That would be great if you could post your thoughts in the next couple of days. I didn't know that about the return policy so thats helpful. As someone mentioned its difficult to buy machines since you can't really try them until you buy it unless you know someone who has one. I know lots of people with cranks so I have gotten a good feel for them. However, ML100 looks interesting as well but I don't know a single person who owns where I could go take a look at it and get a feel for it.
Stringway ML100 with T92 Clamps or Alpha Axis Pro
- Thread starter Icedorb217
- Start date
That would be great if you could post your thoughts in the next couple of days. I didn't know that about the return policy so thats helpful. As someone mentioned its difficult to buy machines since you can't really try them until you buy it unless you know someone who has one. I know lots of people with cranks so I have gotten a good feel for them. However, ML100 looks interesting as well but I don't know a single person who owns where I could go take a look at it and get a feel for it.
Verbouge,
What are your comparison thoughts on the ML100 and MS200 (i.e. speed to string, accuracy, do you have concorde system, looks like clamps and mounting system are the same)
I received the ML100 today, and strung 2 racquets. My observations.
1) the tensioning system is great. It's very easy to use, and quick. I didn't notice any difference in waiting 10 seconds vs. 1 or 2. I don't have the patience to wait 20-30 in any situation. The drop weight system wouldn't inhibit me from stringing any slower than a crank machine.]
2) the T92 clamps have significant drawback. This caused me to tension, release, and allow the string to equilibrate. On the crosses, I'd have to release to previous clamp as well for it to equilibrate, essentially making it a double action (actually triple, as I'd release and reclamp the opposite side). I'm not sure if the T98s have any or as much drawback, so they may or may not save time.
3) the bars on the T92s are a major PITA. They stick like crazy, and were very difficult to maneuver. I attribute this to them being dirty and probably not lubricated. I'll try to clean and grease them to see if this improves. If it doesn't, I have to do something else, either try the T98s, flying clamps or a different machine. I never had any complaints about the old bar clamps on the Ektelon/Prince.
4) the quality of the machine is quite good. It's solid as a rock. It's fairly light, and wouldn't be difficult to transport if needed. I have it on the stand, which makes it a snap to use.
5) it'd be nice to have graduated markings on the bar for tension. Stringway provides a plastic ruler that lines up with the bar to set the tension, but I could easily see the ruler getting broken or misplaced. My first stringing machine (can't remember the name, but it was probably one of the first drop weights ever produced - got it in the early 80's) had the numbers and lines etched into the bar.
6) it doesn't have 360 degree capability, but this doesn't bother me a bit. I'm used to it from the Ektelons/Prince. It's a non-issue for me.
7) the clamping system seems quite secure. Four hooks support from the top, and there are 5 inside points of contact on the inside. The hooks get stuck when you loosen them, as they pull at an angle when tight. The bolt portion of the hook then binds on the machine, so you have to wiggle it to get it free.
Overall, I'm very happy with the ML100. I strung my racquet in 42 minutes, my first string job since 1987. Given the significant time that the clamping cost me, as well as my lack of practice, I think that I can move along pretty well as I get used to the machine. The clamping definitely has to improve, or I may have to do something different. Mark Gonzalez actually said he preferred the T98s because he thought the drawback was a lot less. Switching mine out might be an option.
Technatic
Professional
Hi Eugimkim,
I use the T92 for many years and I think it is a matter of getting used to the way you should use it:
- DO NOT GREASE the round shafts that hold the delrin blocks, the lock will not work anymore.
- Push the clamp around as close the guiding system as possible, the higher you push the more the "automatic lock" will try to lock it.
- Push the clamp in the direction of pulling before you close it and the drawback will be no more than on machines with double action clamps.
Btw the time of 42 minutes afters so long and for the first time on a new machine is quite good I think.
It will be easy to improve on that time.
Good luck
coachrick
Hall of Fame
I've had the ML100 for a year and have strung several hundred racquets on it. I've grown so accustomed to it and have come to trust it to such a degree that it's become almost second nature to use it. I've only strung five racquets on the ML200 so far, so I'm still getting used to it.
