Seeking advice on stringer purchase: Gamma Progression ST II vs. Gamma X-ST vs. Alpha REVO 4000 vs. Tourna 300-CS

[emkant]

Hey TT community,

I've been using a Klippermate drop weight machine for ~15 years now. Neither the greatest nor most consistent/accurate machine, but I only really string for myself, so it's been great for that purpose and it has definitely paid for itself many times over (great return on investment). I got it when I was 15 years old, hah.

The machine, however, is really on its last legs (or lack of legs, since it's a table-top machine), and I've been wanting to upgrade from a drop weight to a crank of some sort. I want to spend less than $1,000. The internet yielded these results:

- Gamma Progression ST II
- Gamma X-ST
- Alpha REVO 4000
- Tourna 300-CSI

Was wondering if anyone had any advice and/or preferences amongst these?

I play very often, hit with a lot of topspin, and break strings (mainly full beds of Luxilon) very often (I thought this was due to my mediocre stringing jobs, but over the years, I've brought my frames to many professionals for string jobs and I still pop them super quickly). I string probably about 18-20 rackets a year, again, mostly for myself only.

Thank you! Really appreciate any advice and/or help here.

- eian

 

[Rabbit]

Any of those machines should do you a nice job. What you want to focus on is the clamps. Whichever has the best clamps is the one you should go for. I'm sorry, but I don't have any experience with those machines or I'd give you my opinion. I do know by reputation that each of those should work fine..better than your current setup.

 

[emkant]

Any of those machines should do you a nice job. What you want to focus on is the clamps. Whichever has the best clamps is the one you should go for. I'm sorry, but I don't have any experience with those machines or I'd give you my opinion. I do know by reputation that each of those should work fine..better than your current setup.

Thanks for this assurance, @Rabbit! Much appreciated. They all do seem similar and in the same price bracket for my purposes ($750-1,000).

 

[struggle]

Revo is the best option for the base clamps alone.

It beats the other 3 in that regard. Otherwise they are all similar.

I'd even say the other 3 have a nicer finish, the Tourna has celf centering (mounting)
but i'd buy based on those base clamps.

 

[emkant]

Revo is the best option for the base clamps alone.

It beats the other 3 in that regard. Otherwise they are all similar.

I'd even say the other 3 have a nicer finish, the Tourna has celf centering (mounting)
but i'd buy based on those base clamps.

Right on, thanks, @struggle. This is great advice. Much appreciated!

 

[shadow01]

I believe these two machines:
- Gamma Progression ST II
- Gamma X-ST
are the same - except the x-st uses more metal in the aesthetic parts of the machine - but performance should be the same. I have the x-st - and when I was looking for comparable machines, the camp here seemed split between the x-st(st II) vs. Revo. I got the feeling that no real wrong choice could be made between the 2. Agree with @struggle that it comes down to the base clamps. I am fine with my base clamps - but here is a recent thread on some things I was considering with them: https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/ind...ase-clamp-compatibility.679044/#post-14620749

 

[emkant]

I believe these two machines:
- Gamma Progression ST II
- Gamma X-ST
are the same - except the x-st uses more metal in the aesthetic parts of the machine - but performance should be the same. I have the x-st - and when I was looking for comparable machines, the camp here seemed split between the x-st(st II) vs. Revo. I got the feeling that no real wrong choice could be made between the 2. Agree with @struggle that it comes down to the base clamps. I am fine with my base clamps - but here is a recent thread on some things I was considering with them: https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/ind...ase-clamp-compatibility.679044/#post-14620749

Thanks, @shadow01! This is very helpful. They all seem like pretty good options overall. The base clamp thread is interesting. I'm not too too particular, but this is useful information.

 

[ptennisb]

I own a progression st-II and couldn't be happier. It functions great and is affordable. The maintenance and adjustment is easy, and reliable. The only part I don't like about it is the aesthetic, which is plasticy and slightly ugly. The x-st is a great stringing machine as well. Gamma stringing machines are the best on the market. Can't go wrong with a Gamma.

