"upgraded" to a Gamma Progression II 602...

[eelhc]

I've only been stringing for a few months. I started with a used Eagnas Flex 940 with the better fixed clamps and lockout tensioner (supposedly one of the better Eagnas machines) which I picked up for a song.

Then my curiosity got the better of me and I purchased a used Gamma Progression II 602 floating clamp drop weight. I purchased a set of Stringway triple and double clamps to go with the Gamma.

After stringing several racquets on each... I think I like the Gamma/Stringway combo better. The turntable + mounting system is more solid and the Stringway Clamps have little/no drawback compared to the Eagnas. Stringing time is about the same on both, while the crank tensioner is faster than the dropweight, releasing and clamping with the Stringways is faster than releasing and clamping on the flxed clamp machine. This MS200 video is a good example of the Stringway clamps in action:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEGfJ3OChdo

So the net... I use the Gamma + Stringway combo only now (in fact, I've sold off the Eagnas). My conclusion (YMMV) is that a good floating clamp machine + Stringway clamps are better than the lower end fixed clamp machine. Eventually, I want to upgrade to a Stringway automatic dropweight machine.

 

[Slitch]

I just traded in my II 602 with floating clamps for an older ML100. The stringway clamps are a mayor improvement. They just feel so solid and smooth. No weird squeaking like the gamma clamps. I did like the mounting on the gamma but had a problem with the mount of an Organix 10 325. The middle 'claw'(?) was to wide and pushed against the grommets.

 

[eelhc]

I just traded in my II 602 with floating clamps for an older ML100. The stringway clamps are a mayor improvement. They just feel so solid and smooth. No weird squeaking like the gamma clamps. I did like the mounting on the gamma but had a problem with the mount of an Organix 10 325. The middle 'claw'(?) was to wide and pushed against the grommets.

Good thing the Stringway clamps are built like tanks. The US distributor (New Tech Tennis) just threw 3 of them in a box with no padding or bubble wrap and they were banging around inside the box all the way from Texas to NY. Everything looks and works fine but really... what were they thinking?

 

[Slitch]

I would be pissed if I got that kind of customer service from any kind of shop. How do you like the gripper of the Gamma? I had some issues double pulling 16g multi's.

 

[beernutz]

Did you consider buying the 602 FC model instead of using flying clamps? I would not say I hated using flying clamps but glide bars and their clamps are so much easier for me to string with that I'd hate to go back to floating clamps now.

 

[eelhc]

Did you consider buying the 602 FC model instead of using flying clamps? I would not say I hated using flying clamps but glide bars and their clamps are so much easier for me to string with that I'd hate to go back to floating clamps now.

I did... But I got the Gamma 602 used with 2 sets of floating clamps (Gamma and Eagnas) and a starting clamp for under. Since, I purchased the Stringway Clamps and sold off the Gamma and Eagnas clamps... So now I have the 602, starting clamp and 3 Stringway clamps (2 triple and 1 double) clamp was. Net cost was MUCH lower than the Alpha Pioneer DC Plus fixed clamp machine I had my eyes on... I'm already getting dirty looks from SWMBO. Eventually I want to work up to a Stringway automatic dropweight machine.

That said... I actually find Stringway floating clamps faster than the fixed Eagnas Flex 940 clamp. The floating clamp is a simple 3 step release-move-tighten move (compatible to guide bar clamps) vs the fixed clamp 5 step release-release-move-tighten-tighten move. Adjusting the position of the clamp is slower with the fixed clamps too (at least it was on my Flex 940... better machines may work more smoothly). Again, this is the video that convinced me to try the floating clamps:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEGfJ3OChdo

BTW... I don't like the double pulling to start and the use of a starting knot on the crosses in the video.

 

[eelhc]

I would be pissed if I got that kind of customer service from any kind of shop. How do you like the gripper of the Gamma? I had some issues double pulling 16g multi's.

Gamma gripper is OK...the linear gripper on some dropweights (and my old crank) is probably better. I did not have too much trouble with double pulling but I don't like the fact I have to kink the string.

 

[TLB]

I've only been stringing for a few months. I started with a used Eagnas Flex 940 with the better fixed clamps and lockout tensioner (supposedly one of the better Eagnas machines) which I picked up for a song.

Then my curiosity got the better of me and I purchased a used Gamma Progression II 602 floating clamp drop weight. I purchased a set of Stringway triple and double clamps to go with the Gamma.

After stringing several racquets on each... I think I like the Gamma/Stringway combo better. The turntable + mounting system is more solid and the Stringway Clamps have little/no drawback compared to the Eagnas. Stringing time is about the same on both, while the crank tensioner is faster than the dropweight, releasing and clamping with the Stringways is faster than releasing and clamping on the flxed clamp machine. This MS200 video is a good example of the Stringway clamps in action:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEGfJ3OChdo

So the net... I use the Gamma + Stringway combo only now (in fact, I've sold off the Eagnas). My conclusion (YMMV) is that a good floating clamp machine + Stringway clamps are better than the lower end fixed clamp machine. Eventually, I want to upgrade to a Stringway automatic dropweight machine.

