Stringing Machine Recommendations

[Tennisseur]

Hello,

I am currently on the hunt for a stringing machine. Although I haven't decided 100%, I am entertaining the idea of "buy once cry once" and getting a very nice machine that I will keep forever and won't need/want to upgrade from. The machines I am currently looking at are the Alpha Ghost 2, Prince 7000, Solinco GT Falcon, Tourna 700-ES, Tournament 850-ES, and the Wilson Baiardo L. I have a few questions to ask you all before I buy.

1. Are there any other machines in this price bracket that I should consider?
2. Which of these do you think is the best and why (or best value of the bunch)?
3. Where is the best place to buy?
4. Is there any way to get a discount? I believe I've read that some places do offer discount (at least if you know the right person).

A few relevant facts:
- I live in the United States
- I'm primarily looking at new (will keep forever and like the idea of availability, warranty, and support), but I am open to used if I could get my hands on it. I'm not looking scan auction sites for the next 12 months hoping something comes along at a good price.
- I am stringing for myself, family, and maybe a group of friends. I would consider stringing as a side hustle, but I have a full-time job and I'm not looking to turn this into second one.
- If you recommend something else, I would like it to have features like 360 degree rotation turntable, eCP tensioner, linear string gripper.

I look forward to seeing your guys' (and gals') thoughts. Thanks for taking the time to read/respond!

 

[LOBALOT]

I made the same decision about 8 years ago and bought the Ghost 2 and it has been fantastic. I wanted a machine that would help me learn and didn't want to fuss with a machine that made it more difficulty for repeatable results. Frankly, I think it is one of if not the best purchase decision I have ever made of any kind.

That fork in the road could have been buying a new or used crank and struggling with stringing and tossing the whole idea of stringing racquets aside as I am pretty sure that would have been the alternate path.

Instead I have been stringing racquets all this time, and have had a blast doing it and never plan on quitting.

I string for my son, myself, and others. I charge $15 labor and with that I have paid off the Ghost 2, bought a workbench, a stereo, a bookshelf for the stereo, and bought a boatload of string (including over 250 packets of vs/wilson/lux gut). I now have saved enough and will place an order for another Ghost 2.

I think there are several great eCP machines out there but just wanted to compliment you on your decision to go with one. It is a good one.

 

[mad dog1]

As @LOBALOT recommended, the Alpha Ghost 2 is a fantastic machine. I wholeheartedly recommend it as well.

 

[Tennisseur]

@LOBALOT Sounds like it was a great decision for you. Thanks for sharing.

@mad dog1 Lot of praise for the Ghost, sounds like it should out it on the top of my list (unless you both are secretly in the marketing department at Alpha ).

 

[HappyMilk]

@OP I find myself in a similar circumstance and have been searching as well.

Have you considered buying a Penta Premium from overseas?

Penta Premium 3600 + Wise 2086 Stringing Machine

Buy racquets, strings, bags, grips and accessories online at Racquet Depot UK. It is one of the largest internet resellers of brand name products for tennis, squash, badminton and injury supports.

www.racquetdepot.co.uk

 

[Tennisseur]

@HappyMilk I have looked at it a little. I am new to researching this, so I could be wrong, but it doesn't seem like Penta has the same reputation as companies like Wilson, Gamma, Alpha, etc. Do you know if they can be serviced in the states? I would hate to have to ship it to the UK if anything broke.

 

[g4driver]

I'm still rolling with my original Ghost. It paid for itself in about 5 months. Nov/ Dec are always slow months, but in Jan frames start coming in and stay steady until the fall.

