Wise 2086 Mixed Impressions

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BOSSMANBUDDYLEE

New User
I string around 1000 frames a year with my 2086 for clubs and tournaments. I have had two main issues with the 2086. First, the linear gripper pinched the strings causing it to break on the first few and the last few crosses. Second, a calibration error occurred. In both cases, I sent the 2086 back and Herb fixed it with no cost to me. The only cost to me was going back to the crank for a few weeks or so.

I agree with the previous threads that the Wise 2086 is a fantastic unit, especially for stringers like me who needs a mobile unit for the road. Starting in the fall, I will be stringing for both the men's and women's varsity team for a local college. This means I will need to take apart my Prince Neos & 2086 for the road.

I also agree that the 2086 could be built with higher grade materials. The buttons are slightly off-center and the face plate has a tendency to come apart.

The great news is that as long as it is a legitimate defect, Herb is fantastic about standing behind his stringer. I just hope his next design has some much needed upgrades.

Hope this helps.

Prince Neos & Wise 2086
 
I posted this to let people know that the Wise 2086 is a great unit but it is not perfect. There were so many threads with similar praises that I was wondering if there were any stringers who have had problems with the Wise 2086.

Prince Neos + Wise 2086
 
First, if the string is being crushed by the gripper, you can adjust the gripper with an Allen wrench so that it doesn't close as far. I liked the first generation model's visible adjustment screw better than the current hidden one that requires an allen wrench. As for the quality issue. I'm on my second one (I've kept the older one as a backup). I've enjoyed both a lot. Both look as good as they did new. I've had no problems with them coming apart. I, too, string near 1000 rackets/year. I've had them for a while too. The first one broke after a year and 11 months. I sent it back and Herb fixed it under warranty. I bought the 2nd one at that time and have had no issues with it, other than an odd noise when stringing poly's. Has not affected performance though.
 
My Herb Wise Story

Herb is not always the most pleasant when doing warranty work.
:evil:
Basically I had purchased a new unit in November of 2005, and immediately had issues with the linear gripper. This was just after Herb had switched to roller bearings from ball bearings for the linear gripper plates. Here is a link to my TW Forum Question. I also asked the guys at GSS and here is a much more extensive description of my issues with the way Herb resolved the problem.
http://www.grand slam stringers.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1131509338/0 (remove the spaces)
Basically, the long and short of it was, Herb had a manufacturing defect in the machining of the linear gripper plates. I helped him determine that when mixing parts from two machine shops the parts did not work properly together. You would think he would be happy with my help, but instead he stiffed me with the return shipping of his defective parts!
:twisted:
Overall he has a nice, reasonably priced add on device, but once we decided to turn our hobby into a home based business back in December of 2006, we sold the Alpha Revo4k and Wise, and the new company purchased the Star5 and we have never looked back!
:)
 
Flash 9 is absolutely correct. The gripper problem on my unit was not adjustable by the Allen wrench. It was a defect and Herb confirmed it when I sent it back. He did take care of the shipping cost and was very pleasent to deal with on the phone.
 
BOSSMANBUDDYLEE said:
Flash 9 is absolutely correct. The gripper problem on my unit was not adjustable by the Allen wrench. It was a defect and Herb confirmed it when I sent it back. He did take care of the shipping cost and was very pleasant to deal with on the phone.
Click to expand...

It appears he took better care of others then he did with the engineer (me) who helped him figure out he had a problem! :cry:
 
Sorry Flash 9. I did not mean to get you upset :)

I am in Charlotte. I will be looking out for a stringer with the Wise 2086 in NC. Let us know when Herb designs an update for the current 2086.
 
BOSSMANBUDDYLEE said:
Let us know when Herb designs an update for the current 2086.
Click to expand...

Out of curiosity what would you want him to "update"? I've had a Wise for a few months and wouldn't change a thing. Of course it might be too early to tell, but so far so good! (one or two sticks a day on a Gamma 5003 + Wise)
-Robert
 
The biggest problems with the Wise that i've heard is durability, design and mounting of the machine. Only heard ot the gripper problem a few times.
 
