Wise 2086 Review

[barry]

so how is the wise 2086 working so far?

My Wise is still working great. No issues at all, just dust it off once a month. I give my Wise setup an B+, would be an A+ if my Eagnas 925 had spring assisted base clamps and 2 point mounting. The 925 has not failed in over 2 ½ years, kind of hoping it would so I could pick up a Prince 1500. I would never go back to a drop weight or crank. Much easier to do volume stringing on an electronic machine.

Actually bringing up old post is a good idea, kind of an interesting topic at the time. I still believe buying the Wise 2086 was a better investment than an integrated electronic machine for me. Plus I still say after you purchase a Wise, the machine you use it on is irrelevant.

 

[Zhou]

My Wise is still working great. No issues at all, just dust it off once a month. I give my Wise setup an B+, would be an A+ if my Eagnas 925 had spring assisted base clamps and 2 point mounting. The 925 has not failed in over 2 ½ years, kind of hoping it would so I could pick up a Prince 1500. I would never go back to a drop weight or crank. Much easier to do volume stringing on an electronic machine.

Actually bringing up old post is a good idea, kind of an interesting topic at the time. I still believe buying the Wise 2086 was a better investment than an integrated electronic machine for me. Plus I still say after you purchase a Wise, the machine you use it on is irrelevant.

As far as the machine you have it on being irrelevant, I just would say don't just buy any old machine but buy a machine that is of decent quality that has features that you won't want to update later. ie. don't buy a machine you will regret just to purchase the Wise now. It is a good investment but invest in a decent machine to place it on first.

 

[barry]

As far as the machine you have it on being irrelevant, I just would say don't just buy any old machine but buy a machine that is of decent quality that has features that you won't want to update later. ie. don't buy a machine you will regret just to purchase the Wise now. It is a good investment but invest in a decent machine to place it on first.

Almost any machine these days with fixed clamps and a decent mounting system will work and perform as well as any higher priced machine. I really can't see investing a lot in a machine since all it is doing is holding tension while you move to the next string. 90% of stringing is getting the proper tension, and I think the Wise (any electronic tensioner) removes most of those inaccuracies so almost any stringer can produce a consistent repeatable result.

I would say save your money and buy a Wise, you can mount it on almost any machine these days. You will probably find it more than meets your needs.

 

[Zhou]

Almost any machine these days with fixed clamps and a decent mounting system will work and perform as well as any higher priced machine. I really can't see investing a lot in a machine since all it is doing is holding tension while you move to the next string. 90% of stringing is getting the proper tension, and I think the Wise (any electronic tensioner) removes most of those inaccuracies so almost any stringer can produce a consistent repeatable result.

I would say save your money and buy a Wise, you can mount it on almost any machine these days. You will probably find it more than meets your needs.

I do agree with this. By higher end machines, I am trying to stress buy a quality machine that you are satisfied with. I find that spending the extra hundred or so is worth making a stress free purchase. Buying from Eagnas can be hit or miss from others' experiences. Plus it is nice to have after purchase support with Gammatech on these boards or directly with Mark at Alpha.

The thing to remember is in the long run over the course of say 1 year, you are more than going to make back the money you spent into the machine.

 

[barry]

I do agree with this. By higher end machines, I am trying to stress buy a quality machine that you are satisfied with. I find that spending the extra hundred or so is worth making a stress free purchase. Buying from Eagnas can be hit or miss from others' experiences. Plus it is nice to have after purchase support with Gammatech on these boards or directly with Mark at Alpha.

The thing to remember is in the long run over the course of say 1 year, you are more than going to make back the money you spent into the machine.

I have done a little over 2,000 rackets on my low end ($450) Eagnas 925 and nothing has broken. My 925 must be a high quality machine to last this long. If something does break, will call and order a replacement part. What is stressful about that? A stringing machine is an extremely simple tool, rates up there in complexity with a Vice Grips, or maybe a hand drill. Once you have been stringing for a couple of decades, you ask yourself, why would I waste money on a more expensive version of the same thing I currently have?