My first machine was an Alpha Apex 2 and it was a PITA honestly with the crank breaking constantly, but Alpha's customer service was outstanding. I paid $1100 for the Apex 2. I learned to string on it and started there. When I was tired of the Apex 2 crank breaking, it was either a Wise tensioner or a new machine. I went with the latter and have zero regrets. I was looking at a Prince 6000, Ghost, or a used Babolat Star 5 and thankfully I picked the Ghost. I had strung on a Wilson Baiardo, Gamma ELS 5800, Prince 6000, and Babolat Star 5. I hated the Gamma. So in Sept, 2015 I got my Ghost and strung my first frame on it. I had strung over 7000 frames on it last time I checked and that was in 2022.

-IMO, the clamps are one of the highest priorities when picking a machine. I almost pulled the trigger on a Baiardo but the price difference didn't justify the extra coin for the amount of frames I was stringing at the time. If you are standing on your feet 10+ hours a day stringing 18 frames a day, for sure buy a Baiardo. The height and tilt adjustments are great. The most frames I string in a day usually 8 to 10. Buying a soft cushioning mat. Your back will think me. I bought one at Bed Bath and Beyond, but these are a must for stringers.

https://www.wilson.com/en-us/product/wilson-stringing-mat-rz74991#[/URL&colors=59480

If my Ghost bites the dust, I would have to think hard but would pull the trigger on a Baiardo or Ghost 2.

two very nice videos by @Herb and his closing remarks about what he would do if his Baiardo bites the dust might help you decide what to purchase.

 

[mad dog1]

@LOBALOT Sounds like it was a great decision for you. Thanks for sharing.

@mad dog1 Lot of praise for the Ghost, sounds like it should out it on the top of my list (unless you both are secretly in the marketing department at Alpha ).

Nope. My Babolat sensor broke and I replaced it with a ghost 2. Very satisfied with the ghost. Doesn’t feel like a downgrade at all.

 

[g4driver]

This is a nice update for the Ghost when you need to tighten the clamp bases using a 3mm allen wrench. Post #19

@stringtheory @LOBALOT @time_fly discuss this and the fix

Alpha Ghost base clamps

Been using my Alpha Ghost for the past 5 years and has served me well However I noticed that my base clamps are getting looser and there is some slight movement of the base clamps even after I lock it Anyone knows how do I tighten the base clamp?

tt.tennis-warehouse.com

 

[LOBALOT]

This is a nice update for the Ghost when you need to tighten the clamp bases using a 3mm allen wrench. Post #19

@stringtheory @LOBALOT @time_fly discuss this and the fix

Alpha Ghost base clamps

Been using my Alpha Ghost for the past 5 years and has served me well However I noticed that my base clamps are getting looser and there is some slight movement of the base clamps even after I lock it Anyone knows how do I tighten the base clamp?

tt.tennis-warehouse.com

Thank you!!!! I think I also need to clean the rails and under the bases as well. Do you know hot to remove the clamps from the rails.

 

[g4driver]

Thank you!!!! I think I also need to clean the rails and under the bases as well. Do you know how to remove the clamps from the rails.

That is my next little project. lol. Looks like minor surgery. I'm going to take it all apart when I can get a small break and report back.

 

[USMC-615]

Hello,

I am currently on the hunt for a stringing machine. Although I haven't decided 100%, I am entertaining the idea of "buy once cry once" and getting a very nice machine that I will keep forever and won't need/want to upgrade from. The machines I am currently looking at are the Alpha Ghost 2, Prince 7000, Solinco GT Falcon, Tourna 700-ES, Tournament 850-ES, and the Wilson Baiardo L. I have a few questions to ask you all before I buy.

1. Are there any other machines in this price bracket that I should consider?
2. Which of these do you think is the best and why (or best value of the bunch)?
3. Where is the best place to buy?
4. Is there any way to get a discount? I believe I've read that some places do offer discount (at least if you know the right person).

A few relevant facts:
- I live in the United States
- I'm primarily looking at new (will keep forever and like the idea of availability, warranty, and support), but I am open to used if I could get my hands on it. I'm not looking scan auction sites for the next 12 months hoping something comes along at a good price.
- I am stringing for myself, family, and maybe a group of friends. I would consider stringing as a side hustle, but I have a full-time job and I'm not looking to turn this into second one.
- If you recommend something else, I would like it to have features like 360 degree rotation turntable, eCP tensioner, linear string gripper.

