Thinking of upgrading my stringer--need opinions

[Maui19]

I've had a Gamma Progression 200 (tabletop, drop weight, flying clamps) for several years now, and am thinking about upgrading to a better machine. I only do about 3 racquets a month, but I would like to get a machine that makes it easier to string faster. I take about an hour now, and get very consistent results. I can string faster, but the results aren't quite as consistent, and faster often means being a little rougher on the strings. Since I use a gut hybrid, I like to be careful with the string.

So that leads me to thoughts of a new machine. The first thing I'd like is fixed clamps. My flying clamps are a PITA to use--I have to check for slippage a couple times each time I string, and there is always drawback to deal with.

I'd also like a mounting system that is better than my 2-point mount.

I'm fine with a drop weight, but I think a crank would be a little faster/easier. I am assuming I could figure out how to get the proper stringbed tension with a crank with a little experience.

Price is obviously an issue. With such low volume, it doesn't make sense to get a high end ($1,000+) machine. I won't be stringing for anyone else.

Craigslist hasn't been a good source (a lot of junk and low-end stuff). Big auction site looks better, but frankly I don't see a lot of bargains there.

First of all, nothing made by Eagnas.

The Gamma Progression ST II and Progression II 602 FC Stringing Machine look interesting, with one being far more affordable.

The Alpha Revo 4000 also looks good.

I'd love a Stringway, but they are pretty expensive.

Thoughts and suggestions?

TIA

 

[eelhc]

For ~$150 or so... A pair of Stringway floating clamps (double + triple) and a starting clamp will speed up and improve your stringing experience significantly on the Gamma.

I agree the Stringway machines are amongst the best non-electronic machines available but they are expensive and hard to come by used.

A dropweight with a linear gripper is slightly faster than the rotational grippers on the gammas but if you are looking to significantly reduce stringing time, A crank or a Stringway automatic dropweight is the best non-electronic option.

would pick a used Gamma 5003, 6004 or Prince Neos 1000 over the other new options. From time to time they come up FS used and can be had for $500~750 depending on the condition. The Neos 1000 is basically the reference for stringers.

I just started stringing this year and find it enjoyable (I do it for just my family + friends). I am looking to eventually upgrade to a Neos 1500.

 

[fuzz nation]

I had a LaserFibre drop weight machine (they were a close cousin of Stringway) that worked fine for my needs until one of the plastic pieces in the mounting system broke. That was seriously irritating and I decided that I wouldn't settle for something with such a fragile design for my next rig. The LF machine has the same tensioner as Stringway in that it produces constant tension, so that was a big plus, but after my machine broke, the adventure began.

Working at a club this summer, I had access to a high end Gamma 6500 Els. It's a rock machine with a solid 6-point mounting system and electric tensioner with constant pull (this one preceded their current 6900). I had NO idea how scarce that constant pull feature is among more entry level machines until I started shopping around, but figured that it was almost essential to include that feature for more consistent stringing.

Stringway looks like they've beefed up their mounting system a little bit, but the Gamma 6-point rig just seems bullet proof. Wasn't wild about the idea of an electric machine, but then I used the 6500 for a couple months and was VERY pleasantly surprised with how easy it was to churn out a lot of racquets. I string for local high school teams, students, friends, etc. so I'll occasionally catch a bundle of string jobs at once. The electric machine made it much easier to run off a lot of racquets compared with my drop weight. I never liked to do more than 3 or 4 stringings a day on my old machine.

I went with a Gamma Progression II Els and I'm liking this machine even better than the top of the line "floor stander" I used this past summer. Gamma's customer service is apparently outstanding, which gave me much more peace of mind, too. The biggest challenge at this point is getting used to stringing at lower tensions because this rig so effectively holds tension with its fixed clamps 'n all that compared with my old machine and the floating clamps.

I didn't expect to spend quite this much (got mine through TW), but I was already familiar with this Gamma design and knew this Progression II would be a winner. I'm still in my honeymoon phase for sure, but I'm big-time impressed with my Gamma so far. If you want a 6-point and fixed clamps, the Progression ST II is a strong consideration, but a little more will get you the electric tensioner and basically the whole shuh-bang.

 

[colowhisper]

^^Wow, great write up and advice. I have been thinking of upgrading my LaserFibre machine too and this really hit home. Thanks for the info I think I'll ask for this Gamma machine for Xmas!

 

[Maui19]

That Gamma Gamma Progression II ELS is really nice, but above my price range. Hmmm...I wonder if I could slide this past the budget committee...after she's had some wine

 

[struggle]

the progression II ELS lacks the switch action clamps and self centering mounts.

just something to consider.