Mansewerz said:
The biggest problems with the Wise that i've heard is durability, design and mounting of the machine. Only heard ot the gripper problem a few times.
Click to expand...

Now let's get this right. Problems with the Wise is:
  • durability
  • design
  • mounting
  • some gripper problems

Well if this is so, then no one should buy the machine. But from someone who actually owns one, here are my opinions.

Design: It's a box that's meant to add on your existing crank. I can't see how the design can be much different. It's also the only linear pull machine that retrofits to cranks. I would give the design a positive rating.

Mounting: Once again, it is made to retrofit your crank. Previous models had only one screw to mount on the arm. Newer models have 3 screws now. It takes literally seconds to mount on your crank machine. I would give the mounting a positive rating.

Durability: Well for the price ($550), I find it to be very plasticky. Also the buttons do not have a positive feel and are kind of cheap. I understand it has to be light weight in order to fit on the tensioning arm, but for the price I would like to have a more durable shell and better buttons. Not that it wears down but at this price point I would give the durability a negative rating.

Gripper: I have had my machine for over 2 years. Didn't have a problem with the gripper until recently. I started to get slight marring on my strings. I took it apart. Cleaned with alcohol. Reassembled. Adjusted the gripper with the hex wrench. Initially it seemed to work. Now I am starting to get marring again. Seems like for the first 2 years, I never had to adjust the gripper. Now I have to adjust whenever I string gut or anything thinner than 17g. I haven't found that perfect setting it once had where I don't need to adjust. One design I would like to see changed with the gripper is that the gripper plates are rubber like on a crank. I think that would give me a more positive grip with no damage to the strings. Some people want a diablo as an add on. (I don't need it). I would give the gripper a neutral rating.

Overall the best thing about the Wise is the consistency. Because it is so consistent, I would give it a good recommendation. However, I don't absolutely love the machine, especially like the people (who don't actually own one) who are always recommending it to everyone.
 
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sounds like it's a good upgrade for the guy who strings for himself and maybe a few buds. but once the stringing volume gets high you're better off with a better machine.
 
Actually, sounds like the *only* option for someone who has a crank and doesn't want to go with a dedicated, purpose-built electronic machine. Definitely not my first choice though.
 
LttlElvis said:
Now let's get this right. Problems with the Wise is:
  • durability
  • design
  • mounting
  • some gripper problems

Well if this is so, then no one should buy the machine. But from someone who actually owns one, here are my opinions.

Design: It's a box that's meant to add on your existing crank. I can't see how the design can be much different. It's also the only linear pull machine that retrofits to cranks. I would give the design a positive rating.

Mounting: Once again, it is made to retrofit your crank. Previous models had only one screw to mount on the arm. Newer models have 3 screws now. It takes literally seconds to mount on your crank machine. I would give the mounting a positive rating.

Durability: Well for the price ($550), I find it to be very plasticky. Also the buttons do not have a positive feel and are kind of cheap. I understand it has to be light weight in order to fit on the tensioning arm, but for the price I would like to have a more durable shell and better buttons. Not that it wears down but at this price point I would give the durability a negative rating.

Gripper: I have had my machine for over 2 years. Didn't have a problem with the gripper until recently. I started to get slight marring on my strings. I took it apart. Cleaned with alcohol. Reassembled. Adjusted the gripper with the hex wrench. Initially it seemed to work. Now I am starting to get marring again. Seems like for the first 2 years, I never had to adjust the gripper. Now I have to adjust whenever I string gut or anything thinner than 17g. I haven't found that perfect setting it once had where I don't need to adjust. One design I would like to see changed with the gripper is that the gripper plates are rubber like on a crank. I think that would give me a more positive grip with no damage to the strings. Some people want a diablo as an add on. (I don't need it). I would give the gripper a neutral rating.

Overall the best thing about the Wise is the consistency. Because it is so consistent, I would give it a good recommendation. However, I don't absolutely love the machine, especially like the people (who don't actually own one) who are always recommending it to everyone.
Click to expand...

