Which machine?
- Thread starter Pumpkin
- Start date
I had my eye on one with a wise tension head but my instructor said to avoid them it is "beep".
stapletonj
Hall of Fame
If you are not trying to start a business, I would start with a used dropweight.
You will learn a lot about stringing because it is very hands on.
You will feel the pull, understand prestretching on a visceral level, etc.
Once you decide this is for you (whether as a hobby or a business) then you can
decide how much you want to put into a machine.
You will learn a lot about stringing because it is very hands on.
You will feel the pull, understand prestretching on a visceral level, etc.
Once you decide this is for you (whether as a hobby or a business) then you can
decide how much you want to put into a machine.
faded_lines
Rookie
I have the Alpha Revo 4000 crank machine and added a wise tension head. Electronic tensioning just makes stringing so much more smooth and enjoyable. I also feel the string bed is more consistent. I string for my club so it’s already paid itself off in a little over 6 months.
Rabbit
G.O.A.T.
@Pumpkin - to each his own, but I loved the Wise when I had one. I found it reliable and well worth the money.
As to which machine to get, I would heartily recommend either a Prince Neos 1000 (1500 if you can find one) or an Alpha crank. Crank machines are perfectly fine for poly string. If you opt for a drop weight, I would only buy one that had fixed clamps. The tradeoff between drop weight and crank is that drop weights are less expensive but take longer to string on. Cranks are more expensive but are fast. If you opt for an electric, I would recommend either the Alpha Ghost II or the Tourna 700 ES. I have not used the Tourna machine, but can vouch for the Alpha Ghost. It is a nice machine and feature laden.
As to which machine to get, I would heartily recommend either a Prince Neos 1000 (1500 if you can find one) or an Alpha crank. Crank machines are perfectly fine for poly string. If you opt for a drop weight, I would only buy one that had fixed clamps. The tradeoff between drop weight and crank is that drop weights are less expensive but take longer to string on. Cranks are more expensive but are fast. If you opt for an electric, I would recommend either the Alpha Ghost II or the Tourna 700 ES. I have not used the Tourna machine, but can vouch for the Alpha Ghost. It is a nice machine and feature laden.
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ryushen21
Legend
It entirely depends on what you plan to use it for. Are just stringing for yourself or are you trying to make money from it?
I would still say that the Alpha Axis Pro is your best bet. It's a great string and easily upgradeable if you decide that you want a WISE (Which is awesome btw) or different bases, clamps, etc.
I would still say that the Alpha Axis Pro is your best bet. It's a great string and easily upgradeable if you decide that you want a WISE (Which is awesome btw) or different bases, clamps, etc.
If you are going to string for others, you will get tired of a drop weight. If you feel you will get a decent number of racquets to string, then get as much machine as you can afford, as you would upgrade later, and just wish you started being a good machine to start with, as the more features the easier it is and more enjoyable the job .
If something happened to my machine at this time, I would get what @Rabbit said, the alpha ghost, it the tourna machine.
If something happened to my machine at this time, I would get what @Rabbit said, the alpha ghost, it the tourna machine.
ryushen21
Legend
I'm hoping to be able to get one of these by the end of this year if our fundraising goes well. My Alpha + Wise is good but I can only imagine how much better a purpose-built electric machine is. Right now I'm leaning more towards the 700-ES but I'll definitely be looking for more input once I get closer to being able to purchase.
Stringing machines are often categorised by the tension head, but the reality is slightly more nuanced than that. However, there is some direct correlation. In general, when you look at prices, they will tend to be from lowest to highest:
Dropweight -> Crank -> Electronic
In part, this is due to the manufacturing cost of the tension head. I don’t think anyone would be surprised if a bar with weights on it was cheaper to produce that the mechanical crank, which in turn would be cheaper than an electronic device. However, this propagates out to other components; the short version is that the quality of the rest of the machine is usually relative to the tension head.
What we’re talking about here are the likes of the string clamps, the base clamps (if it has them), the integrity (ie. lack of flex) of the turntable, the mounting system… all the way down to the bells and whistles such as height adjustability and brake functionality. All of these are important, and in general, will be relative to the price. Broadly speaking with stringing machines, you get what you pay for - cheap machines consist of cheap components.
So personally speaking, there are very few drop weights I would consider because the rest of the machine is usually going to be cheap. If it wasn’t clear from your conversation with your instructor, it would be worth clarifying whether they think the Wise tension head itself is bad, or if they were commenting on a Wise that came pre-mounted on a poor machine.
‘Which machine’ ultimately comes down to how much you’re comfortable spending. Once you have that clear in your head, it’s easier to work out what’s most suitable for you.
Dropweight -> Crank -> Electronic
In part, this is due to the manufacturing cost of the tension head. I don’t think anyone would be surprised if a bar with weights on it was cheaper to produce that the mechanical crank, which in turn would be cheaper than an electronic device. However, this propagates out to other components; the short version is that the quality of the rest of the machine is usually relative to the tension head.
What we’re talking about here are the likes of the string clamps, the base clamps (if it has them), the integrity (ie. lack of flex) of the turntable, the mounting system… all the way down to the bells and whistles such as height adjustability and brake functionality. All of these are important, and in general, will be relative to the price. Broadly speaking with stringing machines, you get what you pay for - cheap machines consist of cheap components.
