Electronic Stringing Machines

[mmister75]

HI people. I am looking to get into the stringing business and get certified. Does anyone have any reviews on any new electronic stringing machines? I have researched everything from Eagnas to Gamma...that are in my price range. Does anyone have any experience in getting certified as well? If anyone could help me out I would appreciate it. Can't find many reviews on the newer machines.

[BallJacker]

The best and cheapest setup would be buying a Gamma 5003 or 6004 and adding a Wise 2086 Pro. Or even a Prince Neos 1500 and adding a Wise 2086 Pro tensionhead. Otherwise spending $2000 on a used Star 5 or other used machine.

Most of us started with a $300-$500 machine and upgraded along the way. I started with a Eagnas Flex 920 ($300) and now have a Gamma 6004 with a Wise 2086 Pro ($1500), all paid for by stringing rackets part time. Unless a used Star 5 comes up real cheap, I doubt I'd buy another machine. Though I once considered an Eagnas Smart 6000 or Combo 8010.

As for cerification, you should join USRSA then learn all the techniques and information that will be on the test. The USRSA site will have information on the closest Tester that will administer the CRT/MRT test. Though I suggest you string and repair racket for at least a year before getting certified, because you will need the experience in order to pass the test.

[PeterH]

I fully agree with BallJacker!
Either buy a new or used premium machine (Star 5, Bajardo, High End Prince, etc) which will set you back $4-6000 new or $3-4000 used (if you can find a decend one) - or - buy a solid manual machine and a Wise 2086 tension head. That way you end up with around $1200-1500 and it will be equally precise. And with the original tensioning system of the manual machine you even have a backup if electrics fail (which should not, Wise is quite good). For up to 500 frames per year you are well equipped with that. My personal advise is a manual drop weight machine of good quality (Alpha Pioneer) with Dutch made Stringway Tripple Flying clamps and a Wise 2086. Absolutely fullproof! Regards, Peter

[mmister75]

Thanks guys for all the information. It helped me out alot. Has anyone had any experience with Mutual Power machines? I will start looking for a solid manual machine. I see how much the Wise motor is and its very reasonable. SO you suggest a drop weight more then a crank?

[Nicholas Guarnieri]

Mr. MMister75: I agree with Mr. BallJacker post, the only thing I can add is that I have a Neos 1500 and a Wise 2086 Tension Head, I bought both from Tennis Warehouse. I must say their customer service is outstanding and helpful. This combination which cost less than $2000, is the best setup, plus you have the original prince manual tension head as back up, in case something goes bad in between. The Wise is pretty much improved and works real well with the new improved Neos 1500.

The USRSA ticket is a good ticket to have, but it all comes down to getting all the stringing experience and racquet repair you can get. At least a good 2 years, is what I feel it takes, to go thru all the ropes. I personally started in Argentina back in 02/2007 and have been hooked ever since, I have also strung on all kinds of different machines, all types of racquets, new, used and in bad shape. After 6 months then I got into custom tunning, repairs, started with the basic tools, viper balance board etc. The combination that works bests for me is the Neos 1500/Wise 2086 Tension Head, PTC Prince tuning Center, ERT 300 DT guage, 3 complete sets of working tools, ( parallel jaw plier, small needle nose strait plier, small angle string cutter, strait awl, bend awl, string bed cutter, awl wax, pathfinder guide awl, 2 starting clamps, grommet reamer tool ( 2 sizes ), nail file, small magic marker, digital tension scale, angled small needle nose plier, 1 setting awl or power tool, 3 X 5 cue cards, flare it C clamp cup ), this all fits in my tool pouch. I have 3 sets, 1 for home use, 1 to travel and 1 as back up. Also read a lot, go to all the tournaments you can go to, surf the website , read the forums, pay attention to detail and most important talk to the players inyour area.

This is just my PPOV, of what I have gone thru since 2007 until today 08/2010.

Thanks, best wishes, NG( Panama City, Panama)

[PeterH]

Hi MMister, I definitely suggest a drop weight, here is why:
You never have to calibrate it, it is constant pull so if used correctly delivers comparable SBS to the Wise, simple mechanics not much can go wrong, result is not as variable as a crank as cranking speed will influence SBS and it is in most cases cheaper than a crank. Only grape, it is a bit slower, I still can do a racquet comfortably in 20 min on a drop weight.
Cheers, Peter

[BallJacker]

Thanks guys for all the information. It helped me out alot. Has anyone had any experience with Mutual Power machines? I will start looking for a solid manual machine. I see how much the Wise motor is and its very reasonable. SO you suggest a drop weight more then a crank?

MP makes a decent machine, though if you want to upgrade the base clamps on the lower end machine, you can't. Ask SSTUR if he is on this forum, he owns a Titan 770.

If you plan on using a machine to make money, you are better off getting one with a solid mounting system and good base clamps. If you buy too low end of a machine, you may regret it later. Also look around your local craigslist for a used machine. Most of the time you can get one for half the cost of a new machine with the same features.

As for the Wise 2086 Pro tensionhead, it's about $500 in the US. If you get a machine that can mount a Wise 2086 Pro, you would need to string about 50 rackets on top of what you paid for your machine. At least that what I did.