Stringing Machine

[arun_mrk]

I have been breaking strings frequently and I feel it is time for change... I'm considering buying one of these string machine (My budget max is $200)

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Gamma_Progression_200_Stringing_Machine_/descpageGAMMA-GP200.html

http://www.amazon.com/Klippermate%C2%AE-Tennis-Racquet-Stringing-Machine/dp/B000KYHMM0/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1352124101&sr=1-3&keywords=string+machine

http://www.amazon.com/Gamma-X-2-Tennis-Stringing-Machine/dp/B0007R8MHE/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1352124101&sr=1-1&keywords=string+machine

I have zero experience in stringing
..any idea/thoughts on buying these stringing machines and how difficult/easy is it to string with these machines?

 

[mmk]

The two Gammas are essentially the same machine, the difference being the base. I used an X-2 for a few years, and to get an easier to use machine, you'd have to spend a fair amount more for fixed clamps. Watch the youtube vides, and just remember that if you string poly to start with the arm down instead of up.

 

[bigmalik76]

I have strung many frames on a klippermate and always wished I would have had a clutch. I think for that reason, if I would have the choice between the two, I would go with Gamma.

 

[ChadW]

Go Used

I had a similar budget constraint when I got started this summer. I snagged a used machine off of a list by craig, and am thrilled that I got such a great machine for less than what a new (basic) machine would have cost.

 

[zapvor]

for machines i like to say buy the most machine you can afford. the dropweight is a good start but you always end up using it more later on. better to just get a better one from the beginning

 

[tyu1314]

Between klippermate and gamma:
I think if you want the machine for a short term, like 2-3years and move on to a better machine, then you should get gamma,since it has ratchet system that help you string a bit faster.Bad things about gamma is that its plastic material,etc clamps are not as good as klippermate.
If you want the machine for a long term like me, a college student that would not have money in like next 6-10years, you should go with klippermate.Even though the klippermate does not have ratchet system but after you use it for a long time, you can string it as fast as the gamma.The klippermate are make out of better material, and have life time durability guarantee.

To string on drop weight, you pull the string into the jaw of the drop weight,with right amount of string the drop weight bar would drop parallel to the ground. The ratchet system allow you to adjust the amount of string by turning the knot to adjust without releasing the jaw.For other drop weight such as klippermate you have to release the string in the jaw,and adjust the amount of string by adding or decreasing amount of string.

Stringing is easy, there are bunch of videos on youtube that show you how to string,and when you have problems, just search around the forum for answers.