This does not have the concorde system on it. As far as the mounting and clamps go, all of the Stringway machines share the same mounting platform and clamps (5 point mount with either T98 or T92 clamps). I agree with some of the other posters that the mounting could be easier, more along the lines of the Prince Neos. But I've done it so many times I just think of it as part of the process and actually enjoy it. I find that I have to screw down the upper hooks fairly tight on the throat end of the racquet to prevent lateral slippage as I string the last few crosses. Stringway may well benefit from a redesign of its mounting mechanism, although I think the 5-point concept is a good one.
Ease of use of the MS200 appears to be superb. The foot pedal frees up the hands to do their work more efficiently than with the dropweight. The pedal does have a fairly strong spring in it, so it's not like a light touch when you use it. I LOVE that it doesn't rely on electricity, so it is utterly portable, and it appears to be as accurate as a machine can possibly be, electronic or not. I'm experimenting with letting the pedal go quickly and relying on the tension mechanism. With the automatic dropweight on the ML100, I never let the weight drop quickly, but rather ease it down as it begins to stretch the string. It will add speed if I can let go of the tendency to do the same thing with the foot pedal of this machine.
As I've said before, however, that once the mechanism is working and the string is tensioning, there is no rushing the process if you want to do an optimal job that will play well and last a long time. You can see the tension head moving on the MS200, like on the ML100, for at least several seconds as the string comes to tension.
I would guess that a simple Stringmeter used a week later would reveal the difference between a string job that had 1-2 seconds of stretch, versus one that had 5-10 seconds of stretch. A string bed stiffness gauge would be even better to reveal this. I'm planning on a doing a series of experiments, hopefully this spring, to demonstrate this very thing.
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How much drawback are you talking 1/4 inch or so?
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
the t92 clamps have a bit more drawback than my prince neos 1000 or my gamma 6004, but when i strung on my friend's MS200, the stringbed still came out at the reference tension the machine was set at so i guess the drawback wasn't really an issue.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
i think i experienced about 3/16" drawback or so. a little less than 1/4".
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
i liked the 5 pt of inside support as well. like you, i found the hooks to bind when removing the racquet after stringing.
Peppershaker
Rookie
Posted a reply last night but it never showed, so this will probably end up twice.
Ordered an ML100 w/T98 clamps this week, looks like it'll be delivered Monday.
Nice thing about this board is that if you search and read thru posts it provides some good pros & cons to give you some concept of what you're getting. Although I missed the issue regarding Crossbow racquets, but I'm following that Thread now.
Spent far more than I originally planned but the combination DW, Direct Support, Fixed Clamps, Locking Mechanism and just as importantly all of the positive comments posted by what seems to be a strong following of both Stringway & Apex (Mark & Greg) swayed my decision. Was torn on T98 or T92 up to very very moment of placing my order.
Well I'll let you know how this pans out next week.
Ordered an ML100 w/T98 clamps this week, looks like it'll be delivered Monday.
Nice thing about this board is that if you search and read thru posts it provides some good pros & cons to give you some concept of what you're getting. Although I missed the issue regarding Crossbow racquets, but I'm following that Thread now.
Spent far more than I originally planned but the combination DW, Direct Support, Fixed Clamps, Locking Mechanism and just as importantly all of the positive comments posted by what seems to be a strong following of both Stringway & Apex (Mark & Greg) swayed my decision. Was torn on T98 or T92 up to very very moment of placing my order.
Well I'll let you know how this pans out next week.
Technatic
Professional
I still have the old O92 system on my EM450 that I exchanged from the MS200 that I used before.
This system has a fast clamp system, with threadless hooks.
You just push the hook on the racquet and turn no more than 2 revs and the racquet is fixed
The rest of the system is the same.
I do not know why SW stopped producing that system, because I think that it is great.
Do not overreact to a little sliding of the racquet as long as it stays behind the supports nothing can go wrong.
DO WATCH that the racquet does not come off the supports before ending the crosses though. The tension on the crosses is too high and the racquet will slide easier then.
A fast clamp with threadless hooks sounds like a beautiful thing. I don't hate or even dislike the current system, but it seems to me that what you're describing is superior. I wish I had that! Short of threaded hooks, however, the Stringway stuff I have is top notch.
