Stringing Machine Comparisons & Info

[Lindros13]

I'm interested in possibly getting a stringing machine. For convenience, I currently have my racquets strung at my club despite the high cost of $20 (when I bring my own string) and despite the fact that the stringer seems to leave me with clamp marks every so often.

I break strings maybe once a month or once every other month (and play 3-4 times/week). Breakage frequency seems to depend upon the string I use (full nat gut or synth) and whether or not I swap between my 3 sticks or keep using one at a time.

I'm most interested in getting a machine that will be easiest to use and fastest to use, without sacrificing quality. I'd rather shell out the money now if I can save time in the long run since time = money and = less time with family. :sad:

I've read several threads but I've yet to find a good comparative review of a few different machines. Is there a website or thread that gives a good side-by-side comparison? Is there a much wider selection beyond TW's selection?

TW sells:
Prince 3000 Electronic Stringing Machine - $3045.00
Prince NEOS 1000 Stringing Machine w/ USRSA - $1199.00
Prince NEOS 1000 Stringing Machine - $1099.00,
Gamma 6004 (2 Point Mount) Stringing Machine - $1199.00
Gamma 5003 (2 Point Mount) Stringing Machine - $999.00
Gamma Progression ST II Stringing Machine - $629.00
Gamma Progression II 602 FC Stringing Machine - $469.00
Gamma Progression II 602 Stringing Machine - $299.00
Alpha Revo 4000 Table Top Stringing Machine - $599.00

I don't see Klippermate which a lot of people mention, but it's probably not a time-saver machine since I think it's a cheaper unit. Perhaps people buy it elsewhere..

Would I spend $3000? - NO.
Would I spend $1000? - POSSIBLY... BUT I'd be pretty hesitant, and it may take some convincing that I'm not "going in over my head".
Would I spend $500 or $750 - I think so.
Will I be able to string for friends? Possibly, I don't know and am not counting on it right now.

Any RECOMMENDATIONS or things I should consider?

Other things on my mind:
- additional cost of tools, if any required
- additional cost of table, if I buy a table-top unit, type of table?
- space needed in basement or spare bedroom (are all about the same?)
- general comments about constant pull, electric, or drop weight options

 

[mellofelow]

Hi Lindros,

Looks like you have done your homework and did a great job of preparing a simple RFP (Request For Proposal) document.

If I were a consultant, I must ask what's your experience as a stringer? Quite frankly, all the machines you mentioned are more than qualified to produce a better string job than you've been receiving. However, if you have not strung single racket before, I'm afraid you'll have to invest not only for the machine, but more importantly - the proficiency of stringing.

 

[beernutz]

For what its worth, Klippermate is sold exclusively through the manufacturer, www.klipperusa.com.

Stringing speed IMO depends as much if not more on the stringer as it does on the stringing machine. Case in point, it takes me 40-45 minutes to string a racquet on my Klippermate after using it for almost 2 years. I'll probably never get much faster than that on that machine.

My friend who has been stringing for more than 15 years currently has an Ekleton stringer which I believe is identical to the Prince Neos 1000 you saw on the TW site. With all his stringing experience and his high-end machine it takes him about 25 minutes to string a racquet.

After watching him string, I see that he gains time over me in stringing the crosses, where he absolutely flies compared to me. He also never has to regrip the string to get the tension correct which I sometimes have to do with my clutchless dropweight. The more you string however the less you will have to regrip and the less the machine will improve your speed, IMO.

I do agree with the suggestion that is often given in these type threads that you should get the best machine you can afford. Figure out what your budget is then look at the best machines in that price range. I have no regrets at all about buying the klippermate but if I was purchasing again I probably would invest a few more dollars. One thing I do really like about the Klippermate is its size and weight--it is so compact that I keep it and all its tools and spare string in the box it came in, which I can neatly fit in the bottom of a small closet. You can't discount that kind of WAF (wife acceptance factor).

 

[AR15]

I've been very happy with the used Alpha Pioneer III, drop weight, fixed clamps, 6 pt mount, that I bought off the big auction site for $175 shipped.

There is a new machine on the same sight that looks very similar to mine: Mutual Power Hercules 680. For $320, I don't think you would ever look back.

 

[jj300]

I'm interested in possibly getting a stringing machine. For convenience, I currently have my racquets strung at my club despite the high cost of $20 (when I bring my own string) and despite the fact that the stringer seems to leave me with clamp marks every so often.

I break strings maybe once a month or once every other month (and play 3-4 times/week). Breakage frequency seems to depend upon the string I use (full nat gut or synth) and whether or not I swap between my 3 sticks or keep using one at a time.

