After a year of research, I finally decided to upgrade my Eagnas Star Y12-3 with a Wise 2086 electronic tensioning system
http://img391.imageshack.us/img391/8840/dsc020517fq.jpg . The Y12-3 comes with a 6 point mounting system; spring assisted clamps, solid mounting system, and has performed well for the last 6 years. The decision to upgrade verses buy a new one was decided based on the lack of quality electronic machines in the $1000 price range. Most had either rotational grippers or did not perform a true constant pull function.
My goal was to use the counterweight system for backup, and the Wise 2086 as the primary tensioner. After receiving the mounting bracket from Guy Perez (Thanks again), I installed it by drilling 4, ½ inch holes into the ¼ inch steel plate (recommend if you do it, use a drill press). Also to compensate for the height of the flange, I used 2 ¼ inch wood, mitered the corners, and installed it on the steel plate. I use the machine on a table. Also I had to drill 2 holes into the back side of the wood riser, allowing for mounting of the old drop weight system if ever needed
http://img391.imageshack.us/img391/2422/dsc020920my.jpg. Spray painted all of the parts black, and waited for the Wise delivery.
The Wise 2086, foot pedal, and shipping came to $554.95. It was packaged well, clear documentation, and took 2 weeks to arrive over the Thanksgiving holidays. Once received, it took about 5 minutes to unpack, and hook up
http://img391.imageshack.us/img391/3100/dsc020882iq.jpg. I was impressed with the new designed linear griper; it grabs the string as well as my old drop weight system. Once the unit was powered up, it self calibrates and you are ready to string. I mounted a racket and begin stringing. The unit is much quieter than previously reported. I thought it might wake up the neighbors, but my Wise unit is quiet. Second, the foot pedal is a little awkward. I found it just as easy to push the long bar at the center of the machine to set and release the tension, but it may take a little more time to get use too.
I use hybrid strings, poly mains with synthetic gut crosses. The mains were as easy as using the drop weight system. Poly does not stretch, so it is ideal for a drop weight system (no repositioning of the drop weight). The crosses were much easier to string using the Wise unit. You could see the string stretching and no repositioning of bars.
Playability, the rackets have more of a consistent feel, not sure why, but the sweet spot seem larger and the tension more even. I did use the pre-stretch feature, it takes a second or two longer, but pulls to the +10%, then releases back to the set tension. Two beeps and you know it is ready.
Overall, I am impressed with the unit, and will give Wise an A on design. To get an A+ the next generation should allow for 360 rotations. Wise 2086 and my machine exceeded my expectations, and hopefully will serve me well for another 6 years. One thing for sure, I am not sure I will ever go back to a mechanical tensioner, the electronic unit spoiled me.