 

[Maui19]

the progression II ELS lacks the switch action clamps and self centering mounts.

just something to consider.

What are switch action clamps?

 

[darklore009]

alpha pioneer dc plus is also a good machine to look at. it has linear gripper which is a lot better than the rotational gripper from the gamma.

 

[v-verb]

I picked up a Pro's Pro Challenger 1 because my Klippermate with flying clamps couldn't handle these babies



I was surprised how nice the Pro's Pro looked and worked. For $400 shipped new it was a bargain. Would have been nice to find one used for less but there were none I could find

 

[gebruikershaes]

Glad you like the pro's pro. I just bought 1 used for 75 bucks. Including 150m of msv focus hex. Didn't have a chance to test it out yet.

 

[v-verb]

Glad you like the pro's pro. I just bought 1 used for 75 bucks. Including 150m of msv focus hex. Didn't have a chance to test it out yet.

NICE!!!!! I wish I could have found a deal like that!

The quality seems really good. Very solid

 

[pmata814]

I have a little OCD when it comes to stringing. When I conducted a test with a digital scale on my crank machine (Revo) I was very disappointed to learn how much the tension can vary on each pull (up to 8 lbs sometimes). It changes depending on how fast/slow you turn the handle, and also from where you start to pull. I did mark my starting point with a pencil and even went as far as stringing with a metronome

I know that it's not supposed to be a big deal as long as you try to be consistent on every pull, but it was always in the back of my head nagging at me. So I bought a WISE tension head and I feel much better now

If I had to do it again I'd probably just get a dropweight with fixed clamps. I owned a klippermate before and I performed the same test with the digial scale and the results were dead accurate!....if the scale stopped on 58.3... it stayed there.

P.S.
I HATE FLOATING/FLYING CLAMPS!!

 

[v-verb]

pmata814

I hate flying clamps as well!

How do you test the tension with a digital scale? I have a digital fish scale

Thanks!

 

[pmata814]

pmata814

I hate flying clamps as well!

How do you test the tension with a digital scale? I have a digital fish scale

Thanks!

I just tie some Kevlar or stiff poly to each end of the scale, clamp one end (with the brake engaged) and pull on the other.

Edit:
Actually, now that I think of it, I only use the two string method on the analog/spring scale. With the fish scale I just hook the loop on my inside racquet mount.

 

[v-verb]

Thanks pmata814!

I'll give it a try

 

[Maui19]

After further review...I have decided to up my budget to around $1,000. The most attractive options to me right now are the Gamma Progression II ELS, and the Stringway ML100. The Neos 1000 looks attractive, but it seems like a lot of $$ for what you get, and I would prefer a tabletop design that can be put away easily when not in use.

I would opt for the T92 clamps for the Stringway, I think.

Any thoughts on which of these designs would make stringing easier/faster? I'm thinking the clamp design would have a lot of influence on speed and ease of use. I string with gut (mains) so I like to be gentle and deliberate with that.

Thanks for all the replies thus far--it has been very helpful.

 

[v-verb]

After further review...I have decided to up my budget to around $1,000. The most attractive options to me right now are the Gamma Progression II ELS, and the Stringway ML100. The Neos 1000 looks attractive, but it seems like a lot of $$ for what you get, and I would prefer a tabletop design that can be put away easily when not in use.

I would opt for the T92 clamps for the Stringway, I think.

Any thoughts on which of these designs would make stringing easier/faster? I'm thinking the clamp design would have a lot of influence on speed and ease of use. I string with gut (mains) so I like to be gentle and deliberate with that.

Thanks for all the replies thus far--it has been very helpful.

If I had the budget I would have gotten the Stringway. I was really tempted but couldn't justify the extra expense. Definitely get the fixed clamps.

Keep us posted please

 

[fuzz nation]

the progression II ELS lacks the switch action clamps and self centering mounts.

just something to consider.

Also not sure what the difference is in the switch action clamps. Although the clamps on this Progression II have slightly smaller "heads" than the ones on the 6500 I used this summer, they've been at least as easy to use so far and also seem less clunky and invasive. No problems with holding the strings, but they're also good 'n fresh.

Those self-centering mounts are certainly puff-tastic because they allow for setting all four arms at the same time. The "P II" has an individual control for setting all six mounts, but securing a racquet only takes several extra seconds to get the frame in place and each point snugged. No more or less confidence in this mounting system for me than the 6500, but it's night-and-day more substantial than my old table top.

 

[TennisCJC]

^^Wow, great write up and advice. I have been thinking of upgrading my LaserFibre machine too and this really hit home. Thanks for the info I think I'll ask for this Gamma machine for Xmas!

Why don't you sell your used LF to the op?

