Wise vs electronic

[eaglesburg]

What would be the disadvantages of adding a wise tension head to my Klippermate? How would it compare to buying an electronic machine?
What are the differences between the Gamma x-els and progression els?

 

[Cobra Tennis]

Dude. Read the sticky.

 

[LttlElvis]

Wise was orignially made to be retro-fitted to crank rails and as a convenient add on to stringing machines. It can be added to a drop weight machine but would take a bit of work and may not really be worth it. Think adding a V8 engine to an old Toyota Tercel.

 

[Irvin]

An electronic machine in almost every instance will have a better clamping and mounting system. The Wise with its linear gripper and diablo will be a better electronic than some rotary grippers.

 

[eaglesburg]

I am also strongly considering a stringway. Since it is an automatic drop weight, would the wise really be that helpful?
Also I was unable to understand the difference betwee the t92 and t98 clamps with the Stringway. How are the Concorde versions different?
I have read here that Mark at alpha is a good person to speak with. Does anyone have a direct number or should I just call alpha and ask for mark?

 

[Irvin]

An electronic is faster and more consistent IMO. Mark can answer all your other questions. Google Alpha

 

[S&V Specialist]

Adding a Wise to a Klippermate is a waste of money, as you won't gain much of a benefit in stringing time from an electronic tensioner due to the flying clamps and you won't gain much accuracy as a drop weight is constant pull. The guys at alpha are all extremely helpful and know their stuff, so I would just call them. They are great people to work with and will be able to answer just about any question you might have.

 

[eaglesburg]

Should I contact alpha or new tech tennis which is the site that actually sells the machines?

 

[Irvin]

Should I contact alpha or new tech tennis which is the site that actually sells the machines?

both the same

EDIT: Or your could contact Stringway USA that's the same too.

 

[eaglesburg]

Ok...I will probably go with the T92 for speed purposes. As for the Concorde I don't know if that's worth the money. Does the friction in the main strings with the racket really matter that much in your guys experience?

I am considering Alpha Axis, Alpha Apex(not in stock but still considering), and all the stringways except Ml 90 because the automatic release seems helpful. I am having trouble deciding about the upright vs table top. As of now leaning towards not getting a wise.

 

[lionel_101]

OP,

You are stomping on the same grounds as your last thread that was closed by DireDesire.

Enough already, start stringing with the Klippermate and get some experience before asking all these questions.

 

[eaglesburg]

I've nailed a few rackets in a row. Not super fast and I still have some trouble doing nat gut, but all in all much better.

 

[struggle]

I wouldn't ever add a WISE to a K-mate, but I might add a WISE to a table top with fixed clamps and batter mounting.

 

[volusiano]

Ok...I will probably go with the T92 for speed purposes. As for the Concorde I don't know if that's worth the money. Does the friction in the main strings with the racket really matter that much in your guys experience?

I am considering Alpha Axis, Alpha Apex(not in stock but still considering), and all the stringways except Ml 90 because the automatic release seems helpful. I am having trouble deciding about the upright vs table top. As of now leaning towards not getting a wise.

It looks like you took some time to read up to understand the difference between the T92 and T98, and also what the Concorde system does. See, it's not that hard to read up on things so you don't have to ask every single question on the forum.

I think the Concorde system for an additional $80 is worth the money. Mine doesn't have the Concorde and is too old to be able to get retrofitted for a Concorde, and it's OK. But if you can have a way to remove friction from the main strings, why not? You're already spending about a grand so what's $80 more?

Whether some additional friction in the main string (causing some tension loss) really matter that much to you or not depends on how consistent you want your string bed tension to be. If you're stringing on the low side (45-50 lbs), maybe some tension loss is not as big of a deal as compared to if you're stringing on the high side (60+ lbs).

I think the deciding factor to pick the T92 vs the T98 shouldn't be because you want to string faster, but because you want the convenience of a single action clamp over a double action clamp. What's the hurry that you need to string so fast that you can't afford an extra half a second to double clamp? If your string is stretchy, you may want to wait anywhere between 4 to 10 sec to let it stretch and stabilize anyway (and that's why you want a constant pull), so picking the T92 for speed is a fallacy in my opinion. Picking the T92 for convenience is a better justification to me. I have the T98 (double clamp system) and I have strung over 100 rackets on my stringing machines so far, and I can recall maybe once or twice when I forgot to double clamp (when I was still a beginner). So it's not that easy to forget to clamp both actions either once you get used to it.

