Stick with $15 per racquet or buy a stringer?

[shojun25]

Well, I finally decided to get a racquet stringer. But when I went to look at TW forums, I found a lot of people complaining about certain types of stringers. So i decided to ask people here if I should stick to a store to string my racquets which costs $15 for labor and $___ for strings OR should I buy a "Gamma X-2 String Machine"?

My parents (since their paying for it) are looking for something REALLY inexpensive. This stringer is only $135.

Features:
- Drop weight ratcheting tension mechanism (8-90 lb. range),
- Patented diamond coated, ratchet gripper
- Two-point racquet mounting system
- Nickel chrome plated steel bar turntable
- Strong, light-weight aluminum extrusion construction.
- Tools included (Gamma Pathfinder Awl, Awl, Pliers, Razor Cutter)
- String Package Included (Three-set of Gamma String, USRSA Stringing Tutorial and RSI Magazine )
- Optional floor stand


SHOULD I BUY IT or NOT?

 

[josephhkim]

i would buy it.

The gamma machines are nice quality, especially for the money.

I'd try to get them to spend a little more since you'll probably save more money anyways and you can always string for friends and make even more money.

Good luck.

 

[theace21]

Many people start stringing with a inexpensive drop weight. It will do the job, and save you money. If that is your budget, then buy it and start stringing. You can always upgrade later.

 

[abenguyen]

hmm i have the same question. but the thing is my parents won't buy me one and it is out of the question for me. only way would be i buy one but i don't break strings often enough. you can always get a silent partner e. stringer for $249. and its not a drop weight

 

[Netgame]

Seems like a no brainer. Buy whatever you can afford (or your parents) and start to string. You will learn a lot, and later, when you buy your Babalot Star 5 stringer, you will have some skills and appreciation for it. I strung many a racquet with an old drop weight, and they can do a good job.

 

[Audiodude]

I strung on a Klippermate for several years before upgrading to a Gamma floorstanding machine. There's no question that the better machines are faster, easier to use, and offer better support for the racquet. That said, if I was limited for space and cash, I could easily return to using a Klippermate or equivalent Gamma or Alpha stringer with no regrets. One thing's for sure, I would never give up the convenience and savings of stringing my own racquets.

 

[steve d]

Go for it. If you are serious about tennis it will quickly pay for itself. Especially if you have tennis playing friends. I originally planned to mostly do my own strings. But once word out I ended up doing over 100 other jobs the first year. Even if you only do your own rackets you will be in the black after about 7 or 8 jobs. If you are a prolific stringbreaker it will be a great investment on your parents part.

 

[Wondertoy]

Also having a stringer allows you to try various string setups and hybrids without spending so much on stringing labor charges. A drop weight is the cheapest most reliable way to go. I think you get the most for your money with an Eagnas and you won't really have to deal with customer service as not much can go wrong with a dropweight.

 

[shojun25]

It seems that a lot of people wants me to get one. So i'm probably gonna get it, but i still have some questions:

1. Some people doesn't like drop weight stringers. Why?

2. What is the difference between a 2 point mounting system and a 4+ point mounting system?

3. What is the difference with this kind of stringer (one im gonna buy) and one of the $1000+ stringers?

 

[thejackal]

id invest in the 6 point mounting system. there is much less risk for deforming or breaking frames.

 

[dowjones]

I waited until a deal on a used stringer came up (Ektelon Model H, $200) and went with that. I restarted my tennis career about 2 years ago and think it's the only way to go. It's allowed me to experiment with tension and string at a cheaper price (I'm a breaker). I used to pay $38 for Gamma Zo Pro! and the machine has paid for itself plus I enjoy what it brings to my tennis knowledge base.

Ask your tennis playing friends if they have a stringer. I have told no one that I have one except my doubles partner

 

[theace21]

I have been stringing for over 35 years on 2 different models of Ektelon machines, and I have yet to break a frame. Why did Gamma release their new machines with a 2 point mount? Why is the Prince Neos still a 2 point mount? Because they work...

 

[aussie]

Don't get hung up about 2 or 6 point mounting. This forum and others have covered this topic many times and the consenus is that 2 point mounting systems, provided the frame is secured firmly, works well. It is faster to mount and secure the racquet with 2 point as well and allows to frame to naturally flex a little as you string. Drop weights with a 2 point mounting system are a good, inexpensive machine that will produce a good (if not a little slow) string job.

 

[Kevo]

I am currently looking to sell my drop weight to get a floor standing crank most likely. The reason is because I am stringing quite a bit lately and I want something a bit faster. I currently take about 35-40 minutes start to finish on a frame. With a crank I should be able to get it under 30 minutes. Otherwise, I don't see any problem with a dropweight. Some people say it tires them out, but speed is the main issue in my mind. Dropweights do have advantages. They are constant pull which means less tension loss in the finished string job, and they never require calibration. Very accurate if you use them properly. I've been pleased with mine.

 

[goober]

It seems that a lot of people wants me to get one. So i'm probably gonna get it, but i still have some questions:

1. Some people doesn't like drop weight stringers. Why?

2. What is the difference between a 2 point mounting system and a 4+ point mounting system?

3. What is the difference with this kind of stringer (one im gonna buy) and one of the $1000+ stringers?

Dropweight stringers are tedious to use. It gets annoying pretty quickly when the arm doesn't drop horizontal and you have to pull it again. Flying clamps are a pain compared to fixed. The main difference between the dropweights and the expensive models is time saved and the decreased aggravation. If you string a lot of racquets it does become a big deal. But since I string once every two weeks only for myself it doesn't bother me that much. If you buy reels of good syn gut it can cost you under $2 per string job.

Be careful with your mounting and 2 point should be fine.

 

[shojun25]

Thanks guys, pretty much most of my questions are covered. Still having doubts whether to get one or not though, but i'll probably get one.