 

[OldManStan]

I have the Gamma Progression as well as a Pros Pro Pilot (pretty sure the same manufacturer who makes the Alpha REVO 4000). I prefer the Gamma in terms of the build quality.

 

[emkant]

Thanks, @OldManStan and @ptennisb. Seems that many are in favor of the gamma progression st-II.

Does anyone in this thread think it's worthwhile to check out the Gamma 5003 (6 point mount). It runs about $1,200. It's a bit more expensive, but wondering if it's any better than these? Could possibly up my budget to the $1,200 range.

 

[jim e]

If you are considering the 5003, you may wish to get the 6004 as the base clamps alone is worth the difference in price. That type of base clamp would make stringing a lot more enjoyable. Just a thought.

 

[emkant]

@jim e: You're probably right, but $1,700 is out of my budget. Can't totally justify the cost at the moment. Do you think teh 5003 is better than the initial stringers I listed in this thread?

- Gamma Progression ST II
- Gamma X-ST
- Alpha REVO 4000
- Tourna 300-CSI

 

[OldManStan]

Under a thousand, stick with the Gamma Progression ST II.

If you’re considering raising your budget, have a look at the Gamma Progression ELS for about $1370.

 

[struggle]

The Revo is the best in that price range. Base clamps.

 

[MAX PLY]

I suspect you will enjoy an upright machine more than the tabletops. So, with that in mind, I’d suggest the following:

Gamma 5003 (as you noted)
Tourna 300 CS
Alpha Axis Pro or Apex Speed (Both currently on sale, as is the Revo (but you’ll want a stand)
Prince Neos 1000

all are good choices.

 

[zipplock]

I got my Gamma X-ELS for $900. Someone bought it, used it for 2 months then sold at a loss. Keep looking and you can get a lot of machine for under $1000.

 

[emkant]

Thanks, all, for the advice here! Very helpful stuff. Haven't made any decisions yet, still searching around the web!

 

[jim e]

If your not in a hurry, every so often a used machine will be available on the internet, then you can get more machine for less$.

 

[emkant]

No hurry, but I play a lot and also pop a lot of strings, so instead of bleeding money (and currently waiting a week for a racket to be strung) here in NYC, I'd prefer to get one sooner rather than later!

 

[emkant]

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone here for the help! I went with the Alpha Axis Pro. For the price and my needs, it fits the bill well! Should be arriving on Friday.

 

[shadow01]

Congrats - post back after you have some experience with the machine!

 

[emkant]

Congrats - post back after you have some experience with the machine!

Definitely! Will do

 

[emkant]

Question for the fine folks in this thread who helped me choose a stringer: Got it, it's great, all set up. I'm moving from a 2 point mounting dropweight to this 6 point mounting crank. When I go to mount my Yonex Ezone 98 with all 6 points, it appears to be floating. It seems straight, but definitely floating. Is this normal? Sorry for a dumb question. Always learning.

 

[struggle]

Question for the fine folks in this thread who helped me choose a stringer: Got it, it's great, all set up. I'm moving from a 2 point mounting dropweight to this 6 point mounting crank. When I go to mount my Yonex Ezone 98 with all 6 points, it appears to be floating. It seems straight, but definitely floating. Is this normal? Sorry for a dumb question. Always learning.

you mean, it's not sitting flat on the towers pads? Yes, the 10/2 and 4/6 "o'clock" arms likely
hold the frame off the table, so "floating" would be a good description.

Is the racket "snug" in the mounts? That is key.

it would normally seem "suspended" even when quite secure in the mounts.

 

[emkant]

you mean, it's not sitting flat on the towers pads? Yes, the 10/2 and 4/6 "o'clock" arms likely
hold the frame off the table, so "floating" would be a good description.

Is the racket "snug" in the mounts? That is key.

it would normally seem "suspended" even when quite secure in the mounts.

Yes, that is what I mean! The racket is snug in the mounts, but indeed it is suspended/floating (whatever word). Good to hear that it's normal behaviour!

 

[Irvin]

Yes, that is what I mean! The racket is snug in the mounts, but indeed it is suspended/floating (whatever word). Good to hear that it's normal behaviour!

Floating is correct, the racket centers itself in the grove created by the side supports.