Whether you should get an upright or a table top, it boils down to whether you need portability or you need space. With an upright you don't need the desk space and room to keep your tools handy. You still need space in the house, but at least you don't need desk space. But then it's harder to take it with you, like to college or when you move somewhere else. But an upright is nicer to be able to walk around it from side to side if it's free standing all by itself. If it's on a desk, it may be harder to be able to move around and you may be limited to working on one side or around a corner only.

 

[eaglesburg]

It looks like you took some time to read up to understand the difference between the T92 and T98, and also what the Concorde system does. See, it's not that hard to read up on things so you don't have to ask every single question on the forum.

I think the Concorde system for an additional $80 is worth the money. Mine doesn't have the Concorde and is too old to be able to get retrofitted for a Concorde, and it's OK. But if you can have a way to remove friction from the main strings, why not? You're already spending about a grand so what's $80 more?

Whether some additional friction in the main string (causing some tension loss) really matter that much to you or not depends on how consistent you want your string bed tension to be. If you're stringing on the low side (45-50 lbs), maybe some tension loss is not as big of a deal as compared to if you're stringing on the high side (60+ lbs).

I think the deciding factor to pick the T92 vs the T98 shouldn't be because you want to string faster, but because you want the convenience of a single action clamp over a double action clamp. What's the hurry that you need to string so fast that you can't afford an extra half a second to double clamp? If your string is stretchy, you may want to wait anywhere between 4 to 10 sec to let it stretch and stabilize anyway (and that's why you want a constant pull), so picking the T92 for speed is a fallacy in my opinion. Picking the T92 for convenience is a better justification to me. I have the T98 (double clamp system) and I have strung over 100 rackets on my stringing machines so far, and I can recall maybe once or twice when I forgot to double clamp (when I was still a beginner). So it's not that easy to forget to clamp both actions either once you get used to it.

Whether you should get an upright or a table top, it boils down to whether you need portability or you need space. With an upright you don't need the desk space and room to keep your tools handy. You still need space in the house, but at least you don't need desk space. But then it's harder to take it with you, like to college or when you move somewhere else. But an upright is nicer to be able to walk around it from side to side if it's free standing all by itself. If it's on a desk, it may be harder to be able to move around and you may be limited to working on one side or around a corner only.

Thanks for the well thought out response. I will reconsider on the Concorde.
Have you ever tried the Stringway cross weaver?
I'm still pretty sure that I would like the t92 better. Even now with my flying clamps on the Klippermate, I would probably be a bit annoyed if I had to take two steps instead of one to unclamp it and then reclamp it for a total of four steps.

 

[volusiano]

Thanks for the well thought out response. I will reconsider on the Concorde.
Have you ever tried the Stringway cross weaver?
I'm still pretty sure that I would like the t92 better. Even now with my flying clamps on the Klippermate, I would probably be a bit annoyed if I had to take two steps instead of one to unclamp it and then reclamp it for a total of four steps.

Yes, I actually bought the Stringway cross weaver a few months ago and I have strung probably about a dozen times using it already.

I bought it primarily because most of my string jobs involves natural gut so I want to minimize friction burn when weaving the crosses against the mains, so when I came into some extra money I decided to go for it. It's not a "need to have", but it sure is a "nice to have", especially if you deal with gut a lot.

It takes some learning curve to me but once you figure it out it's not hard to use. There are some threads on this forum that discussed it, so you can read up on it and decide for yourself it it's something you want or not. There are a lot of mixed feelings about paying $150 for it from various posters, so the discussion tends to be a little bit controversial. I'd say it's not necessary, but if you're not on a tight budget, it'd be nice to have. Especially for gut.

I bought my Stringway used and it already came with the T98 double action clamp. But if I had a choice I might have forked out the extra cash for theT92 single action clamp, just because I'm not cash constrained and like to have whistles and bells on my tools. But the double action clamp didn't prevent me one bit from buying my used Stringway.