As far as the sliding of the the throat end on the last few crosses goes, it helps to tighten the hooks down, so that's what I do. I feel uneasy when it moves, so this is the best prevention that I can think of. I use the Tension Adviser system and have placed great trust in it, so I doubt I'm tensioning the last few crosses too much, even with the extra tension that JayCee recommends for the first and last two crosses.
I only "snug down" the five-point part of the mounting, however, and never overtighten it. This method appears to be working well for me, so I'm sticking with it.
Icedorb217
Semi-Pro
Can someone post a video of stringing on a ML200 or 100 with T92 or 98. I dont care what SW machine you have but im dying to see a video of these things in action
The sliding can mess up some racquet paint jobs. All of my PK Redondo have the silver paint at the throat messed up from sliding back and forth on my 200FX machine. My supports will definitely let the racquet move back and forth while pulling the first mains from the throat and later on some racquets as I finish the crosses.
Technatic
Professional
Hi clintspin.
I would like to understand what happens, because I have the feeling that something strange happens here;
Do you really mean the first main strings or the first cross strings at the throat?
In both cases the racquet should not slide at all:
- When you pull tension on the mains the racquet should be supported in that direction by the supports. How do you tension the strings towards the throat over or under the frame or towards the head 2 at the same time?
- When you mean the first crosses , the racquet should not move because the pressure between the racquet and the support is maximum then.
How tight do you adjust the central support at the headside?
Is the gummi Oring still there?
Technatic, I have already been through this with Fred at Stringway. I know I am not doing anything wrong and it has been pointed out in this thread that the racquets will slide on a Stringway machine on the last few crosses.
When I pull the first main at the throat, the angle is too much for the little white plastic half-moon pieces or the hold down bars to stop the racquet from sliding. The tension on the mains is not going to hold it from sliding because there is no tension on the mains as of yet. It will pull one way as I start the one side and then back again when I get to the other side. Then it stabilizes because I am out of the sharp angle of the throat. Later as I finish the crosses on some racquets, the racquet will tend to slide again. I replaced the rubber o-ring which had no effect and I always use the tensions of the Stringway Tension Advisor. I pull the string over the machine. It is the only way that makes sense to me. On a Stringway, pulling under will pinch the string between the racquet and the machine.
I don't see any way the machine is not going to pull from side to side on the sharp angle of the first mains at the throat. You would have to really tighten the hold-downs to stop it and I don't think that is a good idea.
When I pull the first main at the throat, the angle is too much for the little white plastic half-moon pieces or the hold down bars to stop the racquet from sliding. The tension on the mains is not going to hold it from sliding because there is no tension on the mains as of yet. It will pull one way as I start the one side and then back again when I get to the other side. Then it stabilizes because I am out of the sharp angle of the throat. Later as I finish the crosses on some racquets, the racquet will tend to slide again. I replaced the rubber o-ring which had no effect and I always use the tensions of the Stringway Tension Advisor. I pull the string over the machine. It is the only way that makes sense to me. On a Stringway, pulling under will pinch the string between the racquet and the machine.
I don't see any way the machine is not going to pull from side to side on the sharp angle of the first mains at the throat. You would have to really tighten the hold-downs to stop it and I don't think that is a good idea.
Leaning towards the T98s as well. Let me know what you think of the machine.
lwto
Hall of Fame
Do you think that is why they made the 'Concorde system', just for that reason?
Eugkim, Have you seen any improvement in #2 or #3 after a few more tries?
The only video I've found that shows an actual racquet being strung with a Stringway is on youtube. Titled Stringway MK2 crossstringers. It doesn't show the pulling head, which I'd guess is electronic on this video, but you can get a good look at the T92 clamp drawback that's been discussed.
I too would like to see some more video of these machines in action. It would make my decision easier as I am also trying to decide between an Alpha and a Stringway. I've strung for over 15 years, but only on lockout and electronic machines. I just can't make a decision. Videos would help, seeing one in person would be even better, but not likely to happen.
Overheadsmash
Professional
I bought an ML120 in November and taught myself to string using yulitle's youtube videos. I am very happy with the Stringway. It's well-built and the tension mechanism is a breeze to use.
I have the single action clamps and it took me about three stringjobs to get comfortable with them but now I love them.
Sunday I strung my Donnay X-red 99 with lux bb 18 and it was a breeze.
