Fly Clamp Shoot-Out: Hi-Qua vs. Gamma

[DinkAlot]

Hideeehooooo BCers! I just picked up a Gamma Composite Fly Clamp. I'll compare it with my Hi-Qua Fly Clamps tonight. Stay tuned. :D

http://img447.imageshack.us/img447/9918/flyclamps4os.jpg

[cards_pro]

Hi-Qua rules. Gamma drools.

[DinkAlot]

Hi-Qua rules. Gamma drools.

LOL! :D But I have no clue what the latter part means. :p

Yes, the Hi-Qua is better, better than the Yonex Fly Clamp according to one stringer who tested both. He said the Yonex Fly Clamp gets loose fast.

[Pete LSD]

I have one Gamma and four Yonex flying clamps. Yonex holds tighter than the Gamma.

[DinkAlot]

I have one Gamma and four Yonex flying clamps. Yonex holds tighter than the Gamma.

Oh dang, that doesn't look good for the Gamma. :(

[Pete LSD]

I only use the flying clamps for holding the cross strings. The Gamma flying clamp does come in handy when there is not enough space to fit three Yonex clamps in the same row :D . Yes, I fit as many flying clamps into the same row as space allows.


Oh dang, that doesn't look good for the Gamma. :(

[DinkAlot]

I only use the flying clamps for holding the cross strings. The Gamma flying clamp does come in handy when there is not enough space to fit three Yonex clamps in the same row :D . Yes, I fit as many flying clamps into the same row as space allows.

Worried about string tension loss? :p

[Pete LSD]

:D I am a fanatic!


Worried about string tension loss? :p

[taneepak]

Using one flying clamp on the crosses will not be as good as using a fixed clamp despite the help from the tensioned main strings in providing more anchors. However, using two flying clamps on three tensioned strings, with the middle tensioned string clamped by the two flying clamps, is as good as a very good fixed clamp. Using two flying clamps on the same two tensioned clamps produces poor results. You can test this on two vs three tensioned strings.

[DinkAlot]

However, using two flying clamps on three tensioned strings, with the middle tensioned string clamped by the two flying clamps, is as good as a very good fixed clamp.

Yep, that's how I do it. :) Figured it out myself from trial and error. :D

[FAST!]

Using one flying clamp on the crosses will not be as good as using a fixed clamp despite the help from the tensioned main strings in providing more anchors. However, using two flying clamps on three tensioned strings, with the middle tensioned string clamped by the two flying clamps, is as good as a very good fixed clamp. Using two flying clamps on the same two tensioned clamps produces poor results. You can test this on two vs three tensioned strings.

I'm sorry. I am try to picture where those two flying clamps to three tensioned strings.

[FAST!]

LOL! :D But I have no clue what the latter part means. :p

Yes, the Hi-Qua is better, better than the Yonex Fly Clamp according to one stringer who tested both. He said the Yonex Fly Clamp gets loose fast.

S4MadMan,

Do you also have a Yonex flying clamps?

[DinkAlot]

S4MadMan,

Do you also have a Yonex flying clamps?

Nope, don't have a Yonex one. Don't plan to buy one either. I'm happy with my Hi-Quas, unless someone with both thinks the Yonex is superior. :D

[FAST!]

Nope, don't have a Yonex one. Don't plan to buy one either. I'm happy with my Hi-Quas, unless someone with both thinks the Yonex is superior. :D

how much is Hi-Quas one? How many we really need to have? 3 - 4???

[DinkAlot]

how much is Hi-Quas one? How many we really need to have? 3 - 4???

Hi Qua ones are $19 each. Two is good enough, three ideal.

http://www.mybadmintonstore.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=25_62&products_id=121

[FAST!]

Hi Qua ones are $19 each. Two is good enough, three ideal.

http://www.mybadmintonstore.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=25_62&products_id=121

Thanks, so you order it from them? It seems their store is in HK.

[LazyBuddy]

Thanks, so you order it from them? It seems their store is in HK.

You can get it from www.hiquasports.com as well. Just pay several $ more for shipping. ;)

[FAST!]

You can get it from www.hiquasports.com (http://www.hiquasports.com/) as well. Just pay several $ more for shipping. ;)

Thanks for the info :)

[taneepak]

I'm sorry. I am try to picture where those two flying clamps to three tensioned strings.