What I meant was the durability and design together, as in the cheap plasticky material and off center buttons and such. Mounting I meant as the one screw, which seems to be fixed.
 
Mansewerz said:
What I meant was the durability and design together, as in the cheap plasticky material and off center buttons and such. Mounting I meant as the one screw, which seems to be fixed.
Click to expand...

Which mount is everyone talking about the one three nuts and screws that mount the tension head to the base or the single screw that holds the whole assembly to the tension bar on the stringer? I received my Wise 2086 (from TW) about 10 days ago and this is how mine is configured. The single screw seems like it should be inadequate but it does hold (for now). Love the foot pedal!
 
LttlElvis said:
Gripper: I have had my machine for over 2 years. Didn't have a problem with the gripper until recently. I started to get slight marring on my strings. I took it apart. Cleaned with alcohol. Reassembled. Adjusted the gripper with the hex wrench. Initially it seemed to work. Now I am starting to get marring again.
Click to expand...

LttlElvis - You might want to take out the small allen screw that adjusts how far the plate can close together, and replace it with a shorter one.
If I remember mine was about a half inch long. I went to Lowe's and found one that was about half its length, and this allows you to screw it in further, and this allow the plates to come closer together.

Good Luck.
 
BOSSMANBUDDYLEE said:
Sorry Flash 9. I did not mean to get you upset :)
Click to expand...

Not upset - I just was disappointed that he did not do what he promised. When we figured out that it was a problem with a new machine shop he was using, I ended up having quite a few of his parts. He asked me to send them back, and I asked him if he would please reimburse me for the shipping and he curtly commented that "what choice do I have, if I say no I will never see my parts." I said that was not true, but since it was his fault I felt he should pay, he said he would send me a check. After calling a few times I just blew it off, but I will tell my story, to let other know. FYI - about the same time other were having some other issues, so maybe Herb was just having a bad go.

BOSSMANBUDDYLEE said:
I am in Charlotte. I will be looking out for a stringer with the Wise 2086 in NC. Let us know when Herb designs an update for the current 2086.
Click to expand...
I ended up selling the setup to a guy in Dallas, TX.
 
For me, the major problem has been durability. Perhaps 900 to 1000 frames per year is too much for the unit. I hope Herb will design a unit for high volume stringers.

On the plus side, the portability of the unit is fantastic. It is so easy to just remove the unit for any event. Also, if something goes wrong, it is very easy to remove and send back. I can just simply replace it with my crank for the short time it is out of commission.

I have been speaking with Prince about their Prince 5000 unit. They are going to let me demo it for awhile. I like the fact that you can turn the Prince 5000 into a table top unit. If the durability and portability is good then Prince Neos + Wise users like myself may have to switch to the Prince 5000. Only time will tell if $3000 is worth it.
 
It is funny that Elvis mentioned his Wise marring gut. I am pretty upset because my gripper just chewed up a set of Babolat VS 17. :(
 
BigGriff said:
It is funny that Elvis mentioned his Wise marring gut. I am pretty upset because my gripper just chewed up a set of Babolat VS 17. :(
Click to expand...

BigGriff, this is something that has been happening to me only recently. For nearly 2 yrs, I had no problem. All of a sudden it just started happening. I took the gripper apart and cleaned it with alcohol. If you do take it apart, be very careful because there are 2 tiny springs that can be easily lost. (Luckily, I have white burbour carpet and can be easily seen on it). I cleaned the gripping plates thoroughly and put back together. One unusual design is the gripping plates are machine etched. I think I would rather have rubber gripping plates. I think it is the machine etched plates that have accumulated micro debris over the months, so that is my theory of what is causing the marring now. Not really sure.

Now, when I use gut or 17 g strings, I have to use the allen wrench and find the right gripping tension for it. I did not used to have to do any adjustments at all. Seems like I can't find that perfect setting, and I have to test it with each new string.