I'm most interested in getting a machine that will be easiest to use and fastest to use, without sacrificing quality. I'd rather shell out the money now if I can save time in the long run since time = money and = less time with family. :sad:

I've read several threads but I've yet to find a good comparative review of a few different machines. Is there a website or thread that gives a good side-by-side comparison? Is there a much wider selection beyond TW's selection?

TW sells:
Prince 3000 Electronic Stringing Machine - $3045.00
Prince NEOS 1000 Stringing Machine w/ USRSA - $1199.00
Prince NEOS 1000 Stringing Machine - $1099.00,
Gamma 6004 (2 Point Mount) Stringing Machine - $1199.00
Gamma 5003 (2 Point Mount) Stringing Machine - $999.00
Gamma Progression ST II Stringing Machine - $629.00
Gamma Progression II 602 FC Stringing Machine - $469.00
Gamma Progression II 602 Stringing Machine - $299.00
Alpha Revo 4000 Table Top Stringing Machine - $599.00

I don't see Klippermate which a lot of people mention, but it's probably not a time-saver machine since I think it's a cheaper unit. Perhaps people buy it elsewhere..

Would I spend $3000? - NO.
Would I spend $1000? - POSSIBLY... BUT I'd be pretty hesitant, and it may take some convincing that I'm not "going in over my head".
Would I spend $500 or $750 - I think so.
Will I be able to string for friends? Possibly, I don't know and am not counting on it right now.

Any RECOMMENDATIONS or things I should consider?

Other things on my mind:
- additional cost of tools, if any required
- additional cost of table, if I buy a table-top unit, type of table?
- space needed in basement or spare bedroom (are all about the same?)
- general comments about constant pull, electric, or drop weight options

e-mail me at gfinger32@yahoo.com

 

[shojun25]

before redflea mentions this, i think alpha pioneer dc plus is another stringer to consider. its similar to gamma's progression 602 fc, but its cheaper.

 

[Lindros13]

Thanks for the initial feedback thus far.

mellofellow: 'never strung a racquet in my life. Good point about "investment in proficiency of stringing". Along those lines, do some types of machines make it easier and quicker to become proficient? I realize that the first few string jobs may take a good while to ensure that I am doing it all correctly but hopefully I'm not spending several hours reading manuals (at least after the first one or two that I do).

beernutz: ahhh...the "WAF factor". These forums are great because otherwise things like this may have gone overlooked. Now I see your point about fitting in corner of the closet - and I'd say it makes the table top units a little more of a possibility (despite my inclination or desire to have a standup unit). For table units, need I get a stand/mounting table or can the kitchen table handle it the same? (I bet I could find this answer if I searched). Also, is it unrealistic that a complete beginner like me could get up-to-speed somewhat quickly to be able to do a string job in 30 or 35 minutes? Would this be helped by certain type of machine such as glibe bar-type?

AR15: Thanks for the feedback.
JJ300: Can you share any info here, instead?

 

[Wondertoy]

I would buy the Eagnas challenger I for $299 and add the electronic tensioner from Mutual Power for $225. That would be a fine time saving setup for a reasonable price.

 

[trandyd]

Any of the machines you have listed will do what you want. Some faster/better and more consistant, you get what you pay for in most cases. For what you are willing to spend I think a Alpha Axis pro or any of the gamma's would fit the bill and later on you could put a WISE head on as an upgrade if you want. If you have a corner to put a stand up machine in I would recomment that over any table top. Don't get me wrong I just don't have a table my wife wants me stringing on in the house and the height is a pain to get right with a table top model. As far as constant pull vs. lockout. There are plenty of opinions on which is better. I find the a constant pull/electric machines makes it a little easier to get consistant string beds and is faster, but not for under $1k. Can consistant string beds be gotten with lockout or dropweight machines? Most definitley but maybe that comes at a price of time (30minutes easy on a crank like to Alpha). I personally do not find drop weight machines enjoyable to string on so I would not buy one. I also prefer the gamma's 2 pt. mounting but that is just a personal preference and the trend is 6+pt. mounting. Just do the math and it determine how long you are willing to wait for it to pay for itself. As far as buying a Eagnas, seems like a 50/50 chance you will end up with a very expensive boat anchor without a boat. Just do a search and decide for yourself on that one but you also need to consider re-sale value. These guys are right on; the guy pulling the strings is far more a factor in speed than the machine itself and it only takes a few frames to get pretty fast (on that frame)... Good luck

 

[meh]

You're looking for a upright crank machine. The Silent Partner Maestro, at $800, probably fits your requirements the best. The SP Jazz is an inferior machine, but is $200 cheaper. Gamma and Alpha have similar offerings that cost a bit more, and there is the omnipresent Prince/Ektelon NEOS machine.

*bay currently has listings for an Alpha Axis Pro, Alpha Blu DC+, and an Ektelon NEOS, which would all suit your needs very well.

Since you lack technical knowledge, going to Eagnas would not be advisable.

