Why is 2-point mount not good enough ?

[TimeToPlaySets]

I have a Gamma X and it had 2 mount points.
Seems perfectly fine to me. Racket does not move.

So, why do advanced stringers have 4 and 6 point mounts?
What's the big deal ? The $500 DW systems tend to have fancy racket mounts.
If it were me, I'd focus on getting rid of that ratchet wheel, not the 2 point mount.

 

[bfroxen]

A 2-point mount seems fine to me, too. Upgraded mounting systems are typically faster than the Gamma X2, though.

To me, the biggest upgrade is from flying clamps to fixed clamps. A faster tensioner would be next (though I like the simplicity of my DW).

 

[TimeToPlaySets]

How is the mounting system faster?

Why are fixed clamps faster?
With flying, you just aim and clamp.
Not seeing how you can save time on this step.

 

[Tennis_dude101]

I've got a 2 point mount on my Pro Stringer also, no problems at all. The smallest racquet I've strung is 93"sq and the largest is the Gamma Big Bubba at 137"sq.

 

[2nd Serve Ace]

2 pts slip a lot and tilt to the side when doing the crosses.

Not to mention the level of the gripper and the frame aren't ever even on bargain stringers.

 

[Tennis_dude101]

2 pts slip a lot and tilt to the side when doing the crosses.

Not to mention the level of the tensioner and the frame aren't ever even on bargain stringers.

Sent from my SM-T560NU using Tapatalk

Not so on my Pro Stringer... ;-)

 

[2nd Serve Ace]

Not so on my Pro Stringer... ;-)

Ok just saw a video of this. It does the tiniest bit of a pull that would only work for full poly at low tension. That's my initial take on it.

Hey, it could work for some ppl. [emoji848]

The tensioner does appear to go flush to the frame.

 

[bfroxen]

How is the mounting system faster?

Why are fixed clamps faster?
With flying, you just aim and clamp.
Not seeing how you can save time on this step.

There's just less to do with the mounting of the 602FC compared to the X2. Perhaps a nice 2-point is even better, but I only have experience with those two.

Fixed clamps many not be any faster than flying clamps, but they make a more consistent string bed possible.

 

[am1899]

There was a time that many believed 4 and 6 point mounting systems were superior to 2 point mount. I’m not so sure that that belief is as widely held as it once was.

Also, in recent years, some machine mfg’s have started offering either 2 point or 6 point mount for some of their mid and higher level machines. To me that could suggest that machine mfg’s don’t necessarily believe in the superiority of 6 point mounting systems, either. (I have no proof to back this up, just a guess).

Edit: I’ve worked with fixed and flying clamps (even those from Stringway), and it’s no contest - fixed clamps are far and away superior, in every way.

Not everyone is going to agree with me on that, and that’s fine. The counter point I would make to them is there are reasons you don’t see the best stringers in the world, stringing pro’s racquets, with flying clamps.

 

[2nd Serve Ace]

My opinion is that table top fixed clamps are suspect, but pedestal fixed clamps are reliable.

Sent from my SM-T560NU using Tapatalk

 

[am1899]

Indeed, all fixed clamps are not created equal. But same goes for flying clamps. You get what you pay for.

 

[PedrosCousin]

My opinion is that table top fixed clamps are suspect, but pedestal fixed clamps are reliable.

Sent from my SM-T560NU using Tapatalk

What makes you say that? Almost all the stringing I've ever done has been on progression ELS or 602FC and I can't recall any issues with the clamps.

 

[struggle]

I have a Gamma X and it had 2 mount points.
Seems perfectly fine to me. Racket does not move.

So, why do advanced stringers have 4 and 6 point mounts?
What's the big deal ? The $500 DW systems tend to have fancy racket mounts.
If it were me, I'd focus on getting rid of that ratchet wheel, not the 2 point mount.

O like the "floating" aspect of 6 point mount. You don't really "clamp" the frame down...you suspend it in the mount(s)
if that makes sense?

Mounting systems are one thing, and has ZERO to do with "that ratchet wheel".

You kinda need to stick to one issue per thread that you create.

 

[SavvyStringer]

6 point is superior because Stone Cold said so...

 

[Rabbit]

I've had experience with both. I've owned Prince Neos 1000/1500 and the Babolat Mighty Sensor. IMO, the Prince 1500 has the best mounting system of the three. it's quickest, solid, and easiest. I fault the Neos 1000 because of the design of the lock which is under the table; i.e. it's easy to forget to lock the dadgum thing and about the 2nd or 3rd cross, pop there goes the frame. The Mighty Sensor is a six-point and I've heard people opine about how much better it is than a two (or four depending on who you ask) point. I simply don't see it. It's just another way of getting the same task accomplished. The six-point lets the racket "float" in the mount and the 4-point locks the racket in the mount. I find it easier to lock the six-point too tightly if you're not careful.

