I have searched around the forums - and read a lot about machines , and I may have come to a decision. Stepping into the stringin world is a massive step. So many choices and types of stringing machines. So what do you guys think about this stringing machine? http://www.klipperusa.com/products/productdetail.php?catnum=M140 Will it be good for me - a first time stringer?
It's not bad. There are just three things I'd be aware of; 1.)Import duty 2.)The mounting system doesn't look all that great 3.)It's a dropweight so if you've got a lot of rackets to do, it won't be quick. The price is very good though, as a first machine, it shouldn't be bad. You may want to check this site out before you order the Klippermate. Pro's pro are based in Austria so there'll be no import duty. Shipping to the UK is 18 Euros (£15) for the TX500N electronic stringing machine so I'd imagine it'll be the same or cheaper for the Challenger I/II or Shuttle express. There is a shop based in the UK that sells Pro's pro stuff but the site in that link is the main dealer and shipping a machine to the UK works out cheaper. PM me if you want more advice.
Thanks , so cheap machines I was thinking I would have to pay at least £300 Whats the difference between the Challenger 1 and Challenger 2?
almost similar, you can see the difference at tension-head. from the website : "Pro's Pro Challenger 2 : Ideal for the first time stringer on a budget. Looks like the Challenger 1 but without the ratchet tension system" You can call them and find someone name : Robin, he is a nice guy. I just bought Yonex badminton flying clamps from them, and will buy Wise 2086 from them again next month.
Thanks will do - I will ring them soon. By the way , what extras should I buy that would make stringing easier? I saw that you bought flying clamps :O
- please clarify whether the package is included badminton FIXED clamps, if not then you need to buy as well. - I bought the badminton FLYING clamps, because their price is the cheapest I can get, only GBP 10.59/piece, while in Hongkong US$ 38/piece, and also I need it as add-on into the FIXED clamps. Together with friend, we bought 14 pieces of YY Badminton Flying clamps, just this week I got the goods from UK. happy stringing .....
The link that you sent me - where I am probably going to order from says that the machine has a swivel clamping system. Is that fine? Also I meant before - what were the necessary items needed : e.g I need an awl , but what else?
PM sent. The swivel clamping will be fine. I think it's useful when stringing fan pattern squash rackets (wouldn't know - I play a little bit of squash but not much). For badminton, it doesn't really make a difference.
I bought my challenger 1 from Watdon and was very impressed with the service. Slight negative is the DVD refers to a manual machine rather than drop weight so was a bit hesitant when using at first. Had to buy badminton swivel clamps and totally forgot to buy flying clamps, but delighted with everything else.
I learned patience from my 1st racket. Tying off the last cross and accidentally nicked a main:crying: Ah well, everyone loves a trier ;p
and now I have claimed my 1st victim.... The racket that came from the manufacturer mis-strung, before being restrung with the wrong strings has now cracked. *pours himself a beer and looks at his £55 squint fly swatter*
I think the Challenger-1/2 will be coming with tennis fixed clamps by default. That's why it needed badminton fixed-clamps. from this link : http://www.watdon.co.uk/wd-strings/ you should buy WA335 (badminton fixed clamp) and you may add WA326 (YY flying clamp). the rest accessories such as awl, cutting pliers, etc will come by default. also you can go directly to modified Challenger machine as like : http://www.watdon.co.uk/wd-strings/Electronic.htm
First racket completed - a bout an hour and a half from opening the packets to hitting the first shuttle Could have gone quicker but wanted the 1st one to be a good 'un, reckon under an hour would be a comfortable pace. BG80 at 25lbs.. loving it. Mark