 

[Redflea]

before redflea mentions this, i think alpha pioneer dc plus is another stringer to consider. its similar to gamma's progression 602 fc, but its cheaper.

Dang...getting slow in my old age...

Lindros13...since you answered "Would I spend $500 or $750 - I think so." to your question, you're tending towards a higher budget than I set (mine was $400)...if I was buying again I wouldn't change a thing and would buy my Alpha again.

If I had decided spend up in the $500 - $700 range where you sound OK to land, I'd be looking at machines like the Alpha Revo (a bargain at $550 ), and the Gamma Progression ST II (just over $630), or watching for a good used machine if you're not in a hurry on that auction site. Both are cranks, so you'll find them a little quicker to string on, and both should be upgradable to a Wise electronic tension head later if you wanted to.

For both of these you'd need to find a stand w/wheels to make them easy to move/hide, which greatly increases the WAF, trust me...

 

[Lindros13]

Is an upright crank machine the same thing as a tabletop crank machine but with a stand? I realize that each unit may have some different features, but I'm talking about the basics. For instance, If I buy a stand for the Alpha Revo or Gamma Progression ST II (which I believe are both crank machines), won't it become very similar to the upright crank machines (such as the Gamma 5003, Alpha Axis Pro, Silent Partner Maestro, Silent Partner Jazz, Prince NEOS, etc)?

Also, Mutual Power sells an ELECTRONIC machine for $800. How could an electronic machine be so low in price when other electronic machines are much higher. It's probably not a consideration for me anyway since the crank units are almost certainly sufficient for my infrequent string jobs (but I just thought I'd ask for feedback on it anyway.)

 

[Wondertoy]

Also, Mutual Power sells an ELECTRONIC machine for $800. How could an electronic machine be so low in price when other electronic machines are much higher. It's probably not a consideration for me anyway since the crank units are almost certainly sufficient for my infrequent string jobs (but I just thought I'd ask for feedback on it anyway.)

Because, this stuff is cheap to make and on a technology scale from 1 to 10, it is basically a 2. How hard is it to make a good electronic tensioner these days? The traditional manufacturers are used to a high margin low volume market and they price according to the old market dynamics. The new asian manufacturers are willing to accept a lower margins, but with higher volume to produce higher total profits. It's kinda like the Home Depot marketing plan vs. the local hardware store. If Maxline had the common sense to provide great customer service, they would blow Gamma, Alpha out of the water but they are idiots. I am astounded how the common stringer doesn't understand market concepts and are biased to pay more than they should for similar goods. Gamma prices their tensioner for $450 vs. $225 for Mutual Power and I would guess that the same OEM manufacturer produces both. The are but a few maufacturers that make most of this stuff or they are easily cloned because it is all low technology. Silent Partner is just a Canadian assembler of asian produced goods. They started the low price point electronic market with their crappy estringer. Guys, wake up! And the Neos for $1200?! You have got to be kidding me!

 

[Redflea]

Is an upright crank machine the same thing as a tabletop crank machine but with a stand? I realize that each unit may have some different features, but I'm talking about the basics. For instance, If I buy a stand for the Alpha Revo or Gamma Progression ST II (which I believe are both crank machines), won't it become very similar to the upright crank machines (such as the Gamma 5003, Alpha Axis Pro, Silent Partner Maestro, Silent Partner Jazz, Prince NEOS, etc)?

Yeah...put a stand under a table top and it is similar to an upright crank. I like the "custom" stand approach, since my stand (rolling cart, similar to the one at the link below) has three sliding baskets that store all my racquet paraphenalia very nicely.

http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=146064

Also, Mutual Power sells an ELECTRONIC machine for $800. How could an electronic machine be so low in price when other electronic machines are much higher. It's probably not a consideration for me anyway since the crank units are almost certainly sufficient for my infrequent string jobs (but I just thought I'd ask for feedback on it anyway.)

I haven't investigated electronic machines much at all...like the reliability factor on dropweight/cranks.

 

[Lindros13]

Yeah...put a stand under a table top and it is similar to an upright crank. I like the "custom" stand approach, since my stand (rolling cart, similar to the one at the link below) has three sliding baskets that store all my racquet paraphenalia very nicely.

Redflea: I just read through your other threads that led up to your final purchase. Lots of useful info, and thanks for posting your final setup pics when you got your Alpha Pioneer DC Plus. That was great.

Yes, my budget is higher than yours was, and I guess I'm leaning towards either a table top or a upright machine that uses a crank. If I got a table-top unit, then I'd search for an ideal cart like you did.