 

[gamerluke]

From your other thread (that got locked):

Try a new thread with specific questions once you understand what it is you're trying to do and where you're trying to end up. Any further lack-of-effort posts will be removed.

From this thread:

What would be the disadvantages of adding a wise tension head to my Klippermate? How would it compare to buying an electronic machine?
What are the differences between the Gamma x-els and progression els?

I am also strongly considering a stringway. Since it is an automatic drop weight, would the wise really be that helpful?
Also I was unable to understand the difference betwee the t92 and t98 clamps with the Stringway. How are the Concorde versions different?
I have read here that Mark at alpha is a good person to speak with. Does anyone have a direct number or should I just call alpha and ask for mark?

Should I contact alpha or new tech tennis which is the site that actually sells the machines?

Have you ever tried the Stringway cross weaver?

Dude, your other thread gets locked and this is how you approach your next one?

lionel_101 hit the nail on the head. You started stringing a week ago. You don't need a new machine. You need experience with the one you have.

And for the love of god, please learn how to use search. Literally every question you've asked has been answered multiple times before.

 

[beernutz]

From your other thread (that got locked):


From this thread:








Dude, your other thread gets locked and this is how you approach your next one?

lionel_101 hit the nail on the head. You started stringing a week ago. You don't need a new machine. You need experience with the one you have.

And for the love of god, please learn how to use search. Literally every question you've asked has been answered multiple times before.

If he uses search he will not be the center of attention.

 

[lionel_101]

If he uses search he will not be the center of attention.

Exactly as beernutz said.

There are really good people here on the site that has a lot of helpful information on stringing and on stringing machines.

But as I read online about Internet trolling the best way to help stop it is to "NOT FEED THE ANIMAL". Just ignore all their threads, and posts and just help those that really want help or information.

 

[Irvin]

Deleted post

 

[eaglesburg]

I have narrowed it down to the ml100 ml120 and ms200. I decided not to get a crank because I feel like it will take an extra while to learn how much higher in tension I have to go esp. Since I will be stringing some nat gut which stretches a lot. I don't like that idea of not being spot on.
Does anybody know how much these machines weigh? Does the foot pedal on the ms200 doped things up or is it just one of those convenience things?
Another option is getting the ml100 with the m stand so it can be both a table top and an upright.
Is it possible to convert the ms200 or ml120 into a table top?

 

[eaglesburg]

I have narrowed it down to the ml100 ml120 and ms200. I decided not to get a crank because I feel like it will take an extra while to learn how much higher in tension I have to go esp. Since I will be stringing some nat gut which stretches a lot. I don't like that idea of not being spot on.
Does anybody know how much these machines weigh? Does the foot pedal on the ms200 doped things up or is it just one of those convenience things?
Another option is getting the ml100 with the m stand so it can be both a table top and an upright.
Is it possible to convert the ms200 or ml120 into a table top?

With the 100 and 120 do I need to buy another weight f I am stringing high tensions? Where can I buy this? I was unable to locate it on their site.

 

[Rabbit]

I have narrowed it down to the ml100 ml120 and ms200. I decided not to get a crank because I feel like it will take an extra while to learn how much higher in tension I have to go esp. Since I will be stringing some nat gut which stretches a lot. I don't like that idea of not being spot on.
Does anybody know how much these machines weigh? Does the foot pedal on the ms200 doped things up or is it just one of those convenience things?
Another option is getting the ml100 with the m stand so it can be both a table top and an upright.
Is it possible to convert the ms200 or ml120 into a table top?

If you go from a Klippermate to a crank, you might be surprised to find that you have to lower the tension on a crank to simulate the string bed feel. The difference isn't the tensioning system, it's the clamps. A crank machine with fixed clamps will deliver a tighter string bed.

 

[volusiano]

I have narrowed it down to the ml100 ml120 and ms200. I decided not to get a crank because I feel like it will take an extra while to learn how much higher in tension I have to go esp. Since I will be stringing some nat gut which stretches a lot. I don't like that idea of not being spot on.
Does anybody know how much these machines weigh?

The Alpha folks should be able to tell you this.

Does the foot pedal on the ms200 doped things up or is it just one of those convenience things?