Thank you for this post.
You commented on my post regarding the CB10. I think I might go with the CB10 and Stringway 1 double + 1 triple clamp combo. The Stringway machines look amazing, but they are so expensive (I do realize the quality is impeccable).

Are you still happy with your Gamma Stringway clamp set up?
Thanks

 

[eelhc]

Thank you for this post.
You commented on my post regarding the CB10. I think I might go with the CB10 and Stringway 1 double + 1 triple clamp combo. The Stringway machines look amazing, but they are so expensive (I do realize the quality is impeccable).

Are you still happy with your Gamma Stringway clamp set up?
Thanks

I have been steadily upgrading since this post and now have a Prince Neos 1500 (Floor standing crank lockout machine).

As I have strung a lot more racquets since this post. At least for a home stringer ~ on my way to 200.

Again, others may disagree with this but my conclusion:

IMO with practice and care can get a consistent stringbed with a manual dropweight but it is EASIER to get a more consistent stringbed with a crank lockout.

When I purchased the Gamma, I was obsessed with absolute tension, constant pull and the fact that dropweights never need calibrating. What I have learned since is that it's no big deal to calibrate a crank lockout tensioner and consistency is more important than spot on accurate tension.

To be as consistent with a manual dropweight, the weight arm + gripper must be in the same position for every pull, the weight must be lowered at the same rate for each pull and the string must be clamped off and the released from the gripper with the same timing. This is a bit extreme but you can't run off to have a cup of coffee while the string is under tension.

That all said... If the CB10 machine is not all too common in Spain or the EU, I would stay away from it. Stringing machines don't break that often but if they do, you want support + spare parts availability.

 

[TLB]

I have been steadily upgrading since this post and now have a Prince Neos 1500 (Floor standing crank lockout machine).

As I have strung a lot more racquets since this post. At least for a home stringer ~ on my way to 200.

Again, others may disagree with this but my conclusion:

IMO with practice and care can get a consistent stringbed with a manual dropweight but it is EASIER to get a more consistent stringbed with a crank lockout.

When I purchased the Gamma, I was obsessed with absolute tension, constant pull and the fact that dropweights never need calibrating. What I have learned since is that it's no big deal to calibrate a crank lockout tensioner and consistency is more important than spot on accurate tension.

To be as consistent with a manual dropweight, the weight arm + gripper must be in the same position for every pull, the weight must be lowered at the same rate for each pull and the string must be clamped off and the released from the gripper with the same timing. This is a bit extreme but you can't run off to have a cup of coffee while the string is under tension.

That all said... If the CB10 machine is not all too common in Spain or the EU, I would stay away from it. Stringing machines don't break that often but if they do, you want support + spare parts availability.

Thank you eelhc,

Having read this I think I'm going to go with the used Alpha Revo 4000 I found.

 

[eelhc]

Thank you eelhc,

Having read this I think I'm going to go with the used Alpha Revo 4000 I found.

Have you looked into Pro's Pro?

http://www.tenis-bsport.es/index.ph...os-pro-bsport/maq-manual-pros-pro/pilot-tenis

 

[TLB]

Have you looked into Pro's Pro?

http://www.tenis-bsport.es/index.ph...os-pro-bsport/maq-manual-pros-pro/pilot-tenis

I have looked into the Pro's Pro and I think I will stick with either a expensive machine or a lower end floating clamp model x-6 or CB10.

Pro's Pro look like OK machines, but I would rather wait, spend less know and upgrade down the road.

Do you think the Revo 4000 isn't a good idea? It's in great condition.

Thanks

 

[eelhc]

I have looked into the Pro's Pro and I think I will stick with either a expensive machine or a lower end floating clamp model x-6 or CB10.

Pro's Pro look like OK machines, but I would rather wait, spend less know and upgrade down the road.

Do you think the Revo 4000 isn't a good idea? It's in great condition.

Thanks

I think the Alpha Revo 4000 is good (have not used that particular machine but did own an Alpha Pioneer DC Plus). That said.. The Pro's Pro pilot is basically the same machine (different base and has a brake). Between the two I would choose the machine I can get better customer support, spare parts, etc in the EU. I really do think all of these machines (Eagnas, Alpha, Pro's Pro) are built from parts sourced through the same manufacturer in China. The differentiator is price, customer support, etc...

You might want to PM TT user flaspur who just picked up a used Pro's Pro XP Plus (stand version of the Pilot).

 

[TLB]

I think the Alpha Revo 4000 is good (have not used that particular machine but did own an Alpha Pioneer DC Plus). That said.. The Pro's Pro pilot is basically the same machine (different base and has a brake). Between the two I would choose the machine I can get better customer support, spare parts, etc in the EU. I really do think all of these machines (Eagnas, Alpha, Pro's Pro) are built from parts sourced through the same manufacturer in China. The differentiator is price, customer support, etc...

You might want to PM TT user flaspur who just picked up a used Pro's Pro XP Plus (stand version of the Pilot).

I haven't looked at Pro's Pro machines because I have read they are made by Eagnas. From what I understand Eagnas's quality and customer service is not great. Also, they only have a 1 year warranty.

I think you have to question the quality when they are offering machines that are half the price in comparison to other brands with good track records. Also, the 1 year warranty is a big red flag.