HI-QUA Fly-Clamp and B-696 String reel any good ???

Discussion in 'Badminton Stringing Techniques & Tools' started by empee, Jul 14, 2005.

  1. empee

    empee Regular Member

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    Hi guys!
    I have a Gamma X-2 stringer and plan to string my own rackets. Before I order some stuff, I want to know if HI-QUA Fly-Clamp and B-696 String reel any good? What about the reels from Eagnas? Or is it other brand reels you want to recommand? I'm no serious player, just looking for reels that is durable.
    Thanks in advance.

    Regards
    Empee
     
  2. Quasimodo

    Quasimodo Regular Member

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    Can't comment on the clamp, but the Hi-Qua reel seems to be all right. I haven't used it personally, I strung a few customers' racquets with it and told them to let me know how they work out. So far, the responses have been quite positive. No one's complained.

    One of these days, I'll try it out myself.

    HTH.
     
  3. LazyBuddy

    LazyBuddy Regular Member

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    How much tension u put on? What are the customers' lvl in general? Thnx for the info! ;)
     
  4. Quasimodo

    Quasimodo Regular Member

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    It's in the 21--23lbs range. The customers are mostly in the beginner to beginner-intermediate level.
     
  5. LazyBuddy

    LazyBuddy Regular Member

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    Thnx for the info. Looking forward for ur own review on this string. ;)
     
  6. Quasimodo

    Quasimodo Regular Member

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    I finally tried out the Hi-Qua string reel myself. The racquet is a YY Carb. 8200 Light, strung at MxC 27x29 after being prestretched and stenciled with a Pilot Super Colour Marker. Played 4 (doubles) matches with it last night.

    Overall, I'd say it's quite good. Comparable to BG-65 or so. Though, to be honest, that's a bit of a guess because I haven't played with BG-65 in quite some time. But, from what I remember, it's about the same.

    Touch is good, repulsion is good, it doesn't move around much, I don't know whether it had anything to do with the strings or not; but, in the first match I played, I had the worst problem with serves that I could remember. More likely than not it was just me, however, since I did better in subsequent matches.

    I still prefer the BG-85 that I've been using these past few years. Just because I'm more used to it. But, I wouldn't mind playing with the B-696. IOW, I won't cut the one that's on there now. ;)

    As a stringer, there are a couple of comments I reserve about it: one, it seems to be a little harder to string with the B-696 compared to the BG-85. I'm not sure whether it's because the latter is slightly smaller in diametre or the coating is better, but the former seems to tend to twist more when pulled through a shared hole when weaving crosses. I've eliminated most of that problem with the BG-85 after I start prestretching the string, but it still happens quite a bit with the B-696. Dealing with that adds about 25 to 30 percent to my stringing time.

    And, two, the quality control appears to not be as good as branded strings. I've noticed a few imperfections in the string---not many, mind you, more like 1 in a 20--30 metres (i.e., 2 or 3 sets)---and snapped one job while working on the mains. I don't remember what tension I was using, probably 22lbs or so. Definitely in the low 20's.

    All in all, I'd buy it again once the reel I have runs out. It's tough to beat ~$0.65/set of a decent string. If you're stringing for your club, friends or school teams, it gives you an entry at the lower end you can offer to your customers because not everyone's willing to pay for BG-65s or BG-85s. Even if you eat the string cost and just charge for labour, you'd still come out ahead. And, it's really quite a nice string to use yourself. ;)
     
  7. LazyBuddy

    LazyBuddy Regular Member

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    Good review! I might attempt to buy 1 reel now. Just as Quasimodo said, many rec. lvl players like to ask for cheaper string, and $5 for BG65 is already too much for them (i.e. students).

    However, 1 thing need to ask, how u cut (measure) the length while unreel this chunk of string? And how to effectively store them, against the air? :rolleyes:
     
  8. Quasimodo

    Quasimodo Regular Member

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    That's 2 question. Any preference which one I'd answer because the other's going to cost you. :D :p

    Just so happens that the edge of my stringing machine is about 36cm. 25 times that is 9 metres, enough for one set. If I don't feel like counting to 25, I can also use my pantry's doorknob. If I wrap a length of string around the knob while holding both ends and leaning a little against the door to the backyard, that's enough for one set. Coincidentally, that's how I prestretch strings as well.

