Tabletop electronic stringers - eagnas?

[krnbrasha]

Hey guys, I've been stringing on my gamma x-2 dropweight and i'm looking into getting an electronic one with fixed clamps rather than flying clamps. The gamma x-2 is fine, nothing wrong with it... but I want fixed clamps!!

My question is, is it worth it?? Will I regret getting an electronic one over a dropweight?? I'm currently looking at eagnas stringing machines as the prices aren't too bad, but how is the quality of these machines? They look on the old side lol.

this one: https://www.eagnas.com/store/produc...d=217&osCsid=281db3352165f355e648d5b3d22dee18

and this one so far: https://www.eagnas.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=32&osCsid=281db3352165f355e648d5b3d22dee18

are there any other companies with electronic table tops around the same price?

Also portable ones are fine too... I don't move it around much, but they are much cheaper!

 

[esgee48]

According to posters that have Eagnas machines, their finish and polish are not 'top rated.' My main concern would be whether their warranty is reliable. And if you can put up with any hassle for warranty service. Electronics IMO are hit or miss.

A Gamma/Alpha table top crank that can be updated with a WISE OR just a table top DW, either with fixed clamps could be a better option.

 

[krnbrasha]

According to posters that have Eagnas machines, their finish and polish are not 'top rated.' My main concern would be whether their warranty is reliable. And if you can put up with any hassle for warranty service. Electronics IMO are hit or miss.

A Gamma/Alpha table top crank that can be updated with a WISE OR just a table top DW, either with fixed clamps could be a better option.

Yeahh after posting the thread I did more research and I'm not going to go with eagnas anything. Will most likely go for the alpha, unless there is a better option.

It seems there isn't much to choose from. Gamma, alpha, or stringway huh?

 

[MixedMaster]

The people that I know that have Gamma electronic machines are satisfied with them. The durability and quality are good and the customer service is fantastic from what I can tell.

 

[esgee48]

I think Alpha is a good choice, especially as New Tech Tennis is in Texas. You may want to call them and see what else they can get you since their website selection is limited as far as electronic machines, but they're out there.

Only Eagnas recommended are the manual ones. If you lived within 50 miles of E.., then it would be a different decision.

 

[frank52]

Something like the Alpha Revo 4000 should be adequate if you are not doing mass quantities of rackets. Would be more reliable and less expensive than an electronic machine.

I advise to stay away from Eagnas. The fixed clamps on my Eagnas are not built to close tolerances and don't move very well on the tracks.

 

[MathieuR]

It seems there isn't much to choose from. Gamma, alpha, or stringway huh?

For me a Stringway is the only true CP with "visual controll" what is happening when you tension the string + 10 years warranty. But I have to confess: I am heavily biassed and a Stringway-groupie.

 

[krnbrasha]

For me a Stringway is the only true CP with "visual controll" what is happening when you tension the string + 10 years warranty. But I have to confess: I am heavily biassed and a Stringway-groupie.

The dropweights look awesome.. Just a bit outside the anount I want to spend though.

 

[am1899]

Wouldn't take a wizz on an Eagnas machine if it was on fire - ESPECIALLY an electronic variant.

IMO start with a crank machine from a reputable manufacturer (i.e. Alpha, Gamma, Prince, etc. - in no particular order). That way, if anything goes wrong...you can actually DEPEND on the manufacturer to stand behind their product and help you. When it comes to this concept with Eagnas...I've heard far more bad than good.

Then save your pocket change for another year...add a Wise tension head. You'll have a rock solid machine for years to come.

 

[krnbrasha]

Wouldn't take a wizz on an Eagnas machine if it was on fire - ESPECIALLY an electronic variant.

IMO start with a crank machine from a reputable manufacturer (i.e. Alpha, Gamma, Prince, etc. - in no particular order). That way, if anything goes wrong...you can actually DEPEND on the manufacturer to stand behind their product and help you. When it comes to this concept with Eagnas...I've heard far more bad than good.

