Wise vs electronic

mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
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.

OP, this is great advice. just keep the KM for now and learn to string well on it first. it's a solid machine that will serve you well for many, many years.

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!!

Stringway machines are really good. As Dire mentions, they're not perfect but no machine is.
 

jim e

Legend
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?

I have never used a stringway myself,and I am not here to say critical things about it, just a statement about a video of a stringer stringing with this machine, as in that video, there seemed to be a lot of rubbing of the main center strings across the throat of the racquet. Possibly the stringer was operating it in error, and there is no issue of this,but this I would assume this would cause extra friction along with a decreased tension of the reference tension, along with possibly marring a customers frame with the string rubbing. Maybe someone who has used this machine can comment that this does not happen. Dire, are you there??
Plus years ago I strung with an automatic dropweight, an old Serrano and pushing the peddle when you have a good deal of stringing to do gets to you.
Electronics is my preference as just push a button.

I only commented on this because you asked me what makes me think that you may not like it.
As stated earlier, there is no perfect machine for everyone.
 
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mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
I have never used a stringway myself,and I am not here to say critical things about it, just a statement about a video of a stringer stringing with this machine, as in that video, there seemed to be a lot of rubbing of the main center strings across the throat of the racquet. Possibly the stringer was operating it in error, and there is no issue of this,but this I would assume this would cause extra friction along with a decreased tension of the reference tension, along with possibly marring a customers frame with the string rubbing. Maybe someone who has used this machine can comment that this does not happen. Dire, are you there??
Plus years ago I strung with an automatic dropweight, an old Serrano and pushing the peddle when you have a good deal of stringing to do gets to you.
Electronics is my preference as just push a button.

I only commented on this because you asked me what makes me think that you may not like it.
As stated earlier, there is no perfect machine for everyone.

jim e, you've made an astute observation. the center mains do indeed rub across the throat beams. because of this, SW came up w/ the optional Concorde system which tilts the racquet to eliminate this rubbing. i've used a SW before and the rubbing did not really cause a material amount of tension loss in the string job at the end.

just for full disclosure, i own and string on a babolat sensor and i do own a stringway auto dropweight DA fixed clamp table top machine that i keep around as my backup stringer.
 
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eaglesburg

Guest
After talking with mark I am now leaning towards an Alpha crank. He said in general they are easier to use and a little bit faster. The new Apex Speed should be coming in May, so I may wait for that to get more details. Upright might be the way to go since I can still disassemble it for transport. Also considering Wise and electronics esp. Ones from Gamma.
 
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I still don't understand the notion of spending a large amount of money on a machine when you are inexperienced as a stringer. Once you are stringing under 30 minutes on a Klippermate, then you can begin to take advantage of crank and electronic machines.
Until then, it's like kid buying an expensive sports car when he doesn't even know how to drive in the first place, much less know how to drive stick. Or it's like a beginning player thinking they will gain much benefit from the RF97 (hint: YOU WON'T).
 

Cobra Tennis

Professional
I am also looking towards the future.



Go string fifty racquets on your Klippermate and then start asking these questions. You have no idea about any of these things because you don't know what you're doing. Sorry, not trying to be rude, but you need experience first.
 

AHJS

Professional
This may seem a little harsh, but after literally 5 sticks, you really don't know a thing about stringing or your preferences in machines and what you need.
However if you must...
Prince Neos (1000 or 1500) or Alpha Axis Pro. You will be happy and will not need another machine.
I personally like the Alpha because they are based close to me and have great customer service, but my coach loves his Neos. Pick one and be done with it, but hop on that machine and learn first. I strung 20 sticks on my coaches machine before I got my own!!! Take your time with this and don't make another mistake that you'll regret and wanna send back.
 
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eaglesburg

Guest
This may seem a little harsh, but after literally 5 sticks, you really don't know a thing about stringing or your preferences in machines and what you need.
However if you must...
Prince Neos (1000 or 1500) or Alpha Axis Pro. You will be happy and will not need another machine.
I personally like the Alpha because they are based close to me and have great customer service, but my coach loves his Neos. Pick one and be done with it, but hop on that machine and learn first. I strung 20 sticks on my coaches machine before I got my own!!! Take your time with this and don't make another mistake that you'll regret and wanna send back.

