What's a good stringing machine?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Henry W. on December 26, 2010 at 2:32am

I can't speak for the Klippermate but my preference is one with dual action swivel clamps and either a lockout or constant-pull tensioner.  Personally, this would make the stringing experience satisfying, more accurate and probably quicker (after you get the hang of stringing) but at a higher cost than a Klippermate.  I have a Gamma 5003 bought used on eBay.  The better models are Babolats, Technifibre, Gamma, Prince and Alpha.  Eagnas, Mutual Power, Silent Partner are lower cost brands but are respectable.  If you plan on stringing your own rackets, I would not spend a whole lot of money.  Consider the following: 1) How often will you be stringing your rackets? 2) how much space do you have for a stringer? full upright or tabletop? 3) do you want contstant-pull (electronic), lockout or drop-weight tensioner?  Electronic is the "in" thing right now and is touted to be more "accurate" but I have my reservations...unless Babolat or Gamma is the brand.  The last consideration ends up being a personal preference more than anything.  My point is that a racket strung at 57 lbs on a lockout tensioner may feel looser than one that was strung on a constant pull machine but you may like it that way.  If you were trying to emulate that same feel on a constant pull machine, you might have to lower the tension a few pounds to get the same result or vice-versa.  My advice is get something affordable that you can put away neatly and out of the way when you are not using it.  Once you get the hang of stringing your rackets consistently (ie. same strings, same tension, same rackets, same amount of time), you will be happy with what you purchased.  If it is on a $150 Klippermate so be it.  Check out www.stringforum.net for reviews of various machines.  TW forums will have some discussions about machines too.  Check out the Eagnas website as well to see the many different types of stringers.  They are notorious for modeling some after the name brands listed above but at a fraction of the cost.  Some people say the quality is alright too. 

Permalink Reply by Tim Prapong on December 26, 2010 at 3:38am

I have the Prince Neos, originally made by Ektelon. It is built to last for decades. I lucked out and found one for 500. They are 1100 brand new.

Permalink Reply by Anjan Dutta on January 5, 2011 at 5:41pm

Hi Mike, I have owned a Klippermate since 1999...awesome value

Permalink Reply by patrick m on January 10, 2011 at 12:54am

If at all possible move out of the drop weight machine categories and go with the crank style.  It is possible to take either of them and computerize them with the 'wise' add on but there is more to a good machine than this.  Generally stick with a name brand machine and spend between 700-1000 on a good crank machine such as a gamma or prince eos.  If you are ready to move up to a computerized professional machine this is where quality really counts because you do not want the electronics failing.  Babolat is no. 1, a STAR 3 is a great machine, reliable and a used one could be had for around 1400.

Permalink Reply by Tim Prapong on January 10, 2011 at 1:02am

Have you tried putting a Wise head on a Prince Neos? I was wondering if I should spend the money to make the conversion.

Permalink Reply by southPHaw on May 29, 2011 at 12:30am

Neos or Ektelon Model H are the best and the least in maintenance

check tennis machines in st louis and ask for JR

 

Permalink Reply by Coach Dudley on June 8, 2011 at 12:27am

I bought a Clippermate when I first started stringing back in '85. After a few months, I met the creator, John Balaban and bought a True Tension that I still use today. If you are looking for quality, you can't beat getting at least a manual stringer, Ektelon, Prince etc. crank style w/o a drop weight. Get one with at least a 4 point racquet support. Electronic machines are quite an investment but if you string a lot, you can pay for it pretty quickly if you string for others.