It doesn't make it more accurate or give you a better string job. It may help make your job go a little faster because you don't need both arms to tension anymore (one to pump the weight to open the tensioning jaw and the other to feed the string into the jaw). You now pump the jaw open using your left foot on the pedal and use your right hand to feed the string into the jaw, freeing up your left hand to do whatever you want. That's all. So it's a speed and convenience thing, but not by much anyway since it's not like you string all day long.

It uses a big spring inside the stand to provide the tensioning force, so you should calibrate it once in a while. But with the drop weight, once you calibrate with the ruler, you probably don't need to recalibrate again.

Another option is getting the ml100 with the m stand so it can be both a table top and an upright.
Is it possible to convert the ms200 or ml120 into a table top?

I'm sure it's not possible for the MS200 to be converted into a table top stringer because the big spring inside the leg stand is what provides the tensioning force. With the ML120, maybe. That's a question for Alpha.

 

[volusiano]

With the 100 and 120 do I need to buy another weight f I am stringing high tensions? Where can I buy this? I was unable to locate it on their site.

The manual available on the Alpha's website (Information Centre) will give you info on the different weights. I assume it comes with all 3 weights to give you up to 81 lbs of tension, but if you want to be sure you can call and ask Alpha.

 

[volusiano]

If you go from a Klippermate to a crank, you might be surprised to find that you have to lower the tension on a crank to simulate the string bed feel. The difference isn't the tensioning system, it's the clamps. A crank machine with fixed clamps will deliver a tighter string bed.

I think what the OP is trying to say is that assuming you have the same clamping system (not going from a KM to a crank), but different tensioning systems (crank vs constant pull) on very stretchy strings.

On a crank, you pull up to tension then stop and lock out quickly before the string has had a chance to stretch all the way yet.

On a constant pull, you pull up to tension, and the string starts to stretch. As the string stretches, the tension is not locked out yet, but continues to keep pulling constantly. After some time, the string stops stretching and you clamp it.

Between these 2 tensioning system, the constant pull results in less tension loss, hence tighter string bed. On a crank, you can maybe adjust the tension a little higher up front to make up for this tension loss. But with a constant pull machine, you just give the string plenty of time to stretch, then clamp, and you don't need to guess how much to adjust the tension to make up for the tension loss like on a crank to achieve the same string bed stiffness.

 

[eaglesburg]

Thanks volusiano. I have emailed Mark with my questions. I hope to have a decision by next weekend.

 

[LttlElvis]

Stringways are good machines. However, because of your lack of experience or knowledge, you will definitely be slower on Stringways. Just mounting a racquet will be much slower. You may blame the machine for slow mounting yet not understand why it mounts a particular way.

At this point you are too new to appreciate certain features. You probably are still a year of stringing on your Klippermate before truly knowing what you want.

 

[jim e]

I agree with LitlElvis, as you should be sure that this is the machine that you really want. You already made the mistake with the klippermate that you do not care for, and you do not want to make another mistake, so just be sure that this is the one, as it may be best to check with most manuf. to see just what is available to you.

 

[struggle]

I'm pretty the kid doesn't want a Stringway, but wants a lockout machine. He just doesn't know it yet.

 

[am1899]

Here we go...

 

[eaglesburg]

I agree with LitlElvis, as you should be sure that this is the machine that you really want. You already made the mistake with the klippermate that you do not care for, and you do not want to make another mistake, so just be sure that this is the one, as it may be best to check with most manuf. to see just what is available to you.

I honestly wouldn't say it was a mistake. My parents weren't sure if I was really that interested or if I would fizzle out soon, but then they saw that I would stick with it and offered to buy me a better machine.
What is it about the Stringways that makes you think I won't like them?

 

[eaglesburg]

I'm pretty the kid doesn't want a Stringway, but wants a lockout machine. He just doesn't know it yet.

Why do you say that? BTW, I'm not decided yet. The Alphas are still on the table. I'm waiting for Marks reply.

 

[struggle]

Why do you say that? BTW, I'm not decided yet. The Alphas are still on the table. I'm waiting for Marks reply.

I've never even used one, only looked at them. I can see how the mounting and clamps work, at least visually. I wouldn't want to mess with it.

