Stringing machine quality for beginner?

[trader1499]

Ok, I have been playing with the addiction string in my Roddick Pure Drives since I started, but I decided to use the Luxom power poly strings and I will only be using this string from now on! Hahaha I had a lot of power before, but now with my strokes and serve, it is just nuts the change of string has done for me in both power and control.

It cost me 70.00 dollars to buy that string and have them strung at my local tennis store on 2 racquets. I want to know if a quality string machine exists that doesn't cost 3000 dollars and also for those of you that use them, are the instructions they come with enough to learn how to string properly and with the correct poundage I need?

Thanks a lot.

 

[am1899]

There are lots of quality stringing machines out there. I would suggest you do a bit of research to figure out what types of features you would like. Then, set a firm budget. Without a budget and desired features, you're going to get a wild range of opinions, which is likely to confuse you more than help.

 

[Irvin]

Forget the instructions that come with a machine. And yes $3000 is more than enough.

 

[trader1499]

I just want to be able to string in 15 minutes like the guy at the store. Hahaha. I will do some research. Thanks

I said I didn't want to spend 3000. As in as low as I can go but still a good machine to get the job done correctly. I didn't want to do this, but this poly stuff is going to have to be changed often from what I've read. And I do hit very hard especially my serve.

 

[Irvin]

I just want to be able to string in 15 minutes like the guy at the store. Hahaha. I will do some research. Thanks

No problem if it takes you three hours the first time string the second one 12 times faster.

 

[am1899]

If you are willing to be patient and find a machine used, you may find a good deal. That's how I ended up with my current machine at home.

15 minutes per racquet is a lofty goal. It will take a lot of practice to achieve this, or come close. I know some good stringers who can't hit 15 minutes. And honestly, speed isn't and shouldn't be a primary concern.

Yes, forget the machine instructions. Check out videos on Youtube. There's some really good ones.

It's good that you are aware that using poly string requires frequent restringing. This is a concept that is lost on many people. And it often leads to injury.

 

[cincyMike]

I have an entry level gamma x-2 that I have used to string 80+ rackets and I am fully satisfied with the results. You can achieve the same results with this machine as one that costs 20x as much if you know what you are doing and take the time to learn and do it correctly. I can't string a racket in 15 minutes, but 30-35 is very achievable on this machine. Might be worth investing in something like this to make sure it is something you want to do yourself long term. I know some people get burnt out pretty quickly doing their own rackets and this way you wouldn't be out $3k if you decide its not for you.

 

[Cobra Tennis]

just go ahead and get a Babolat Sensor Expert and be done with it.



honestly: get a neos and you're set for life

 

[lionel_101]

Dang...Deja vu again.

Take a look at the sticky for tons of information.

I am with CincyMike and you should get a Gamma X-2. With the money you save go get a couple of reels of Luxum Poly you like playing with.

 

[max]

I just want to be able to string in 15 minutes like the guy at the store. Hahaha. I will do some research. Thanks

I said I didn't want to spend 3000. As in as low as I can go but still a good machine to get the job done correctly. I didn't want to do this, but this poly stuff is going to have to be changed often from what I've read. And I do hit very hard especially my serve.

. . . do you want to do a Fast Job or a Quality Job?

Klippermate or x-2, both comparable, both work well for you.

 

[gambitt]

I cannot recommend a Gamma X-2. Maybe it's just me, but I used a friend's Gamma to do one racquet and I did not care for using flying clamps and a manual tensioner after using a fixed clamp machine with a ratchet tensioner. I highly recommend a machine with both of these features.

Fixed clamps are quicker and less fiddly to use and with a traditional dropweight tensioner you have to use two hands; a ratchet tensioner allows you to tension with one hand. Again, more time saved. I can string a 16x19 frame in 35 minutes. There's no way I could do that on a Gamma X-2.

I have a Pro's Pro Challenger:

I'm in Europe where these are easily available but not too sure about the US.

 

[illzoni]

That Pro's Pro Challenger looks very similar to my Alpha Pioneer DC+. The clamps appear to be a bit different. It retails here for $489.

I'm coming up on 2 years use and over 100 racquets strung and still like it a lot. It came with a great CD/DVD and the Youtube videos linked in the stickies here are also very useful. My first racquet took nearly 2 hours. Now I take about 45 minutes from removing the strings to replacing the overgrip. I've found that the slower, more relaxed pace I take, the less time it takes. Kinda like Days of Thunder, you've got to slow to go faster.

 

[gambitt]

If only this place had an upvote feature like imgur.... +100 for Days of Thunder reference!

Yes, Pro's Pro are notorious for rebranding other tennis gear and selling it for a fraction of the price (mostly strings). In fact I got mixed up and my machine is the Pro's Pro Pioneer not the Challenger, so they even stole the name. I probably have the same clamps as you:

http://i.imgur.com/xMER54B.jpg

I paid £180 which is around $300 and got it delivered from Germany to UK.

 

[illzoni]

Thanks for the props. Yeah, those are the clamps.