I didn't make a mistake. My parents just decided afterwards that they were willing to pay for a better machine.
 

pmata814

Professional
Eaglesburg,
I've owned an Axis Pro, Klippermate, Revo 4000, and now a Gamma 6004...in that order. I don't blame you for wanting to upgrade from the klippermate after 5 frames. That machine can be quite annoying to string on. For me it was especially so because I had already been spoiled by the Axis Pro. (how I went from an axis pro to a klippermate is a long story for another thread)

Mark is a great guy and he will not steer you wrong. Alphas are really GOOD machines and they have GREAT customer service. That is something that I think you will be needing as you are not an experienced stringer. Mark is very patient and will go above and beyond to help in any way he can. I can't say enough positive things about that guy. He is awesome.

I sold my Revo and I now own a Gamma 6004, which is a GREAT machine and the jury is still out on their customer service since I haven't owned it long enough to judge that. But I hear they're great also.

If you have any specific questions on the axis pro or the revo 4000 ask away and I'll do my best to answer them. The Neos suggestion is also a good one. But I personally don't think I'd like the glide bar clamps. I prefer the swivel clamps.
 
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eaglesburg

Guest
Ok thanks for offering. Here they come :)
Why did you opt for the gamma over an apex?
How did you find the clamps on all these machines?
After doing some reading, I have ruled out the Neos.
 

pmata814

Professional
Ok thanks for offering. Here they come :)
Why did you opt for the gamma over an apex?
How did you find the clamps on all these machines?
After doing some reading, I have ruled out the Neos.

1. I didn't know that the apex was still made (I only saw one on e**y and I wanted a new machine). 2. I really wanted the 2-point self centering mount. I don't think the Apex is self centering. I may be mistaken though as I've wanted the 6004 for a long time so I didn't research the Apex that much.

I absolutely HATE the klippermate flying clamps. The axis pro had the 5 tooth DDS clamps which are fine. For the Revo I upgraded to the 5 tooth hybrid clamps which are better than the DDS. But I prefer the clamps on my 6004 by a large margin. They are smaller so they fit easier in between the strings and closer to the frame, they have a very pronounced 'click' when they clamp on the string and I also feel like they can hold the string securely without putting as much pressure on the string as the alpha clamps. Others may disagree with this though. To me they just look and feel like they are of much higher quality.

The switch action bases on the 6004 are the biggest difference though. the axis pro and the revo don't have these but I think the apex does.

FYI, the alpha machines are heavier and more 'heavy duty' if you will. The Gamma turntable is lighter and is made of thinner, lighter material. I don't think this is a big deal but just thought I'd mention it.

I hope this helps, anything else just ask.
 
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jim e

Legend
He said he is dedicated to stick with it.
He does not like his entry level machine.
He was considering a neos, stringway, and now a different lock out.
Since he does not know what he wants he most likely would be best served with a higher end electronic, as no one complains of a too good machine.
 

volusiano

Hall of Fame
He said he is dedicated to stick with it.
He does not like his entry level machine.
He was considering a neos, stringway, and now a different lock out.
Since he does not know what he wants he most likely would be best served with a higher end electronic, as no one complains of a too good machine.
I would agree with this. If the budget is $10K like the OP indicated, or even at $3K, why go through all this trouble? Just get a high end electronic stringer. That's what I would do.
 

diredesire

Moderator
I would agree with this. If the budget is $10K like the OP indicated, or even at $3K, why go through all this trouble? Just get a high end electronic stringer. That's what I would do.

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This is the problem in my eyes. Once we're physically on the target, we can work on getting closer to the bullseye, but we're not even there yet.
 

jim e

Legend
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This is the problem in my eyes. Once we're physically on the target, we can work on getting closer to the bullseye, but we're not even there yet.

While you may be correct, I am trying to steer him to a target area. That is why a good high end electronic would serve him best, as he would have all he needs, even if he does not recognize it as yet, and if he decides to call it quits in short amount of time, there are few good high end machines used for sale that come up, as most are shop units that served their useful life for them, so selling a high end should be no problem in future if things go in that direction.
Just trying to steer him to the target.
BTW my 2nd sport is archery. You aim for the bullseye.
 