I look forward to seeing your guys' (and gals') thoughts. Thanks for taking the time to read/respond!

Curious...where are you located in the US?

 

[LOBALOT]

That is my next little project. lol. Looks like minor surgery. I'm going to take it all apart when I can get a small break and report back.

That is so nice thank you. I suspect that is the root cause of the slight twist I am seeing when I clamp. I have had the machine a long time now so figured it was about time to do this.

 

[am1899]

Don’t want to rehash it or throw @Herb under the bus…but after reading his recent feedback on the 700-ES, I would pass on it. Not sure if the 850-ES fixes the issues he spoke of.

P7000, Falcon, and Ghost 2 are all made by the same OEM (Ex Three) and have similar features. Out of those 3 i would likely choose the falcon, as it seems to have the newest tension head found on the Head-TE3600 machine (also mfg by Ex Three). That said, Alpha has a proven track record of customer service that is unsurpassed in the industry…whereas, Solinco is maybe a bit new to this segment of the market…so that’s a bit of a wait and see. Last on my list would be the Prince machine primarily bc of my uncertainty at least as to customer support from the brand given their recent financial struggles.

As for the Baiardo L, I would pass. Not a big fan of the base clamps and giving up gravity release.

For the record, I string on a OG Baiardo at work. If I can finally save enough coin, first on my list is a lightly used Baiardo. If I can’t get that, then I’ll be looking hard at the Falcon and Ghost 2.

 

[Tennisseur]

Curious...where are you located in the US?

Illinois, why do you ask?

 

[Tennisseur]

@am1899 From the pricing I’ve seen, a Solinco is $400 more than the Alpha. Do you think it’s worth the premium plus the unknown customer service?

 

[g4driver]

Don’t want to rehash it or throw @Herb under the bus…but after reading his recent feedback on the 700-ES, I would pass on it. Not sure if the 850-ES fixes the issues he spoke of.

Last on my list would be the Prince machine primarily bc of my uncertainty at least as to customer support from the brand given their recent financial struggles. That is why I went with Alpha. Their customer service is great.

As for the Baiardo L, I would pass. Not a big fan of the base clamps and giving up gravity release. This

For the record, I string on a OG Baiardo at work. If I can finally save enough coin, first on my list is a lightly used Baiardo. If I can’t get that, then I’ll be looking hard at the Falcon and Ghost 2.

@am1899 Damn you. Now you just had to go and tease me and @USMC-615 with this Georgia Bulldog back-to-back Natty-themed stringing machine made by the same company that made the Ghost/Ghost 2.

That red and black looks sweet. The Falcon is pretty much a new Ghost 2 with a new tension head and cool swingout tray.

 

[g4driver]

@am1899 From the pricing I’ve seen, a Solinco is $400 more than the Alpha. Do you think it’s worth the premium plus the unknown customer service?

The red and black University of Georgia colors is worth $400.

The machines are made by the same company in the same plant. I've never had a problem with my Ghost in 8 years. Can't imagine that new tension head being problematic, but that is the only major difference between a Ghost 2 and the Falcon.

 

[mad dog1]

@am1899 Damn you. Now you just had to go and tease me and @USMC-615 with this Georgia Bulldog back-to-back Natty-themed stringing machine made by the same company that made the Ghost/Ghost 2.

That red and black looks sweet. The Falcon is pretty much a new Ghost 2 with a new tension head and cool swingout tray.

Had I not gotten the ghost 2, i would have gotten the Solinco.

 

[g4driver]

Had I not gotten the ghost 2, i would have gotten the Solinco.

I hope you are pulling for the Dawgs considering all the California players on the team. I can't remember if you are an Aztec, Bear, Bruin, Stanford Tree, or Trojan fan. So many schools in Cali.