So personally speaking, there are very few drop weights I would consider because the rest of the machine is usually going to be cheap. If it wasn’t clear from your conversation with your instructor, it would be worth clarifying whether they think the Wise tension head itself is bad, or if they were commenting on a Wise that came pre-mounted on a poor machine.
‘Which machine’ ultimately comes down to how much you’re comfortable spending. Once you have that clear in your head, it’s easier to work out what’s most suitable for you.
He believed the wise tension head itself was bad because it doesn't pull the desired tension accurately every time.
Thanks Max Ply.
1. I have $2000 to spend
2. I want to get good at it so hopefully about 2 hours per day 6 days per week.
3. If I become proficient then yes I'd like to charge for it and have a little business.
4.Space is not an issue.
Please bear in mind that I am in australia and prices are a lot higher than USA. Also they don't ship outside of USA.
Are dropweights accurate?
esgee48
G.O.A.T.
DW are accurate under 2 conditions. One is the force of gravity does not change where you use the machine. We can assume this is generally true. Second is the strip that tells you where to put the mass is accurately placed on the bar.
So what is available in Australia? Shipping is going to be very expensive, so you should buy local if possible.
Stringway does ship to Australia, but you should check with them directly.
So what is available in Australia? Shipping is going to be very expensive, so you should buy local if possible.
Stringway does ship to Australia, but you should check with them directly.
guanzishou
G.O.A.T.
I got the Gamma Progression II ELS Stringing Machine for AUD 2045.46 from Tennis Only, and am very happy with it.
But I see this electric machine is not on their website anymore, maybe they ran out of stock. Maybe you can contact them and ask when it's in stock again.
I had to buy a starting clamp and other tools as well. I didn't buy the floor stand, and I just put the machine on a sturdy table.
I use it very often because I often break my synthetic gut string. It's a very reliable machine and really well built.
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Actually that looks like a good little one. Is the motor reasonably quiet?
From what I can see its even out of stock on the Gamma website.
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Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
Reconsider your budget. If you’re stringing 12 hours a week any sub par machine will stop working or you’ll be spending more time fixing it than you do stringing. If you buy a machine based on low price you’ll be replacing it soon. Better machines not only hold up better, they’re easier to work with, faster, and with the volume you’ll have pay for themselves.
But a drop weight machine won't break down?
How can I send a private PM to you or private mail?
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Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
A drop weight won’t break down that is VERY true. But it will take you longer to string a racket and if your stringing 12 hours a week you’re going to be waiting a lot of time.
To send a PM click on my avatar or login name and select “start a conversation.” If you want I start a conversation with you.
EDIT: Let me give you a DW to eCP comparison. If you were putting a roof on a house would you rather use a hammer or a nail gun. Yes the nail gun will break before the hammer but in the long run the time you save is tremendous.
WYK
Legend
The Gamma crank TennisOnly have in stock will last years and is easy and a pleasure to use. A very good first machine if you are OK with a crank.
Ronaldo
Bionic Poster
Bought a used Neos 1000 from TW BITD and it is quick.
Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
A lockout with single action clamps if one of the fastest machines money can buy, and they’re very long lasting. But LO machines are not constant pull. I strung faster on my Prince MP-100 BITD than I did on any other machine I’ve used.
I would suggest a review of an old thread to a good idea of different machines.
Mansewerz's Guide to Buying Stringing Machines
The following post is strictly my opinion. I will try to remain as objective as I can and become subjective when necessary. These are not the ultimate authority on any subject. Do I need a stringing machine? If you belong to any, but not limited to just one, of the following groups, then you...
tt.tennis-warehouse.com
guanzishou
G.O.A.T.
The motor is reasonably quiet, not very loud. But each time you press the tensioning button it will give a loud "beep" sound, but it is not too loud.
But if you string in the same room where somebody else is sleeping probably it will wake the person up unless he or she is a deep sleeper.
String in a room where you can shut the door if it's going to bother other people in the house.
Haha. Nobody will be in the room . Just I noticed on videos the wise tension head sounds like it's straining in pain. I don't want that
guanzishou
G.O.A.T.
The machine I've got doesn't have the "painful straining" sound... The sound of the tensioning action is quite smooth.
So would I be right in saying it is reasonably priced because it is a table top?
Hope it comes back in stock soon. Sounds like a winner. Thankyou a lot for the tip.
guanzishou
G.O.A.T.
Yeah it can be put on a table and quite small compared to more expensive machine like Wilson Baiardo.
The tensioning mechanism uses a rotational pull, so you have to coil or wrap the string tail around a cylindrical piece that would rotate and pull the string. More expensive machines use horizontal / linear pull and is quicker to use and more ergonomical, but I don't find it too difficult to use my machine... it is very easy to use.
More expensive machines also have more sophisticated features. But my machine has enough features that I need.
Other forum member said that he can string much quicker with Wilson Baiardo. But he still sometimes use the Gamma Progression II ELS for tournaments as well.
