Icedorb217
Semi-Pro
Hey Im planning on getting a new stringing machine in the 800 to 900 dollar price range. Just wondering what peoples opinions are on these machines.
Stringway ML100 with T92 Clamps or Alpha Axis Pro
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Peppershaker
Rookie
I'm waiting to place an order, personally settled on the ML100. This was primarily due to the accuracy and simplicity of the drop weight mechanism (DW). I learned how to string on a DW, and what turned me off from the crank machines is all of the talk regarding variability either due to the string, the user or the process. May very well be faster and reliable (I'm sure they are), but when I set something to 55 lbs., that is what I expect not 10% less or even a different feel the next time around.
Stringing has become somewhat of a hobby, I do string for a small clientel but definately not making any $ at it. I find the process relaxing, and it keeps me away from the TV at night, or even the computer. What I want is that if someone I string comes and wants to try a set at 2 to 4 lbs less, that I'm not guessing or adjusting a tensioner trying to provide that, and outside of a DW there appears to be too much estimation.
Still waffling though on the 92 or 98, why are you choosing the 92?
Stringing has become somewhat of a hobby, I do string for a small clientel but definately not making any $ at it. I find the process relaxing, and it keeps me away from the TV at night, or even the computer. What I want is that if someone I string comes and wants to try a set at 2 to 4 lbs less, that I'm not guessing or adjusting a tensioner trying to provide that, and outside of a DW there appears to be too much estimation.
Still waffling though on the 92 or 98, why are you choosing the 92?
Icedorb217
Semi-Pro
I decided on the 92 because I liked the idea of glide bar clamps but switching out clamps for the crosses just didnt seem like my thing, and this is that one that just pivots so you can do the crosses. Also the design of the 98 just doesnt appeal to me, like the clamp base.
Also Im in the same boat as you. Learned of a DW and like the idea of an auto DW.
Also Im in the same boat as you. Learned of a DW and like the idea of an auto DW.
I am in a similar situation deciding on the Stringway ML100with stand and T92 clamps OR Alpha Apex 2.
So far I have been very impressed by Alpha's customer service compared to anyother company I have dealt with and they distribute both models.
In terms of Stringway I like the following accuracy, 10 year warranty, single action clamps.
In terms of Alpha Apex 2 I like the stand on wheels, 3 toothed diamond dusted clamps, speed of stringing probably a bit faster, table brake.
To me its a toss up. I will just be stringing for myself so for the crank system I can just add a few pounds compared to a constant pull machine.
So far I have been very impressed by Alpha's customer service compared to anyother company I have dealt with and they distribute both models.
In terms of Stringway I like the following accuracy, 10 year warranty, single action clamps.
In terms of Alpha Apex 2 I like the stand on wheels, 3 toothed diamond dusted clamps, speed of stringing probably a bit faster, table brake.
To me its a toss up. I will just be stringing for myself so for the crank system I can just add a few pounds compared to a constant pull machine.
Don't get too caught up in a lack of accuracy in a crank tensioner. They too can be very accurate after you get some experience on the machine. For any new machine, you will have to adjust your reference "pull" tension a bit to get the feel you had from a previous machine. Once you find that number, you will be able to provide a very consistent stringing with a crank.
I am using a crank machine and measure the tension of my rackets with audacity on the computer based upon the frequency. I have been within about 0.2 lbs on each job at the same tension. After the rackets are left overnight, that margin becomes even smaller and is less than detectable by frequency measurements.
I would worry more about what is quickest and easiest on your hands and body and what you feel you can be consistent with. I think most people find the crank to be all those things.
I am using a crank machine and measure the tension of my rackets with audacity on the computer based upon the frequency. I have been within about 0.2 lbs on each job at the same tension. After the rackets are left overnight, that margin becomes even smaller and is less than detectable by frequency measurements.
I would worry more about what is quickest and easiest on your hands and body and what you feel you can be consistent with. I think most people find the crank to be all those things.
