Hey Pete, I was just wondering if you looked into the Gamma machines. They look so sweet. They also can adjust tension in 0.1 increments. I still think a tennis/badminton machine is the better way to go.
I prefer side supports that are non-ajustable like the Exthree AM-600, Gosen's big machines and Babolats. After the LF experience, I really want to spend less time adjusting knobs. As for repull topic we touched on earlier, load cell technology used in older Gamma and the Opus are very sensitive at 0.20 to 0.25 lb. So, the sensitivity is getting there . No doubt there is a much bigger market for the tennis/badminton machine. However, I like something that has head and throat clamp down for badminton.
Sorry to bring back an old thread. Pete, I have a question for you. Do you remember where the machine was shipped from? I read somewhere that they have an office in Toronto, Canada and was wondering if that was where they ship from. If so, that would be great news for me. I'm looking at some Silent Partner machines. So how was stringing on this machine anyways even though you didn't have the proper badminton mounting system.
The machine was shipped from the GTA. It's very solid and built for tennis mainly. The 0.1 lb increment is a very nice feature to have.
Although it was mainly built for tennis, how was it for stringing badminton? Did you have any troubles at all? Do you think they would let me go to their office to buy the machine? This way I could save a lot on shipping as I only live about 10 minutes away from them.
During these recessional times, I don't think they would turn down anyone willing to go in and pick up the equipment themselves!! Perhaps just call them to be sure? Like Master Pete has posted... Make sure to get those badminton supports added, they look really sweet, and don't block the grommet holes.
Keep us updated on this. It is common interest for all the locals who want to get a machine but are deterred by the punishing shipping cost.
I emailed them about this. The guy that works for Silent Partner at the Toronto office is very knowledgeable and prompt with email replies. However they do not allow local pick ups. I even offered to pay half of their shipping to go pick it up ($180 is total for shipping) and they still said no. I find it quite ridiculous that I have to pay so much money to get something shipped that is about ten minutes away from my house. Also at almost $4000, you still need to pay an extra $120 for the badminton kit. I don't know if this is such a good machine to purchase now. For that much, I can get the Victor C-7030 which I believe would be a lot better for badminton stringing.
That's unbelievable. Surely picking up is doing them a favour too? Also $120 for the badminton kit is outrageous considering you're dropping a huge amount on the machine. It's not like you're just buying a cheapo one. Is the Prince 6000 around that price point too? If it is, the machine looks great and Prince will give you lots of string to sweeten the deal further.
At that price point I would get the Victor C-7030 even though it's a badminton only machine. I wouldn't mind, I would actually prefer it, the mounting and supports would be ideal and the clamps would be better. If Silent Partner had the badminton kit included and allowed me to pick up, I would've went for that. They are losing out on almost $4000 worth of business because they are not allowing free pick up and including the badminton kit for free.
:crying: Sorry to hear that BC7 Have you tried contacting Silent Partner in the states? If you tell them the situation they might be willing to allow you to pick up from Toronto office. See... if I purchased goods from YY Canada authorized dealer, and I know it would have to be special ordered, they (YY Canada) would always allow me to go pick it up directly from their head office. Mind you I usually buy a few grand worth of equipment... but that's beside the point. No shipping involved saves everyone paperwork. I've also purchased treadmill and weight equipment for home before, and I was allowed to pick it up... and these things weigh close to 2000lbs combined. Save myself shipping cost, and pick it up, put it together myself. I'm getting the feeling they make extra $$$ on the shipping. Hence "no pickup" If I were you I would just talk to the US head office, and see if you can get a deal worked out on shipping cost. Deals can always be had... you just have to ask, and be willing to negotiate to get the best bang for your buck. You can also let them know that other people are also interested. If the deal is successful that could equal more sales for them... Word of mouth advertising is a very powerful tool. I would be surprised even further if they would not seize an opportunity to do business during these recessional times. $2999 in the bank is better than $0 They are only sacrificing $180 for shipping cost. Some businesses just puzzle me
More than often I am really puzzled and confused as to what has gone wrong in the head of these business people. Why must they hide behind the internet and won't face their customers. I look at their web site and don't seem to find their address or phone numbers anywhere. Even companies like Eagnas allows local pickup. At the end, what can I say, as their name suggests "Silent, partner". I am totally speechless.
Hey guys... Found a thread on TT-Tenniswarehouse forums talking about a similar situation some time ago. http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=232383 Still quite a bummer if you ask me...
OMG, I was just about to post that just now and you beat me to it Still, I agree, it's not good at all. Even Eagnas let you pick up from the warehouse and look at their customer service record.
Most likely the stuff needed to string badminton rackets You're probably looking at some badminton fixed clamps and possibly some badminton specific mounting mechanism things/side supports. Babolat do a similar thing to badminton stringers. You shell out over £3K for the Sensor and they want another £170 if you want to string badminton frames.
