Anyone have an Alpha Shuttle Express? I’m thinking about getting one and would like to hear from anyone that owns one. Is the build quality good? Is it sturdy? Any problems? Thanks.
Thanks Alexccs. Anyone else have any experience with the Shuttle Express? I'm trying to decide between the Alpha Shuttle and the Eagnas ST-250. From what I've read the Eagnas is the same as the Yonex ST-250. Is this true? The design is the same, but is the quality the same? Between the Alpha and the Eagnas which do you think would be better?
I got one (Alpha shuttle express) a couple of years ago. The build quality is very good and the tension is precise (I checked with calibration tool). It's convenient, you can move the machine around and it's steady on flat surface. I also looked into Eagnas machines also. Because of the quality problems I heard about Eagnas machine, I decided to spend more money to get the Alpha.
Both machines are badminton-only machines, which is very good as the four side supports are optimized for badminton racquets. The four side supports are exactly at the four critical corners; this is one big plus over the tennis/squash/badminton machines which are optimized for tennis racquets but compromised for badminton racquets. The Shuttle is lighter, more portable and comes with a carrying case. This is an advantage. The Eagnas is a heavier machine with no carrying case. The Shuttle will allow the racquet to swing a full circle, which has a good point and a bad point-it allows faster stringing but it cannot be locked when you need it. The Eagnas can be locked but cannot swing full circle. There should be minimal mechanical problems as both are very basic, simple machines without fixed or swivel clamps. Both machines will require another pair of flying clamps in addition to the pair that comes with the machine. You will also need a starting clamp and a string mover.
I don't know how much the shipping to Singapore will be. Talk to Mark Gonzalez at Alpha (mark@alphatennis.com). He's very helpful and knowledgeable. He'll be able to answer any questions you have regarding the Shuttle Express.
The Alpha Shuttle and Eagnas ST-250 are both $350. However the ST-250 doesn't come with a case, $50 extra. Maxline told me that shipping for the ST-250 would be $30 via UPS Ground. I imagine the shipping would be similar for the Shuttle but I didn't ask. Thanks for everyone's replies, I think I am going to go with the Alpha.
Don't remember exactly how much I paid for it, somewhere around $400, since it's over 2 years ago. The Alpha guy is pretty helpful and responsive, I think they're based in Texas somewhere (Austin ?, can't remember for sure). Just give them a call or email.