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@uk_skippy What do you think of the HEAD TE-3300 ?
Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
If you’re ever considering stringing at tournaments you may want to consider table top machines. But don’t overlook many eCP machines which can be used at table top machines also. My Star 5 and Tourna 700-ES could easily be converted to table top machines. Especially the Tourna 700-ES. If I were to remove the base (4 bolts) I’d still have over a 100 pound tabletop machine but the turn table and electronic tensioner comes off with 4 bolt each then each section (base mount, turntable, and tensioner) is easily moved around. Moving electronic machines around creates other problems like they will need to be calibrated. The Tourna 700-ES has the easiest calibration procedure of any machine I‘ve owned. Not saying you should get a Tourna machine though. If you have to buy any machine from outside Australia and send it out of the country for repair I would scratch that off my list.
Ronaldo
Bionic Poster
Pneumatic? Recall watching a stringer at an indoor club with an air compressor. He has at least 5 or more machines in his home.A lockout with single action clamps if one of the fastest machines money can buy, and they’re very long lasting. But LO machines are not constant pull. I strung faster on my Prince MP-100 BITD than I did on any other machine I’ve used.
I would suggest a review of an old thread to a good idea of different machines.
Mansewerz's Guide to Buying Stringing Machines
The following post is strictly my opinion. I will try to remain as objective as I can and become subjective when necessary. These are not the ultimate authority on any subject. Do I need a stringing machine? If you belong to any, but not limited to just one, of the following groups, then you...
USMC-615
Hall of Fame
Just here for the comments…lol
Not sure I’m following the Wise comments about the ’noise’ factor. Maybe the OP has only been around the very first production run of Wise tension heads…for all I know they may’ve sounded like sirens and tornadoes coming through your house. Lol
And by the way…Go Braves!
Not sure I’m following the Wise comments about the ’noise’ factor. Maybe the OP has only been around the very first production run of Wise tension heads…for all I know they may’ve sounded like sirens and tornadoes coming through your house. Lol
And by the way…Go Braves!
USMC-615
Hall of Fame
Only one I’ve ever seen was a Prince pneumatic...no clue as to the model.
Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
MP-100 or 200
fritzhimself
Hall of Fame
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I would also do this, considering the OP.
uk_skippy
Hall of Fame
Solid machine. Works well. But I'd wait for the improved version due out next year. It has better clamps, better turntable & 6/12 billiards. Head seam to be the only company loking to improve their version of this machine, which is made by Xthree. The Prince 7000, Ahpa Ghost 2, Dunlop havent really progressed since their introduction
USMC-615
Hall of Fame
Exactly what I did. Approx $1140 tied up in a new Gamma ST II crank/LO, new v14 Wise 2086, and new Gamma Premium Stand.
$1140 for the whole setup?? Can't be right, no? Gotta be around $2K (USD)...
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Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
That would depend on the tournament and whether you’re on or off site.
a quick look at options from retailers in your region, shows the AEF Egret 200 Stringing Machine can be had for $1200 AUS, and it look identical to the Alpha Axis Pro I've had for 20 years. I did upgrade mine to the Wise Tension, but that looks like its a $1100 AUS investment in your region. Stick to the LO to get started. You can always upgrade later.
Check out the used inventory (if any) in your area too. LOs lack forever...there's nothing particularly fancy about them so their design is largely unchanged over the years.
Check out the used inventory (if any) in your area too. LOs lack forever...there's nothing particularly fancy about them so their design is largely unchanged over the years.
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USMC-615
Hall of Fame
Gamma ST II was $879 new, came with a little shipping damage/scratches, nothing that affects any performance or function...was the last one in stock. Took pictures, emailed them, they offered a discount of $300, I accepted…made the ST II $579. Wise 2086 v14 was $625 minus 10% discount, made it $562.50. Gamma Premium Stand was $169, came looking like it and the box was drug behind the UPS truck halfway here…was refunded the entire amount w/tax after I emailed them pics. They didn’t want it back after having to send me a pre-paid return shipping label, having to eat that money as well. Wasn’t worth it to ‘em. A buddy of mine runs a paint shop/powder coating shop…he re-sprayed and clear-coated the stand and legs black gloss for a case of cold beer. So with all that said, $579 + $562.50 = 1141.50 when it was all said and done, of course add 7% sales tax, $79.91, final drive out was $1221.41.
My $1140 was actually off…didn’t account for the sales tax. So, we’ll just call it $1225 for the whole shooting match.
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What is billiards? Can I get the machine serviced in australia if there's an issue?
uk_skippy
Hall of Fame
Billiards are the L shaped supports that are at 6/12 i.e they slide in and out of the post. The current Head as well as the Dunlop/Alpha GHost/Prince have billiards that dont give good feedback when they touch the frame at 6/12 and theres the risk of overtightening them causing the frame to be stretched. The new Head machine addresses this problem as is much better. I used this machine at the Madrid Masters
I know one fo the guys that works for Head in Australia. He would be the best person to answer that question. I'll ask him and let you know
USMC-615
Hall of Fame
Those are the two small vertical racquet support/holders that tighten at the 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock positions of the hoop.
OT - where bouts in stralia are ya?