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Cobra Tennis

Professional
well, if he wants a "high end" electronic machine, I guess a Babolat Star 5 is definitely out of the question as it is a measly low end machine

Am I right or am I right, fellas? LOL


:)
 
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eaglesburg

Guest
If I do go the electronic route, what other suggestions do you guys have besides the alpha ghost?

Edit: actually I talked to my parents and told them I should wait but then we couldn't return Klippermate but they said it was alright for me to wait. So hopefully no questions for a while!
 
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AHJS

Professional
I didn't make a mistake. My parents just decided afterwards that they were willing to pay for a better machine.

Well if you spent the money and then are soon getting another machine, I don't see why that wasn't a mistake to get that machine. Why not just start off with a nice one?
 

AHJS

Professional
If I do go the electronic route, what other suggestions do you guys have besides the alpha ghost?

Edit: actually I talked to my parents and told them I should wait but then we couldn't return Klippermate but they said it was alright for me to wait. So hopefully no questions for a while!

You have no use for an electronic machine. You are a home stringer stringing for yourself and maybe a few other people. You have mentioned that you don't break strings and have not mentioned stringing for others. Why the need for an electronic? Electronic machines are meant for people and shops that do plenty of rackets a day and have an emphasis on accuracy and time. You seem to check none of those boxes. Drop weights can be annoying and I totally get that. Save the money and get yourself a nice crank. I'm getting slightly frustrated with this whole thread and I can see its already on the path the last one took... :mad:
 
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eaglesburg

Guest
You have no use for an electronic machine. You are a home stringer stringing for yourself and maybe a few other people. You have mentioned that you don't break strings and have not mentioned stringing for others. Why the need for an electronic? Electronic machines are meant for people and shops that do plenty of rackets a day and have an emphasis on accuracy and time. You seem to check none of those boxes. Drop weights can be annoying and I totally get that. Save the money and get yourself a nice crank. I'm getting slightly frustrated with this whole thread and I can see its already on the path the last one took... :mad:

First of all, I al not getting any machine as of now.
I restring every 2-3 weeks maybe faster with the gut/poly. And that time is only going to decrease. And I do plan on stringing for some other people. Not a lot, but still a few.
 

AHJS

Professional
First of all, I al not getting any machine as of now.
I restring every 2-3 weeks maybe faster with the gut/poly. And that time is only going to decrease. And I do plan on stringing for some other people. Not a lot, but still a few.

Thats maybe 50 sticks a year then if I'm being generous. I would expect 50 a month if you were getting an electronic. I seriously urge you to get a crank.
 

volusiano

Hall of Fame
It looks like the suggestion for an electronic machine was an obvious jest to the OP due to his inability to narrow down the playing field. But he took it seriously by asking for more electronic machine suggestions (again showing he does not really know what he wants), so now people are trying to talk him out of that jest.
 

Dags

Hall of Fame
It looks like the suggestion for an electronic machine was an obvious jest to the OP due to his inability to narrow down the playing field. But he took it seriously by asking for more electronic machine suggestions (again showing he does not really know what he wants), so now people are trying to talk him out of that jest.

I'm fairly certain it was a serious suggestion; one of the common pieces of advice on here is 'as much machine as you can afford', and when someone states they're willing to pay up to 10k then they can afford pretty much any machine.

I think most of us are relatively conservative when buying the first machine, largely because we haven't strung before. There's that slight unknown, and for me it was finding that level not so much as to what I could afford, but that I would be comfortable paying in the event that I hated it. After a reading a lot of threads (starting with what was a fairly new sticky at the time ;-)), I decided to buy a crank.

For some hobbyists, the first machine they buy will last a lifetime. For others - myself included - the longer we do it, the more likely we are to upgrade. After about 18 months I added a Wise to my machine, and when I next move house I'm intending to have a stringing/hobby room, at which point there's a high chance I'll upgrade to one of those 'low end' premium machines. It's not because I need it, but because I'm passionate about it. I think I'm the sort of person jim e has in mind when he advises an electronic machine, because if I'm going to end up with it eventually, then if I can afford it, I may as well have it from the start!

