I've been playing tennis for a while now and wanted to know if anyone here strings their own racquets. Is it worth the investment of a stringing machine, and if so, do you have any cheap recommendations for a machine? I'm currently a 17 year old student playing 3-4 hours a day, with each restringing at my local shop costing $25. Constantly buying new strings and paying for them to be installed is really emptying my wallets lol. Any ideas on how to make things more affordable? Thanks, Ken.
Thinking about buying a stringing machine
- Thread starter Kenten123
- Start date
Any recommendations on an affordable stringing machine?
ichaseballs
Professional
there's a whole section dedicated to this
Thanks I'll look into threads over there
RadicalEdward23
New User
The link that ichaseballs provided will show you that there are a lot of self stringers on this forum, there's also a ton of information about how to do it. You might end up going down a rabbit hole but you'll be welcomed with open arms.
tt.tennis-warehouse.com
It sounds like you would benefit from stringing yourself. If you already know what string you like you'll save money by buying a reel and on the labor costs of the stringing itself. If you don't know what string you like then self stringing is great for trying out different strings (and tensions) without having to constantly pay those labor costs for stringing. Now if you're only requirement for the stringing machine is for it to be affordable then the Klippermate is probably your best bet (unless you can find a second hand machine for cheaper). Note that the prices have changed since that post, I don't know about every machine but the Klippermate is $240 new now. If you're stringing for yourself (or even for yourself + 1 or 2 friends) the entry level machines will work just fine, if you're stringing really often you might want to invest in a better machine.
Here's the thread on Stringing Machines specifically:
Mansewerz's Guide to Buying Stringing Machines
The following post is strictly my opinion. I will try to remain as objective as I can and become subjective when necessary. These are not the ultimate authority on any subject. Do I need a stringing machine? If you belong to any, but not limited to just one, of the following groups, then you...
tt.tennis-warehouse.com
It sounds like you would benefit from stringing yourself. If you already know what string you like you'll save money by buying a reel and on the labor costs of the stringing itself. If you don't know what string you like then self stringing is great for trying out different strings (and tensions) without having to constantly pay those labor costs for stringing. Now if you're only requirement for the stringing machine is for it to be affordable then the Klippermate is probably your best bet (unless you can find a second hand machine for cheaper). Note that the prices have changed since that post, I don't know about every machine but the Klippermate is $240 new now. If you're stringing for yourself (or even for yourself + 1 or 2 friends) the entry level machines will work just fine, if you're stringing really often you might want to invest in a better machine.
Thanks for the thread link. Will look into it and see what I can do. Thanks Edward!The link that ichaseballs provided will show you that there are a lot of self stringers on this forum, there's also a ton of information about how to do it. You might end up going down a rabbit hole but you'll be welcomed with open arms.
Here's the thread on Stringing Machines specifically:
Mansewerz's Guide to Buying Stringing Machines
The following post is strictly my opinion. I will try to remain as objective as I can and become subjective when necessary. These are not the ultimate authority on any subject. Do I need a stringing machine? If you belong to any, but not limited to just one, of the following groups, then you...
It sounds like you would benefit from stringing yourself. If you already know what string you like you'll save money by buying a reel and on the labor costs of the stringing itself. If you don't know what string you like then self stringing is great for trying out different strings (and tensions) without having to constantly pay those labor costs for stringing. Now if you're only requirement for the stringing machine is for it to be affordable then the Klippermate is probably your best bet (unless you can find a second hand machine for cheaper). Note that the prices have changed since that post, I don't know about every machine but the Klippermate is $240 new now. If you're stringing for yourself (or even for yourself + 1 or 2 friends) the entry level machines will work just fine, if you're stringing really often you might want to invest in a better machine.
McLovin
Legend
To be clear, is it $25 + the string you provide? Or is it $25 total (string + labor)?
And how often do you restring a racquet?