I started though with a purple Prince quest lite that I bought at a yard sale. The lady said it was from 1993 or 1994 and was cheap back then. Anyway, I bought a bunch of cheap gamma string and figured it out by stringing that Prince over and over again.
I have the single action clamps and it took me about three stringjobs to get comfortable with them but now I love them.
Sunday I strung my Donnay X-red 99 with lux bb 18 and it was a breeze.
I started though with a purple Prince quest lite that I bought at a yard sale. The lady said it was from 1993 or 1994 and was cheap back then. Anyway, I bought a bunch of cheap gamma string and figured it out by stringing that Prince over and over again.
Yes, there has been significant improvement in both. I just strung my 3rd racquet tonight, and there was minimal drawback. The single action also got a lot easier, probably a combination of use and holding the bottom of the clamp with my palm and using my fingers to open and close; doing it this way, there is minimal catching on the rail. My time went down significantly.
Some concerns I had about the ML100 before purchase:
-speed of drop weight, which is not an issue. I think I can string as fast as I did 23 years ago with time.
-mounting system, not an issue. While somewhat cumbersome, it is very solid. It has options that seem to allow for custom fit on many different racquets (ability to change teflon adapters, fine tuning of the 12 o'clock position). Even the Crossbows (my family has 3) aren't a problem. The hooks are a little bit of a pain, especially if you tighten them down. As the hook bends around the edge of the racquet, the long portion of the bolt binds on the machine, and is difficult to loosen.
-the stand. It's solid as a rock, and I'd recommend it. I got the ML100 over the ML120 because I wanted the ability to take it off the stand if needed, but I don't have any real intention of doing so frequently. The only benefit I can see with the ML120 over the ML100 is the option of getting the Concorde system.
- T92 clamps. While I was initially disappointed with them, I really like them now. The only time they're tough to use is on the first 2 mains on each side. If you clamp very close to the frame, the clamp is at the end of the rail, and it tends to bind. It takes some effort to free it, and I've pinched my fingers once or twice so far. If there is some open rail left when clamped, this doesn't seem to be a problem. I'd probably do fine with the T98s, but I love the T92s now.
- drawback. As I said above, for whatever reason, the drawback was minimal today. I tightened the clamps a hair; maybe that did it. I also tried loading the clamp, setting it prior to tightening by pulling away from the direction of the tension. I got the advice to do the opposite, but it stood to reason for me that, if there is a bit of play in the clamp/rail interface, take as much play out before tensioning, and it should hit the most stable position once the tension hits. By pulling in the direction of the tension, you're maximizing the amount of play available in the clamp/rail interface. Also, I found that, by pulling away from the tensioner, I was also locking the clamp teeth against the mains, further eliminating the play/drawback.
- lack of 360 - this wasn't a concern for me, as I have no experience with a machine that has it. I know some people prefer it.
So, my take at this point is that I'm sold on the ML100. I'll be stringing for myself and family. My son wants to string for money, but I doubt he'll do more than a couple racquets a month. This is more than enough to fit my needs.
Peppershaker
Rookie
Well my ML100 arrived yesterday and had time tonight to assemble it. Took awhile but only because I decided to photo the process. Otherwise easily would have been assembled in under an hour.
Overall impressed, some minor issues.....No tools for assembly and need metric (list would've been nice), No instructions for stand (not that difficult). Only "Extras" are two stringing tools provided, nice to have but thought there might be some string.
Unit was packaged well, no scratches of note, surfaces clean, paint good. Parts all fitted together well, would suggest two people to ease some asembly but managed w/o that much issue myself. DW bar does seem longer than my X-2 and definately heavier. Seems like a larger weight would allow for a shorter bar. Ruler....eh would prefer a marked bar but ok although I guess I should create a spare I can see this part "walking off".
Mounted one racquet and played around with a length of scrap string. So far very impressed but to tired & late to string a racquet tonight.
Not sure if this is a good idea or not, but if you are interested copy the below to your web browser and it should open a Google Picasa Photo Album. Try the slide show, you may need to adjust the time interval.
http://picasaweb.google.com/1011305...?authkey=Gv1sRgCJSpnJa4--bGXQ&feat=directlink
Will post the results from when I string my first racquet.
Overall impressed, some minor issues.....No tools for assembly and need metric (list would've been nice), No instructions for stand (not that difficult). Only "Extras" are two stringing tools provided, nice to have but thought there might be some string.