Think I will take the $300 I saved and buy couple of rackets.

 

[iammh]

I would like to purchase one of these units but have one reservation. Who is going to maintain and service these heads once Mr. Wise is no longer active with his company? With accessories and shipping this is going to be a $600 investment. I have asked this question of Mr. Wise and his response was "I feel that's an inappropriate question". If my unit needs servicing a week after I buy it and Mr. Wise is no longer working what do I do? Do any of you owners have this concern?

 

[Standupnfall]

I would like to purchase one of these units but have one reservation. Who is going to maintain and service these heads once Mr. Wise is no longer active with his company? With accessories and shipping this is going to be a $600 investment. I have asked this question of Mr. Wise and his response was "I feel that's an inappropriate question". If my unit needs servicing a week after I buy it and Mr. Wise is no longer working what do I do? Do any of you owners have this concern?

Its not like the secret KFC recipe, any qualified technician should be able to source parts and make repairs. These are very reliable units and should not need repair for a long time.

And where are you shopping. From TW the unit comes with everything you need and free shipping for $495.
I have one on the way that is to come with the diablo, new button placement and possibly the foot pedal (TW rep said so when I asked point blank during order) I understand you can only use either the foot pedal or the new button.

Anyone tried using a dual to single 1/8 adapter to use both?

 

[Robbie_1988]

QUITE the Dilemma

Hey guys I need some advice here from those of you who have the Wise 2086.

I have read before that 'cheap electronic constant pull' machines aren't that accurate from here on these boards and my local pro shop owner says the same. Does the Wise fall into this category of 'cheap electronic' machine that does not give a consistent & accurate pull?

Another thing I'd like you to assess is my DILEMMA.

I can't decide whether to get a decent CRANK and immediately update it with the WISE tension head?
Xtreme XLR8 Crank
WISE Tension Head
The CRANK will roughly cost me AUS$1600.00 with postage charges. The WISE if I get it from TW will maybe cost about $AUS 676.00 including postage. This all up $2276.00.

OR

Go all out and get a quality Constant Pull Electronic Machine such as the Xtreme Pro Master http://www.tennis warehouse .com.au/store/equip/xtreme/xtreme-pro-master-stringing-machine.html (remove spaces when pasting link into your browswer) which will cost me about AUS$4100.

So what do you guys think I should do? If the Wise Tension head falls into that category of 'cheap electronic' which doesn't have an accurate and consistent pull, then should I go all out and get the high end electronic stringing machine? It's $2276.00 versus $4100.

However I think it's important that you know my financial situation. I'm a 4th year (final year) student at Sydney University. I do tennis coaching there and it's my 2nd tennis coaching job. I don't have a constant volume of racquets from clients to restring. Most of my restringing is for me and my friends.

The cheaper option looks more attractive to me because it's more cost friendly and probably more appropriate since I string mainly for myself and friends. The expensive option I'm a bit hesitant on because I fear it's a waste of money if I don't end up having a stringing business developing later down the track.

I have been stringing on a high end electronic for the past year at my local pro shop and cause I'm on good terms with its owner, I was always permitted to use their spare machine but at a price of paying $5.00 for every racquet I restrung. This has been the situation ever since my first ever tennis coaching job came to an end cause my boss closed down his business and back then I always had free access to his CRANK machine. $5.00 per racquet i restring on his machine may not seem much but I break my strings about every 6-8 hours so consider the annual cost.

I can afford either option whether it be CRANK with WISE or the High End Electronic. What do you guys think I should do?

 

[LttlElvis]

If you can afford either option, then go with the high end electronic, Xtreme Pro Master.

In the end, I wish I just purchased something like that rather than upgrading slowly. The Wise does give consistant accurate results. However, to me its a bit too plasticky for the price.