 

[USMC-615]

Illinois, why do you ask?

Prob will be parting ways with a couple of stringing machines (see my sig) this summer...of course none are what you've listed but they are good machines. All are in mint condition with Wise 2086 v14's on each with the exception of the Gamma X-ELS (original crank/lo's that came with two I still have as well)...simply don't need four machines. But I do admire the 'go big or go home' mentality as far as the machines you're interested in.

 

[am1899]

@am1899 From the pricing I’ve seen, a Solinco is $400 more than the Alpha. Do you think it’s worth the premium plus the unknown customer service?

IME Solinco has been very supportive at work and in my role as a collegiate coach. So the customer service question mark is not a big concern for me. Me, I would spend the $400 extra.

 

[g4driver]

@am1899

who is the target audience for the Falcon?

of course Solinco would be happy to sell this machine to Pro shops and home stringers but I am curious if they offer pro shops a steep discount and try to add their Falcons as a second or third machine in shops who are already using Baiardos.

 

[ryushen21]

I can speak for the Tourna 850-ES. It's a great machine and I've had zero issues in the 10 months that I've had mine. I'm a huge fan of the press-down bases and I really like the new Universal Clamps that Tourna includes with the machine. Everything about it is built for efficiency and ease of use.

 

[Papa Mango]

Don’t want to rehash it or throw @Herb under the bus…but after reading his recent feedback on the 700-ES, I would pass on it. Not sure if the 850-ES fixes the issues he spoke of.

P7000, Falcon, and Ghost 2 are all made by the same OEM (Ex Three) and have similar features. Out of those 3 i would likely choose the falcon, as it seems to have the newest tension head found on the Head-TE3600 machine (also mfg by Ex Three). That said, Alpha has a proven track record of customer service that is unsurpassed in the industry…whereas, Solinco is maybe a bit new to this segment of the market…so that’s a bit of a wait and see. Last on my list would be the Prince machine primarily bc of my uncertainty at least as to customer support from the brand given their recent financial struggles.

As for the Baiardo L, I would pass. Not a big fan of the base clamps and giving up gravity release.

For the record, I string on a OG Baiardo at work. If I can finally save enough coin, first on my list is a lightly used Baiardo. If I can’t get that, then I’ll be looking hard at the Falcon and Ghost 2.

For the Solinco, if you can see it in person I would do that. The tension head rises when pulling and can be a bit of hassle while starting the mains ( Same with the other brand machines that are manufactured by that OEM with a linear gripper).
Agree with the recs here. Do not like Baird L base twisty lock but if you are only doing a few racquets a week I think they are perfectly workable.

IME Solinco has been very supportive at work and in my role as a collegiate coach. So the customer service question mark is not a big concern for me. Me, I would spend the $400 extra.

Solinco customer service is top notch and I wouldn't worry about that aspect of it.

 

[Tennisseur]

Does anyone know the benefits of the newer tensioner on the GT Falcon vs the Ghost?

Is there anywhere to get a discount on either of them?

The Ghost 2 and the GT Falcon are my first choices, although the Tourna 700-ES is tempting at $3,200.

 

[Papa Mango]

Does anyone know the benefits of the newer tensioner on the GT Falcon vs the Ghost?

Is there anywhere to get a discount on either of them?

The Ghost 2 and the GT Falcon are my first choices, although the Tourna 700-ES is tempting at $3,200.

Linear Vs Diablo? Linear supposed to apply less stress to the strings as it will straighten out the string when pulling. But I don't use the Diablo and everything is fine.
call/email the companies from their corporate website. They are both very responsive and will try to help.

 

[mad dog1]

@am1899 From the pricing I’ve seen, a Solinco is $400 more than the Alpha. Do you think it’s worth the premium plus the unknown customer service?

If I was purchasing new, I would have gotten the Solinco, but a used Ghost 2 with less than 100 racquets strung popped up locally. When I went to check out the Ghost 2, it was essentially a new machine being sold for the price of a used one so it was a no brainer for me.