I bought an ML100 T92 last January (2010), and it's one of the best things I've ever bought. I was in the same boat as you, but now in retrospect, I can't see having gotten anything else. I've used it a TON and it looks and works like brand new.
I just recently bought a barely used MS200, so now I have two fantastic machines from Stringway.
Whatever you decide, good luck. You'll love stringing on a quality machine if you're anything like the rest of us.
Dave
I just recently bought a barely used MS200, so now I have two fantastic machines from Stringway.
Whatever you decide, good luck. You'll love stringing on a quality machine if you're anything like the rest of us.
Dave
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Peppershaker
Rookie
T92 vs T98 & DW vs Crank.
T92 vs T98 Clamps
I decided on the 92 because I liked the idea of glide bar clamps but switching out clamps for the crosses just didnt seem like my thing
Not sure that I undertand the above. I've not come across anything anywhere that implied that the 98 clamps had to be switched out for the crosses. Is this true?
DW vs. Crank IssueCan't say that I've used a crank. I have no doubt that a reputable machine and an experienced stringer will produce quality results. There are far too many crank machines being used for them not to be good. If I'd have learned on one I'd probably swing that way, but I like that the DW has fewer parts, and when you lower the arm down when set at 55 that's what you get. From a time perspective the Swingway DW would seem far faster than the X2 I'm used to, since you don't have to worry about the bar being horizontal.
Has anyone experiance w/both systems and care to add in?
One problem w/purchasing stringers is not being able to go anywhere to test them out. I live in area where other than a few pro-shops w/electronic units I'd never purchase there is little way to determine how best to proceed. On my first machine (Gamma X2) spent weeks trying to figure out what to purchase finally had it and went with a basic model. No regrets at all, but now I'd like to move up.
T92 vs T98 Clamps
I decided on the 92 because I liked the idea of glide bar clamps but switching out clamps for the crosses just didnt seem like my thing
Not sure that I undertand the above. I've not come across anything anywhere that implied that the 98 clamps had to be switched out for the crosses. Is this true?
DW vs. Crank IssueCan't say that I've used a crank. I have no doubt that a reputable machine and an experienced stringer will produce quality results. There are far too many crank machines being used for them not to be good. If I'd have learned on one I'd probably swing that way, but I like that the DW has fewer parts, and when you lower the arm down when set at 55 that's what you get. From a time perspective the Swingway DW would seem far faster than the X2 I'm used to, since you don't have to worry about the bar being horizontal.
Has anyone experiance w/both systems and care to add in?
One problem w/purchasing stringers is not being able to go anywhere to test them out. I live in area where other than a few pro-shops w/electronic units I'd never purchase there is little way to determine how best to proceed. On my first machine (Gamma X2) spent weeks trying to figure out what to purchase finally had it and went with a basic model. No regrets at all, but now I'd like to move up.
Each string machine has pros and cons. Just need to find figure what your needs are and write down all the pros and cons of each machine you are interested in and see what fits best for you.
I agree, I am not too concerned in the crank not being accurate. For my personal racquets once I find a number on a crank just stick with it. It may be a few pounds higher than the stringway ml 100 but at the end of the day it gives you similar result.
Here are some differences I have noted:
Mounting System: Alpha 6 pt, Stringway 5 pt. Based on research sounds like stringway may take a bit longer to mount because its a screw down system. However, doesn't look like you have to worry about grommet blocking problems on the Stringway.
Clamps: Stringway t92 single action 5 tooth. Alpha, diamond dusted, 3 tooth, dual action.
Warranty: Stringway 10 years, Alpha 5 years.
Maintenance: Stringway has less parts thus probably less maintenance or problems down the road.
I agree, I am not too concerned in the crank not being accurate. For my personal racquets once I find a number on a crank just stick with it. It may be a few pounds higher than the stringway ml 100 but at the end of the day it gives you similar result.
Here are some differences I have noted:
Mounting System: Alpha 6 pt, Stringway 5 pt. Based on research sounds like stringway may take a bit longer to mount because its a screw down system. However, doesn't look like you have to worry about grommet blocking problems on the Stringway.