You are kidding! Each flying clamp can only hold on to two tensioned strings. Now if two flying clamps are to clamp on three tensioned strings, then the middle string (string #2) must be shared by both clamps, with the first and third strings being clamped by the first clamp and second clamp, respectively. A word picture : clamp 1 on string #1 and #2, clamp 2 on string #2 and #3.

[FAST!]

You are kidding! Each flying clamp can only hold on to two tensioned strings. Now if two flying clamps are to clamp on three tensioned strings, then the middle string (string #2) must be shared by both clamps, with the first and third strings being clamped by the first clamp and second clamp, respectively. A word picture : clamp 1 on string #1 and #2, clamp 2 on string #2 and #3.

I got it. Thanks alot.

[taneepak]

I got it. Thanks alot.

It is also important that you place the two flying clamps next to each other, the closer the better. Do not place one in the north and another one in the south. It doesn't work that way. Concentrating clamping power in one place with two flying clamps, ala fixed clamp, is better than scattering them.

[FAST!]

It is also important that you place the two flying clamps next to each other, the closer the better. Do not place one in the north and another one in the south. It doesn't work that way. Concentrating clamping power in one place with two flying clamps, ala fixed clamp, is better than scattering them.

Thanks alot of sharing your experience. It's very helpful.:)

[fishmilk]

It is also important that you place the two flying clamps next to each other, the closer the better. Do not place one in the north and another one in the south. It doesn't work that way. Concentrating clamping power in one place with two flying clamps, ala fixed clamp, is better than scattering them.

I used this way instinctively, however I thought it was best to clamp as close to the frame as possible... you say it's best to have the clamps together, does that mean it's best to keep them in the middle one on top of another? Pictures would be nice... Here's my way...

[DinkAlot]

OK, used the Gamma Fly Clamp a bit, strung two rackets with it and it's good. It seems to clamp well, minimal slack. I'd say it's comparable to the Hi-Qua Fly Clamp. If you clamp at the teeth, it won't perform as well. Instead, you clamp at the base of the teeth and it's very good.

The only clear advantage, the Hi-Qua Fly Clamp is easier to affix and remove.

That's about it. :)

[taneepak]

I used this way instinctively, however I thought it was best to clamp as close to the frame as possible... you say it's best to have the clamps together, does that mean it's best to keep them in the middle one on top of another? Pictures would be nice... Here's my way...

You are using only one clamp, its placement is in the correct position, but it will never be as good as a fixed clamp without an additional flying clamp. As an example, the flying clamp on the 3rd and 4th cross string is correctly placed; you will now have to place another flying clamp next to the first clamp but on the 2nd and 3rd cross string. Placing the second flying clamp next to the first one will give you a clamp that is comparable to or even better than a fixed clamp. Do not place the second flying clamp away from the first clamp.
If your machine has no swivel or fixed clamp you must have four flying clamps. If not, your stringing quality is at best second grade but most probably 3rd grade, even if you are the best stringer in the world.

[DinkAlot]

If your machine has no swivel or fixed clamp you must have four flying clamps. If not, your stringing quality is at best second grade but most probably 3rd grade, even if you are the best stringer in the world.

Please explain why there has to be four clamps. I seem to do fine just using two clamps.

[taneepak]

Please explain why there has to be four clamps. I seem to do fine just using two clamps.

It is simple. Your cross strings can only be as good as your main strings. For evenly balanced and distortionless stringing your main strings must start from the middle and alternate left and then right side, with each side of the mains requiring two flying clamps, which means 4 flying clamps for both sides of the mains. Using only one flying clamp on each side of the mains guarantees a foundation that destroys the performance of the crosses.

[DinkAlot]

It is simple. Your cross strings can only be as good as your main strings. For evenly balanced and distortionless stringing your main strings must start from the middle and alternate left and then right side, with each side of the mains requiring two flying clamps, which means 4 flying clamps for both sides of the mains. Using only one flying clamp on each side of the mains guarantees a foundation that destroys the performance of the crosses.

Can you draw a diagram, this does not make sense to me, thanks.

[taneepak]

Can you draw a diagram, this does not make sense to me, thanks.

I don't know how to draw. I thought my short description is close to "word picture" effect. Maybe you can draw what I say, and I will then comment if it shows what is intended. Just draw the mains for clarity.

[fishmilk]

I don't know how to draw. I thought my short description is close to "word picture" effect. Maybe you can draw what I say, and I will then comment if it shows what is intended. Just draw the mains for clarity.