In the end it will eventually be worth it, but how much you save (and how long it takes to recoup your costs) will depend on the answers to my questions above. Also, as @RadicalEdward23 mentioned above, its a great way to make a few $s on the side. But beware: Stringing your own frames can take you down a rabbit hole all too quickly, and its extremely hard to climb out of it.
You quickly see how many strings there are. Polys (shaped, smooth, rough, twisted, etc), Multis, Synthetics, Natural Gut, Kevlar, Zyex, etc.. Then you consider blending them, adjusting tensions. Then you work in the different colors, and soon you have no idea what works for you. It can be extremely maddening, but also fun in a masochist kind of way...
So, in the end, yes, buy a machine. I'd recommend a drop-weight to start (there may be used ones on the 'bay). If after a few years you find you enjoy it and you're stringing regularly, maybe look into a crank.
The cost is $25 + the string I provide. I usually restring every 2 months or so. I've also been using polys and syn guts for a while now, at about 52. Do you have any links that could possibly take me down the 'rabbit hole'? I always prefer to dive deep before making a purchase. Also any specific recs on beginner drop weight machines I should be on the hunt for? Thanks for all this info McLovin (you did a great job in superbad btw)
Humbi_HTX
Semi-Pro
Tennis is a lifetime sport, buy something that will last and that you can get parts or service for future needs. It will pay itself easily over the years, and even quicker if you start stringing for friends.
I use an alpha drop weight with 6-points/clamps, and it is around 15y+ old but still works like day 1.
I use an alpha drop weight with 6-points/clamps, and it is around 15y+ old but still works like day 1.
From the value standpoint for a self-stringer, I think the Gamma X2 is the way to go. Sure, you could spend double the money on something with more mounting points, fixed clamps, but the gains in consistency/accuracy are marginal. The speed gains from spring-tension and electronic-tension are significant, however the cost is much higher to the point where it only makes sense if you are going to be stringing as a side-business, multiple racquets a day. Finally, if you are considering stringing as a side-business, run the numbers. I have, and concluded that it's a crappy side business with tiny margins and no pricing power. Think about it, pro shops, tennis centers pay teenage kids minimum wage to string racquets for their customers for a reason. That way they can charge $15-20 for a string job. They are making the real money on the merch, court rentals and clinics.
McLovin
Legend
At that price, a machine is most definitely for you. You'll recoup your costs in under 2 years (less if you are restringing two racquets every 2 months). $25 in labor is a tad steep. Most people here charge between $15-20 to string.
lol. You're at the biggest 'Rabbit Hole' right now. Simply by being a member of Talk Tennis you're starting down it...
First you read a thread from someone on how much spin they're getting from String A, then someone else says String B has great feel (which is subjective, and depends on racquet, tension, playing conditions, etc), and anther says String C has super-awesome power. Next thing you know, you're buying all 3 of the simply to 'experiment', but then you think maybe you'll hybrid them, so you buy a couple sets of each.
Then you find out you like none of them, but in the mean time read about String D, and also a new stringing technique that will preserve tension maintenance and give you more consistent tension across the stringbed. So you buy a couple more sets, and try that out.
Then you see TT is offering a playtest on a new String fro your favorite company, so you apply to that and get in. Now you have to use the new string, but also have to compare it to your 'regular' string, which by this point you have no idea what that is...
That's a tough one, because I have no idea what your budget is. You can spend as little as $200 on a knock-off, or $600 on a name brand. I'd recommend looking for a used name brand (others have mentioned Alpha, Gamma, and Ektelon, which are great options). In the long run you'll be glad you did.
I have an Alpha Revo 4000, which is a crank, but I put an electronic tensioner on it (known as a WISE 2086). It's been great for over 6 years now, but I string for 40-50 people, so could justify the cost.