Clamps: Stringway t92 single action 5 tooth. Alpha, diamond dusted, 3 tooth, dual action.
Warranty: Stringway 10 years, Alpha 5 years.
Maintenance: Stringway has less parts thus probably less maintenance or problems down the road.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
he's not comparing the 92 to the 98.
what he means is that he likes the glide bar system except for the need to slide them out and rearrange them 90 degrees to string the crosses. so the 92 is similar in action to glide bar clamps without the need to remove them for the crosses.
I was in the same boat. I really couldn't decide, but went with the Apex II. Then I was told they were out of stock for another 2 months, so I happily switched to the ML100. I was then told that I could get an Apex II right away, and I almost reluctantly switched back. Finally, the Apex was actually unusable, so I ended up with the ML100.
I am much more familiar with the crank tensioners, but have been very impressed with the Stringways.
I am much more familiar with the crank tensioners, but have been very impressed with the Stringways.
Icedorb217
Semi-Pro
Thanks mad dog1 for explaining what I meant. Eugkim what clamps did you get on the ML100? And to rd0707 yah your right now place to go try out a stringing machine. And I prefer DW just because I use one. Also Id like to start a little stringing business with the machine I pick so just wondering if any who does high volume of rackets can tell me about their experience with the ML100.
The 98 is the same as the 92 in that you don't have to change anything to string the crosses like on the Neos. I have platforms with both the 98 and the 92. Both are simple and efficient. It's a matter of personal preference as to which one works best for you.
As far as the ease of use of the ML100, it's simple and easy. The best part is that you don't have to worry about the bar being parallel to the ground. The bar stops moving when the string is properly tensioned. This makes it a true constant pull. How do you get more accurate than a constant pull machine based purely on gravity? I can do my own personal racquet without rushing in 30 to 35 minutes. I think that's reasonable for any machine. If it's a "little" business the OP is talking about, like mine, the ML100 should more than suffice.
Not to be a blind cheerleader for this product. I just love it, and truly believe it's the best bang-for-buck out there.
Dave
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Icedorb217
Semi-Pro
Thanks for the info Dave. I might not get the ML100 as my budget might have increased a bit so I think I can get a better machine. But if it doesnt work out I will probably get the ML100
Dunno.....
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
it has to do w/ the dual pivot design of the dropweight lever.
Technatic
Professional
The explanation can be found on the SW website behind the information button and then choose /dropweigth machines
The tension is the same for every angle, because the distance"V" and the distance "H" both change and therefore the ratio between "V" and "H" remains the same.
The tension depends upon the angle, because "H" is different for every angle while "R" remains the same.
It is easy to put down the mathemattical equation if you are interested.
I have to agree completely with Dave. I have the ML100 T92 and absolutely love it. I switched to it from an Alpha Revo 4000 and although the Alpha was a great machine, there's really no comparison. I too am stringing most rackets in about 30-35 mins. and have a small number of clients and don't have an issue. In fact, the only reason I would want an electric machine is if i was stringing more than 5 rackets a day, which is not the case.
Once you get familiar with the machine, it's so easy to use not to mention how easy it is to break down and take with you anywhere. You can have the entire machine broke down in under a minute (including taking the turntable off of the base). If you opt for the stand then you have the best of both worlds.
If you're on the fence I would say go for it. For the price, you can't buy a better stringer.
DH
I have a LaserFibre which is identical to the Stringway. Get the Stringway. The drop weight is real constant pull and the crack is lock-out. I think you get much quality with constant pull. The brake on the Stringway is not the easiest thing to use but you only need it if you do those damn Prince rackets with o-ports. Stringway is built like a damn tank.
I thought the Stringway has a table lock? Doesn't that act as the brake for stringing the Prince oports?
Here I go cheerleading again, but I have to disagree with TennisCJC when it comes to the locking mechanism on the Stringways. There is a knob on the lower left corner of the machine that is pretty darn easy to use in order to lock and unlock the platform. The lock outs are 30 degrees apart. Although closer lock outs would be better (15 degrees apart?), the ones that exist are easy to use.
