Place of purchase: Eagnas

   Date of purchase: 09/2009

   Warranty: 2 years/5 years

   Price: $319

   Equipment:

table top, drop weight, linear ball bearing string gripper with with unidirectional clutch (EXTERNAL locking ratchet system), 6 point mounting, two dual-action swivel clamps

   Experiences:

10 years ago, I ordered an Eagnas 700LE floor model crank tensioner without any problems. It was a very good stringer for $400. On Monday, Sept. 21, 2009 I ordered the Challenger I (new version based on the Combo 710) and received it Friday 25th! I wanted a portable stringer that was not too expensive, but not cheap. I wanted something better than the Gamma X-2. From my experiences, I've never had a problem with the folks at Eagnas. They always answered my questions by phone and e-mails. Never had a problem with the 2 stringers from them. First, I think the stringers are high quality for the price. Although not the coolest looking, they get the job done! You can look up all the specs online and I've even uploaded some videos to Youtube.
The color is BLUE (which I prefer), not BLACK as shown on the website! As far as design, this is the newer version of the Combo 710, EXCEPT it has an "external ratchet" and not the internal in the 710. To disengage the ratchet after tension, you push the lever while lifting the bar and gripper. This is simple to do. My only complaint is that the new poly strings tend to slide in the gripper because they have a slick coating. This then flattens the string and destroys it... so I put a piece of paper in the gripper and make sure the string does not slide! The fixed clamps are awesome! I did not want cheap flying clamps made of composite like the Gamma X-2. The base is heavy and sturdy - no flex at all. The mounting is easy and fast with the knobs to adjust with. The bearing under the swivel base is smooth.
My only issue is when using "poly" strings that have a slick coating, I had to put a piece of paper in the gripper. If not, the string may slip and will flatten it-damaging the string! I have to be careful with polys. I've read a lot of negative reviews of Eagnas support, but never had a problem with them. Maybe I'm lucky. After months of research, I think the Challenger I is the best portable stringer for the money if you plan on stringing a lot and for many years.
Comes with free really good reel of synth. gut and free tools. I highly recommend the $16 starting clamp! You can order the high quality Signum Pro poly reels cheap too! Shipping is $47.

   Place of purchase: Eagnas

   Date of purchase: 02/2010

   Warranty: 2 years/5 years

   Price: $319

   Equipment:

table top, drop weight, linear ball bearing string gripper with with unidirectional clutch (EXTERNAL locking ratchet system), 6 point mounting, two dual-action swivel clamps

   Experiences:

The machine arrived in less than one week. It cost about $50 for shipping. Assembly was straight forward. I only referred to the manual once or twice. The only thing that caused a problem was a missing set screw to hold the string gripper. Not wanting to wait for shipping, I just picked up a replacement at my local Home Depot.

I've only strung 6 rackets so far, but overall it has been a positive experience. The clamps work very well. The string gripper and external ratchet are also quite easy to use. It only takes one hand to ratchet up the tension. At one point, I had a problem with the bolts holding the string gripper coming loose (causing slippage), but I added loctite and retightened them. Otherwise, I've had no problem with string slippage using either syn gut or poly.

The racket mounting works very well. Although the clamps sometime block holes, they have a large enough gap at the bottom to pass string through. Since this is my first machine, I have nothing to compare it to. It does feel/work like a well built machine.

I've had no contact with customer service, so I can't really comment on that. I did followed up my original order with a string/accessories order, and it was also processed quite promptly. The original sample of string that came with the machine left me wanting more.

For the money, I'm extremely happy with this purchase. As a personal use machine it works great. If you are willing to take the time, I believe that you can get results out of this machine that will rival any electronic machine. As with any dropweight machine, however, it isn't the fastest.

Update (March 25, 2010): I previously noted that there was a missing set screw for the string gripper. I later found the screw in my carpet where I unpacked the machine. It was my fault. In any event, I've strung a few racquets since my original post and everything is still going well. I'm very happy with the machine.