 

[topknocker]

i just ordered a wise and sent it back. it was packed very, very well and this latest version seemed high quality. however it didn't seem to fit good on this machine. seemed awkward and just not right. maybe i wasn't use to it. i didn't like it. going to buy higher end electric instead.

 

[Robbie_1988]

i just ordered a wise and sent it back. it was packed very, very well and this latest version seemed high quality. however it didn't seem to fit good on this machine. seemed awkward and just not right. maybe i wasn't use to it. i didn't like it. going to buy higher end electric instead.

Hey topknocker when you say 'it didn't seem to fit good on this machine, do you mean the Crank machine that I talked about in my previous post?

 

[topknocker]

no. not at all. i am talking about the machine i have and it's just my opinion and it means nothing. you do know that you can string high quality racquets with a crank machine. the machine you are talking about is very very nice and you can string quality with it as is.

 

[Robbie_1988]

Thanks for the clarification. I know it's possible to produce quality string jobs on a crank. It's just I've been using a high end electronic for a year. It's kind of hard to come back to using cranks I guess.

 

[Rabbit]

OK, probably a stupid question here, but I have to ask. In some pictures, they show the gripper with a roller attachment on the front that the string loops around and in others this device is missing.

What is it? Do you have to loop the string to use the unit?

 

[Robbie_1988]

You shouldn't have to use the 'roller' in order to use the unit. So the answer is no.

The gripper will grip the string whether you use the roller or not. I've read on these boards that the 'roller' just allows for the string to enter at a more level angle into the gripper.

Correct me if I'm wrong folks.

 

[its_me_leon]

The "roller" is called a diablo and is there to prevent the string to be squeezed by the gripper. It reduces the tension/friction on the string in de gripper. In other words, the gripper does not have to clamp the string as hard.
Some manufacturers solved this by making a larger/longer gripper. Like Tecnifibre.

 

[Standupnfall]

 

[topknocker]

You shouldn't have to use the 'roller' in order to use the unit. So the answer is no.
correct me if I'm wrong folks.

well i had 360 rotation when i mounted it to my sp maestro and you must use the roller. if not then the string would be coming in the grippers at about a 30 degree angle or more. that would not be good. the diablo is a must. robbie would be right on some models of stringers were the grippers are level with the stringbed.

 

[Rabbit]

Thanks, all. I keep thinking about ordering a Wise...

 

[Robbie_1988]

well i had 360 rotation when i mounted it to my sp maestro and you must use the roller. if not then the string would be coming in the grippers at about a 30 degree angle or more. that would not be good. the diablo is a must. robbie would be right on some models of stringers were the grippers are level with the stringbed.

Ah I forgot about those rotational grippers. Ya's got me there.

 

[Rabbit]

I ordered my Wise 2086 and foot pedal last night.

 

[David123]

Good luck!

 

[struggle]

seems like that diablo could give a false reading of actual vs. tensionhead tension, no?

i understand fully the purpose, but seems like the diablo could potentially "absorb" some of the tension, giving an actual tension that's lower than the tension head indicates.

i'm certainly wrong on this or it would have come up before....

 

[David123]

tbuggle hows the combo 910?!

 

[Dags]

seems like that diablo could give a false reading of actual vs. tensionhead tension, no?

i understand fully the purpose, but seems like the diablo could potentially "absorb" some of the tension, giving an actual tension that's lower than the tension head indicates.

i'm certainly wrong on this or it would have come up before....

Reference tension is relative rather than absolute. Assuming you keep the diablo in place you're ensuring consistency, which is all that matters.

 

[struggle]

Reference tension is relative rather than absolute. Assuming you keep the diablo in place you're ensuring consistency, which is all that matters.

true, but for that matter, no need to upgrade to electronic. a crank can produce consistency just the same, which is what the wise is intended to "upgrade".

i can be consistent with a sack of beans as a counterwait, we are talking about a sensitive electronic device here. if the diablo does cause a "change" in the actual tension, no need for a wise, so to speak.

you feel me?

 

[Dags]

^^^ This is a different issue to your original question.