I started on a k-mate (it was branded "court and slope") in the mid 1980's and i bought it well used. Moved on to a lockout and then quit tennis for 20-some years. Came back to tennis, bought two lockout machines then added a WISE to the second one. I wouldn't consider a Stringway myself, much less as a new stringer. Certainly they seem to be great machines, but if you look around you won't see many of them. There's a reason for that.

 

[eaglesburg]

I've never even used one, only looked at them. I can see how the mounting and clamps work, at least visually. I wouldn't want to mess with it.

I started on a k-mate (it was branded "court and slope") in the mid 1980's and i bought it well used. Moved on to a lockout and then quit tennis for 20-some years. Came back to tennis, bought two lockout machines then added a WISE to the second one. I wouldn't consider a Stringway myself, much less as a new stringer. Certainly they seem to be great machines, but if you look around you won't see many of them. There's a reason for that.

What's that reason? I can't find very many negative reviews.

 

[struggle]

What's that reason? I can't find very many negative reviews.

I'm not giving a negative review. Like I said, I've never used one.

If you want a Honda Accord, you don't shop for for a Saab 900.

 

[eaglesburg]

I'm not giving a negative review. Like I said, I've never used one.

If you want a Honda Accord, you don't shop for for a Saab 900.

Sorry, but I really have no idea what you are trying to say. Can you just say it straight up instead of using analogies?

 

[struggle]

8 gazillion people across the planet use Lockout machines with fine success, NEOS being the standard by which all of them have been measured for decades.

Far fewer also use the Stringway with fine success.

Ya feel me now?

If you want an easy to use, nicer machine than your k-mate......get a nice lockout and be done with it.

 

[eaglesburg]

8 gazillion people across the planet use Lockout machines with fine success, NEOS being the standard by which all of them have been measured for decades.

Far fewer also use the Stringway with fine success.

Ya feel me now?

If you want an easy to use, nicer machine than your k-mate......get a nice lockout and be done with it.

Yeah I feel you. I see what you are saying. This is going to be a tough decision.
On the Apex I can't really understand what the gravity release clamps are. Please help me out there.

 

[struggle]

Take a dozen rackets to a dozen shops to be strung. I doubt you'll see ONE Stringway machine.

 

[eaglesburg]

Take a dozen rackets to a dozen shops to be strung. I doubt you'll see ONE Stringway machine.

If I go the table top route which I am leaning towards right now, what machine would you suggest besides a Stringway?

 

[struggle]

If I go the table top route which I am leaning towards right now, what machine would you suggest besides a Stringway?

I'd be getting a Gamma, but lots of folks like the Alpha and for the features it may be a better deal. I just like the build of the Gamma better.

Both seem to have excellent customer service (I can vouch for the CS at Gamma).

I don't think you can go wrong and each will have great features and allow adding a WISE should you choose making a nice electronic machine.

You already have an ace in the hole with the K-mate. Learn to string and go from there.

 

[eaglesburg]

I'd be getting a Gamma, but lots of folks like the Alpha and for the features it may be a better deal. I just like the build of the Gamma better.

Both seem to have excellent customer service (I can vouch for the CS at Gamma).

I don't think you can go wrong and each will have great features and allow adding a WISE should you choose making a nice electronic machine.

You already have an ace in the hole with the K-mate. Learn to string and go from there.

I would wait, but my parents want to return the Klippermate within the 3 day period.

 

[volusiano]

Take a dozen rackets to a dozen shops to be strung. I doubt you'll see ONE Stringway machine.

The last thing I want to do is to start a stringing machine war on this thread. But I feel that this comment is incredibly one dimensional so I want to add in my 2 cents.

It'd be more correct to say that you won't find tennis shops using drop weight machines for the most part, and Stringway is primarily a drop weight machine so it's in that category. The prejudice about drop weight machines is that they're generally very slow to operate (because they must be set to near perfect horizontal for correct tension). People who don't know enough about Stringway machines carry the same prejudice and dismiss it in the same drop weight category as all other drop weight machines.

Naturally tennis shops don't want slow machines because time is money. That's why you don't see them use drop weight machines. It's not just a Stringway thing. It's a drop weight thing.

