Crank vs Dropweight?

**taber** · 02-26-2006, 11:59 AM

Hello,

I am going to buy a stringing machine in 2 months time, and I have the choice between a dropweight and Crank. The prices are the same. Besides the difference Crank vs dropweight, they both have 6 mountingpoints.

You can see them on www.tengo.dk > Strengemaskiner > Maskiner > Eagnas challenger1 and Eagnas professinonal badminton 1.

Christoffer.

EDIT: And what clamps would you recommend? www.tengo.dk > Strengemaskiner > Tilbehor.

**Quasimodo** · 02-26-2006, 07:44 PM

Generally speaking you can string a little faster using a crank machine, because you don't have to worry about levelling the dropweight. However, the dropweight tensioning system is also a constant-pull which many stringers and players like, your truly included.

Between those two choices, I'd probably lean more towards the Challenger 1, but not because of its tensioning system. I lean that way because it has fixed swivel clamps. The dropweight rod wouldn't allow a 360 degree racquet rotation, but you'd get used to that quickly.

If you choose to use flying clamps, Alpha/HiQua clamps appear to be quite good according to other stringers here who've used them. Though I don't know how expensive it is to import them to Denmark. (Another reason I'd lean towards a fixed clamp machine.)

FWIW, HTH.

**silentheart** · 02-26-2006, 08:13 PM

I tried Eagnas fly clamp before. The quality control need to be improved. HiQua or Yonex fly clamp works great in my opinion. Usually 2 can do a pretty good job. However, there are member here think 3 fly clamps min is required and some argue 4. I use 3 and I think it works fine.

**DinkAlot** · 02-26-2006, 08:32 PM

Originally Posted by Quasimodo

If you choose to use flying clamps, Alpha/HiQua clamps appear to be quite good according to other stringers here who've used them.

I don't think the Alpha fly clamp is as good as the Yonex or HiQua. It doesn't hold the string as well IMHO and it has sharp teeth that bit into the string and can hurt the string.

**DinkAlot** · 02-26-2006, 08:32 PM

Originally Posted by silentheart

I tried Eagnas fly clamp before. The quality control need to be improved. HiQua or Yonex fly clamp works great in my opinion. Usually 2 can do a pretty good job. However, there are member here think 3 fly clamps min is required and some argue 4. I use 3 and I think it works fine.

Silent: How do you use 3 clamps?

**Quasimodo** · 02-26-2006, 08:58 PM

Originally Posted by DinkAlot

I don't think the Alpha fly clamp is as good as the Yonex or HiQua. It doesn't hold the string as well IMHO and it has sharp teeth that bit into the string and can hurt the string.

Could easily be wrong, of course, but they look identical in pictures I've seen of them. Are they really different?

**DinkAlot** · 02-26-2006, 09:04 PM

Originally Posted by Quasimodo

Could easily be wrong, of course, but they look identical in pictures I've seen of them. Are they really different?

Ooops! My bad! I mean to say "Gamma" not "Alpha". I never tried the Alpha clamp. Totally misread. Can a Mod delete my previous post.

Thanks for the clarification and sorry for the mistake.

**Quasimodo** · 02-26-2006, 09:34 PM

Originally Posted by DinkAlot

Ooops! My bad! I mean to say "Gamma" not "Alpha". I never tried the Alpha clamp. Totally misread. Can a Mod delete my previous post.

Thanks for the clarification and sorry for the mistake.

Not at all. Gamma's indeed taken a lot of flak for providing composite (read: plastic) clamps with their lower-priced machines. I've never used them myself, though.

Speaking of clamps, I've got one of those Yonex flying clamps---don't remember what the model number is, I think the packaging said "Strong Clip" or something---I can't say I'm impressed by it. Didn't seem to hold well in the couple of times I've had to use it.

**taber** · 02-27-2006, 12:00 AM

I don't reallly care about my stringing time, so I think I will go with the Challenger 1 then. How about the clamps? Do I need to buy 2 extra? If, which one? preferable from the same shop.

