings.