What's the Difference????

[dantesinferno18]

Hi all,

Currently in the market for a new stringer as I'm looking to upgrade from my $200 drop weight stringer. I've been looking at machines in the $800 - $1500 price range and have noticed that the Gamma 5003 appears to be quite similar to the 6004 except for the $500 price difference. Curious if anyone can explain to me what you are getting with the 6004 that you are not getting with the 5003 and if its worth the money. Also curious how both machines compare to a Prince NEOS (I think they are around $1400 USD).

Appreciate everyone's responses!

 

[Folsom_Stringer_Musa]

For the extra money, you are getting 1) Self centering 6 point mounting system. 2) Better clamps base instead of clamps they use in their drop weight machine.
I think in the long run, it will be worst the extra cost.

I used the clamps of Gamma 5003. I just don't like them but gets the job done.

Prince NEOS 1000/1500 has mounting system like Gamma 5003 but 1000 clamps are glide bar and 1500 clamps are like Gamma 6004.

I own NEOS 1500 and l like it.

 

[Wes]

the Gamma 5003 appears to be quite similar to the 6004 except for the $500 price difference. Curious if anyone can explain to me what you are getting with the 6004 that you are not getting with the 5003 and if its worth the money. Also curious how both machines compare to a Prince NEOS (I think they are around $1400 USD).

Appreciate everyone's responses!

So, here's the breakdown:
First (especially since you're trying to compare prices) you need to realize that you aren't simply comparing 2 machines, you're really comparing 5 machines.

The 6004 comes in 2 flavors - both of which have the self-centering feature (SC). You can choose either the 6004 SC 6pt., or the 6004 SC 2pt.
Basically, you're simply choosing whether you want the 6pt. mounting or 2pt. mounting (both of these systems are fast and efficient).
Oddly enough, both are the same retail price ($1700)
FWIW, I happen to own the 6004 SC 2pt.

The 5003 comes in 3 flavors.
One of those variants (the so-called "6pt. Quick Mount" version) does not have the self-centering feature.
To move the two towers apart (or closer) you need to use a hex wrench to loosen/tighten each tower. It's just a bit more fiddly and occasionally may take a bit more time to dial in a specific adjustment. The "Quick Mount" name is somewhat misleading, in that it is actually the slowest & most fiddly.
In other words, it's the same mounting system that you see on some of Gamma's other models (i.e. Gamma X-ST, Progression ST, X-6FC, Progression 602FC).

Now, the remaining 2 variants each do have the self-centering feature (SC).
You can choose the 5003 SC 6pt., or the 5003 SC 2pt.
The 5003 SC 2pt. also has far fewer adjustments/knobs to deal with (i.e. easier/faster mounting & unmounting).

The three 5003 variants are at 3 different retail price points.
$1200 6pt. "Quick Mount"
$1300 6pt. SC
$1400 2pt. SC

BTW, it doesn't make a lot of sense to me why you have to pay $100 more for the 5003 SC 2pt. than the 5003 SC 6pt.
After all, if one chooses the 6004 SC 2pt., it costs the same price as the 6004 SC 6pt.


What makes the 6004 notably different (and much nicer to use) than the any of the 5003 variants is the base clamps.

All 3 of the the 5003 variants (regardless of which) come with the exact same base clamps that many other Gamma machines come with (the so-called "Quick Action Base Clamps"). These are the same base clamps that you find on the X-ST, Progression ST, X-6FC, Progression 602FC models.

The 6004 (either one) comes with the much nicer/easier base clamps (the so-called "Switch Action Cam Lock Base Clamps").


So, when you previously mentioned the $500 difference, you really weren't comparing "apples to apples". $500 reflects the difference between the lowest tier 5003 versus either 6004 option.

So, it may be more accurate/prudent to compare the prices of the self-centering equivalents.
5003 SC 6pt. versus 6004 SC 6pt. = $400 difference
5003 SC 2pt. versus 6004 SC 2pt. = $300 difference

If you're stringing for other people, in addition to yourself, that extra $300/$400 will pay for itself after just 20/27 string jobs (presuming a $15 fee).
Nonetheless, the $300/$400 difference is well worth it, IMO, for the ease/enjoyment that those base clamps provide.

Hey @struggle, can I get an Amen on that?

 

[Wes]

Prince NEOS 1000/1500 has mounting system like Gamma 5003 but 1000 clamps are glide bar and 1500 clamps are like Gamma 6004.

In order to be accurate, the above statement needs to be qualified.
The Neos 1000/1500 mounting system is like the 2pt. versions of a Gamma 5003, or 6004.