The good thing about the design is that it's not a friction stop, but a positive stop. A peg goes into a hole to stop movement of the platform. It's easier to look at than to describe, but about as simple and effective as it gets for the purpose.
I look forward to stringing Prince racquets, and see no reason to shy away from them with my machine.
Regarding his (hers?) comments of the true constant pull action of the ML100 and its sturdiness, you can second that here. Great machine.
pstar
New User
I also have a ML100 with the T92 clamps, and have strung many many Prince O`port racquets on my machine. It`s no problem at all, and the lock out mechanism works great! But have to agree with you verbouge, the lock outs should have been a little closer.
Peppershaker
Rookie
To T98 or T92?
What are the advantages & disadvantages of one over the other? Overtime which would be more reliable? Will one access strings better than the other on the more dense patterns?
What are the advantages & disadvantages of one over the other? Overtime which would be more reliable? Will one access strings better than the other on the more dense patterns?
I've been using the T98's recently, and I have to say that I really prefer the T92's for ease of use. They negotiate the string bed faster and easier, and there is only one lock out, not two. Also, they are less bulky, so if you're concerned about access, the T92's may be a better bet. Both access the string bed well, though.
One thing about the T92's. To minimize drawback take the "slack" out of the base of the clamp before removing the tension head from the string. This is explicitly described in the instructions that come with the machine, and in my opinion, this is a critical thing to do if you want a reliable string job. This will make more sense if you get a Stringway with these clamps.
lwto
Hall of Fame
How quick is the ML 100 if you all don't mind me asking?
How is the mounting.
How is the auto-drop weight as far as speed goes?
I'm just curious because I would love to purchase someting like this machine. I really like the sliding rails, it looks a lot faster than the other type clamping systems.
How is the mounting.
How is the auto-drop weight as far as speed goes?
I'm just curious because I would love to purchase someting like this machine. I really like the sliding rails, it looks a lot faster than the other type clamping systems.
Do you do a lot of stringing for other people, Iwto? As stated previously by me and another poster to this thread, I can do my personal racquets in 30 to 35 minutes without breaking a sweat.
The mounting takes under a minute to do properly and securely. As far as the dropweight goes, it takes anywhere from 5 to 20 seconds for it to stop moving, meaning the string is to tension. Mulitfilaments and some polys take a long time to stretch properly. You need to make sure your clamps are clean, and watch the weight against a fixed background to properly judge when it has stopped moving.
Seriously reliable and accurate machine. My ML100 looks brand new, and I've strung many, many racquets on it of all makes and models. You just can't go wrong with these things.
Does the table top spin 360 degrees?
onehandbh
G.O.A.T.
I don't really need the lock for my racquets, so I removed the locking
mechanism. It makes stringing easier for me.
It does not spin 360, but close.
My understanding of the reason it doesn't spin all the way around is that this would make it necessary to offset the tension head from the level of the racquet face. The tension head on the Stringway machines is designed to pull tension at the level of the racquet face, minimizing the angle at which the string is pulled. The greater the angle during tensioning, the more friction and the less "pure" the pull. Even though it's impossible to tension most strings without some impedance from the racquet, this is Stringway's attempt to maximize the potential of the machine and minimize the friction coefficient. Does this make any sense the way I'm describing it?
I've personally found it not to be an issue at all in stringing racquets, and don't even think about it.
I some what understand your comment. I guess it would be easier to see if had the machine in front of me. I am deciding between the Stringway ML 100 and Alpha Apex II. I used Prince Ozone Tour Racquets. I am a beginner stringer and strung a frame on my friends crank machine the other day to get a feel for it. The brake and 360 spin was helpful. So basically to brake the table top you put in a peg into one of 12 holes and the table stops? I guess with fixed holes its not possible to brake at all angles like on a crank? Does that present a problem?
rd0707, a few things.