I am McLovin...
bobleenov1963
Hall of Fame
How is it possible that you play 3-4 hours a day and restring every 2 months or so? My son used to train every day for 3-4 hours of tennis everyday in the summer. If he uses Wilson NxT 16, it will last less than an hour. If he used Luxilon NG, it will last a few hours. If he used Luxilon ALU power, it will last about 6 hours. If you restring every 2 months, you don't need a stringing machine.
$25 for a stringing job is expensive. Most stringers charge between $13 and $15. Some will charge $10. $25 for a string job is normally done at a tennis club where the club needs to make money too. The club will get $10 overhead and give the stringer $15.
Best of luck.
Never really cared that much about tension loss till now I guess. Really started taking tennis more seriously this year. Thinking I'll just get a Klippermate and see where I go from there.
TagUrIt
Hall of Fame
Look for a used drop weight machine to start off with. Having your own stringing machine totally worth it and it will definitely pay for itself. Depending on what strings you use tension loss will become a factor. Just a warning do not leave poly strings in longer than 10-12 hours max. You can seriously injure your arm playing with dead strings. Once you have your own stringing machine, you will open up a whole world of trying new strings and tensions.
Folsom_Stringer_Musa
Professional
Owning a machine and stringing yourself will give you freedom that you can't have with the shop.
You can experiment and find what is optimal setup for you.
Sure, you have to learn all the tricks and follow best practices.
That being said, lot of top class pros are here in this forum to help you.
Good luck and happy stringing.
You can experiment and find what is optimal setup for you.
Sure, you have to learn all the tricks and follow best practices.
That being said, lot of top class pros are here in this forum to help you.
Good luck and happy stringing.
Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
@Kenten123 for a recommendation on a low cost machine I would go with a drop weight. The machine doesn’t really matter that much but the clamps do. Most low cost drop weight machines are actually great little machine but the clamps are suspect. Find a good price on a used machine if you can and buy some good quality aluminum clamps to work with. I’ve heard Stringway clamps are good clamps although I’ve never used them. I have some Pro-Stringer Claws are they are great clamps.
I have a ratcheting type of drop weight (Gamma X-2) which is easy to adjust the tension. There are other machines like the Klippermate that use a clutch. Buy counting the ratchet clicks it is easy to adjust the drop weight bar to level. If it takes 20 clicks to adjust the bar to level it will take about that same amount for the next string. If you’re using a clutch drop weight you new to guess how much slack needs to be recovered. If you guess wrong adjust and tension again. Either system works especially for stiff string like poly. Poly on an X-2 may only take a few clicks but SG could take a lot more.
fixed clamps on a drop weight machine are going to be expensive if you want a quality clamp like the Stringway or Pro-Stringer clamps.
I have a ratcheting type of drop weight (Gamma X-2) which is easy to adjust the tension. There are other machines like the Klippermate that use a clutch. Buy counting the ratchet clicks it is easy to adjust the drop weight bar to level. If it takes 20 clicks to adjust the bar to level it will take about that same amount for the next string. If you’re using a clutch drop weight you new to guess how much slack needs to be recovered. If you guess wrong adjust and tension again. Either system works especially for stiff string like poly. Poly on an X-2 may only take a few clicks but SG could take a lot more.
fixed clamps on a drop weight machine are going to be expensive if you want a quality clamp like the Stringway or Pro-Stringer clamps.
Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
When stringing with a drop weight you should be able to get your time to string under an hour easily. That’s less time than you will probably spend dropping off your racket and going back to pick it up. Saving $25 a pop you should be able to recoup you investment fast. A used drop and quality clamp will cost you about $250. If you don’t want your machine sitting around when you’re not using it you can hide it under the bed, in your trunk, or in a closet. And stringing can be done anywhere. I once watched a kid stringing on a picnic table at a tournament before a match.
When that finally sinks in you’re going to be kicking yourself.