I also read some comments that glide bar clamps are very easy and quick to use compared to other types of clamps, but I don't think any of the Gamma or Alpha table top units have it, and I don't think any of the less expensive upright machines have it, such as the ALPHA Axis Pro or ALPHA Blu DC Plus. (Not even the Gamma 5003 has it, which is $999.) I don't have fan-type strings (and I'm not stringing for others that may have it) so I thought the glibe bar clamps would be a little added time saver and a nice, easy-to-use item, but it apparently is limiting my search. Maybe it's not such an important item after all.

I believe a few of the Eagnas/Maxline and Mutual Power upright machines have the glibe bar and they seem to have very competitive pricing but there seems to be a negative opinion about them so I may just avoid the potential issues despite the attractive pricing/options.

Anyone have more comments on machines, glibe bars, etc?

 

[Wondertoy]

I believe a few of the Eagnas/Maxline and Mutual Power upright machines have the glibe bar and they seem to have very competitive pricing but there seems to be a negative opinion about them so I may just avoid the potential issues despite the attractive pricing/options.

What negative opinions have you seen about Mutual Power? I haven't seen any, or are you grouping them with Eagnas for whatever reason?

 

[R-Fed]

Silent partner

If you're going to spend 1000 dollars look into getting a silent partner DG or Aria.

 

[Redflea]

What negative opinions have you seen about Mutual Power? I haven't seen any, or are you grouping them with Eagnas for whatever reason?

Yeah...I don't remember Mutual Power having negatives like what we've been talking about on Eagnas/Maxline.

 

[Redflea]

Glad the threads were useful, Lindros13...I've no familiarity w/glidebar clamps, so can't speak to that. Have fun "shopping."

Redflea: I just read through your other threads that led up to your final purchase. Lots of useful info, and thanks for posting your final setup pics when you got your Alpha Pioneer DC Plus. That was great.

Yes, my budget is higher than yours was, and I guess I'm leaning towards either a table top or a upright machine that uses a crank. If I got a table-top unit, then I'd search for an ideal cart like you did.

I also read some comments that glide bar clamps are very easy and quick to use compared to other types of clamps, but I don't think any of the Gamma or Alpha table top units have it, and I don't think any of the less expensive upright machines have it, such as the ALPHA Axis Pro or ALPHA Blu DC Plus. (Not even the Gamma 5003 has it, which is $999.) I don't have fan-type strings (and I'm not stringing for others that may have it) so I thought the glibe bar clamps would be a little added time saver and a nice, easy-to-use item, but it apparently is limiting my search. Maybe it's not such an important item after all.

I believe a few of the Eagnas/Maxline and Mutual Power upright machines have the glibe bar and they seem to have very competitive pricing but there seems to be a negative opinion about them so I may just avoid the potential issues despite the attractive pricing/options.

Anyone have more comments on machines, glibe bars, etc?

 

[Lindros13]

What negative opinions have you seen about Mutual Power? I haven't seen any, or are you grouping them with Eagnas for whatever reason?

If I spoke incorrectly, it was not intentional. I thought I saw comments about their tensioner not being as good as the Wise tensioner that everyone talks about when upgrading and perhaps I incorrectly grouped them together. I also just looked at a video clip on the Silent Partner website which showed a guy stringing a racquet on the the Silent Partner e.Stringer FL which sells for $599 (which is upright with an electronic tensioner!). Seems like it's too good to be true. Regardless, I won't rule out the Mutual Power or Silent Partner machines so quickly, and sorry about incorrectly grouping them together with Eagnas.

 

[trandyd]

Lindros,
I think the reason for not seeing the glide bar clamps on most current generation machines is because the glide bars are older technology and the newer swivel base clamps the current trend. I do like the glide bar clamps for the simplicity of use. But I prefer the swivel base clamps because they are faster for me and less hassle factor when going from frame to frame and going from mains to crosses. Also not baing able to used affectively on the fan type frames is an other issue. I have used both types and currently have a gamma 4000 Glide Bar machine I use at home and a gamma 6500els I use at the shop. I'm also thinking about getting a new machine Prince3000 or similar after the summer. Good luck

 

[Lindros13]

I would buy the Eagnas challenger I for $299 and add the electronic tensioner from Mutual Power for $225. That would be a fine time saving setup for a reasonable price.

Just curious: The only stand-alone (add-on) electronic tensioner I can find is the Wise brand. Does Mutual Power sell a similar tensioner? I can't seem to find it on their website or through web searches.

 

[LttlElvis]

Just curious: The only stand-alone (add-on) electronic tensioner I can find is the Wise brand. Does Mutual Power sell a similar tensioner? I can't seem to find it on their website or through web searches.

Scroll to the bottom:


http://www.mutualpower.net/st.htm

Call Eagnas, they might do a special order for the electronic tensioners on these international models:

http://www.eagull.com/lilylee/ec800.html

http://www.eagull.com/lilylee/eag88m.html

http://www.eagull.com/lilylee/hawk226e.html