The critical difference between the Stringway ML100 and the Alpha Apex II is the tensioning mechanism. The Apex II is a crank machine. I know there are many people on these boards who have crank machines, and many of them are good stringers. But the machine itself cannot compare to the Stringway in that the Stringway is a true constant pull, and the Apex II is a lock out crank.
Imagine if you stretched a rubber band to a certain length to make it taut, but then there was more stretch in it and it began to get loose? You would pull it tighter to make it taut again, because you have the capacity to do this with your hands. Tennis string is like that rubber band. It does not tension instantaneously, but over the course of 5 to 20 seconds, or so. It needs the machine to take up the slack as it stretches to reach its true tension. The Apex II will tension that string to, say, 60lbs, but as soon as it reaches 60lbs it will begin to lose tension because the Apex II doesn't have the "hands" to keep it at a constant 60. The Stringway, on the other hand, will go infinitely (unless it bottoms out, in which case you just pull out the slack and re-tension) until the weight stops moving and the string is what it says it is, 60lbs. There will still be tension loss after the strings are installed because that is the nature of tennis strings, but it will be to a lesser degree than if you used a lock out crank, or a conventional drop weight, for that matter. The ML100 has the "hands" to keep the string properly taut.
You can always buy a Wise tension head and add it to your Apex II, but there goes another $500 for something you could have had better and cheaper with the automatic drop weight.
Regarding the braking mechanism, you're right in that the Stringway has 12 lock outs. There is an advantage and a disadvantage to this. The advantage is that the locks are GREAT! Once they're in, they're in. The disadvantage is that they are set at 30 degree intervals, and sometimes that leaves a stringer with more angle for a string draw than one would wish. The only friction lock out I've used to any great degree was horrible, that being on a Gamma 6500 Els. I'm sure there are good ones out there. There is an alternative method to stringing the Prince O-Port racquets called the 50-50 two piece method. http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=361010, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJHwgzRR_gw&feature=related. There may be some who say that this method causes undue pressure on the frame at 3 and 9 o'clock, but I don't buy it. I think the frames can withstand it, as evidenced by the many advocates of this method out there in the stringing community. You may consider using this method regardless of which machine you end up getting.
I feel like I'm trying to lead the horse to water, but ultimately it's your decision. I think most machines out there are good enough to do an adequate to good job on your frames. I'm just sold on the Stringway tensioning mechanism, and I like the mounting, too. Both companies have top rate support.
Just my 50 cents.
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Do people really allow for 5-20 seconds to allow for stretch? I'm used to a crank machine, but consider this comparison. Assuming that an electric machine pulls at the same force as a drop weight (I think it would go without saying), why should one wait any longer for tensioning on a drop weight than an electric? Theoretically, there shouldn't be any difference in time to tension. Am I missing something?
I do this thing with the ML100. I noticed early on while stringing with it that the weight moves for a much longer period than I had expected. Making sure that the clamps were clean and properly set to the string diameter, I began to count how long it took for the weight to stop moving or almost stop moving before I clamped off.
The first few mains seem to take the longest before the weight stops moving. Mulitfilaments, like Pro Supex Maxim Touch and Tourna Irradiated and Quasi gut, take at least 20 seconds. Some of the polys take a long time, also. Larger string beds with more string in them take longer. I've been planning a project to illustrate this for a few months, but with family and work, I've not yet had the chance.
You can also see the constant pull mechanism on the MS200 subtly moving as it draws the stretch out of a string. I've come to believe that strings take longer to tension than most people think or give them time for; also, that a true constant pull is essential in effecting this. This stretch factor, and the time it actually takes, may be the "something" that you and many others are missing.
The racquets that I string seem to last forever, and people rave about how the strings play. I don't know if it's this practice that creates these results, but I'm not going to change something that seems to be working so well.
Again, there are good crank machines out there, and no doubt thousands of good stringers who use them. If you've noticed, however, many of those stringers have opted for the Wise Tension Head at great expense to convert their machines to a true constant pull. I've even come across posters on this site who want to buy a lock out crank and immediately convert it with a Wise before they ever string a racquet. Why would this be, unless they believed it was a better way to go?
