Spring or drop-weight

[whomad15]

If you had the choice between two machines, say a gamma x-6fc and a gamma x-st and they were each the same price or very close. Which would you take and why.
I've been leaning towards a drop-weight simply because theres nothing that can ever really wear out on them.
But if a spring tension works slightly quicker, what maintenance will it need in the long run.

any info is appreciated.

 

[ARON]

Go with the X-ST. Dropweights are very tedious, as it requires lifting the weight multiple times to pull a string at the desired tension. Imagine doing this process 38 times: it adds up.

The maintenance of a crank machine consists of calibrating it every 20-30 rackets, which is quite simple. Most of the time the crank ends up being accurate. Heck, I just got an Ektelon Neos that hasn't been used in 10 years and its tension still accurate after all these years.

 

[Irvin]

Both have the same turntable, clamps, and mounting system so the only difference is the tensioner. I would go with the lockout because it has a linear gripper, it's much faster, and more user friendly.

Irvin

 

[rich s]

I definitely prefer constant pull over lock-out but I don't think I could stand holding the drum and lifting that bar one more time.......

X-ST or ST-II

 

[ATP100]

Drop weight if stringing for yourself and a couple friends.
Spring if more use is expected. (Only because it is a little faster, not better)

 

[whomad15]

Thank you for the advice.

 

[msalamon]

I thought that spring was more accurate--drop weight less so...

 

[Irvin]

I thought that spring was more accurate--drop weight less so...

If they are maintained properly either will produce a good string job.

Irvin

 

[Avadia]

I recently made this choice for myself. I prefer the simplicity and continuous pull of a dropweight. I think it results in a more consistent stringbed with more accurate tension overall. Just my opinion.

While crank machines may be faster, I just string for myself and speed is not an issue. Quality of the string job is more important to me than how fast I can string it.

I purchased a Stringway and their dropweight tensioners do not require the tension bar to be horizontal to pull the reference tension, so they don't require you to do multiple pulls to get it right. I can't imagine they are much slower or more tedious to use than a crank machine. And the quality of the stringbed and resulting tensions are spot-on.