To clarify...
The 6pt. versions (of the 5003 or 6004) is nothing like the mounting found on a Neos 1000/1500.

 

[Folsom_Stringer_Musa]

In order to be accurate, the above statement needs to be qualified.
The Neos 1000/1500 mounting system is like the 2pt. versions of a Gamma 5003, or 6004.

To clarify...
The 6pt. versions (of the 5003 or 6004) is nothing like the mounting found on a Neos 1000/1500.

You are correct. I was only aware of one model of 5003 that you have. Looks like they have 2 more models of 5003.
You provided nice details of 6003 and 6004.
Thanks

 

[Wes]

You are correct. I was only aware of one model of 5003 that you have. Looks like they have 2 more models of 5003.
You provided nice details of 6003 and 6004.
Thanks

Actually, I don't have the 5003. I have the 6004 (2pt.) which has the much nicer base clamps.

BTW, it's really nothing new. Gamma has had 3 options on the 5003, and 2 options on the 6004, for a long time now.

 

[Folsom_Stringer_Musa]

Actually, I don't have the 5003. I have the 6004 (2pt.) which has the much nicer base clamps.

BTW, it's really nothing new. Gamma has had 3 options on the 5003, and 2 options on the 6004, for a long time now.

Well, gamma makes machines like Toyota makes cars. Why so many models?

 

[Wes]

Well, gamma makes machines like Toyota makes cars. Why so many models?

To meet the various wants/needs of various consumers.

Not everyone needs a Camry.
Some need something a touch less fancy (Corolla) and some need something with more room, bells & whistles (Avalon).

Personally, I think it's a good thing that Gamma offers many choices/variety. Do I think all of them are appropriately priced (relative to one another)?
No, but that's a different matter.

I think that Gamma and Alpha have good options to choose from. I feel like some of the other brands could stand to have additional machines in their line-up.

You think Gamma has too many models? Take a peek at how many Eagnas makes. Now, that is ridiculous.

 

[struggle]

So, here's the breakdown:
First (especially since you're trying to compare prices) you need to realize that you aren't simply comparing 2 machines, you're really comparing 5 machines.

The 6004 comes in 2 flavors - both of which have the self-centering feature (SC). You can choose either the 6004 SC 6pt., or the 6004 SC 2pt.
Basically, you're simply choosing whether you want the 6pt. mounting or 2pt. mounting (both of these systems are fast and efficient).
Oddly enough, both are the same retail price ($1700)
FWIW, I happen to own the 6004 SC 2pt.

The 5003 comes in 3 flavors.
One of those variants (the so-called "6pt. Quick Mount" version) does not have the self-centering feature.
To move the two towers apart (or closer) you need to use a hex wrench to loosen/tighten each tower. It's just a bit more fiddly and occasionally may take a bit more time to dial in a specific adjustment. The "Quick Mount" name is somewhat misleading, in that it is actually the slowest & most fiddly.
In other words, it's the same mounting system that you see on some of Gamma's other models (i.e. Gamma X-ST, Progression ST, X-6FC, Progression 602FC).

Now, the remaining 2 variants each do have the self-centering feature (SC).
You can choose the 5003 SC 6pt., or the 5003 SC 2pt.
The 5003 SC 2pt. also has far fewer adjustments/knobs to deal with (i.e. easier/faster mounting & unmounting).

The three 5003 variants are at 3 different retail price points.
$1200 6pt. "Quick Mount"
$1300 6pt. SC
$1400 2pt. SC

BTW, it doesn't make a lot of sense to me why you have to pay $100 more for the 5003 SC 2pt. than the 5003 SC 6pt.
After all, if one chooses the 6004 SC 2pt., it costs the same price as the 6004 SC 6pt.


What makes the 6004 notably different (and much nicer to use) than the any of the 5003 variants is the base clamps.

All 3 of the the 5003 variants (regardless of which) come with the exact same base clamps that many other Gamma machines come with (the so-called "Quick Action Base Clamps"). These are the same base clamps that you find on the X-ST, Progression ST, X-6FC, Progression 602FC models.

The 6004 (either one) comes with the much nicer/easier base clamps (the so-called "Switch Action Cam Lock Base Clamps").


So, when you previously mentioned the $500 difference, you really weren't comparing "apples to apples". $500 reflects the difference between the lowest tier 5003 versus either 6004 option.

