Silent Partner Maestro Review

[Ballmachine]

Hi all,

Just wanted to write a quick review of the Silent Partner Maestro, which I purchased last week and received last Friday.

First Impressions:
1) I was very impressed with the quality of this machine. Very solid construction, weight of the package was 73lbs.

2) Mounting System – It is quick, easy, and secure, and consists of one knob to move the side supports, and one knob for the center supports. The mounting posts can be moved back and forth with levers underneath the turntable.

3) Clamps – The Maestro comes with the new three tooth clamps that come with the Aria, and they are excellent. They are all steel, diamond coated, thumb adjustable, and they are spring assisted. They are the best clamps that I have ever used, and they move in all directions effortlessly. They lock with very little effort, and the turntable is all steel and very thick.

4) Manual "Lockout" Tensioner – It is made of steel and very accurate. It was calibrated spot on, which I checked upon receipt.

Overall, the Silent Partner Maestro has exceeded my expectations in every category. I had an Eagnas Hawk 800 stringing machine previously, and there is absolutely no comparison. If you are looking for a great machine for $800, then you need look no further. I have been stringing racquets for over six years, and I have used several different versions of the Prince/Ektelon Neos in addition to my Eagnas, and they just can’t compare with the Maestro.

I think that Silent Partner should update their website to reflect the new clamps, as well as the side supports, which are now exactly like the Aria.

This would be a great choice for those of you out there that might want to add a Wise electronic tension head in the future because it is so solid in all of the other important areas.

 

[Mike Cottrill]

Ballmachine,
Glade you are satisfied with your new machine.

 

[matchpoints]

Can you please post some closeup pictures? Thanks. Also, I'm not seeing what you mean by the side supports being different on their site. They look the same to me....

 

[Ballmachine]

If you look closely at the pictures that Silent Partner has on their websites, and if you also download the owners manuals that they offer as pdf files, you will see that the Maestro's side supports look round on the bottom, and that the Arias's side supports have slotted pegs. These slotted pegs can be inserted in three different positions in four different possible spots on each arm. This is important because it allows you to avoid any possible blocked holes when stringing, and I am glad that it now comes witht the Maestro. Also, the side V supports are so good because they are very wide, and leave plenty of room for you to work with.

 

[Mike Cottrill]

It sure seems to me that all the machine sellers, Gamma, SP, Alpha, Eagnas, etc. are having a hard time keeping up with the modifications the manufacture makes. A little aggravating at the least.

 

[matchpoints]

Any chance of some pictures? Thank you very much.

 

[Ballmachine]

Sorry for not posting any pics yet, but I've been so busy with work and school that I haven't even played any tennis for 3 weeks! I'm having withdrawl symptoms! I need my fix at least once a week usually, and I am looking forward to getting back out their soon.

I won't be able to get any pics up immediately, but I will try when I do get a chance.

The machine has been great though, and I would purchase it again in a heartbeat.

 

[matchpoints]

How's the machine doing?

 

[David Pavlich]

Good report! It's great to see that SP has equipped the Maestro with the Aria clamps. A great, great addition. So you really like the way the clamp locks? It is very smooth and very positive, indeed.

You'll get a lot of great service from your machine. AND if you do have a hiccup, John Bassili and his staff will make sure that you are happy. He's top shelf.

Congratulations!

David

 

[tguru]

I will add a few comments to BallMachine's accurate review. First, I am a certified stringer with 21 yrs experience having owned a portable dropweight, a lockout Toalson Model D, and for the last 11 yrs a Babolat Star 4. I just got a Maestro for my place in Pawleys Island, SC. I am going to compare the Maestro to an Alpha Blu-DC Plus. I have not strung on it yet but have mounted a racquet and clamped string in it. The tension head has a slightly more readable kg/lb scale. The four point, rectangular foot/base is more ergonomic than your typical 3 or 4 leg machine. The threaded billiards 6/12 oclock are much tighter/less sloppy, closer to those on a Star 4. The integrated, removable plastic H plates at first looked like a questionable fit but now look fine. The machine brake is first rate with good location. The single knob to close the side supports at 2/4 is much more convenient and precise(this is a big one). The V side support inserts also sit in their slots tighter. The inner wheel adjustment on the clamps is thinner and this will permit use as a starter clamp unlike the Alpha(obstruction). I must concur with BallMachine that the build quality and fit and finish are breathtaking for an $800 machine!! The turntable is beautiful.
My main complaint was the shipping box. The machine did not come in a molded styrafoam form. It was boxed with irregular pieces of styrafoam. Quite a mess. Left at my door the packing tape on the seam was totally away and if not for the 5 shipping straps the entire contents could have fallen out.