Unit was packaged well, no scratches of note, surfaces clean, paint good. Parts all fitted together well, would suggest two people to ease some asembly but managed w/o that much issue myself. DW bar does seem longer than my X-2 and definately heavier. Seems like a larger weight would allow for a shorter bar. Ruler....eh would prefer a marked bar but ok although I guess I should create a spare I can see this part "walking off".
Mounted one racquet and played around with a length of scrap string. So far very impressed but to tired & late to string a racquet tonight.
Not sure if this is a good idea or not, but if you are interested copy the below to your web browser and it should open a Google Picasa Photo Album. Try the slide show, you may need to adjust the time interval.
http://picasaweb.google.com/1011305...?authkey=Gv1sRgCJSpnJa4--bGXQ&feat=directlink
Will post the results from when I string my first racquet.
It's not needed. It may be nice to have one lying around, though.
I'll second that. It's a handy tool.
Peppershaker
Rookie
Clintspin - To answer your ?. Yes the ML100 is a table top machine that can be mounted on the optional stand.
1st racquet strung, not necessarily a "Slam Dunk", but still promising. Had a number of minor issues; however, running on less than 5 hours sleep and was tired before I even started.
Issues
1. Tension - My Tension Scale continually read at about -2 lbs for what is set on the DW. Might be the Tension scale but it was almost spot on with my X-2. (going to come back to this on a later post)
2. T98 Clamps (String & Rail) - Far more movement than I expected but think I have the rails tightened now, the clamps may need cleaned or ruffed up. Have only ever used Flying Clamps before today, was expecting zero movement. One of the string clamps doesn't appear to open up straight across the top and no adjustment seems to matter. May be a non-issue, spent a few minutes though trying to get the opening uniform then gave up.
3. Had never strung a racquet standing up, the difference really takes some getting used to. Think I'll like it, but bifocals not helping!
4. Should have expected this but found I think every new spot to snag string on.
5. Couldn't keep fingers from getting greasy. Kept getting grease from the dual action clamps on my fingers which doesn't help.
Non-Issue:
1. Not 360 degree - Didn't have any issue, turntable is really smooth operating.
2. Racquet Hooks - Simple press up from the bottom no binding or sticking to speak of.
3. Setup - No issue, even following the Step by Step instructions was fast. Once I have them memorized will be a breeze.
Positives:
1. Took just over an hour to string my racquet, and most of this was due to the clamp issues at the start, never having used the dual clamps and standing.
2. DW system is simply fantastic compared to the Ratcheting DW that I was using. The time savings is unreal.
3. Racquet seemed very snug no noticable movement.
4. End result certainly feels the same, will see this weekend.
Overall I'd have to say I'm pleased. Have another racquet (same model) that I'm going to do string before the weekend.
1st racquet strung, not necessarily a "Slam Dunk", but still promising. Had a number of minor issues; however, running on less than 5 hours sleep and was tired before I even started.
Issues
1. Tension - My Tension Scale continually read at about -2 lbs for what is set on the DW. Might be the Tension scale but it was almost spot on with my X-2. (going to come back to this on a later post)
2. T98 Clamps (String & Rail) - Far more movement than I expected but think I have the rails tightened now, the clamps may need cleaned or ruffed up. Have only ever used Flying Clamps before today, was expecting zero movement. One of the string clamps doesn't appear to open up straight across the top and no adjustment seems to matter. May be a non-issue, spent a few minutes though trying to get the opening uniform then gave up.
3. Had never strung a racquet standing up, the difference really takes some getting used to. Think I'll like it, but bifocals not helping!
4. Should have expected this but found I think every new spot to snag string on.
5. Couldn't keep fingers from getting greasy. Kept getting grease from the dual action clamps on my fingers which doesn't help.
Non-Issue:
1. Not 360 degree - Didn't have any issue, turntable is really smooth operating.
2. Racquet Hooks - Simple press up from the bottom no binding or sticking to speak of.
3. Setup - No issue, even following the Step by Step instructions was fast. Once I have them memorized will be a breeze.
Positives:
1. Took just over an hour to string my racquet, and most of this was due to the clamp issues at the start, never having used the dual clamps and standing.