**LazyBuddy** · 02-27-2006, 06:32 AM

Originally Posted by Quasimodo

Speaking of clamps, I've got one of those Yonex flying clamps---don't remember what the model number is, I think the packaging said "Strong Clip" or something---I can't say I'm impressed by it. Didn't seem to hold well in the couple of times I've had to use it.

How much tension you put on, when you see this problem? Also, is your Yonex clamp the old model (blue) or the newer version (black)?

**DinkAlot** · 02-27-2006, 08:14 AM

Originally Posted by LazyBuddy

How much tension you put on, when you see this problem? Also, is your Yonex clamp the old model (blue) or the newer version (black)?

I've only used the Black version, seemed OK for me at 28lbs. I personally have 4 Hi-Qua Fly Clamps and one Gamma Composite (that never gets used).

**Quasimodo** · 02-27-2006, 08:52 AM

Originally Posted by taber

I don't reallly care about my stringing time, so I think I will go with the Challenger 1 then. How about the clamps? Do I need to buy 2 extra? If, which one? preferable from the same shop.

This one: http://www.tengo.dk/shop/productinfo.asp?id=262

Not sure if that shop would be willing to customise your order, but depending on your stringing needs---if you're going to string badminton racquets exclusively---you may want to ask them to sub the stock clamps which are almost always tennis clamps with the badminton pair. That way you don't have to pay extra for them.

**Quasimodo** · 02-27-2006, 08:59 AM

Originally Posted by LazyBuddy

How much tension you put on, when you see this problem? Also, is your Yonex clamp the old model (blue) or the newer version (black)?

The black one. I don't remember exactly what tension I used it on because it's about a year ago when I used it last. IIRC, I was stringing the racquet of one of HS coaches whom I know. According to my notes, I usually string hers at 26 lbs. for the crosses.

P.S.: Is there an implied sarcasm in your response? I don't see where it could've been applied nor do I see any need for it.

**Pete LSD** · 02-27-2006, 11:42 AM

You use the Gamma one for area that the black Yonex clamp doesn't fit in.

Originally Posted by DinkAlot

I've only used the Black version, seemed OK for me at 28lbs. I personally have 4 Hi-Qua Fly Clamps and one Gamma Composite (that never gets used).

**DinkAlot** · 02-27-2006, 11:49 AM

Originally Posted by Pete LSD

You use the Gamma one for area that the black Yonex clamp doesn't fit in.

Actually the Yonex one would fit, it's the Hi-Qua that doesn't fit. Can't get two Hi-Qua clamps onto the last string because they are too wide. One Hi-Qua and one Gamma or Yonex will fit though.

**LazyBuddy** · 02-27-2006, 12:01 PM

Originally Posted by Quasimodo

The black one. I don't remember exactly what tension I used it on because it's about a year ago when I used it last. IIRC, I was stringing the racquet of one of HS coaches whom I know. According to my notes, I usually string hers at 26 lbs. for the crosses.

P.S.: Is there an implied sarcasm in your response? I don't see where it could've been applied nor do I see any need for it.

Personally, I think once u go beyond 25lb, any flying clamp will get a hard time to maintain tension. The way to do it, is to use the 4 flying clamp (or 3) method, or use fixed clamps.

I've just ordered a black one, as a backup for my current 2 yonex (blue, older version) ones. Hope the quality is about the same.

**taber** · 02-27-2006, 12:04 PM

Originally Posted by Quasimodo

This one: http://www.tengo.dk/shop/productinfo.asp?id=262

Not sure if that shop would be willing to customise your order, but depending on your stringing needs---if you're going to string badminton racquets exclusively---you may want to ask them to sub the stock clamps which are almost always tennis clamps with the badminton pair. That way you don't have to pay extra for them.

I will ask them if I can get the stock replaced

Thank you for all your answers. Hopefully I will order in 1-2 months time