I have LF and it is almost identical to Stringway and I love mine. Had it 7 years and still going strong.

 

[Maui19]

Why don't you sell your used LF to the op?

I have LF and it is almost identical to Stringway and I love mine. Had it 7 years and still going strong.

Sounds like a good idea to me.

 

[eelhc]

After further review...I have decided to up my budget to around $1,000. The most attractive options to me right now are the Gamma Progression II ELS, and the Stringway ML100. The Neos 1000 looks attractive, but it seems like a lot of $$ for what you get, and I would prefer a tabletop design that can be put away easily when not in use.

I would opt for the T92 clamps for the Stringway, I think.

Any thoughts on which of these designs would make stringing easier/faster? I'm thinking the clamp design would have a lot of influence on speed and ease of use. I string with gut (mains) so I like to be gentle and deliberate with that.

Thanks for all the replies thus far--it has been very helpful.

I love my Stringway but with a budget ~$1000 I think you should consider more options. I have a Stringway (Laserfibre MS200TT) and a Gamma 6004 and lately I've been stringing mostly on the Gamma as it is faster...

There is also a problem with the Stringway mounts and clamp interference for some racquets. Check this thread:

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=411989

I string a few Prince frames for friends and I have to pull out the flying clamp for the first and last crosses.

The Neos 1000 may be an old school "basic" machine but it is still the workhorse reference. Eventually I would like to "upgrade/sidegrade" to a Neos 1500. The Gamma 6004 is a fine machine but the Neos is built like a tank.

You can get a lot of stringer for $1000... especially if you are looking to get a used machine.

 

[FoldingChair]

I just bought an Alpha Revo 4000 for 649 shipped to SoCal and love it. I've already strung six sticks on it. It's got the spring assisted swivel clamps and 6 point mounting. Also their customer service is top notch.

 

[Maui19]

Boy did I go back and forth on this decision, but I finally ordered a new stringer. Here's what I considered and why I bought what I did:

Prince Neos 1000: People kept saying it was built like a tank, but I wasn't sure exactly what that meant. I'm guessing it meant that the mounts, turntable and clamps were strong and didn't move or creep under pressure. I found this very attractive, however in the end I thought the unit was overpriced for me, Also, I only string a few racquets a month, so it seemed like overkill. It was also much bigger physically than I wanted.

Gamma Progression II ELS: This was very attractive to me. I liked the constant pull, the mounting system and the size of the unit. However I didn't read a lot of glowing comments about the clamps, and the rotary string attachment can be a little rough on gut. I wouldn't hate having this unit though.

Stringway ML90/100: This is the one I bought. I like the drop weight system, the CP, and the T92 clamping system. I also liked the size. This unit seemed to get a lot of really positive reviews from owners.

So we'll see how it all works out.

I know this is an often posted topic so I really appreciate all the input. Thanks!

 

[v-verb]

Congrats on the Stringway! As I said it would have been my choice had I the $$

 

[KaiserW]

I picked up a Pro's Pro Challenger 1 because my Klippermate with flying clamps couldn't handle these babies



I was surprised how nice the Pro's Pro looked and worked. For $400 shipped new it was a bargain. Would have been nice to find one used for less but there were none I could find

I take it you are happy with the Pro Challenger? I am considering buying one, cheapest fixed clamp I can find.

 

[v-verb]

I take it you are happy with the Pro Challenger? I am considering buying one, cheapest fixed clamp I can find.

I am - very nice stringer!!! Get the 1 not the 2. The ratchet is a nice feature

 

[Maui19]

It turns out the ML100 has a 4-6 week delivery delay. The ML90 was in stock so I got that instead. Probably a good decision anyway.

 

[beernutz]

It turns out the ML100 has a 4-6 week delivery delay. The ML90 was in stock so I got that instead. Probably a good decision anyway.

That looks to be a good choice although I've never used one. Which clamps did you go with?

 

[Maui19]

That looks to be a good choice although I've never used one. Which clamps did you go with?

T92 single action. That's one of the things I like about the Stringway offerings.

 

[Joonas]

Congrats Maui, ML90 is a nice machine. ML 100 has automatic release of the tension head which ML 90 doesn't have. You can live without it. It simplifies and speeds up the process a little.

I have had ML 100 over a year and done ca. 500 rackets. I am very pleased with the consistency of my string jobs. Also the fact that you don't need to worry about fine mechanics and calibration is cool. I have T98 clamping system but T92 should be very good as well.

Pay attention on pull times and find your flow and you will be good.

 

[Maui19]

so my new stringer has arrived, but of course both my racquets' strings are nearly new. Plus I'm injured right now, so I have no chance to wear out or break the strings. Hmmm...where's that old Prince racquet I used to use...