For our OP, I'm not sure what the best advice is. He had his Klippermate for one weekend before declaring he was going to upgrade, which suggests to me that he found the going tough and is looking for a magic fix. He keeps coming back to speed, without really realising that the biggest gains in this department can only come from practice. Judging by the volume he posts, he's clearly passionate about tennis, so the interest may last... or it may be replaced with something else. We've all been 15, and those of us who can remember what it was like will probably agree that when you really liked something it was absolutely the best thing in the world ever and you obsessed with it... but all of a sudden something even better could come along and your attention switched. That's not a criticism: those sort of heightened emotions were the some of the best part of being a teenager, and I quite often listen to music I liked around that time because it can remind me what that feels like. The crappy parts of being a teenager are obviously best forgotten. :)

My general feeling at this stage: hold onto the Klippermate this year, get used to it, and see where you are this time next year. If you're only using it once a month, you may decide you've got all the machine you need. If another interest comes along, you may decide you've got more machine than you need. If your tennis is improving, you're going through strings quickly, you have teammates who would like you to string for them, that may be a time to upgrade.

Things do get clearer as you get older, but it's largely because you have less time to think about things and so have to get used to making snap decisions. :)
 

volusiano

Hall of Fame
I'm fairly certain it was a serious suggestion; one of the common pieces of advice on here is 'as much machine as you can afford', and when someone states they're willing to pay up to 10k then they can afford pretty much any machine.
If you know the history of the budget estimates the OP gave in the other thread that was closed down, then you'll know it was a jest.

The OP originally threw out the $10K number when asked about a budget. People thought he made a typo and assumed he meant $1K, but he clarified that he really meant $10K. But then he admitted that his parents are "stingy" (his own word) and backed down to $3K. Then at some later point he said probably realistically it would be in the $1K+ range.

So if the realistic budget is in the $1K+ range, then a high end electronic machine suggestion would be a jest.

I think jim e originally suggested an electronic machine only because the OP was thinking about one machine after another after another -> indecision. I'm the one who seconded jim e's suggestion and I mentioned the $10K budget. And I don't know about jim e but at least I was seconding the opinion as a jest myself because I highly doubt that his parents would spend $10K or even $3K for a machine when it comes down to that.
 

jim e

Legend
It is a guess what the kids parents would spend on a machine from what he posted, and without that it is hard to steer him in a good direction. Only he or his parents knows their buget, and its up to them to decide how much machine is desired. If he gave us a $ ballpark a better choice certainly be made
But if he knows little about the machines, later on he may have thought, a better turntable that does not flex would have been better, along with better base clamps that lock with a flip, or better clamps that have little drawback, or a better brake, an easier mounting system, etc.etc. Things like this he most likely has no clue what it can be like, so with a reputable high end machine it is all there, and if they can afford it he would be more happy with that decision, and if not then go to something without all those features, and make a compromise down. At one point he commented a 10K price, and if the $ are there a better machine would make stringing more a pleasure. As we all know , there are many machines as well as many different prices, and everyone has preferences.
When I got my 1st machine it was in the 60's and I only saw the one machine that my stringer sold me and it did the job back then, but that was a long time ago, and there were not many choices as well, or features for that matter. The used Serrano I got work as needed for its time (I was the only stringer in my city at that time, and I was 13 years old) , and I still have that machine, just to string an occasional woodie that comes along every so often, but I would not want to use it on a regular basis like I did back in the day, or string with a Klipper or any entry level flying clamp machine, but that's me.
 
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seekay

Semi-Pro
I still have that machine, just to string an occasional woodie that comes along every so often

Is the Serrano better for stringing wood racquets than your current machine? Or is it more a matter of preference/nostalgia?

I've only ever strung wooden frames on a modern 6-point electronic machine. It seemed to work pretty well, but I'm always interested in other perspectives.
 

jim e

Legend
Is the Serrano better for stringing wood racquets than your current machine? Or is it more a matter of preference/nostalgia?

I've only ever strung wooden frames on a modern 6-point electronic machine. It seemed to work pretty well, but I'm always interested in other perspectives.

Not really, but it brings back memories using that machine. I never got the upgrades for that machine to string todays larger racquets, so it can only handle the smaller racquets like the wooden racquets and the T-2000 series racquets of years ago. Every so often a wooden comes my way to string, so I will use that Serrano, mostly for nostalgia, although it does a good job for those type of racquets. but its not better than my current machine.
 
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