    As for storing it, I just put the reel in a ziplock bag and put that in a closet. Nothing special.

    HTH.
     
  9. LazyBuddy

    LazyBuddy Regular Member

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    Lol... So, u mean I need to get a big enough house this time? :rolleyes:

    Yeah, sounds like a good idea.
     
  10. Quasimodo

    Quasimodo Regular Member

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    Go west, my friend. Weather's better, bathing suits are skimpier and real-estate is cheaper. Well, unless you go too far west, then they're really, really expensive. :)
     
  11. Quasimodo

    Quasimodo Regular Member

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    LB, have you ordered a reel yet? I just want to add an observation regarding the B-696 and that it's too, well, limp to my liking. :) It's often very difficult to get it through a shared hole even if I've cut a very sharp point and worked it through with a needlenose millimetre by millimetre. Most times it takes multiple tries (i.e., cut another point) because it'd just bend and collapse. BG-65/70/85s are a dream to work with in this regard.

    If you've ordered a reel, I'm sure we'll all be interested to hear your review about it.
     
  12. DinkAlot

    DinkAlot dcbadminton
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    I just purchased a Hi-Qua Fly Clamp and should receive it today. I'll give you my impressions in a few days after a string a few rackets with it.
     
  13. LazyBuddy

    LazyBuddy Regular Member

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    So, I assume B-696 is kinda "soft" when compare to the common yonex string? That actually could be a problem to me, as I don't pre-string the racket. I can see it might give me a lot of trouble on some older yonex models (i.e. cab series) and winex rackets (typically smaller gromments). :rolleyes:

    Btw, recommend to use a sharp nail cutter to get the "sharp edge", usually, it can do a much better job than the needlenose.
     
  14. DinkAlot

    DinkAlot dcbadminton
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    I've strung 4 rackets now using the Hi-Qua Fly Clamp and it's excellent. Even at 29lbs. the Fly Clamp can still can hold the strings in place without much movement.

    I highly recommend it. :)
     
  15. fishmilk

    fishmilk Regular Member

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    you guys think this will be a cheap alternative to Yonex flying clamps? I need to purchase some and I'm not sure which one to order... I get I could buy one online and get a Yonex one at my local stringer and compare them first... However if somebody has a sound opinion I'd appreciate that.
     
  16. Pete LSD

    Pete LSD Regular Member

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    In this case, it is much better to use tooth floss. Measure ten inches of tooth floss and make a loop using one end. Now stick the unlooped end into the shared grommet. The unlooped end should come out the other side of the shared grommet quite easily. Pull the unlooped end until the knot of the loop just enters the shared grommet. Stick the baddie string into the loop. You should get the rest of the picture :D

     
  17. LazyBuddy

    LazyBuddy Regular Member

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    I see what u mean.

    However, the "looping" technique is quite challenge here. If u give too much tail end of the string, the string might bent, and stuck in the gromment... :rolleyes:
     
  18. LazyBuddy

    LazyBuddy Regular Member

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    I think I don't like the HQ clamp, as it has 6 teeth. Of course, the wider the clamp, the easier u can maintain tension during the process. However, the last (top or bottom) cross might be a problem to be clamped, especially if ur machine (i.e. Klipper M140) has the large mounting pad (the pad around the mounting poles). If u have the V shape ones, that should be ok then.

    Addition to my post: Of course, if u have some narrower clamps on top of the HQ clamps, then, it might be a good combo to go with.
     
    #18 LazyBuddy, Aug 19, 2005
    Last edited: Aug 19, 2005
  19. DinkAlot

    DinkAlot dcbadminton
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    That's a good point. I have an Eagnas ST-200 so no problems. :D
     
  20. silentheart

    silentheart Regular Member

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    Hi LB,

    I was looking at the HQ vs YY flying clamp, I am almost sure they are the same except the color is different. Can you verify that? If so, I am guessing they are made by the same OEM.

    Thanks!
     

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