SP Swing vs. Klippermate vs. Sp hip hop dilemma

[David123]

hey guys i know there have been lots of threads about this but i am facing sort of a different issue. I've highly considered getting the Klippermate, however the shipping and handling to canada is 70$ which puts the klippermate at around $205 total. The silent partner is $199 i believe and i havent checked the shipping yet for it (is tax included?)

I am a serious tennis player and i usually break strings 3 times a week. I was wondering whether I should get steady clamps (non-flying) and 6 mount system as my first stringer such as the SP hip hop.

My question comes in here. Since most people would consider the Klippermate because it is cheaper, i believe that it would come out to be almost the exact same price as the Swing. However, if i string 3 times a week ( i have 3 rackets and may possibilty string 2 of my friends too around once a week) should i consider going for the Hip Hop which is around $250 more expensive or should i just stick with the Swing or even the Klippermate (but i find that people would choose the Klipper due to its price, but not its not really an issue compared to the swing)?

Ps. If anyone knows any better 6 mount system and steady clamps for under 400$ then please say so

Feel free to post your opinions.

 

[dwhiteside]

I would go with fixed clamps!

 

[David123]

so you're saying the Hip hop?

 

[austinjbrunner]

so you're saying the Hip hop?

I too am a new stringer in the making, getting my machine Friday hopefully. From what I've read on these boards and researched is that stringing machines are like tennis rackets, everyone has their own preference just like grips, strings, tensions, etc. So honestly, I would just get the one you think will work for you, and take it from there. A lot of people posting will say buy the most expensive one that you can afford as of now, start off big and that's probably the best advice. Get whatever you can afford right now, and get to stringing. I personally went with the Alpha String Pal because of the three cheapies I was considering, it seemed to fit me the best. To each their own my friend. Good luck.

 

[max]

If you've got the money, go for the hip hop; the clamps look nice. I have a Kmate.

That same kind of model is offered by Alpha, and I'd tend to go with the Alpha model---the Alpha stringers I've seen appear to me to be of very high quality. I haven't seen SP, however.

 

[David123]

hm very interesting.. I have gotten tips that i should either go for the Swing or the hip hop but i am really not sure how much better fixed clamps and 6 mount system is better than flying ones and 2 mount system. Like is it actaully worth the extra 200$ in the long run?

 

[Casco]

hm very interesting.. I have gotten tips that i should either go for the Swing or the hip hop but i am really not sure how much better fixed clamps and 6 mount system is better than flying ones and 2 mount system. Like is it actaully worth the extra 200$ in the long run?

I've been using the gamma x2 and it's been great, but one of these days I'm going to get something with fixed clamps. I actually think I prefer drop weight to crank for it's accuracy so the Hip Hop makes loads of sense to me.

 

[Itagaki]

hm very interesting.. I have gotten tips that i should either go for the Swing or the hip hop but i am really not sure how much better fixed clamps and 6 mount system is better than flying ones and 2 mount system. Like is it actaully worth the extra 200$ in the long run?

Personally i got the SP Swing, and after the first time i used it i wished i had gotten the Hip Hop

not that the Swing is bad, but fixed clamps will just be so much better

save yourself the need to upgrade in the future and get the Hip Hop

 

[Zhou]

I've been using the gamma x2 and it's been great, but one of these days I'm going to get something with fixed clamps. I actually think I prefer drop weight to crank for it's accuracy so the Hip Hop makes loads of sense to me.

A crank can be as accurate as a drop weight.

In essence, an experienced stringer and preform an equally accurate job on the crank and the drop weight. The difficulty with the crank is you have to be efficient from the pull to the clamping. The drop weight allows more time to do such a step but is at the cost of time.

I again recommend going as far as your budget can take you. I would say get your friend to give you an advance so you can grab an Alpha Revo 4000 or something because it would save you quite a bit of time with the fixed clamps and the crank. It would also allow you to avoid double pulling the starting mains and crosses.

 

[max]

Zhou's got good advice: I would add that ESPECIALLY if you're a younger player buy a MORE expensive machine----you'll be able to use it more years than an old guy like me.

 

[jmjmkim]

Get one that's portable, since you're young. You gotta take it with you when you go live in the dorms.

If you're just gonna string for yourself, then Kmate is good enough. I had mine for 25 years. I am settled down now and would like to upgrade to a fixed clamp, but the Kmate is still good as new, after 100's of stringing. I can't just throw it away.......

 

[jmjmkim]

Come to think of it, I think the price that I paid back in the mid 80's is about the same as it is now. What a great deal!

 

[max]

You're right: I saw a Tennis magazine, circa 1980s, with the same damn price.