 

[mad dog1]

Does anyone know the benefits of the newer tensioner on the GT Falcon vs the Ghost?

Is there anywhere to get a discount on either of them?

The Ghost 2 and the GT Falcon are my first choices, although the Tourna 700-ES is tempting at $3,200.

Not that I'm aware of.

 

[Tennisseur]

@mad dog1 Wow! Sounds like steal. Were you looking for a while or did you just happen to look at the right place at the right time?

 

[mad dog1]

Linear Vs Diablo? Linear supposed to apply less stress to the strings as it will straighten out the string when pulling. But I don't use the Diablo and everything is fine.

This is my understanding as well. I don't use the diablo either and i have been very pleased with the string jobs which feel on par with the string jobs done on the old Babolat Sensor.

 

[mad dog1]

@mad dog1 Wow! Sounds like steal. Were you looking for a while or did you just happen to look at the right place at the right time?

Just fortuitous luck! Right place at the right time. The listing was posted right when my Sensor broke.

 

[ryushen21]

Does anyone know the benefits of the newer tensioner on the GT Falcon vs the Ghost?

Is there anywhere to get a discount on either of them?

The Ghost 2 and the GT Falcon are my first choices, although the Tourna 700-ES is tempting at $3,200.

Discounts, not exactly. There are some people who are offering wholesale pricing on some stringing machines if you get lucky.

Each year after the USO, the Baiardos that are used at the tournament get sold at used prices too. Not sure if you're willing to wait that long though.

 

[Tennisseur]

@ryushen21 do you know how to get in touch with someone for wholesale pricing?

 

[Power Player]

Does anyone know the benefits of the newer tensioner on the GT Falcon vs the Ghost?

Is there anywhere to get a discount on either of them?

The Ghost 2 and the GT Falcon are my first choices, although the Tourna 700-ES is tempting at $3,200.

The best way is to scour your local market and get lucky. I don't have a stringer on that level but I have been using a stringway for 10 years now. It is a CP auto dropweight so it is a really great stringer. I got lucky and a guy here contacted me that he was selling his. The shipping can be rough since the machines are so heavy, even the smaler dropweight ones.

So if I was to buy again, I would be hitting up local tennis shops, craigslist etc. It can save you hundreds maybe thousands if you are patient enough. Reach out to your local stringers who string for high schools and colleges and befriend them. They will hook you up.

If money is no object, then you can fast forward the process and buy online.

Also if you happen to find a Stringway locally in great shape, those are really really good machines. Not on the level of the premium ones, but I honestly rarely have thought about upgrading mine. Mechanical constant pull is a beautiful thing plus autodropweight means you can string a frame in 30 mins or less once you get good.

 

[Tennisseur]

@Power Player Thanks for the input. I’ve been looking for some used machines but not seeing much out there. The whole time I wait for a good used machine I keep getting rackets strung, so I don’t want to just sit around waiting indefinitely. Plus if it’s not close to me shipping can turn a good deal into a bad one. That’s part of the reason why I’m leaning new.

Also, if you rarely consider selling your Stringway, then I bet others feel the same, which means there won’t be any on the used market!

 

[am1899]

@am1899

who is the target audience for the Falcon?

of course Solinco would be happy to sell this machine to Pro shops and home stringers but I am curious if they offer pro shops a steep discount and try to add their Falcons as a second or third machine in shops who are already using Baiardos.

Good question. My guess would be clubs, pro shops, colleges, tournaments, etc. - anything with a lot of volume and visibility.

I’d be surprised if they wouldn’t offer a discount to a pro shop. But I haven’t inquired, so I don’t know for certain.

 

[Power Player]

@Power Player Thanks for the input. I’ve been looking for some used machines but not seeing much out there. The whole time I wait for a good used machine I keep getting rackets strung, so I don’t want to just sit around waiting indefinitely. Plus if it’s not close to me shipping can turn a good deal into a bad one. That’s part of the reason why I’m leaning new.