2. DW system is simply fantastic compared to the Ratcheting DW that I was using. The time savings is unreal.
3. Racquet seemed very snug no noticable movement.
4. End result certainly feels the same, will see this weekend.
Overall I'd have to say I'm pleased. Have another racquet (same model) that I'm going to do string before the weekend.
Peppershaker, I agree with your assessment. I wasn't crazy about the grease on my fingers the first time either, but this hasn't been a problem since.
With the hooks, I think you'll find that, if the hook doesn't sit flush against the edge of a frame (parallel to the ground) it will intoe, or point towards the ground. This is when the binding occurs. Not a huge deal, but sometimes it actually takes some effort to get it unlocked.
With the hooks, I think you'll find that, if the hook doesn't sit flush against the edge of a frame (parallel to the ground) it will intoe, or point towards the ground. This is when the binding occurs. Not a huge deal, but sometimes it actually takes some effort to get it unlocked.
How much rotation do you get on table?
Depends on the racquet. Without a frame mounted, it's 360 degrees. The rotation is determined by the width of the throat. I suppose about 320 degrees might be typical.
Peppershaker
Rookie
Brief update - New ML100 w/T98 Clamps
Off to a slow start have strung 4 racquets so far and just finished my first dreaded "O". Which I guess is finally something that I can't say anymore......the brake was phenomenal!
I know there is the 50/50, Strong-arm, elusive boomerangs (I do have some coming from Prince), dowels, Sharpie caps, erasers, S hooks, fingers and probably toes but none of these I found consistent or in some cases even willing to attempt. This was the first time I'd ever used a brake and wow, no issues, no starting over or worrying that a string was loose. Just had two more dropped off and for the first time not dreading.
Overall getting more comfortable with the machine. Not all is roses, and some things I do not yet understand fully but overall no regrets.
Off to a slow start have strung 4 racquets so far and just finished my first dreaded "O". Which I guess is finally something that I can't say anymore......the brake was phenomenal!
I know there is the 50/50, Strong-arm, elusive boomerangs (I do have some coming from Prince), dowels, Sharpie caps, erasers, S hooks, fingers and probably toes but none of these I found consistent or in some cases even willing to attempt. This was the first time I'd ever used a brake and wow, no issues, no starting over or worrying that a string was loose. Just had two more dropped off and for the first time not dreading.
Overall getting more comfortable with the machine. Not all is roses, and some things I do not yet understand fully but overall no regrets.
I ordered my stringway last week. It will take a few weeks to come as they were out of stock. After researching on which machine to buy, each machine has pro's and con's. At the end of the day you will get used to the machine and how to string on it with some practice.
Peppershaker
Rookie
To rd0707
I couldn't agree with you more. Not sure that there is the "Perfect" machine, at least not at the <$1,000 range. Personally Spent aggravating weeks trying to decide, really only came across the Stringway due to this board.
I'd be curious when you receive your ML100 if you test the calibration on your machine what you find. Only real issue yet is why I'm receiving a value 2 lbs less than I did on my X-2. Granted it's not like these tension calibrators are actually calibrated and factors such as age & even temperature could impact but really the only thing that has me quasi concerned. Realize it is what it is and that so long as it's consistent will not matter, the problem is I string for some guys who are very particular and I'm torn between increasing the lbs to compensate or just letting it ride.
If you ordered the T98 clamps, also curious if you see some movement. I've got it down to < 1/4", which seems to balance out with the next string but after using flying clamps and no experience w/fixed I was expecting 0 movement.
Don't get me wrong, strung two racquets today and I'm thrilled. Already equaling my best times and I'm still learning the clamps and setup.
I couldn't agree with you more. Not sure that there is the "Perfect" machine, at least not at the <$1,000 range. Personally Spent aggravating weeks trying to decide, really only came across the Stringway due to this board.
I'd be curious when you receive your ML100 if you test the calibration on your machine what you find. Only real issue yet is why I'm receiving a value 2 lbs less than I did on my X-2. Granted it's not like these tension calibrators are actually calibrated and factors such as age & even temperature could impact but really the only thing that has me quasi concerned. Realize it is what it is and that so long as it's consistent will not matter, the problem is I string for some guys who are very particular and I'm torn between increasing the lbs to compensate or just letting it ride.