High end shops will buy electronic constant pull machines because they're supposed to be the best and very fast. Budget tennis shops that can't afford expensive electronic machines will prefer to use lockout crank machines because they're also pretty fast, and not as expensive.

Another thing going against Stringway machines is that they're not cheap compared to the other generic drop weight machines. So it turns people off thinking why they should be paying a premium for a drop weight machine no less at that price?

The question one should ask is why is there a small following of home users who still don't mind paying a premium price for a Stringway if it's just mere drop weight machine? What's so special about it that command a higher cost than other drop weight machines?

The answer is constant pull. With no hassle of keeping the drop weight horizontal. And at a lower price than an electronic machine in general.

People who don't care about constant pull prefer getting a fast crank lockout, or an electric tensioner.

People who care about constant pull are divided into 3 groups:

1. Those who don't have a budget limit tend to buy a high end electronic machines in the $2K-$5K price range so they can get all the bells and whistles, constant pull included. High end tennis shops that string fall into this group, too.

2. Those who have a small budget settle for a drop weight machine so they can get constant pull, beside the low price machine, and have to put up with the hassle of balancing the drop weight to horizontal for proper tensioning.

3. Those who can afford more than a small budget, but don't want to spend too much on an electronic machine north of $2K and up, found the Stringway to be a good middle ground compromise. It's in the $1K range yet still provides constant pull like the more expensive electronic machines. It's a drop weight but doesn't have the inconvenience of a drop weight because of the patented tensioning jaw that provides the same correct tension at almost any angle. So the drop weight doesn't have to be horizontal. This is where you will find followers of Stringway machines -> home users (not tennis shop) who want constant pull but don't want to put up with the hassle of the traditional dropweight, and also don't want to shell out $2K or more for an electronic machine.

If you don't care about constant pull, don't consider the Stringway. If you do, they provide a great compromise between price and ease of use that a number of home users are sold on.

The beauty of all this is that there's a plethora of stringing machines that can fulfill just about every need and desire and budget with various trade offs. The key to selecting a stringing machine is knowing your budget, knowing your need, knowing your situation, knowing what you want in terms of features and convenience, knowing the technologies offered and what they mean to you, and most importantly, knowing the trade-offs between all of that so you can make informed decisions on your selection.

Just because somebody says machine X or Y are the most popular machines doesn't mean that you should want to buy them because they're the most popular. You should buy them because you've made an informed decision about them already.

The question is if the OP is informed enough?

 

[diredesire]

The last thing I want to do is to start a stringing machine war on this thread. But I feel that this comment is incredibly one dimensional so I want to add in my 2 cents.

It'd be more correct to say that you won't find tennis shops using drop weight machines for the most part, and Stringway is primarily a drop weight machine so it's in that category. The prejudice about drop weight machines is that they're generally very slow to operate (because they must be set to near perfect horizontal for correct tension). People who don't know enough about Stringway machines carry the same prejudice and dismiss it in the same drop weight category as all other drop weight machines.

Naturally tennis shops don't want slow machines because time is money. That's why you don't see them use drop weight machines. It's not just a Stringway thing. It's a drop weight thing.

High end shops will buy electronic constant pull machines because they're supposed to be the best and very fast. Budget tennis shops that can't afford expensive electronic machines will prefer to use lockout crank machines because they're also pretty fast, and not as expensive.

Another thing going against Stringway machines is that they're not cheap compared to the other generic drop weight machines. So it turns people off thinking why they should be paying a premium for a drop weight machine no less at that price?

The question one should ask is why is there a small following of home users who still don't mind paying a premium price for a Stringway if it's just mere drop weight machine? What's so special about it that command a higher cost than other drop weight machines?

The answer is constant pull. With no hassle of keeping the drop weight horizontal. And at a lower price than an electronic machine in general.

People who don't care about constant pull prefer getting a fast crank lockout, or an electric tensioner.

People who care about constant pull are divided into 3 groups:

1. Those who don't have a budget limit tend to buy a high end electronic machines in the $2K-$5K price range so they can get all the bells and whistles, constant pull included. High end tennis shops that string fall into this group, too.

2. Those who have a small budget settle for a drop weight machine so they can get constant pull, beside the low price machine, and have to put up with the hassle of balancing the drop weight to horizontal for proper tensioning.