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
totally agree w/ verbouge on this. i have owned 2 very good crank machines (neos 1000 and gamma 6004). after having strung with constant pull on a stringway ms200, i'm a CP convert. CP is definitely the way to go. although because i am more aware of the time it takes for a string to elongate now as verbouge mentioned in his post above, i take my time when pulling tension on my gamma crank and have found my string jobs to hold tension MUCH better now. even so, i'm still planning to go constant pull eventually.
Verbouge, thanks for the info.
I strung a racket on my friends crank machine and compared it to my local shop who uses an electronic constant pull at the same tension. There was a difference in how both frames played using same string and tension.
I think I am sold on the Stringway. My only concern was your comment on the 30 degree brake intervals. As mentioned will be stringing prince 03 frames. I guess if the angle is to great when the brake is used when doing the crosses I can just use my hip?
Hi rd0707,
Did you check those links I posted? They are worthwhile, and will help. I've strung many O-Port frames, and though I do wish the lock out angle was less for some of the strings, the end result appears to be very good. You don't have to use any lock outs at all once you get past half way down the crosses.
I don't doubt that constant tension will continue to stretch string. My point is that people always claim that drop weights are slower than either crank or electrics. Actually, what applies for constant tension drop weights should also apply to the electrics; therefore, why is it that an electric should be faster? Or is it just more obvious with a drop weight than an electric that the machine continues to stretch the string?
Yes thanks Verbouge. I guess there are many options between the boomerang tool, brake, hip and 50/50 option.
I'm not a physicist, and I am not an incognito cheerleader for Stringway. That said, in the case of electronic constant tension versus analog (mechanical) constant tension, I think the issue is the electronics themselves.
It's not that they're bad, per se, it's just that they still can't compete with the simplicity of a mechanism based purely on gravity and physics. Even the MS200 is a cut below in "purity" compared to the ML100, because it uses a spring for tension. The electronic sensors and motors would have to be exquisitely sensitive to adjust for the subtlety of a tennis string slowly lengthening over the course of many seconds. Even the Stringway electronics, expensive as they are, most likely can't compare to the purity and simplicity of the automatic dropweight in terms of accuracy and reproducibility. I would guess this also applies to Babolat, Prince, Technifibre, Gamma, etc....
So I think the answer is that the electronic machines will say "you're done" because they "believe" that to be the truth, when an automatic dropweight will keep stretching until the weight stops moving. It may appear slower, but that's because it's less removed from what's happening than an electronic machine.
Technatic
Professional
This completely right:
I use a SW EM450 to great satisfaction but also used their dropweight and MS200.
The advantage of the EM450 is the convenience of only having to push a button and the built in Tension Advisor, which calculates the tensions for every racquet.
Concerning speed and accuracy it can not match the mechanical machines, even at high speed.
It is true that it makes it very clear that the string is still stretching with the green light.
Anyway on any CP machine you have to wait with the clamp until the string is fully stretched, so the string decides about your stringing speed.
If you want to string fast you have to use fast strings!
One last question/thought before I make my final decision between the ML100 or Apex II.
Lets say I string on 60 lbs on ML100 and decide I like that tension. I then string say 60 lbs on Apex II and realize it feels to loose. Lets say 2nd time I string it at 65 lbs and it feels pretty similar to ML100 at 60 lbs. Am I not at the same point with both machines?
Lets say I string on 60 lbs on ML100 and decide I like that tension. I then string say 60 lbs on Apex II and realize it feels to loose. Lets say 2nd time I string it at 65 lbs and it feels pretty similar to ML100 at 60 lbs. Am I not at the same point with both machines?
bingo!!!
pretty much. not to say a DW is not a "better" system, but you can achieve great results with either machine.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
it might take some trial and error to get a racquet strung on a crank machine to feel like one strung on a CP. but keep in mind that strings don't stretch at the same rate or stretch the same amount. the CP will always give you the tension you set it at, while you'll constantly be guestimating with a crank. the next point, verbouge mentioned earlier, but i'll reiterate it. the ML100 won't OVERPULL and OVERSTRETCH the string where as you can easily overstretch w/ a crank due to the inherent nature of having to set the reference tension higher just to get to the same actual tension as a CP. now if you turn the crank slow enough and hold the handle for 10-20 secs to allow the string to stretch and stabilize before it locks out, you may be able to achieve the reference tension without overpulling.