If you ordered the T98 clamps, also curious if you see some movement. I've got it down to < 1/4", which seems to balance out with the next string but after using flying clamps and no experience w/fixed I was expecting 0 movement.
Don't get me wrong, strung two racquets today and I'm thrilled. Already equaling my best times and I'm still learning the clamps and setup.
Yes, I am looking forward to receiving it. It will probably be a month or so before I get it. I got the T92s so I won't be able to compare with you. My understanding there is movement with most clamping systems and you just need to find tricks to stop the movement. For the T92 I believe Eugkim and Techtanic have provided some tips. I am sure you will improve each time until you reach a point. Its a learning curve.
I'm about to buy the Stringway ML100-O92 with either T98 or T92. I'm also thinking about buying the "Concorde-System".
I already read about the drawback on the T92s. So what you guys are saying is basically that the T92s aren't as accurate as the T98s, or is the drawback not really significant? (I read different opinions about that)
In addition, I'd like to know how much time saving is possible with the T92s compared to the T98s? Has somebody already worked with both or knows something about that?
Concerning the Concorde-System I'd like to know if it's really worth buying. If I got this right, it's for all the main strings that end up in the heart. So without the Concorde-System I have to string 2 main strings the same time.
I'm sorry for all my questions and I have to excuse my english, but english is obviosly not my first language.
I already read about the drawback on the T92s. So what you guys are saying is basically that the T92s aren't as accurate as the T98s, or is the drawback not really significant? (I read different opinions about that)
In addition, I'd like to know how much time saving is possible with the T92s compared to the T98s? Has somebody already worked with both or knows something about that?
Concerning the Concorde-System I'd like to know if it's really worth buying. If I got this right, it's for all the main strings that end up in the heart. So without the Concorde-System I have to string 2 main strings the same time.
I'm sorry for all my questions and I have to excuse my english, but english is obviosly not my first language.
Peppershaker
Rookie
Since purchasing my Stringway ML100 last January, just tonight strung my 197th racquet. If I had the opportunity to go back and do this over, I'd stay with the Stringway but would go for the ML120 while keeping the T98 clamps.
My early issues with the clamps were nothing more than adjusting from flying clamps and learning how to position the clamps before and while engaging. Although the T98 are double action, clamping has become such an automatic response it's really effortless.
On the Concorde system I wish I knew more about, hoping someone someday creates a youTube on this but for the price seems much better than to purchase the ML100, and a stand. The only negative I have on the ML100 is the table top feet. When I bought my machine I'd never strung a racquet standing up since my first unit was a table top and ended up on a surface that was too low to stand beside. Now can't imagine ever wanting to not use a stand and would be four less obstructions to catch onto a length of string.
Other issues you may have run across from other posts:
1. The length of the drop weight arm - Never really bothered me. But then I knew going into this that the arm was a little long but I'm not crammed for space where I'm stringing.
2. Drop weight arm not notched for weight - Took the ruler and a Sharpie marked some hash marks jotted some numbers on the arm and have had no issues. They wore off once or twice, but hardly difficult or time consuming task to mark again.
3. Racquet clamps difficult to release - Never been an issue, simply unscrew, and push up from below............fast and effortless.
4. Position of clamps blocking grommets - Have a post somewhere where I placed some silicone tubing over the clamps.........works like a charm, can position the clamps in just about any direction and there is no racquet movement what so ever.
5. Takes long to mount - Couple of minuets at most, again experience made all the difference.
6. Position of the string clamps being too close to the top or bottom of some frames - Yes depending on the racquet this does occur; however, having a flying clamp at the ready works fine. If you don't have a flying clamp or two starting clamps I'd save the money from the T92 and purchase these (Starting Clamp from GSS)
7. Brake - Terrible "O's" no longer so, but would like to have the machine lock in more positions/stops than it does.
8. Stand itself - Would like to see four legs, not three. Never been an issue in terms of falling over, but four would provide a much better base.
The only thing that I'd check on the ML120 is the issue of the fixed height, since first putting my machine together I did adjust the height a few months ago.
Have purchased a lot of items I've regretted over the years, but my Stringway machine is not one of them. Yes I'd do it again.
