reccomendations on electronic stringers for newbies

[bourla]

Hi, i am looking to purchase an electronic stringer and would appreciate any reccommendations you can give..I play with prince more thunder and other oversize racquets..any direction is appreciated..thanks..bourla :) :D

[jeffkupers]

Hey bourla, I see it's been awhile since you posted, but if you haven't already purchased a machine, here's my $.02.

If you're stringing for personal use, go with a lock-out machine. They're much cheaper, very accurate, very easy to use, and faster than most electric constant pull machines. Ektelon Neos IS the machine you want if you the lock-out route. There are many other lock-outs, but NONE come close to the ease and accuracy of this machine.

If you're stringing for professional use, know what your competitors are doing. I string on a lock-out Neos machine. The reason is that all my competitors string on lock-outs so each customer's reference tension is based on that of a lock-out, not an electric constant pull, which strings 10% tighter than a lockout.

Also, some electric machines have both lock-out and constant pull options. That would be ideal. Again, why am I not using one of those? Speed. Ektelon Neos, 2point mounting system, hand operated tension head, leads to 20-30 minute string jobs.

[Rob123]

Hi jeff

Just in regards to your statement about lock-out machines being very accurate. Isn't it true that these machines tend to lose tension pretty rapidly because it isn;t a constant pull device?

Thanks
Rob

[jeffkupers]

Rob, that's true to an extent about both machine types. The advantage of the constant pull tensioning machines, is that the string is under constant tensioning from the time you release the clamp on the previous string, until the time you get the next string clamped. This ensures no loss during the clamping process. A lock-out machine locks the tension, and basically "holds" it while you do the clamping. Being a stationary holding position, the string continues to stretch backwards, allowing a little tension loss. This is why they tend to string 10% looser than constant pulls, or vice versa, however you want to view it.

So no matter which type, you cannot keep the string from losing tension after the string job is finished. It's just that with the constant pull, you're starting out 10% ahead tension wise. But again, if your customer, or you are used to having their rackets strung on a constant pull, this 10% difference can be more of a detriment, even though you, the stringer, knows they've received a more accurate string job.