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I think mad dog1 said what I would have said, in that with a constant pull you know what you're getting, whereas with a crank you have to guess. Also regarding string overstretching or string shock, his idea of the difference between a constant pull and a lock out crank is the same as mine.
tbuggle is probably a crank machine user who likes what he has and sees no problem with it. That's fine. However, since you don't yet have either machine and are not tied in yet, I would urge you to consider the most important difference between your two final choices: the tensioning mechanism. This is the most critical part of the machine, and between the two, the Stringway wins, hands down. The mounting is also super secure, and a piece of cake to set up. And even though it doesn't come with a stand, I have mine on a plastic cart with casters and drawers, and have come to prefer that to a stand (my MS200 has a stand, and actually, I don't like it as much as the ML100 on the rolling cart). All my stuff goes in the four drawers right underneath where I'm stringing, so it's always right there with me.
If you get an ML100, you'll never think twice about the tensioning mechanism. If you get the Alpha, you may start looking at Wise tension heads before too long. Seems to be a natural progression for many.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
yep...that's where i'm at now.
having strung on a MS200, i'm sold on constant pull. i strung 2 identical racquets using my gamma crank and the MS200 on the same night. i took them out to play 2 days later. i loved the way the stringbed strung w/ the MS200 felt. it just felt so consistent.
rd0707, i'm not a stringway cheerleader as i don't own their machines, but as verbouge said, since you have a choice, get the one w/ the more accurate tensioning system. while i'm not crazy about the mounting system especially since i'm used to stringing on a Neos 1000 and Gamma 6004 both machines that have SUPER fast mounting systems, i do love the stringway tensioning system. if you get it, you won't regret it. nearly everyone who has tried both CP & crank ends up favoring CP for a reason.
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Eugkim,
What are your thoughts on the ML100 after using it now compared to the cranks you used to use?
I'm sorry if my posts have been misleading in this thread. I don't have possession of an ML100 yet. I was in the same quandry you are now, between the ML100 with stand and an Apex II. I was absolutely on the fence, and wasn't sure which to get. Very briefly, I was set on the Apex II, but was told they wouldn't be available for over a month. Mark Gonzalez suggested I consider the ML100, and I did the research, finally convincing myself that it was the way to go. Well, it turned out that an Apex II was available, and the ML100s were a week away, so I reluctantly changed my mind, wondering if I made the wrong decision. Finally, I was somewhat relieved when I was told that my Apex II was not fit to sell, and I ordered the Stringway.
When saying that I am impressed with the Stringways, I was speaking in terms of what I've read about their quality, set up and use from OTHER people's experience. I didn't mean to say that I had the experience.
I was told that my machine will be here in 2 days. I have 2 racquets to string, and I will post my thoughts afterwards.
I started stringing in the early 80's on a drop weight (can't remember the name of the machine). When I got into college, I used my coach's Ektelon and Prince machines, and gave mine to a friend. I became a very fast stringer, especially on the Prince (less than 15 minutes), and loved using both machines. After graduating, I basically gave up tennis as I went to med school and got busy with work and family. Now I'd like to rekindle my interest and skills to try and help my son develop. This machine is his Christmas present (belated due to weather issues in Europe).
Sorry for the digression, but my point is this - I hope to love the ML100 - I like the idea of the single action clamps, the portability (that's why I didn't consider the ML120 or ML200), and the single pull drop weight (wouldn't consider a typical drop weight). However, I wouldn't hesitate to go with the lockout type machines. I'm not captivated by the constant tension issue. Luckily, Alpha has a 30 day return policy. If I don't like the drop weight, I'll go for an Apex II.
