Crank vs Dropweight?

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Silent: How do you use 3 clamps?

 

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.

 

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.

 

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).

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Dear Sir DinkALot,
When did I become a heartless one??? :crying:
Anyway, I use 3 clamps because I find it works as good as using 4. It is just like the 4 claimps method except I only use 1 clamp on the side I am not working on. I move one right and left depend on which side I am stringing. I usually string 2 main on each side before I switch to the other side. Usually 2 fly clamps (and no, I don't clamp my fly with it) are used for cross because I feel that is enough...

Have a nice week!

 

This is exactly what I am doing as well. With a constant pulling machine (i.e. drop weight), you don't have to care too much about the extra tension lost on the non-working side of main, as it will be pulled evenly, when you tension that side. The extra clamp on the working side is mostly needed, once u finished tensioning the last main on the side, and trying to make the knot. This is the only critical moment, due to possible tension lost.

 

You're right. I only used the flying clamp in emergencies (i.e., when the fixed clamps couldn't quite clamp the last top cross). But, I've since readjusted the way I mount frames on the machine and have no more need for the flying clamp, so far.

I'd've given you mine.