One thing I am going to try is to put the gripping plates in an ultrasonic cleaner and see if I can vibrate out the micro debris. (I have access to an ultrasonic cleaner because I am a dentist and have one at work. We use them to clean our instruments) You can probably use a jewelry ultrasonic cleaner too. I am going to put the plates in a ziplock bag with alcohol and run it for several minutes and see if that works.
 
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flash9 said:
If you are not adjusting the allen set screw all the way in, then my suggestion to try to find a shorter one would be of no help.
Click to expand...

Actually, I don't have a problem with getting it tight. If I set it too tight, that is when I get the most marring. Too loose and it doesn't grip well, and slips and scratches the string too.
 
BOSSMANBUDDYLEE said:
For me, the major problem has been durability. Perhaps 900 to 1000 frames per year is too much for the unit. I hope Herb will design a unit for high volume stringers.
Click to expand...

One of the tennis shops and one of the clubs here in town use the Wise. Both of them string high volume. I've never seen the machines not working. I'll have to ask next time I'm to see if either one has had issues. Both of the places have been using the Wise for many years. I would assume that they would have changed to something different if they were having problems though.
-Robert
 
Before I bought my Wise I was slightly concerned because Herb could/would not refer me to anyone using one in my area that I could see in action. After my second request, he mentioned the USC tennis team has a couple in use. I called the coach who was incredibly gracious with his time and told me he has four 2086's. Two of them are in constant use by the players, one is a backup (rarely used) and the last one is in use at his home. He's had very few problems with them and mentioned that the players beat up the stringing equipment pretty badly in general and Herb has been great fixing the few issues USC has had in over 5 years of use. Oh yeah, he also told me that he paid full boat for all the 2086's. Overall it was a great recommendation from an extremely nice guy who had nothing to gain from over-hyping the Wise 2086.
 
The gripper plates not gripping properly is a concern to me. One of the features I love about the Strungway sensory jaw gripper is that it's a pretty simple design and hard to go wrong with. In nearly a decade of use, I've never had any problems or fear or reservations about it gripping any string. You just open r' up, insert, and let it go, and you're good to go.

This said, I've come to a point where I'd like to add the Wise to my ML100.

Do you know how much Herb charges to refurbish/replace/service the linear gripper when it starts going bad and not holding properly?

I'm not a high volume stringer by any means, but I'd like to start stringing more frequently starting next year from home in order to give me the time I need to concentrate on my other pursuits for a year...i.e. kind of a much needed and planned sabattaical "take-off", part-time working year for me.

Thanks for any info.
 
rscottdds said:
One of the tennis shops and one of the clubs here in town use the Wise. Both of them string high volume. I've never seen the machines not working. I'll have to ask next time I'm to see if either one has had issues. Both of the places have been using the Wise for many years. I would assume that they would have changed to something different if they were having problems though.
-Robert
Click to expand...

Thanks Robert. Please let us know what the tennis shop says about the the 2086.
 
LttlElvis said:
BigGriff, this is something that has been happening to me only recently. For nearly 2 yrs, I had no problem. All of a sudden it just started happening. I took the gripper apart and cleaned it with alcohol. If you do take it apart, be very careful because there are 2 tiny springs that can be easily lost. (Luckily, I have white burbour carpet and can be easily seen on it). I cleaned the gripping plates thoroughly and put back together. One unusual design is the gripping plates are machine etched. I think I would rather have rubber gripping plates. I think it is the machine etched plates that have accumulated micro debris over the months, so that is my theory of what is causing the marring now. Not really sure.

Now, when I use gut or 17 g strings, I have to use the allen wrench and find the right gripping tension for it. I did not used to have to do any adjustments at all. Seems like I can't find that perfect setting, and I have to test it with each new string.

One thing I am going to try is to put the gripping plates in an ultrasonic cleaner and see if I can vibrate out the micro debris. (I have access to an ultrasonic cleaner because I am a dentist and have one at work. We use them to clean our instruments) You can probably use a jewelry ultrasonic cleaner too. I am going to put the plates in a ziplock bag with alcohol and run it for several minutes and see if that works.
Click to expand...

Elvis the jewelry cleaner is a good idea. I may try that one. My wife has one sitting around.

