Yonex Precision 9.0 Stringing Machine

[mkisawesome2]

Hi all!

I'm a new user here but have been reading these boards for years! I'm a professional stringer for 20+yrs now and about to start a new business in California (USA). I've used a Tourna 650-ES for years, but also had experience with the Wilson Baiardo, Babolat Star 5, Gamma 7900 ELS, and Prince Neos 1000 (I know this is not electronic). We are looking to purchase a "Ferarri"-like stringing machine (take this as the best-of-the-best) and have been eyeing the Yonex Precision 9.0 stringing machine. I've not seen much information, reviews, feature details, nor comparisons for the Precision 9.0. Could folks help me with a few questions and for the sake of this discussion, please put aside the high cost?

1) How would you compare the Wilson Baiardo vs. Yonex Precision 9.0? Pros vs cons?
2) What are the major feature differences between the Yonex Precision 9.0, 8.0, and 5.0?
3) Again, if money was not an object, is there any other high end machine anyone could recommend as the holy grail of stringing machines?
4) Does anyone have any connections/contacts on how I could purchase a Precision 9.0 if I end up choosing that route? Any direct contacts with Yonex or machine dealers? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks again for everyone's insight over the past several years and for any advice here!

 

[SavvyStringer]

1. I believe both machines tilt but the precision is a manual tilt similar to the baiardo lite. Other than that, from what I've heard from friends that have used the 9, they're pretty different. Biggest differences are clamp and tension head size. I also believe they said the 9 is faster than a baiardo as for pull speed. Personally, having never used the 9 and primarily using a Baiardo for the last 6 years, the Ergonomic system is the most important thing for me. Stringing 30+ rackets a day is much easier if you can stand up straight. The B.E.S.T. system is real and saves some big time miles on the body.

2. Unsure, but steer clear of the 5.0. Total waste of money. It's Yonex branded but not Yonex quality. It's made in the same factory as the Head, Solinco, Prince, Alpha, Dunlop, ETC.

3. Your top end are the Wilson, Yonex 9, and Babolat.

4. Good luck. The Yonex machines are far and away the most expensive and from what I've heard they don't discount much on those.

One thing to think about, I'm not sure what your maintenance availability would be on the Yonex. With the Wilson, tennis machines carries parts and with the Babolat, Josh Newton could probably get you what you need stateside.

 

[kkm]

The Precision 9.0 and 8.0 have something like 9 pull and return speeds. The Precision 5.0 is a generic but expensive machine made in Taiwan. Yonex after-sales service is a huge negative.
IMHO you should buy the Baiardo (or Baiardo L) or the Evolution. Tennis Machines provides the after-sales service for the Wilson machines, and Babolat after-sales service is great.
I would probably buy the Evolution. Maybe Wilson is working on a totally new stringing machine after 15 years of the Baiardo.

 

[afeller]

1) How would you compare the Wilson Baiardo vs. Yonex Precision 9.0? Pros vs cons?

I have not yet strung on a P9, but I have strung on a P8 and a Baiardo. The quality of the P8/P9 is significantly better. The tension head is a monster. You can set the pull and release speed separately. I would not recommend to use the full pulling speed, but the release speed is always set to the maximum on my machines. The clamps have a "locking" function like the new Head and Dunlop too.

2) What are the major feature differences between the Yonex Precision 9.0, 8.0, and 5.0?

5.0 is made in Taiwan and is more or less the same machine as the Dunlop, Head, etc.
9.0 is the high end machine from Yonex made in Japan. Electronic height adjustment and table lock.
8.0 is also a high end machine, but with some limitations. No electronic height adjustment and table lock. It is also much lighter in weight.

3) Again, if money was not an object, is there any other high end machine anyone could recommend as the holy grail of stringing machines?

Definitely the Yonex Precision 9.0. But as @kkm wrote, Yonex after-sales is horrible. If something is broken, the part(s) have to be sent to Japan. Here in Germany you are very lucky if you get an replacement (machine or part) until your part is back.
The after-sales from Wilson, Dunlop and Babolat are great.

4) Does anyone have any connections/contacts on how I could purchase a Precision 9.0 if I end up choosing that route? Any direct contacts with Yonex or machine dealers? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Ask a dealer near you who sells Yonex products. He can usually help you. Either by connecting you with his representative or you can buy the machine through him.