When that finally sinks in you’re going to be kicking yourself.
so you play 3 to 4 hours a day and a string lasts 2 months? That is if you play 5 of the 7 days a week 3 hours a day gives a minimum 120 hours of play. I would say not bad at all.+
Peter
bobleenov1963
Hall of Fame
I live in a very high Cost of Living Area, Potomac Maryland. I can find stringer that charges between $10 and $15. Most tennis clubs charge $25 because they are getting a cut. The stringer him/herself does not get $25, more like $14. The club keeps $11.
there is life outside US
and in some places you can get the stringing job done with just a few buks
bobleenov1963
Hall of Fame
there is life outside US
and in some places you can get the stringing job done with just a few buks
What is your point? There are many places outside the US that child labor is also legal.
Which websites do you use to look for used drop weights?
Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
The auction sites, FB Marketplace, for the TW for sale forum. Because Marketplace is local that may be your best option if there are any near you.
fuzz nation
G.O.A.T.
The good news no matter what machine you get for yourself is that you'll have no trouble selling it sometime down the road. If you eventually either decide to upgrade from an entry level rig or find that the whole business of stringing at home isn't for you, there's always somebody looking for a deal on a machine. Take reasonable care of it and it really can't wear out.
I've been stringing now for about 15 years. I took it up not long after I started coaching high school teams. It was obviously very handy when I could restring overnight for any of the troops during our seasons. It didn't take long for my machine to pay for itself, both from stringing my own racquets and also for local pals in my tennis circle.
If you keep at it, word of mouth will bring you more and more "clients" needing string jobs as time goes by. I haven't pursued certification with the USRSA, but I have as much business as I want these days, including a couple of small local clubs that don't have a stringing machine at their facility.
You may not need to worry too much about that dreaded rabbit hole. Even if you dabble with one string setup or another, it will be a lot more affordable for you doing it yourself than it would be if you are always paying somebody else to string your frames. I've experimented a little bit myself with this and that, but I'm 54 and my arm can't tolerate poly strings at all. My favorite stuff is synthetic gut and the right gauge at the right tension (depending on the racquet - I have more than a few) is heaven for me.
Having a machine at home will give you a chance to learn a lot about different strings and how they work with different racquets. No need to go completely overboard to have a good time with that whole adventure. Jump on in - the water's fine
Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
Here is an example of deals you can find. This machine is sold already but there may be others.
onehandbh
G.O.A.T.
Depends on the level he plays at and how hard he hits and with how much spin. When I was 15, I didn't break strings that often, but by 16 I broke them about once a week (playing about 5x a week). Also wore out my shoes every 1-2 months.
Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
I ave zero experience with the PS 3600 stringer. I assume you talking about a Penta Premium Stringer 3600 6 point fixed clamp stringer. I would not buy it. For the price it looks like you're getting a lot of option like 6 point and fixed clamps but you're paying a much lower price for those options. I like 6 point and quality clamps and would pay for them but not if they are low quality. I like a DW because it produces a good tension. I like 2 point because it is more than good enough and preferred by many. But my number one feature I look for in a machine is quality clamps. I would buy any DW machine and get good quality aluminum clamps to use with it. I hear the stringway flying clamps are great but I know the Pro-Stringer Claws are good quality clamps.
Folsom_Stringer_Musa
Professional
DW = DropWeight.
Penta PS 3600 is a drop weight machine.
There are multiple options:
A) Cheaper brand new machine (DW)
B) Older Crank machine (Ektelon, NEOS etc.)
C) Older Electronic machine - that is not fully functional
For self stringing DW\Crank will be just fine. I prefer the Crank as it is 100% mechanical machine and might be easier to fix.
For older Electronic machine, it depends on what is broken, how old, availability of parts and service etc.
Hope it makes sense.
Musa
Penta PS 3600 is a drop weight machine.
There are multiple options:
A) Cheaper brand new machine (DW)
B) Older Crank machine (Ektelon, NEOS etc.)
C) Older Electronic machine - that is not fully functional
For self stringing DW\Crank will be just fine. I prefer the Crank as it is 100% mechanical machine and might be easier to fix.