 

[struggle]

I think the only thing i don't like about 2-point is that you really have to "smash" the racket in the mounts,
BUT at the same time I think the rackets can handle that and it's really a non-issue. I guess, with the exception of the NEOS,
one just has to get used to the 6 point mount.

It's kinda like driving a stick shift these days......good luck finding one, but if you do it will serve you well as long as you know
how to use it.

 

[struggle]

I don't Fedr cares if you string his racquet on a 2 or a 6........or if he can tell a difference.

 

[Irvin]

6 point is superior because Stone Cold said so...

LOL

Some 2 pt mounts are fine and they cost less, other 2 point not so fine. Same for 6 point mounts. I would not necessarily say 2 or 6 point mounts are better than the other it all depends on which ones you’re talking about. Generally speaking the 2 mounts (like those on an X-2 machine) can present some problems when you are clamping with the large flying clamps that come with the machine. I do like the Gamma flying clamp because they are so large there is little or no drawback when tension is released.

When it comes to clamps hands down fixed swivel clamp are superior and more versatile. Any clamp that is not clean and properly adjusted will cause problems.

 

[TimeToPlaySets]

I've never had a racket move in a 2-point mount.
But, it is tedious to thread screw the securing nut down that entire long stud to secure the racket
So, I guess the 4-point mount saves a few seconds of time?

 

[Irvin]

I've never had a racket move in a 2-point mount.
But, it is tedious to thread screw the securing nut down that entire long stud to secure the racket
So, I guess the 4-point mount saves a few seconds of time?

I had a 4 point Eagas and it was much slower than the X-2, my Gamma 6004 6 pt was much faster than any other machine I’ve ever used, and my Babolat Star 5 is somewhere in the middle.

 

[Peppershaker]

I started with the X-2, which for learning was just fine. The one aspect that unnerved me was that on some racquets (and I'm guessing now the more flexible ones) there was a definite downward bowing of the frames when tensioning crosses. Someone above mentioned that not all 2-point machines are the same and I'd agree with this since I've never seen this phenomena with either my NEOS 1000 or 1500.

 

[Irvin]

^^I wonder if the bowing was just the standards bending to the side as tension is applied? I’ll have to look the next time I use my X-2.

 

[graycrait]

I'd agree with this since I've never seen this phenomena with either my NEOS 1000 or 1500.

One of these days I hope some local stringer buys a Bairdo or similar machine so I can see how the $5K plus machine strings better than my NEOS 1000. The only electronic machines I know of in town are a pair of ELS Gammas at the local uni. Even though they work day in and day out nothing about them makes me want to switch. It isn't like I can't buy the high end ECP machine, but I can't imagine how that extra cash will improve my tennis. Plus, like with Zyex, I like to pull at "my speed." I get that the high end machines are reliable but if the electricity isn't then the machine isn't, or the motherboard, etc. In any case, probably because I don't know better, I can't understand how you beat the NEOS 1000, even with its "2-piece" mounting system and glide bars.

Living in blissful ignorance.

 

[Rabbit]

@graycrait - from one whose been there, they do string better. It's not so much the tension, but the clamps and the ability to keep crosses as straight as arrows that impresses me.

 

[graycrait]

keep crosses as straight as arrows that impresses me.

When I am stringing crosses on the NEOS 1000 have a pretty good feel with spread fingers in moving crosses to the best position so that when I pull the crank everything is straight. I don't have "smiley face" crosses, even though once in a while when I am doing polys I might have to go back one to a cross and straighten it before pulling tension on the next. On what I call an easy frame I probably am pressed to string one in 15 minutes.

 

[struggle]

One thing you gain with going 6004/NEOS and adding a WISE over the Gamma ELS etc
is that you will have much nicer base clamps. I personally think that base clamps should
be THE SINGLE biggest factor (or close) considered when weighing decisions on a machine
that's not in the Babolat/Bairdo/etc. range. At that point it doesn't matter, but in the lower
to mid range ($$) this a huge deal. Lots of folks have a nice elctronic (some of these Gammas,
especilally) machine with what i would call sub-par baseclamps. This baffles me.

Sure, the base clamps work. But i'd rather have nice baseclamps and a lockout, vs an electronic
constant pull with a drum/rotational gripper and lesser baseclamps (no switch action).

 

[SavvyStringer]

I would say it also depends what you learn on. I learned on a Prince 5k with 6 point mounts and a cp tension head. Moved to a Star5 (same set up) then to Alpha Ghost and Baiardo. I’ve done like 5 rackets ever on a crank machine 2 on a neos 1000 and 3 on a gamma crank. The gamma had the 6 point and wasn’t so bad but the neos tried to kill me. I think a lot of it was not having a stand so I had it sitting on the floor and was sitting while I was stringing. I wouldn’t go crank because it actually slows me down.

