Hello, Complete newbie -- so be patient with me... I seem to be paying $22 - $26 dollars every couple of weeks to have my raquet restrung ... It is time to consider purchasing a stringing machine, so: 1. Looking for recommendations with regard to stringing machines. Looking around, I am leaning toward a manual machine such as that shown at: http://www.alphatennis.com/bludc.html 2. Are there any places in Canada that one can purchase such a machine? 3. Where does one go for lessons? Are there books or video available? Those that have stringing experience -- any other advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
I would recommend the Victor C-7027 or Gamma 6004. The Victor C-7027 should theoretically have better support than the Gamma 6004. http://www.victorsport.com/productlist.asp?id=114&class=1 http://www.gammasports.com/gamma.cfm?prodid=104 The Gamma and Victor have excellent badminton fixed clamps. You can purchase the machines from the following websites: http://www.bbesports.com/index_others.htm (RMB9,000 = C$1,000 something) http://www.atssports.com/tennis.cfm?prodid=104 As for lessons, you are at the right place and right time. There are tons of information in this subforum (String Techniques & Tools). Just do a search.
Both Victor C-7027 and Gamma 6004 are for stringing all types of racquet and are of the suspension system type. Whilst suspension system machines are excellent for tennis racquets they are only adequate for badminton racquets, because of its inability to prevent badminton racquet frame distortion. You either get a round frame, a longer frame, sometimes micro tears at the 12 o'clock, and sometimes dents at high noon. This has created all sorts of accessories and devices like pads and load spreaders to try to convert the top post into a load-bearing support, which it is not designed for. It is very difficult to string a racquet, say measuring 675mm long before stringing and finishing at the same 675mm after a string job, at very high tensions every time. The best stringing machines for badminton racquets are of the hold-down system, where distortion is easily controlled. Its disadvantages are that it is more cumbersome than the suspension system to string and they don't seem to produce many of this system now.
The Victor C-7027 is not a pure suspension type. It has head and throat press down devices. If you want a badminton specific machine go for the Exthree AM 600 or Victor C-7030.
I believe Victor labels their C-2027 a suspension mounting system machine. A true hold-down system is one that you can string at say 30lbs without using the side supports.
I'm using a Silent Partner Crump crank machine and it works fine as long as you keep in mind the limitations of crank machines. Suspension on the 4 side and hold downs on the throat and head. The advantage is that they have a warehouse in Toronto so no worries about duties or customs.
I believe so. I remember asking Silent Partner about they're machines for badminton. The said all the machines need a badminton kit which has the proper supports and clamps. I think it was around a hundred or so, but don't quote me on it.
The badminton kit was around $100 from what I remember. I had different hold downs and clamps I think...