For older Electronic machine, it depends on what is broken, how old, availability of parts and service etc.
Hope it makes sense.
Musa
Folsom_Stringer_Musa
Professional
I don't have any experience with Penta machine not PP.
Video on PP Challenger:
I am not seeing much on Penta. But has seems having better clamps and self centering mounting system.
If these 2 machines are your options, then I would definitely go with Penta PS.
Musa
Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
Folsom_Stringer_Musa
Professional
Should have everything you need for stringing. There are other tools but you don't need them for your case.
Just need to make sure you check with the seller that everything that supposed to have come with the machine is included.
good option is to get a starting clamp and then decide what type of knots you are going to learn/use etc.
have fun & good luck.
point is the world is not limited to US.
in some places getting a string job might cost more than what you pay / charge.
in some other places it might cost a fraction.
and let's not start talking about child labor and other things.
why do I think that big corporations close both eyes when to a multitude of things when they are sourcing production to certain countries? for example in Asia? and then selling the goods in US and Western Europe?
it's not like US businesses are "saint" while some other places on Earth are "devils"
bobleenov1963
Hall of Fame
Fair enough. Can you name me a place that charge more than $30 USD just for a string job, and that you have to provide your own string?
In New York City, the cost is $30 plus string (or bring own string) plus 8.875% sales tax. Search for Paragon Sports Tennis Services. They even charge an extra $5 if you want them to string gut.
Just get a Klippermate with a carrying case and be done with it. My buddy is 46 living in NYC and his Klippermate from his days playing on the college team still works just fine. At 17 you will be moving around a lot in life whether college, new job etc....get a small machine that is transportable. If you got a little extra money maybe get the Stringway floating clamp machine for a better tension head
Holy cow that case costs almost as much as the Klippermate. Just wrap it up in some old sweatshirts!
max
Legend
I think the OP's age is a real factor here. One can amortize for a longer period the cost of the more expensive machine. . . I'd recommend buying a Very Nice Model, and hold off on the Klippermate unless you want something portable to take to school. Heck, buy the Kmate and the better (perhaps Alpha?) stand machine. Go this way and you're set for what, another 50 years or so? Kmate holds value; can be sold once OP is in a more permanent residential condition.
I've strung since 1998 with a Kmate, and if I knew how much I'd be stringing, would've added another $500 or so and bought a nice crank with fixed clamps. Of course, I had the fun of visiting the factory in Elgin and buying a discounted machine for $10 less, cheapskate that I am (machine had a misaligned sticker on it). Given what I know of Gamma's plastic clamps, I'd avoid the Gamma; and the clutch is no faster or slower than the Gamma head.
Never very positive about the "string it less than an Hour" idea, since I'm stringing for myself and want to do a nice job of it, not just push out the job as fast as you can. Usually on my Kmate its about 40 minutes, give or take a few. Depends how much caffeine I've had and whether the radio's on upbeat music.
I've strung since 1998 with a Kmate, and if I knew how much I'd be stringing, would've added another $500 or so and bought a nice crank with fixed clamps. Of course, I had the fun of visiting the factory in Elgin and buying a discounted machine for $10 less, cheapskate that I am (machine had a misaligned sticker on it). Given what I know of Gamma's plastic clamps, I'd avoid the Gamma; and the clutch is no faster or slower than the Gamma head.
Never very positive about the "string it less than an Hour" idea, since I'm stringing for myself and want to do a nice job of it, not just push out the job as fast as you can. Usually on my Kmate its about 40 minutes, give or take a few. Depends how much caffeine I've had and whether the radio's on upbeat music.
bobleenov1963
Hall of Fame
That's right there is the problem. You can search on Craiglist in the NYC for stringer(s) that will charge you $15 for a string job without having to pay sale tax. There are stringers everywhere that will string for less and will do just a good a job as Paragon Sports Tennis Services, probably the same stringer(s)