 

[lyonheart14]

I have not used it (have seen a couple at different pro shops) but the circular rail system on the Babolat Evolution Tour would definitely make me consider it more prominently if I was looking to replace my Baiardo. When I think of "Ferrari-like," I first think of the Evolution tour.

 

[am1899]

1. I believe both machines tilt but the precision is a manual tilt similar to the baiardo lite. Other than that, from what I've heard from friends that have used the 9, they're pretty different. Biggest differences are clamp and tension head size. I also believe they said the 9 is faster than a baiardo as for pull speed. Personally, having never used the 9 and primarily using a Baiardo for the last 6 years, the Ergonomic system is the most important thing for me. Stringing 30+ rackets a day is much easier if you can stand up straight. The B.E.S.T. system is real and saves some big time miles on the body.

2. Unsure, but steer clear of the 5.0. Total waste of money. It's Yonex branded but not Yonex quality. It's made in the same factory as the Head, Solinco, Prince, Alpha, Dunlop, ETC.

3. Your top end are the Wilson, Yonex 9, and Babolat.

4. Good luck. The Yonex machines are far and away the most expensive and from what I've heard they don't discount much on those.

One thing to think about, I'm not sure what your maintenance availability would be on the Yonex. With the Wilson, tennis machines carries parts and with the Babolat, Josh Newton could probably get you what you need stateside.

I’ve been stringing on a Baiardo at a retail shop for years…[flame suit on]…I hadn’t been using the tilt functionality. Years ago I wrote the tilting off, having convinced myself I didn’t care for how the tilt function affected how the turntable would spin. Fast forward to a few weeks ago, my right trapezius was really bothering me (has been an on and off again thing my whole life). I did two things - started stretching that area every day, and I started utilizing the tilt function on the Baiardo at work. My trap hasn’t felt this good in years.

So, I’ll say this, echoing @SavvyStringer comment: If (and when) I leave this retail shop to potentially start my own shop…one of my top priorities for a machine will be tilt functionality.

 

[afeller]

I have not used it (have seen a couple at different pro shops) but the circular rail system on the Babolat Evolution Tour would definitely make me consider it more prominently if I was looking to replace my Baiardo. When I think of "Ferrari-like," I first think of the Evolution tour.

The Babolat is surely not a bad machine, but I would prefer the Wilson rather than the Babolat. There are some things that I don't like at all. But yes, the round rail system of the Babolat is really nice.

 

[brownbearfalling]

3. Never seen on in real life but the Babolat racket station ultimate link seems like the most advanced machine money can buy. Specifically because of the electromagnetic clamps. Not sure how well they work since it looks like they are not offered with the evolution / evolution tour models.

Or would a pair of machines count as the holy grail? If yes, it would be a Baiardo + Baiardo tune pro.

4. Your local brand representative is your best resource for gaining access to anything that is related to that brand. Sounds like you will get in touch with them anyway since you’re starting a retail store.

 

[afeller]

Never seen on in real life but the Babolat racket station ultimate link seems like the most advanced machine money can buy. Specifically because of the electromagnetic clamps.

In my opinion the full automatic clamps are more of a disadvantage than an advantage. In my world you have to release the clamp base first and then the clamp. Not the other way around.
The Babolat Sensor Expert had the same system. For me, this is an absolute disqualification criteria.

 

[mkisawesome2]

In my opinion the full automatic clamps are more of a disadvantage than an advantage. In my world you have to release the clamp base first and then the clamp. Not the other way around.
The Babolat Sensor Expert had the same system. For me, this is an absolute disqualification criteria.

Weird! Why would anyone release the clamp first before the base clamp????

 

[mkisawesome2]

WOW! Amazing feedback all, thank you so much!

Some summary and comments:
- Seems like a lot of +1 for the Wilson Baiardo, as I expected would happen. No question this is an excellent machine.
- Looks like a lot of praise for the Babolat Racket Station Ultimate

1) I've heard this machine is somewhat loud and most reviews indicate that owners are not as happy as expected. I too think the Star 5 was one of the best machines every made so first went to research Babolat but was a bit disappointed by reviews and videos I've seen. Could someone explain the electromagnetic clamps? I guess the table has an electromagnetic brake which I understand but not clear on the clamp feature.​

2) Are the base clamps down-press and can they be released without the gravity unlock?​

3) Is the Babolat Racket Station Ultimate compatible with badminton stringing also, seems the posts are fixed but maybe there are extension arms for the smaller rackets?​

- Overall it looks like everyone thinks the Yonex Precision 9.0 is a nice machine. I haven't heard any negatives about the machine itself on this thread yet (price aside) and I already agree that customer support is likely going to be very weak as I'm having a hard time even reaching people with Yonex directly to purchase

Final few questions:
1) Is there anyone on this forum that has a Yonex Precision 9.0 that could share their experience? It would also be useful if anyone has used one themselves
2) I'm still having a hard time finding a Yonex dealer contact or machine/equipment dealer that can help with a Yonex Precision 9.0 purchase. I've asked folks in local shops but let's just say they are less than enthused to have a competitor or to share info.