Then save your pocket change for another year...add a Wise tension head. You'll have a rock solid machine for years to come.

What do you like about crank over a dropweight? I've always used dropweights and i like the fact that it's always pulling. What would you say is more consistent/accurate?

 

[Baseline13]

According to posters that have Eagnas machines, their finish and polish are not 'top rated.' My main concern would be whether their warranty is reliable. And if you can put up with any hassle for warranty service. Electronics IMO are hit or miss.

A Gamma/Alpha table top crank that can be updated with a WISE OR just a table top DW, either with fixed clamps could be a better option.

Totally agree with this.

 

[am1899]

What do you like about crank over a dropweight? I've always used dropweights and i like the fact that it's always pulling. What would you say is more consistent/accurate?

Frankly, I didn't mean to leave out DW's in my response. If DW floats your boat over crank, no issue here. If anything, I think I can go faster on a crank than anything else...but speed isn't everything.

As for which is more or less consistent / accurate...this has been debated, argued, and beaten to a dead horse over and over again on these forums. I don't know that the countless discussions, arguments, fist fights, etc. have yielded any definitive consensus. I will offer my general opinions on the subject:

- Each style of machine has advantages and disadvantages
- IMHO, the operator of the machine, and the quality of their technique (or lack thereof)...is likely to have more of an effect on accuracy and consistency - than the machine itself. By saying this, I'm assuming the operator's machine is in good working condition. In other words, a talented stringer, who is really good as his or her craft, could turn out good work consistently using a Kilppermate. On the other hand, a Baiardo in the hands of a lousy stringer...is unlikely (by itself) to drastically improve the work product of that lousy stringer.

 

[Wes]

- IMHO, the operator of the machine, and the quality of their technique (or lack thereof)...is likely to have more of an effect on accuracy and consistency - than the machine itself. By saying this, I'm assuming the operator's machine is in good working condition. In other words, a talented stringer, who is really good as his or her craft, could turn out good work consistently using a Kilppermate. On the other hand, a Baiardo in the hands of a lousy stringer...is unlikely (by itself) to drastically improve the work product of that lousy stringer.

Amen brother.
My thoughts exactly - couldn't have said it better myself.

Owning the fanciest artist brushes available isn't going to make one an expert painter. The quality of one's technique is what truly matters.

Will a new $300 racquet make someone play amazing tennis? How about their technique/mechanics?

If I have zero driving skills, how much good would a Ferrari be to me?

Sure, good equipment can help to a certain degree, but it must be in capable hands to begin with - be it artist's brushes, golf clubs, racquets or stringing machines.

 

[uk_skippy]

Without adding to the responses already made about recommendations; people need to know there's a difference between electric & electronic machines.

Electronic machines are inherently more expensive as they (essentially) use a computer to accurately check and adjust the pull of the tensionheads; such machines are made by Babolat, Yonex, Wilson, Prince

Electric machines are essentially a crank/spring machine that use a motor to move the tensionhead' so it will stop when the spring has reached a certain point.

So, IMO, I'd never buy a cheap electric machine as it won't give an accurate stringjob that you think it will, and it's likely to be unreliable in the long run. Best save your money and put it towards a better crank machine; or buy a wisehead.

Regards

Paul

 

[Chotobaka]

[QUOTE="Wes, post: 10342724, member: 685099]

If I have zero driving skills, how much good would a Ferrari be to me?[/QUOTE]

Now you are just talking crazy.

 

[eelhc]

- IMHO, the operator of the machine, and the quality of their technique (or lack thereof)...is likely to have more of an effect on accuracy and consistency - than the machine itself. By saying this, I'm assuming the operator's machine is in good working condition. In other words, a talented stringer, who is really good as his or her craft, could turn out good work consistently using a Kilppermate. On the other hand, a Baiardo in the hands of a lousy stringer...is unlikely (by itself) to drastically improve the work product of that lousy stringer.

I've never followed this logic when a machine is purchased for personal use (not in a shop)... the operator is the same person. There is no variability in the operator regardless what machine they purchase.