Also, if you rarely consider selling your Stringway, then I bet others feel the same, which means there won’t be any on the used market!

Yeah absolutley, I was just suggesting that if you happen to see a Stringway used to go for it. I think the main thing you want to be getting is the Constant pull from the premium machines you mentioned or the Stringway. There are also crank machines like an old Prince that can do the job and are easy to find used, but it sounds like you want the best experience and CP is pretty much ideal when stringing up gut and poly.

I don't string for anyone but myself and some friends now and then, so the Stringway is awesome. If I was stringing for others as a side business I would go with the Ghost/Bairdo.

Maybe just buy new, get the warranty, the white glove delivery..etc. It may very well be worth the extra expense there. You can math out how often you string and the cost and figure out how fast the machine will pay for itself. My Stringway paid for itself in less than one year.

 

[Tennisseur]

How much does a new Baiardo go for? I’ve seen it listed for $6,000, but for some reason I thought you could get it for less.

I’ve narrowed my options to the Ghost 2, GT Falcon, Baiardo L (and maybe upgrade the base clamps), or the Baiardo.

I know I’ll be happy with any of them but it’s so hard to decide haha.

 

[LOBALOT]

I have to say I did not like stringing on the Solinco the few times I have had the opportunity.

I do like the drawer that opens and turns to the side so tools don't get caught up in the string but was not a fan of the tension head.

 

[g4driver]

How much does a new Baiardo go for? I’ve seen it listed for $6,000, but for some reason I thought you could get it for less.

I’ve narrowed my options to the Ghost 2, GT Falcon, Baiardo L (and maybe upgrade the base clamps), or the Baiardo.

I know I’ll be happy with any of them but it’s so hard to decide haha.

The cheapest I've seen a new for is $5100 in the last two years. I am sure others have seen less than $5100+ tax and shipping but that is the lowest I have seen

 

[HappyMilk]

@am1899 From the pricing I’ve seen, a Solinco is $400 more than the Alpha. Do you think it’s worth the premium plus the unknown customer service?

Which brand is the unknown customer service?

 

[Tennisseur]

Which brand is the unknown customer service?

I was referring to Solinco because I haven’t heard any with the GT Falcon weigh in one way or the other. I know the company had been around for a while making strings and rackets but they seem new the the stringing machine market.

 

[Soundbyte]

The cheapest I've seen a new for is $5100 in the last two years. I am sure others have seen less than $5100+ tax and shipping but that is the lowest I have seen

Where was that? I thought the Wilson discount code worked but they apparently fixed that.

 

[USMC-615]

Where was that? I thought the Wilson discount code worked but they apparently fixed that.

My 15% discount works just fine...turns the $6K Baiardo into $5100 prior to $357 Ga sales tax, $5457 to my front door, free UPS ship.

 

[mad dog1]

My 15% discount works just fine...turns the $6K Baiardo into $5100 prior to $357 Ga sales tax, $5457 to my front door, free UPS ship.

Did you try to checkout? The discount got removed when I tried to checkout and pay.

 

[mad dog1]

I have to say I did not like stringing on the Solinco the few times I have had the opportunity.

I do like the drawer that opens and turns to the side so tools don't get caught up in the string but was not a fan of the tension head.

What did you not like about it?

 

[mad dog1]

Where was that? I thought the Wilson discount code worked but they apparently fixed that.

The discount does show when you enter the discount code so you get all excited until you go to checkout where your dreams get dashed and excitement gets replaced with disappointment when the discount disappears. A cruel joke, but, yeah, they fixed it.

 

[Tennisseur]

Were you previously able to get one for 15 or 20 percent off?

 

[mad dog1]

Were you previously able to get one for 15 or 20 percent off?

Yes, but it didn’t work for me recently when my Sensor broke.