Your original post was asking whether the diablo could cause a 'false' reading: wouldn't pulling tension at x lbs with the diablo on create a different result to pulling the same tension without it? Even if it does (which doesn't seem an unreasonable assumption), my argument is that it doesn't matter. With the diablo on, every time you pull tension at x lbs, you will be able to achieve the same result. That's because x lbs is relative to each setup: the same tension will differ from machine to machine. The most obvious difference would be seen between a constant pull and a lockout, but even two similar machines are unlikely to yield identical results due to the differences in their build. This is why many return customers to a store will ask for not only the same stringer, but also for the job to be done on the same machine.

Your later post about the 'upgrade' is a valid one. There have been some lengthy threads on here about whether a more expensive machine is more accurate, or if it just contains additional features which make the job quicker and easier. Regardless on which side of the argument you sit, I think it's more or less universally agreed that the person is more important than the machine. I look forward to photos if you ever proceed with the sack of beans project.

 

[struggle]

haha on the beans. i was trying to refer to the same thing/scenario in each post.

it just seems that the tensioner might be sensing tension on the tiny/short bit of string between the wise head and the diablo which MIGHT be different than the tension of the string on the other side of the diablo running through the frame. it is my understanding that the diablo "knob" doesn't spin freely so there may be some tension lost (relative) there due to friction.

so.........if i'm going to use a WISE, i'd do so hoping that i'm getting more accurate ACTUAL tension and if using the diablo negates that then there might be no reason to get one in place of a crank which is ALSO repeatable/consistent assuming calibration remains the same.

thanks for the input, i understand the consistency and difference in machine vs machine etc.

just curious as to whether the diablo changes the ACTUAL tension pulled vs. what the digital readout says. ie: is the actual tension the same whether or not there is a diablo in place?

cheers!

 

[Dags]

I'm not sure I quite understand your concern, as if the diablo caused any loss due to tension there's no reason why it wouldn't be losing the same amount with each pull.

I may well be buying a Wise soon (perhaps the next month or so). If I do, I'll try out stringing with and without a diablo. As I type this I'm downloading Racquet Tune on my iPhone, so I'd use that to see if there's a difference.

Unless someone like Rabbit performs the experiment in the meantime, of course... ;-)

 

[wrxtotoro]

The diablo is on the tensioner (the diablo is moving WITH the clamp) as a whole and I would really doubt the sensor would sense the tension on the clamp separately.

 

[Rabbit]

I'm not sure I quite understand your concern, as if the diablo caused any loss due to tension there's no reason why it wouldn't be losing the same amount with each pull.

I may well be buying a Wise soon (perhaps the next month or so). If I do, I'll try out stringing with and without a diablo. As I type this I'm downloading Racquet Tune on my iPhone, so I'd use that to see if there's a difference.

Unless someone like Rabbit performs the experiment in the meantime, of course... ;-)

I'd be happy to.

My take on this is that the diablo isn't going to interfere a smidgen with the whole process. Instead, the diablo is going to allow less clamping on the tension head which can only be better for the string.

Ergo, the diablo aids in clamping, pulling tension then is constant whether the diablo is in place or not. The diablo merely exists to allow less pressure on the sliding clamps to be employed. Remember, the tension is on the pull, not the clamp.

 

[Dags]

I'd be happy to.

Cracking. You can also persuade me to pull the trigger on the Wise, and let me know if you think the foot peddle is worth it.

 

[Lakers4Life]

The Diablo on the Wise is poorly designed. One would think it would be designed much better coming from Wise. I'm trying to modify a Gamma diablo to work on the Wise. I've called Brett at Gamma and he told me the Diablo assembly is $35.

BTW I've tested the accuracy of the Wise 2086 Pro, with and without the diablo and the results are the same. The diablo reduces the stress of the gripper on the string, thus less string damage.