3. Those who can afford more than a small budget, but don't want to spend too much on an electronic machine north of $2K and up, found the Stringway to be a good middle ground compromise. It's in the $1K range yet still provides constant pull like the more expensive electronic machines. It's a drop weight but doesn't have the inconvenience of a drop weight because of the patented tensioning jaw that provides the same correct tension at almost any angle. So the drop weight doesn't have to be horizontal. This is where you will find followers of Stringway machines -> home users (not tennis shop) who want constant pull but don't want to put up with the hassle of the traditional dropweight, and also don't want to shell out $2K or more for an electronic machine.

If you don't care about constant pull, don't consider the Stringway. If you do, they provide a great compromise between price and ease of use that a number of home users are sold on.

The beauty of all this is that there's a plethora of stringing machines that can fulfill just about every need and desire and budget with various trade offs. The key to selecting a stringing machine is knowing your budget, knowing your need, knowing your situation, knowing what you want in terms of features and convenience, knowing the technologies offered and what they mean to you, and most importantly, knowing the trade-offs between all of that so you can make informed decisions on your selection.

Just because somebody says machine X or Y are the most popular machines doesn't mean that you should want to buy them because they're the most popular. You should buy them because you've made an informed decision about them already.

The question is if the OP is informed enough?

While the rhetorical argument is spot on, there's quite a bit more to the Stringway (and Laserfibre) machines than meets the eye/to be discussed. I'd say overall machine quality is excellent, but there is significant drawback to the clamps. This can be mitigated to some amount on the DA clamps, but it's relatively dramatic compared to other clamping systems I've used. If OP just "has a feeling" he's going to like the SA clamps over the DA clamps without knowing the real-world differences (and limitations!) between the two, I suspect there's still more research to be done.

I think the negative (and uninformed) comments from struggle are largely unfounded and rhetorically unsound. This isn't to call struggle's reputation into question, he's an excellent overall contributor to this sub-forum. The popularity argument isn't a strong one, though. Yes, there's a reason the NEOS is popular, it's a great machine. Does that mean it's the best machine you can buy in the price range? Well...

Pro-shops (IMHO) generally cater to the general populace and appearances matter. There's a reason you don't see table top electr(on)ic machines mounted on stands in pro shops as well. The general population doesn't know anything about machines besides how expensive they look. This isn't a good argument against a Stringway.

Racquet mounting system is actually excellent minus a few (hopefully since fixed) machining issues. It's potentially quick, and one of the more solid inside mount systems (which is my preference) on the market. It's better than the lever systems on non-NEOS machines. I've never had a problem with NEOS lever-down hold-down mounts, though. Clamps are actually excellent minus the drawback. The gripping surfaces are gentle, but textured. The clamps themselves are extremely high quality, but the shaft hole should be machined more precisely. The DA bases leave a little to be desired in fluid movement, though.

As for OP, I've made all of these comments on the SW/LF machines, you can search my post history if you are looking for actual user reviews. The machine isn't perfect, but most aren't. I've stated several times why I eventually switched away from the SW. I might still have it today if I didn't get a good deal on a 5800 ELS, though.

Edit: I'll indulge you with a few comments. Pumping a weight isn't what you'll want to be doing when you have a stack of 12 frames lying for you to do, and you just played a marathon match. The pedal (and any pedal) aren't actually as convenient in real-world usage as you'd might think. You likely won't need extremely high tensions as often as you think, avoid buying an additional weight. You still do not have enough knowledge/experience to be making any purchase decisions. You need to learn to appreciate and love your (or any) machine as well as hate it -- simply because you understand and know it so well. Once you've done this, you'll understand what you're looking for in a different machine.

By the way -- unless Klippermate is paying return shipping on that machine, you're actually better off just keeping it and selling it used on Craigslist for a small discount. The 30 day return window doesn't really hold its weight when you have to consider shipping charges for a 25+ lb (large) package.

 

[volusiano]

^^^Yeah, I think my Stringway's DA clamps are OK, functional to me so far, but nothing to crow about. The reason I say that is that I find it a bear to take it apart to clean and reassemble. Luckily I don't string in great quantities so I don't have to clean them that often. I had no idea that the SA clamps are even worse. Made me kinda glad I had the DA clamps then.