A person who is sloppy, careless and does not possess good motor control is probably going to have an easier time getting a consistent string job on a better machine with good mounting HW, clamps, etc... Better advice is to purchase the best machine they can afford, then spend time honing their stringing skills.

 

[esgee48]

I disagree. If you are careless weaving, pulling strings thru fast, clamping where ever on the stringbed, kink your string, etc. then your string job is gonna be worse than someone who is smooth weaving, fan the strings when pulling, etc. Having a nice machine may reinforce sloppy habits and still result in a string bed that is inconsistent. I will grant that you can go faster, but not necessarily better if your stringing habits are crappy. Just look at the techniques used by big box stringers on fancy babolot or wilson machines. Makes me cringe!

 

[eelhc]

I disagree. If you are careless weaving, pulling strings thru fast, clamping where ever on the stringbed, kink your string, etc. then your string job is gonna be worse than someone who is smooth weaving, fan the strings when pulling, etc. Having a nice machine may reinforce sloppy habits and still result in a string bed that is inconsistent. I will grant that you can go faster, but not necessarily better if your stringing habits are crappy. Just look at the techniques used by big box stringers on fancy babolot or wilson machines. Makes me cringe!

I don't think you are quite getting my point... Let me explain again. The better stringer (person) argument is moot. The OP is NOT buying a stringer (person).

For personal use... regardless of what stringing machine is purchased. the stringer is the same person. So any machine that promotes better consistency is going to help unless it's so complicated that it makes a hack actually worse (could happen).

 

[cluckcluck]

The dropweights look awesome.. Just a bit outside the anount I want to spend though.

As a former Eagnas owner who switched to Stringway...sure it's a bit pricey but it is 10000% worth it; I've strung hundreds of racquets on my SW and have not had a single problem. I had more problems with the Eagnas that I had to return a couple of times because of failed electronic parts, than I'd like to admit. Sending a heavy machine like that via UPS/USPS is pretty expensive.
I'd say, save yourself the trouble and just get a Stringway. Trust me.

 

[am1899]

I've never followed this logic when a machine is purchased for personal use (not in a shop)... the operator is the same person. There is no variability in the operator regardless what machine they purchase.

A person who is sloppy, careless and does not possess good motor control is probably going to have an easier time getting a consistent string job on a better machine with good mounting HW, clamps, etc... Better advice is to purchase the best machine they can afford, then spend time honing their stringing skills.

I say this with the utmost respect, as I frequently agree with your posts. But the bolded portion of your statement is not what I said - if you meant to suggest that's what I said. I did say, in my opinion, the operator of the machine and their level of skill has a greater effect on quality of work product...than the machine the operator uses. That said, this doesn't mean (in my opinion) that the machine has no effect on the quality of work product. Accordingly, I agree with the principal, that buyers ought to buy the best machine they can afford. But, for example, an inexperienced stringer, who has not developed sound technique, ought not by a Star 5 because it will make him a better stringer. He ought to buy a Star 5 because it's practical for his needs, and because it's the best machine he can afford, period.

 

[eelhc]

I say this with the utmost respect, as I frequently agree with your posts. But the bolded portion of your statement is not what I said - if you meant to suggest that's what I said. I did say, in my opinion, the operator of the machine and their level of skill has a greater effect on quality of work product...than the machine the operator uses. That said, this doesn't mean (in my opinion) that the machine has no effect on the quality of work product. Accordingly, I agree with the principal, that buyers ought to buy the best machine they can afford. But, for example, an inexperienced stringer, who has not developed sound technique, ought not by a Star 5 because it will make him a better stringer. He ought to buy a Star 5 because it's practical for his needs, and because it's the best machine he can afford, period.

Peace.. I agree.. Thats why I think it's more important to hone ones stringing skills. A better machine may make up for the stringers bad practices but it will not make a poor stringer into a good one.


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[am1899]

^^ Amen brother. Agree 100%.