Why are glide bar clamp machines going extinct?

[bruno hau]

Most higher end stringing machines these days are with the fixed clamps that swivel and slide go up & down. Still this is a 2-action tensioning for each string. Glide bar machines are 1-action tensioning. Also, the clamps on the glide bar machines tend to be all metal and will last a lifetime whereas the clamps that swivel and go up & down tend to be plastic with metal coated teeth. So why are glide bar machines going away?

 

[YULitle]

Most higher end stringing machines these days are with the fixed clamps that swivel and slide go up & down. Still this is a 2-action tensioning for each string. Glide bar machines are 1-action tensioning. Also, the clamps on the glide bar machines tend to be all metal and will last a lifetime whereas the clamps that swivel and go up & down tend to be plastic with metal coated teeth. So why are glide bar machines going away?

Most high end machines have all metal or mostly metal clamps, ALA Tecnifibre TF7000 or Babolat Star 5. Having strung on both the Neos 1000 (glide bar) and the two aforementioned machines I can state that swivel clamps are BY FAR easier to use. The two action quickly turns into one motion with time, especially with spring assisted lockdowns. Also, switching the bars from one side to the other is a royal pain, IMO. Also, the ultra-highend machines often have electromagnetic swivel clamp lockouts. This locks the swivel clamps in place as soon as the clamp is, well, clamped.