 

[mad dog1]

BTW I've tested the accuracy of the Wise 2086 Pro, with and without the diablo and the results are the same. The diablo reduces the stress of the gripper on the string, thus less string damage.

makes sense...it's kinda like tugging on a rope. u have to grip the rope much tighter to hold the same amount of weight than u do if you wrap the rope around your waist or hand.

 

[Lakers4Life]

Too bad the diablo on the Wise 2086 Pro is poorly designed. I have to constantly re-tighten the diablo with every pull. Anyone who owns a Wise 2086 Pro with factory diablo knows what I'm talking about.

 

[struggle]

makes sense...it's kinda like tugging on a rope. u have to grip the rope much tighter to hold the same amount of weight than u do if you wrap the rope around your waist or hand.

i dig that, but with the wise, it'd almost be like someone was behind you tugging on the same rope, thus tugging on your hand (with the rope wrapped around it). that 2nd person would have to hold less tension. it's all about friction it seems.

i guess what i'm asking is............
if you put a gauge on the string running through the frame (the place you're actually trying to achieve a certain tension), would the tension head give the same reading/tension whether or not it was through a diablo first, before going to the tension head? logic/physics tells me it would not, but i'm no einstein.

looks like someone posted that they did it both ways with similar results. i'd expect the tension head to read what it was set at, but wondering if there's a difference in the actual tension achieved AT THE FRAME.

this isn't a question of repeating tension over and over (consistency), but a question of whether the diablo CHANGES the tension achieved in the end, AT THE FRAME, NOT AT THE WISE HEAD.

 

[struggle]

The diablo merely exists to allow less pressure on the sliding clamps to be employed. Remember, the tension is on the pull, not the clamp.

i equate "Pressure" with tension in this instance. therefore, less pressure = less tension.

that's what i'm trying to "cipher". and by sliding clamps, i assume you mean the gripper, not the string clamps. riiiiiight?

edit: on a WISE, does the whole head move to tension the string, or just the gripper within the head...as the head/diablo(if in place)
stays in one place?

 

[kato669]

I recently purchased a Wise 2086 from TW...after waiting a while b4 actually pulling the trigger. I have to say it's all it's hyped up to be.

Pros:
-Quiet...I was expecting something noisy but it must've been the older model because this thing is pretty quiet.
-Warms ups, callibrates/test and is ready in < 1 minute (more like 30 secs)
- Very convenient button on moving tension head - heard this was an asked for improvement, similar to the higher end electronic CP machines. Have to say the placement is good and seems much more convenient and faster than to have it on the panel itself
- Accurate out of the box - tested it on both my digital and spring scales...spot on.
-Whole thing assembled and on my Eagnas lockout machine took less than 10 min.

Cons:
- Documentation/Instructions: Not that there is a whole lot to decipher on it's use but the instruction manual could at least explain what each of the panel buttons do with a diagram. I had to go to the Wise website to find what each one does and even then, the explanation and use is not explained as well as it could be.
- Construction: Many complain that the unit is "plasticky" I would agree but it is quite solid. Only time will tell how it stands up. I'm confident it will.

After stringing a few racquets, I'm very happy with the ease of use and speed of the Wise. I would strongly recommend the upgrade, especially for those like me who didn't want to drop over a $1K-3K+ for an electronic CP machine initially but wanted the option to do it later. This was the best path for me...YMMV.

 

[Lakers4Life]

i equate "Pressure" with tension in this instance. therefore, less pressure = less tension.

that's what i'm trying to "cipher". and by sliding clamps, i assume you mean the gripper, not the string clamps. riiiiiight?

edit: on a WISE, does the whole head move to tension the string, or just the gripper within the head...as the head/diablo(if in place)
stays in one place?

The diablo moves with the gripper head. It's actually attached to the gripper head. Maybe I did not clearly describe the way I tested with and without diablo, but I used a digital scale both times. And both times it was spot on.

 

[kato669]

Yes, the diablo is attached to the tension head (the moving part); both move together. So if the string moves in the diablo (it does until it locks from the string tension) or if the string is in a constant "glue like" state to it, the sensors wouldn't know the difference and would still keep pulling/contracting trying to achieve proper tension.