Even though a few days have passed I am still pissed because I keep my machine clean. :mad: I clean it after every batch of jobs.
 
BigGriff, Herb warned me about cleaning the gripper. Apparently if any cleaning products drips into the unit, it may cause damage to the electronics. I did not want to take apart the gripper to clean it.

What do you think about a Q-Tip very lightly dipped in alcohol followed by a dry Q-Tip. Hopefully this will not cause any alcohol to drip.

I just did not want to take the risk of damaging the unit by taking anything apart.
 
BOSSMANBUDDYLEE said:
BigGriff, Herb warned me about cleaning the gripper. Apparently if any cleaning products drips into the unit, it may cause damage to the electronics. I did not want to take apart the gripper to clean it.

What do you think about a Q-Tip very lightly dipped in alcohol followed by a dry Q-Tip. Hopefully this will not cause any alcohol to drip.

I just did not want to take the risk of damaging the unit by taking anything apart.
Click to expand...

That's what I usually use and it gets most of the string residue out. If I get the occasional stubborn residue I use a Q-Tip dipped in fingernail polish remover and that always does the trick for me. It evaporates quickly and minimizes risk to the electrical components. I have also used extra fine sandpaper to clean the grooves.
 
How are you able to get a Q-tip into the string gripper. My units does not open nearly wide enough to get one in there. I've been using B-D alcohol swabs (the ones availabe at pharmacies), it pretty thick (though not anywhere as thick as a Q-tip) and is drenched in alcohol. I usually use on swab, fold it in half wipe one clamp then fold it the other way wipe the other clamp then use the side and slide it between the string gripper. So far so good (and inexpensive). Gotta be careful when you first take it out of the package because it is really soaked with alcohol, which is why I wipe my clamps first, otherwise I would squeeze out some of the excess.
 
locotone07 said:
How are you able to get a Q-tip into the string gripper. My units does not open nearly wide enough to get one in there. I've been using B-D alcohol swabs (the ones availabe at pharmacies), it pretty thick (though not anywhere as thick as a Q-tip) and is drenched in alcohol. I usually use on swab, fold it in half wipe one clamp then fold it the other way wipe the other clamp then use the side and slide it between the string gripper. So far so good (and inexpensive). Gotta be careful when you first take it out of the package because it is really soaked with alcohol, which is why I wipe my clamps first, otherwise I would squeeze out some of the excess.
Click to expand...

I use the Q-tips that come with my gun cleaning kits. They have wooden handles and the heads aren't as big. I still have to pull some of the cotton off at times. I like using the alcohol swabs for quick cleaning (wife is a nurse so I have tons of them).
 
this thread has been helpful for me as i'm thinking about whether it's worth upgrading on my 5003.

a couple questions...how often has the 2086 been upgraded? is herb on this board and let people know if there is an update or not?
what is the next cheapest way to go electronic after the Wise? would there be a need to upgrade machines even after getting the Wise on there? perhaps except to get a 2 pt. machine instead of 6...?
 
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I've added a WISE to my Gamma machine, I happy after only 6 months and 200 frames. If everything else on your 5003 is to your liking, then try it. Look at the combined cost of your 5003 plus the WISE and you'll see that you are in the $1500 price range.
 
fortunately i got mine for $500.


PBODY99 said:
I've added a WISE to my Gamma machine, I happy after only 6 months and 200 frames. If everything else on your 5003 is to your liking, then try it. Look at the combined cost of your 5003 plus the WISE and you'll see that you are in the $1500 price range.
Click to expand...


i'm still hoping someone can address my other questions
 
I added a wise to my Flea Bay purchase Flash 925, $450 + Wise 2086 $570, so I am a little over $1000 total. After 1400 stringing it is still going strong, gripper works excellent on my machine. Just clean it with Alcohol, and clean the rails on the 925 1st a week, clamps are holding and the Wise makes life a lot easier.

Just hate the 6 knob mounting system; plan on upgrading to the Comet II. Better mounting system and curved rails plus spring assisted clamps.
 
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