Please give an attempt... a picture is worth a thousand words right? I'm definitely no artist and not very skilled but that diagram only took me about 5 minutes using Paint. Also sorry about the clamps, I realized I drew them wrong...they're not clamped onto two strings...

So you're saying 4 clamps is also required for the crosses? I thought you meant 2 clamps on 3 strings would do a good enough job? Luckily my Eagnas flying clamps came in the mail a couple of weeks ago, I haven't tested it out but I'll surely try using 4 flying clamps on my next string job and see if there are any noticable differences.

To be honest though, when you talk about 2nd grade and 3rd grade string jobs, it's a little insulting, and I'll bet even the pro's would hardly if at all be able to tell the difference between a "1st class string job" and "2nd or 3rd class string job". We're not robots, so the tiny fractions of a pound we lose when we don't use the PERFECT technique will barely be noticable. Even for a pro who is used to always using fresh string jobs, a few warmup shots is all it takes to adjust. I definitely don't take it personally though. I take it to heart that you are taking time out of your life to educate us novice stringers, and I thank-you for that.

[taneepak]

Please give an attempt... a picture is worth a thousand words right? I'm definitely no artist and not very skilled but that diagram only took me about 5 minutes using Paint. Also sorry about the clamps, I realized I drew them wrong...they're not clamped onto two strings...

So you're saying 4 clamps is also required for the crosses? I thought you meant 2 clamps on 3 strings would do a good enough job? Luckily my Eagnas flying clamps came in the mail a couple of weeks ago, I haven't tested it out but I'll surely try using 4 flying clamps on my next string job and see if there are any noticable differences.

To be honest though, when you talk about 2nd grade and 3rd grade string jobs, it's a little insulting, and I'll bet even the pro's would hardly if at all be able to tell the difference between a "1st class string job" and "2nd or 3rd class string job". We're not robots, so the tiny fractions of a pound we lose when we don't use the PERFECT technique will barely be noticable. Even for a pro who is used to always using fresh string jobs, a few warmup shots is all it takes to adjust. I definitely don't take it personally though. I take it to heart that you are taking time out of your life to educate us novice stringers, and I thank-you for that.

Yes, the rule is two flying clamps on 3 tensioned strings, with the middle tensione string clamped by both the two clamps.
A stringing machine with only flying clamps need four flying clamps to string a quality stringing job. Four flying clamps are needed for the mains, two on each side of the mains. However, only two flying clamps are needed for the crosses. I don't believe I ever said 4 flying clamps are needed for the crosses.
You can compare two stringing jobs, one using only two flying clamps and the other using four flying clamps. To make it more obvious of the poor stringing quality of using only two flying clamps vs four, do the comparative stringing tests using 27.3 lbs on the mains and 30lbs on the crosses.

[Neil Nicholls]

I don't believe I ever said 4 flying clamps are needed for the crosses.
Unless you want to start the crosses from the middle ?

[DinkAlot]

Unless you want to start the crosses from the middle ?

Crosses in the middle?! :eek:

[Neil Nicholls]

Crosses in the middle?! :eek:
Like (most people) start the mains from the middle and work to the sides,
you can also start the crosses in the middle and work up/down to the head and throat.

One benefit is that for each weave there is less string to pull across the mains

[DinkAlot]

Like (most people) start the mains from the middle and work to the sides,
you can also start the crosses in the middle and work up/down to the head and throat.

One benefit is that for each weave there is less string to pull across the mains

Thanks but no thanks, I'll stick to alternating mains, then from bottom to top on the crosses. :D

[Pete LSD]

This method for starting the cross applies to two-piece stringing at extremely high tension ;) .


Thanks but no thanks, I'll stick to alternating mains, then from bottom to top on the crosses. :D

[DinkAlot]

This method for starting the cross applies to two-piece stringing at extremely high tension ;) .

What's "extremely high" tension? I will never string over 30lbs. for myself so I...

...don't care (neener-neener-neener). :p

[DinkAlot]

Update: strung a few more rackets with both the Hi-Qua and Gamma clamps and though performance is similar still, I prefer the Hi-Qua hands down because it's easier to clamp and unclamp. The Gamma is far to wide and gets in the way.

[taneepak]

This method for starting the cross applies to two-piece stringing at extremely high tension ;) .

With the Eagnas "C" mounts, stirnging the crosses at extremely high tension from the top is no problem. This way you don't end up with a weak tie-off knot at the top with stringing the crosses from the middle.