So, it may be more accurate/prudent to compare the prices of the self-centering equivalents.
5003 SC 6pt. versus 6004 SC 6pt. = $400 difference
5003 SC 2pt. versus 6004 SC 2pt. = $300 difference

If you're stringing for other people, in addition to yourself, that extra $300/$400 will pay for itself after just 20/27 string jobs (presuming a $15 fee).
Nonetheless, the $300/$400 difference is well worth it, IMO, for the ease/enjoyment that those base clamps provide.

Hey @struggle, can I get an Amen on that?

Amen.

I don't really see the price point of the 5003 in any form. It's a very capable machine
but for similar money i'd be buying the alpha with (what i consider) better base clamps.

 

[Folsom_Stringer_Musa]

You think Gamma has too many models? Take a peek at how many Eagnas makes. Now, that is ridiculous.

You got me here.
I wish Gamma had a table top drop weight or crank with self centering 6pt mount system and clamp base of 6004.

 

[struggle]

I'm a huge fan and very happy with my Gamma machine, BUT their offerings do confuse me on some levels.

 

[dantesinferno18]

Thanks for everyone’s for the feedback this is super helpful. I think it it is coming down to the Prince NEOS 1000 or the Gamma 6004. Sounds like both are bullet proof crank machines that will last me a lifetime of solid string jobs. I'm currently leaning towards the NEOS 1000 as it comes in a few hundred dollars cheaper. Curious what your thoughts are between these two machines. (I haven't been able to find any NEOS 1500s for sale but those look awesome as well)

 

[Irvin]

@dantesinferno18 IMO THE most important feature of a stringing machine is the clamping system. When I say clamping system I mean clamps, bases, and turntable. Fixed swivel clamps are better than glide bar clamps except for speed. Closely following the clamps is the tensioner. A good set of flying clamps can eliminate of lot of issues you may may with glide bars.

 

[MAX PLY]

^^^I think I slightly disagree with Irvin above. I agree that clamps are THE key but I don't agree that fixed swivel clamps "are better" than glide bar clamps--they are just different. I would maintain that the Neos 1000 clamps hold a string as good or better than anything else out there this side of a top-end Babolat, Wilson or Yonex machine, they are simple to use and they are super easy to maintain. Their two disadvantages are: (1) they don't really work with fan pattern racquets (flying clamps remedy this if you have that circumstance) and (2) you do have to move the glide bar to string the crosses (but that takes 20 seconds). That stated, the real difference between the Gamma and the Neos is personal preference--they are both fine machines (made well, easy to use and maintain and backed by good and knowledgeable service resources). Either choice you make will serve you well. Good luck.

 

[Wes]

@dantesinferno18 IMO THE most important feature of a stringing machine is the clamping system. When I say clamping system I mean clamps, bases, and turntable.

I would agree.

Fixed swivel clamps are better than glide bar clamps except for speed.

I don't agree. I would phrase it as "fixed swivel clamps are more versatile (not better) than glide-bar clamps".

 

[Folsom_Stringer_Musa]

I would agree.


I don't agree. I would phrase it as "fixed swivel clamps are more versatile (not better) than glide-bar clamps".

Agree here. Glide bar clamps are single action clamps vs dual action (quick) fixed clamps.

 

[Wes]

I wish Gamma had a table top drop weight or crank with self centering 6pt mount system and clamp base of 6004.

Gamma? Check.
Table top? Check.
Drop weight? Check.
Self centering? Check.
6004 Switch-Action Cam-Lock bases? Check.

Sorry I let you down with the 2pt.


Gamma? Check.
Table top? Check.
Crank? Check.
Self centering? Check.
6004 Switch-Action Cam-Lock bases? Check.

Again, sorry about the "meager" 2pt.


But why stop there?
Might as well...

 

[Folsom_Stringer_Musa]

Gamma? Check.
Table top? Check.
Drop weight? Check.
Self centering? Check.
6004 Switch-Action Cam-Lock bases? Check.

Sorry I let you down with the 2pt.


Gamma? Check.
Table top? Check.
Crank? Check.
Self centering? Check.
6004 Switch-Action Cam-Lock bases? Check.

Again, sorry about the "meager" 2pt.


But why stop there?
Might as well...

Wow!!
You assembled it by collecting separate parts, right?
But awesome.

 

[Wes]

Wow!!
You assembled it by collecting separate parts, right?
But awesome.

Yeah.
I simply put my 6004 turntable onto an X-6FC base (BTW, you can't actually bolt the turntable to that base [totally different fittings/parts]. I just sat the turntable on there for the photo.)

Then I bolted the 6004 turntable onto an X-ST base.