And I did see that comment from someone about mounting a racket on a Stringway will be slower, too. I didn't want to say anything because I have no experience on racket mounting other than that on the Stringway so I have no comparison point. But at least I didn't find mounting on the Stringway to be a speed issue for me at all. Then again speed is never an important stringing goal for me anyway because I don't like to rush when I do my own string job.

I actually prefer the 5 point inside mount system myself, too, as compared to the 2 point inside 4 point outside mount system. I just buy the idea of direct support more than indirect support.

 

[eaglesburg]

am I right in saying that the crank will be faster than the stringway?
I will to talk to mark both about that and about the clamps.

 

[Cobra Tennis]

I think we've all taken the bait here, fellas.


Dude has admittedly said he has only strung 5 racquets in HIS LIFE. Learn to string first, then decide on a machine.


The lady doth protest too much.

 

[struggle]

I was in no way trying to discredit the Stringway machine. I even stated I had never used one. I've been made aware of the machines primarily through these forums as well as having seen (but not used them). Clearly the SW owners like them, but they don't seem to be for everyone.

I've also never used a Pro Portable Platinum.

My points were an oversimplication of what the OP may truly be looking for based on his limited knowledge.

Never meant to pee pee on the SW/LF machines.

Good day!!

 

[diredesire]

^^^Yeah, I think my Stringway's DA clamps are OK, functional to me so far, but nothing to crow about. The reason I say that is that I find it a bear to take it apart to clean and reassemble. Luckily I don't string in great quantities so I don't have to clean them that often. I had no idea that the SA clamps are even worse. Made me kinda glad I had the DA clamps then.

And I did see that comment from someone about mounting a racket on a Stringway will be slower, too. I didn't want to say anything because I have no experience on racket mounting other than that on the Stringway so I have no comparison point. But at least I didn't find mounting on the Stringway to be a speed issue for me at all. Then again speed is never an important stringing goal for me anyway because I don't like to rush when I do my own string job.

I actually prefer the 5 point inside mount system myself, too, as compared to the 2 point inside 4 point outside mount system. I just buy the idea of direct support more than indirect support.

The DA clamps are great, you should lubricate the rails with silicone spray. No slippage impact, much smoother travel. The fact that you have to do that kind of sucks, though. I wouldn't say the SA clamps are worse, they just have different tradeoffs. The speed difference IMO is negligible as you have to position the clamps with two hands (for optimum speed) anyways.

Mounting IS slower, but it's rock solid. It's a little faster (depending on user) if you have to string the same frame over and over, though. The mounts don't move, you just have to screw the hold-downs down. I should note you don't need to tighten them down THAT hard, especially on thin-throated frames.

am I right in saying that the crank will be faster than the stringway?
I will to talk to mark both about that and about the clamps.

Ask Mark. It would be faster, but there are tradeoffs with speed and cranks. Read more.

I think we've all taken the bait here, fellas.


Dude has admittedly said he has only strung 5 racquets in HIS LIFE. Learn to string first, then decide on a machine.


The lady doth protest too much.

As I said very early in his previous thread . We're a (too?) friendly bunch in ST/SM sub-forum. That's why this is one of the sub-forums I actually will visit with my leisure time.

I was in no way trying to discredit the Stringway machine. I even stated I had never used one. I've been made aware of the machines primarily through these forums as well as having seen (but not used them). Clearly the SW owners like them, but they don't seem to be for everyone.

I've also never used a Pro Portable Platinum.

My points were an oversimplication of what the OP may truly be looking for based on his limited knowledge.

Never meant to pee pee on the SW/LF machines.

Good day!!

Yep, as I said, I respectfully disagree. I think it's too easy to come to a conclusion based on the information in your posts, thus I decided to pop in and comment (otherwise I wouldn't have ). I'll mention that most of the negative comments I hear (referring to the "but they don't seem to be for everyone" comment) are from those who have never seen or handled the LF/SW. There are a ton of vocal naysayers regarding the LF/SW, but most of them are talking out of their rears. I'm a fan, but they definitely aren't perfect machines by a long shot. There's also a long, dramatic history involved when it comes to these machines.