Again, thank you so much for all the feedback and expertise!!!

 

[Wes]

Why would anyone release the clamp first before the base clamp????

To be able to utilize (or, at least, have the option of utilizing) the gravity-release feature of the base clamps.

The above response is regarding if/when using gravity-release style base clamps (not necessarily electromagnetic bases).

 

[Rabbit]

The Mighty Sensor has gravity release clamps and I use the heck out of them except when tying off. I find them really nice.

 

[kkm]

WOW! Amazing feedback all, thank you so much!

Some summary and comments:
- Seems like a lot of +1 for the Wilson Baiardo, as I expected would happen. No question this is an excellent machine.
- Looks like a lot of praise for the Babolat Racket Station Ultimate

1) I've heard this machine is somewhat loud and most reviews indicate that owners are not as happy as expected. I too think the Star 5 was one of the best machines every made so first went to research Babolat but was a bit disappointed by reviews and videos I've seen. Could someone explain the electromagnetic clamps? I guess the table has an electromagnetic brake which I understand but not clear on the clamp feature.​

2) Are the base clamps down-press and can they be released without the gravity unlock?​

3) Is the Babolat Racket Station Ultimate compatible with badminton stringing also, seems the posts are fixed but maybe there are extension arms for the smaller rackets?​

- Overall it looks like everyone thinks the Yonex Precision 9.0 is a nice machine. I haven't heard any negatives about the machine itself on this thread yet (price aside) and I already agree that customer support is likely going to be very weak as I'm having a hard time even reaching people with Yonex directly to purchase

Final few questions:
1) Is there anyone on this forum that has a Yonex Precision 9.0 that could share their experience? It would also be useful if anyone has used one themselves
2) I'm still having a hard time finding a Yonex dealer contact or machine/equipment dealer that can help with a Yonex Precision 9.0 purchase. I've asked folks in local shops but let's just say they are less than enthused to have a competitor or to share info.

Again, thank you so much for all the feedback and expertise!!!

The Babolat Racket Station Ultimate is not available. The Babolat machines available now are the Evolution and Evolution Tour. The clamp bases are down-press, and they can be released without the gravity unlock. There is a badminton kit available from Babolat, so you can string badminton racquets on the Evolution or Evolution Tour.

 

[brownbearfalling]

In my opinion the full automatic clamps are more of a disadvantage than an advantage. In my world you have to release the clamp base first and then the clamp. Not the other way around.
The Babolat Sensor Expert had the same system. For me, this is an absolute disqualification criteria.

Thanks for the insight. Sounds like the technology has some room for improvement.

 

[afeller]

3) Is the Babolat Racket Station Ultimate compatible with badminton stringing also, seems the posts are fixed but maybe there are extension arms for the smaller rackets?

If you want to string Badminton too, go for Yonex P8 or P9.
The Badminton kit for the new Babolat machines is a bad joke. Clamps are horrible and you cannot move the towers anyway.
Wilson is ok for Badminton (if you have the version with movable towers), but still not good.

 

[frameshot]

Not sure if widely available the Tecnifibre Ergo One is a great machine. No tilt feature but does have telescoping stand.

 

[kkm]

Not sure if widely available the Tecnifibre Ergo One is a great machine. No tilt feature but does have telescoping stand.

Tecnifibre discontinued the Ergo One and all machines made in France.

They have a new machine, the X-Cord, which they introduced at the Rotterdam tournament last month. The X-Cord is made in Taiwan.

 

[frameshot]

Did not know -- thanks for the update!

 

[kkm]

Did not know -- thanks for the update!

Tecnifibre - Tennis, squash and padel sports equipment

Are you passionate about tennis, squash and padel? Tecnifibre, specialist for more than 30 years in racquet sports, informs you about its know-how, its products or its history related to tennis, squash and padel

www.tecnifibre.com

^^this is a direct link to the X-Cord informational page