*UK* Looking for a new machine...

[pip.cook]

I have been stringing for over 6 years now and have had a Pro's Pro Pilot that has been somewhat troublesome and I'm looking for a new machine. I string mostly for myself but also do string for family and friends at my club. My budget is up to around the £1000 mark but for the right machine could be slightly more.

My Pro's Pro was a bit of a nightmare from the get-go. The stands and clamps have been loose since the beginning in areas where you can't tighten them and customer service I received was awful. Anyway...

I have been looking at a few machines, reading reviews etc and there are a couple of machines that meet my price range/fit what I want.

Penta Premium 3600 + Wise 2086
Gamma Progression ST II
TENNISMAN StringMaster Pro 50 LE Electronic

I'm not too bothered about the pulling mechanism. I just want a machine from a brand that is trusted to build solid machines and one that I won't lose trust in as parts come loose.
Does anyone have any recommendations on what may be best??

 

[MathieuR]

This is such a personal choice. Your budget is the limit, cause all will say "buy as sophisticated" as you can afford.
I myself am perfectly happy with my 30 years young Stringway, an "automatic" dropweight. Produced in, en serviced from the Netherlands.
- unique tensioning mechanism (cp, in all arm-positions)
- solidly build
- 10 years warranty
(will ship from the Netherlands)

 

[Jster]

Hi @pip.cook, @MathieuR is right, string way's stringing machine is reliable, sturdy and accurate.
Just based on that, I recommend 2 options

Option A
Buy a Stringway ML100con-T92

if you wants to experiment with prestretching or just mess around with the idea of full bed prestretching or just do it on the mains or crosses only... then......


Option B
Sell your Pro's Pro Pilot.
Splash a bit more and buy
GAMMA Progression II Els

 

[uk_skippy]

As you're in the UK go for the Gamma Progression ST II. Great quality manual machine. Come as a table top, but a stand is available. Contact Apollo Leisure (01202 812000) and tell them skippy sent you.

I'd suggest not buying from the EU as you'll be hit with VAT and Custom Import Duties; plus if you need servicing that could be a problem in the future.

 

[MathieuR]

I'd suggest not buying from the EU as you'll be hit with VAT and Custom Import Duties

VAT you have to pay anyway. Custom Import Duties, first check if that's a deal breaker.

the Gamma Progression ST II. Great quality manual machine

I would first decide if you would go for a cp or a lock-out.
With both you can get consistent results.

 

[uk_skippy]

VAT you have to pay anyway. Custom Import Duties, first check if that's a deal breaker.

I didnt realised you lived in the UK and therefore know what charges will be levied on products coming into the UK from the EU. Having bought a Fanatec sim racing set up which added on approx 20% Import/VAT duty onto the total; unless the op get a great deal its probably not going to be worth it. Plus, if there is no dedicated service agent for the brand you champion in the uk, the machine may have to sent out the country for servicing. This then adds additional cost when coming back into the UK.

If the OP is in the UK, it'll be far easier to buy something in the Uk for that piece of mind both in the actual cost and future servicing

 

[onehandbh]

I didnt realised you lived in the UK and therefore know what charges will be levied on products coming into the UK from the EU. Having bought a Fanatec sim racing set up which added on approx 20% Import/VAT duty onto the total; unless the op get a great deal its probably not going to be worth it. Plus, if there is no dedicated service agent for the brand you champion in the uk, the machine may have to sent out the country for servicing. This then adds additional cost when coming back into the UK.

If the OP is in the UK, it'll be far easier to buy something in the Uk for that piece of mind both in the actual cost and future servicing

Just one data point, but I've had my Stringway ML90 for about 10 years now without any problems. It's built like a tank and doesn't seem to have any small or fragile parts. Have not needed any servicing other than occasionally cleaning the clamps.

 

[guanzishou]

Option B
Sell your Pro's Pro Pilot.
Splash a bit more and buy
GAMMA Progression II Els

great machine. I haven't had any problem with it in 2 years.

 

[USMC-615]

great machine. I haven't had any problem with it in 2 years.

I need to PM (conversation) you concerning the Progression II ELS you have but it's not an option with how your account is...I recently acquired a new X-ELS and have a couple of questions for you.