My early issues with the clamps were nothing more than adjusting from flying clamps and learning how to position the clamps before and while engaging. Although the T98 are double action, clamping has become such an automatic response it's really effortless.
On the Concorde system I wish I knew more about, hoping someone someday creates a youTube on this but for the price seems much better than to purchase the ML100, and a stand. The only negative I have on the ML100 is the table top feet. When I bought my machine I'd never strung a racquet standing up since my first unit was a table top and ended up on a surface that was too low to stand beside. Now can't imagine ever wanting to not use a stand and would be four less obstructions to catch onto a length of string.
Other issues you may have run across from other posts:
1. The length of the drop weight arm - Never really bothered me. But then I knew going into this that the arm was a little long but I'm not crammed for space where I'm stringing.
2. Drop weight arm not notched for weight - Took the ruler and a Sharpie marked some hash marks jotted some numbers on the arm and have had no issues. They wore off once or twice, but hardly difficult or time consuming task to mark again.
3. Racquet clamps difficult to release - Never been an issue, simply unscrew, and push up from below............fast and effortless.
4. Position of clamps blocking grommets - Have a post somewhere where I placed some silicone tubing over the clamps.........works like a charm, can position the clamps in just about any direction and there is no racquet movement what so ever.
5. Takes long to mount - Couple of minuets at most, again experience made all the difference.
6. Position of the string clamps being too close to the top or bottom of some frames - Yes depending on the racquet this does occur; however, having a flying clamp at the ready works fine. If you don't have a flying clamp or two starting clamps I'd save the money from the T92 and purchase these (Starting Clamp from GSS)
7. Brake - Terrible "O's" no longer so, but would like to have the machine lock in more positions/stops than it does.
8. Stand itself - Would like to see four legs, not three. Never been an issue in terms of falling over, but four would provide a much better base.
The only thing that I'd check on the ML120 is the issue of the fixed height, since first putting my machine together I did adjust the height a few months ago.
Have purchased a lot of items I've regretted over the years, but my Stringway machine is not one of them. Yes I'd do it again.
Thanks a lot for your long and very informative post, helped me a lot.
Just in case someone is interested in how to get the racket into the machine, I found a video made by a guy at a german forum. As I said just in case someone is interested, looks pretty simple to me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMB5_crivHE
About the Concorde-system, which I'm gonna buy as well (costs 65 €): It's gonna be tough for me to explain that since its in english but I guess I give it a try: I phoned a friend of mine who told me that without the Concorde-system I have to string 2 mains the same time. Although not at every single main, "just" at all mains which are coming out of the racket-shoulder (I hope that's the right word, in german it's called "Schlägerherz"). Otherwise the tension is not exactly right, due to the fact that the strings are galling against the frame or the machine itself, not sure anymore what he said.
Can you explain #2 again, please. I read the posts about that too, but I never really figured out what you guys are trying to say here.
Peppershaker
Rookie
Joko
Concerning #2 - On I believe most drop weight machines the bar that holds the weight is engraved or notched at points to indicate the weight increments. The weight is then slid up or down the bar and tightened at the tension that you wish to apply. On the Stringway machines the bar is not notched, instead the machine is supplied with a ruler that is marked for the appropriate tensions. The ruler is placed over a protrusion on the machine and you hold it in place as you move the weight. Minor inconvenience, but rather than deal with the ruler I just marked the bar as explained below. Would be nice if the bar was notched, don't really buy off on Stringway's response about the dual weights, but again minor issue and it probably would increase the $ of the unit for Stringway to address this.
It's a quirk of the machine, but hardly takes away from the function or performance.
Concerning #2 - On I believe most drop weight machines the bar that holds the weight is engraved or notched at points to indicate the weight increments. The weight is then slid up or down the bar and tightened at the tension that you wish to apply. On the Stringway machines the bar is not notched, instead the machine is supplied with a ruler that is marked for the appropriate tensions. The ruler is placed over a protrusion on the machine and you hold it in place as you move the weight. Minor inconvenience, but rather than deal with the ruler I just marked the bar as explained below. Would be nice if the bar was notched, don't really buy off on Stringway's response about the dual weights, but again minor issue and it probably would increase the $ of the unit for Stringway to address this.
It's a quirk of the machine, but hardly takes away from the function or performance.