If it was separate from the tension head, then I could see it as a form of resistance that would interfere with the readings of the sensors but this is not the case.

i equate "Pressure" with tension in this instance. therefore, less pressure = less tension.

that's what i'm trying to "cipher". and by sliding clamps, i assume you mean the gripper, not the string clamps. riiiiiight?

edit: on a WISE, does the whole head move to tension the string, or just the gripper within the head...as the head/diablo(if in place)
stays in one place?

 

[struggle]

kato and laker, thx.

 

[kato669]

Yeah Laker, I know what you mean. I'm going to use some non-perm locktite, nailpolish or plumbers tape. One of those hopefully will work.

Too bad the diablo on the Wise 2086 Pro is poorly designed. I have to constantly re-tighten the diablo with every pull. Anyone who owns a Wise 2086 Pro with factory diablo knows what I'm talking about.

 

[dgdawg]

Yeah Laker, I know what you mean. I'm going to use some non-perm locktite, nailpolish or plumbers tape. One of those hopefully will work.

I had the same prob w/mine. I added a drop of blue locktite and never had an issue. I had the foot switch, but I don't know if I'd pay extra for it if I would have had the tensioner "button".

 

[schap02]

Cracking. You can also persuade me to pull the trigger on the Wise, and let me know if you think the foot peddle is worth it.

If you buy a new Wise they have a super-convenient button that u can tap with your pinky finger after installing string, I find the pedal to not be necessary especially at $40 a clip for the peddle.

That is also just my opinion

 

[struggle]

Yeah Laker, I know what you mean. I'm going to use some non-perm locktite, nailpolish or plumbers tape. One of those hopefully will work.

is this just a case of a screw/bolt not staying tight?
if so, abit of locktite should work fine as schap said.

 

[kato669]

is this just a case of a screw/bolt not staying tight?
if so, abit of locktite should work fine as schap said.

Yeah, unfortunately I don't have any locktite (not one I can find anyways). Other stuff I have on hand so I'll try those first before going to the hardware store...

 

[struggle]

Yeah, unfortunately I don't have any locktite (not one I can find anyways). Other stuff I have on hand so I'll try those first before going to the hardware store...

try superglue. it will come loose down the road if need be.

 

[Lakers4Life]

try superglue. it will come loose down the road if need be.

Yeah, unfortunately I don't have any locktite (not one I can find anyways). Other stuff I have on hand so I'll try those first before going to the hardware store...

Super glue will work in a pinch, in place of LocTite. But the diablo is suppose to still be able to spin a bit. If it were a smooth metal surface, like other fixed diablo designs, it would probably work better. Still a poor design, IMHO. Once I modify my diablo to use the Gamma design, I'll post it.

If you buy a new Wise they have a super-convenient button that u can tap with your pinky finger after installing string, I find the pedal to not be necessary especially at $40 a clip for the peddle.

That is also just my opinion

+1 No need for the foot pedal since the tension button is on the gripper. There is one jack for the Tension button/Foot pedal, so you can only use one or the other, unless you have a splitter.

 

[Dags]

If you buy a new Wise they have a super-convenient button that u can tap with your pinky finger after installing string, I find the pedal to not be necessary especially at $40 a clip for the peddle.

That is also just my opinion

+1 No need for the foot pedal since the tension button is on the gripper. There is one jack for the Tension button/Foot pedal, so you can only use one or the other, unless you have a splitter.

Thanks to you both for this. If I order (in the UK), I'll check with the distributor that they have the latest version with the relocated button. I can always add the foot peddle later if needed.

 

[PBODY99]

Too bad the diablo on the Wise 2086 Pro is poorly designed. I have to constantly re-tighten the diablo with every pull. Anyone who owns a Wise 2086 Pro with factory diablo knows what I'm talking about.

I had that problem until I started the string under up then around the Diablo, the pull doesn't work to loosen it that way.