Should I buy an old stringing machine? (Gamma Progression ST)

[yellowtennis]

I really want to start stringing my own racquets since there are not many places near me that offer stringing services (and I've heard bad things about Sporting Goods store services). I found an old Gamma Progression ST on Craigslist and am wondering if it is worth it. The owner's manual says "Issue 2/Version E - Oct. 28, 1997".
I really don't know much about stringing machines, so I am wondering if this would be a good purchase rather than getting a new Gamma x-2 for $250. He's asking $240 for the old one. Does anyone know anything about this machine and if it would be worth it?

Here's a picture: https://ibb.co/fDyF6Qr https://ibb.co/Rb5Lyxt

 

[esgee48]

It's old with the older style side supports and clamp bases. They will work fine. Upgrades can be bought at Gamma if you find you want something more modern. Crank tension heads are easier to use than DW. They do require that you check their calibration periodically. They almost never need to be adjusted. You should be able to find the PDF manual online. Clean with mineral spirits or alcohol. If you plan to meet the seller, bring a frame and some string because you want to see that everything works. Price is not bad.

 

[Irvin]

I would say buy it but have no idea about the tensioner. Does it work Or is it even there? Even if the crank does not work, or missing, you could easily put a Wise on it. It is going to be better than a DW with flying clamps to learn on.

 

[struggle]

Marvin Hagler here. I'd buy it for $200. As mentioned above, upgrades will be available if needed.

 

[Sardines]

I would bring a digital luggage scale with a bit of old string to test the tension. That is the best way to see if it's accurate enough for your purposes.

 

[struggle]

A crank/Lockout is easily calibrated (if needed) and rarely, if ever needs adjustment once it is correct.

But it would be wise to check it, of course.

 

[yellowtennis]

Thanks for the help everyone! It also appears to come with this calibrator: https://ibb.co/KwjG89x . Not sure how it works but I assume it could help with the calibration everyone is mentioning? Appreciate all the help. My main concern was making sure it was better to buy a super old machine with the crank mechanism instead of a brand new drop weight. Seller claims it is in excellent condition and ready to string a racquet.

 

[struggle]

That calibrator should work fine (fine enough). A digital is likely more accurate, but that one will do just fine.

The main thing, with a lockout, is that i would get some kevlar string to tie onto the spring calibrator. What will happen is after lockout
the synthetic gut type string will continue to stretch. Not a huge deal, but just check the tension on the scale right at lockout. I use kevlar
on all three (yes, overkill) of my scales (one like this one, and two digital types).

Also, doubling the string on the scale will also help reduce stretch, no matter the type of string use.

The calibration instructions are in the manual, and as mentioned can be found on the Gamma site if needed.
Those tension heads are almost fool-proof and have been around "forever". Hard to go wrong at that price.

 

[Irvin]

That’s about a $1,000 machine in good condition it is worth every bit of $240.

 

[struggle]

That’s about a $1,000 machine in good condition it is worth every bit of $240.

The newer model, with better clamps and mounts can be had for ~ $900, but yes it is still a fine deal (this used machine...).

Literally about the same price as a Klippermate. It's really a "no-brainer" in that respect. Indeed.

 

[esgee48]

My response when Da GF says it is a 'no brainer' is [1] What factor did I not consider [2] "She is probably against this idea" or [3] I should drop this matter since I cannot win.

 

[norcal]

Marvin Hagler here. I'd buy it for $200. As mentioned above, upgrades will be available if needed.

Marvin passed earlier this year. One of the greatest fighters ever.

OP: congrats on the good deal!

 

[Karma Tennis]

About few years ago, I took a punt an bought a mid 1990s Gamma like crank machine for $150 sight unseen simply on the word of the seller. I had never strung racquets. Thought I might just use it to learn how to string and if I ended up enjoying the experience would purchase a much better machine later on.

It was a little bit rough and in need of a good clean. The Lockout Crank was calibrated spot on. I did about 10 racquets on it. The clamp bases would slip a little so I upgraded them which resolved that problem.

200 strung racquets later and I am still very happy with it. The savings on labor alone could buy a high end Stringway Auto CP machine. But I only string a couple of racquets a month these days so no need to replace it atm. And if I decided to sell it, I would easily get what I paid for it, perhaps even a little more as there is a greater demand for used machines here these days.

And while I probably would have been just as happy buying a new $1000 machine in the first place, I'm glad I didn't because I've saved a small fortune.

Good Luck whatever you choose.

 

[Steve Huff]

While I think this is a step above a Klippermate and some other machines, I think that if you decide to keep stringing, you will be buying a better machine soon. The base clamps appear to have to be tightened by twisting them, and the composite clamps will probably need replaced soon. The machine itself appears sturdy though, but I agree with Karma Tennis, you'd probably be better off starting with a better machine.

 

[stapletonj]

yes, that is a good buy. (having bought 3 used machines myself; drop weight, then an ancient P200, then a good gamma electronic)

It has the 6 point mounting system, not flying clamps, and the crank is significantly better than a drop weight.

You can fashion a table for less than $50.00, or Goodwill one for $10.

If you only string 1X a month and normally pay $20.00 labor, it will pay for itself in 1 year. (minus what about 12 hours of your time is worth)

Only question is the condition of the crank tensioner. (Don't know if I would trust even the Gamma tension checker, springs get old and fatigue)