Used Prince Neos 1000 vs new Gamma X-ST

[jdhaynes]

I'm a total newb to stringing, first racquet I do on whichever machine I end up with will be my first ever. I will string for myself - not really a string breaker, but I like to experiment with materials and tension - and my 10 year old, who plays a great deal, beyond that who knows, but I don't plan on doing this for money. Am I making a fair comparison with these two machines? Neos is $850 for what looks like a very nice used example. I know it has new clamps, and is basically a "new machine" according to the seller. I've spent time reading and re-reading the sticky and numerous posts, and gone crazy on you tube with the stringing videos. Space is not an issue - this machine will go in a spacious workout room in my house. Thanks for any help here.

 

[Cobra Tennis]

This has been covered ad nauseam, but for my money I would get the NEOS. It's been around for 30 years for a good reason. It's easy, built like a tank, and very easy to get consistent results. Try looking in your classifieds on Facebook or craigslist. there are usually a few for sale.

 

[Irvin]

$850 seems a little high to me but I guess it depends on its age. You may want to call Tennis Machines and get a price from them.

 

[jdhaynes]

$850 seems a little high to me but I guess it depends on its age. You may want to call Tennis Machines and get a price from them.

That's actually the source, if I can say that here. I was feeling it was a pretty good deal (being that they now go for $1350 new) from all I've read here, but of course, I have to overanalyze the possibilities and was hoping some great nugget will fall out of this thread!!

 

[Irvin]

New now they are $1249, they are $1349 with a USRSA membership. At least you can assume it is in top condition. But if it were me I would go for the new one for only 1/3 off. Unless I was getting a great deal I would not go for used. But only you can decide on what you want to pay.

 

[esgee48]

You will have more issues with fan shaped string patterns with the NEOS; but if you also get a floating clamp, is not really an issue. 2 point mount on the NEOS. Depends on what type of support you think you need. Obviously, the NEOS is engineered to support the frames properly otw there would be plenty of complaints. 2 cents. And I assume you'll get a decent warranty from TM.

 

[Irvin]

You will have more issues with fan shaped string patterns with the NEOS; but if you also get a floating clamp, is not really an issue. 2 point mount on the NEOS. Depends on what type of support you think you need. Obviously, the NEOS is engineered to support the frames properly otw there would be plenty of complaints. 2 cents. And I assume you'll get a decent warranty from TM.

The new NEOS comes with floating clamps for fan rackets. Not sure about used machines.
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Prince_NEOS_1000_Stringing_Machine/descpagePRINCE-NEOS.html

 

[jdhaynes]

The new NEOS comes with floating clamps for fan rackets. Not sure about used machines.
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Prince_NEOS_1000_Stringing_Machine/descpagePRINCE-NEOS.html

It comes with a floating clamp - not sure if that is a throw-in or original to this machine. He's also giving me a new cover FWIW. The guy I talked to (don't know if its ok to say his hame or not) said he was the one who personally did the refurbishing. Has new string clamp and new dog kit (whatever that is). I was thinking I was getting a good deal. I pulled the trigger on it. We will see how it goes. Three of the four people in this town that that do a volume of stringing use this machine (my stringer uses a Wilson Baiardo), so I should have some built-in support should I need it.

 

[Irvin]

I doubt you will regret your purchase. Welcome to stringing.

 

[MAX PLY]

Used Neos reconditioned from TM . . . Buy it! Easy call.

 

[graycrait]

I got a refurbished Neos 1000 from TM, no worries and someone at the other end who knows what they are doing if you need help. Since getting this machine in summer 2014, my first, I've probably spent more than the machine costs just on string.

 

[dak95_00]

NEOS will last forever and there's a reason why TW uses it too along w/ many other high volume shops.

 

[loosegroove]

I think that was the right decision. Personally, I would take the reconditioned NEOS from TM over a new one for $400 more without hesitation. Though I'm the ultimate cheapo, so I'd probably have waited for a used one off of craigslist in worse condition for less.

 

[GatorTennis]

Does the Wise tensioner work on the NEOS? I'm assuming it does, but figured I'd ask and see if there are any issues with it.

Also, is the NEOS easy to breakdown to travel with?

 

[ten11]

Does the Wise tensioner work on the NEOS? I'm assuming it does, but figured I'd ask and see if there are any issues with it.

Also, is the NEOS easy to breakdown to travel with?

Yes for both.
You can break the neos in two part in less than one minute and put in your car.

 

[gchen]

You made the right choice. Neos used is probably better than X-St. I have used both extensively. The Neos with new clamps and from a reputable source well worth the paid price.