 

[struggle]

I would say it also depends what you learn on. I learned on a Prince 5k with 6 point mounts and a cp tension head. Moved to a Star5 (same set up) then to Alpha Ghost and Baiardo. I’ve done like 5 rackets ever on a crank machine 2 on a neos 1000 and 3 on a gamma crank. The gamma had the 6 point and wasn’t so bad but the neos tried to kill me. I think a lot of it was not having a stand so I had it sitting on the floor and was sitting while I was stringing. I wouldn’t go crank because it actually slows me down.

Yes, so you've never used anything but switch action base clamps.

I'm telling ya, to me it's one of the biggest differences and is what i'd base many decisions on
if i were in the hunt for a machine,

Many moons ago, I had a Kmate. It was fine.

9-10 years ago i got a "higher end" eagnas (910). It had decent (for that lineage) baseclamps.
Switch action, but not brilliant.

Now i roll with the Mighty 6004/Wise. It has nice base clamps (although i think the NEOS 1500
bases are nicer).

I've tried a few machines with the whatever it's called (lever action or somesuch) clamps.
They just use a lever to tighten a nut on a bolt to secure the clamp. Yes, it works but it's just
one of those things you do so often that a nice base clamp just makes the job so much easier.


Am I alone here??

Cheers.

 

[Rabbit]

@struggle, you are not alone. The Mighty Sensor has the best clamp bases I've ever used.

How can this be?

What justification can I provide?

How are they better?

I'm glad you asked these questions.

The Mighty Sensor's base clamps are activated not by a twist which requires two movements of the hand/wrist, but by a single move which is a natural move after locking the clamp to the string. All you must do is move the hand down and the clamp is locked. When you release the clamp, it drops and unlocks the base. This, of course, speeds the process of stringing up considerably and lessens the wear and tear on the operator over the long haul.

It's a wonderful thing.

Babolat, you done good.

 

[SavvyStringer]

Yes, so you've never used anything but switch action base clamps.

I'm telling ya, to me it's one of the biggest differences and is what i'd base many decisions on
if i were in the hunt for a machine,

Many moons ago, I had a Kmate. It was fine.

9-10 years ago i got a "higher end" eagnas (910). It had decent (for that lineage) baseclamps.
Switch action, but not brilliant.

Now i roll with the Mighty 6004/Wise. It has nice base clamps (although i think the NEOS 1500
bases are nicer).

I've tried a few machines with the whatever it's called (lever action or somesuch) clamps.
They just use a lever to tighten a nut on a bolt to secure the clamp. Yes, it works but it's just
one of those things you do so often that a nice base clamp just makes the job so much easier.


Am I alone here??

Cheers.

I agree. The lever clamp bases on the tecnifibre machines are rock solid and you can feel them lock into place but my hands were sore after a week of using them because they are so firm and you have to really push to lock and unlock. With gravity release clamps like Alpha, Prince, Wilson use its much easier on the hands.

 

[fuzz nation]

I had a LaserFibre drop weight table-top machine as my first rig (US version of Stringway) that included floating clamps. Although it was technically a 4-point mount, those points were right next to each other at 12 and 6 o'clock with no support for the sides of the racquet hoop.

It never occurred to me that this minimal mounting was any sort of issue until one day when I was stringing an older Volkl C10 at perhaps 62 lbs. After finishing the mains, I had a few of the crosses done when I looked down at the hoop with the next cross under tension. Although the frame wasn't cracked, it was significantly deformed by that applied tension - it's shape went back toward "normal" when I released the tensioner.

My C10's (both old and newer) were significantly softer through the hoop than my previous players - the rock-solid Wilson ProStaff 6.1 Classics. I certainly understood that installing the strings, especially the crosses, creates a bit of an imbalance in terms of load, stress, etc. until all the crosses are done, but that degree of deformation was an eye-opener for me. After seeing how "bent" the unsupported hoop of a softer racquet could become during stringing, I knew that I'd be shopping for a six-point mounting scheme in my next machine.

Now I have a six-point Gamma Prog. II ELS, which has been ideal for me and completely issue free for well over six years. What has occurred to me since I got this machine is that it's less stressful on racquets during re-strings in two ways. I already covered the aspect of having more support available for the hoop during string installation - much less deformation potential.

This newer machine is also less stressful for racquets than my older rig because its fixed clamps have less inherent drawback than the floating clamps on my old machine (which was also constant pull). I quickly discovered that I needed to set the tensioner on the Gamma at 4-5 lbs. lower tension than I did with the LF machine to get the same final firmness in a string job. So the fixed clamps let me hang less stressful tension on each portion of string to get the same result. Double bonus points... or something.

Two-point mounting can certainly work, but if it comes down to a few hundred extra bucks for a machine that I plan to use for many years, I have a lot more confidence with six-point mounting as well as fixed clamps.

 

[GaryV]

I would never want to use a 2-point on an X-2 again. The 2-point on my Neos is a completely different beast and I prefer it over the 6-point Alpha Revo.

 

[2nd Serve Ace]

The related issue to this topic is tower stability.

Some have less than others!