Badminton Central Guide to Stringing Tools
- Thread starter kwun
- Start date
what07
Regular Member
Decided to take the plunge. Let's see if it shreds or damages Kizuna Z61. Seems to be an issue with my Allpha clone and I'm afraid to make it any looser. Basically dents and cuts the point where the string enters the plate. Exbolt 63/65 seems to fair maginally better 80% of the time when they were mostly the issue for me. But Z61 I only feel safe extending once in the same spot then gotta shift to a new spot.
what07
Regular Member
Decided to get another what I thought was another knotting clamp from Allpha store. Looks a bit cooler too. Which turned out to be a bit better then expected as an overall starting clamp.
As of this posting there seems to be 3 listings and 4 different starting clamps total. The only ones I didn't try yet is the one that says 60pounds and the "upgraded version" of my old mini starting/knotting clamp listing which is like $10 more.
As you can see the newest one has a different finish, much more smooth and the rough textured surface is only on the clamping surface, while the older one is textured all around. I think I prefer the newer finish, as its nicer feeling on my hands and wouldn't scratch things it comes in contact with.
A good chunk taller (1.4cm) and overall wider due to the sides curving in their direction but overall width is slightly less then the old ones. Clamping surface on the older is around 18mm (as stated on the listing) the new one is 21mm which is a nice sigh for the later tests on extending.
Old clamp = 87.8g (listing says 74g)
New clamp = 110.8g
Weight is quite noticeable but still kinda manageable and easy to lift, but for only something used for knotting the old clamp with its lighter weight is much easier.
Squeeze feel, the new one I would say feels a touch firmer and makes a little grinding noise near the springs. Not really a good sign. Rotated the springs around a bit and made it a bit more silent. The old one is smoother feeling not as hard to squeeze and basically silent.
Knotting for both is very seemless with the older clamp having an edge due to its weight and being able to maneuverer it a bit easier. Clamp wise the newer is firmer but you don't really need that when knotting.
Extending
Tested with Aerosonic left over about 6 pulls..
Previous tests showed the old clamp was decent at a starting clamp but not inspiring confidence especially if your careful and clamp it deep enough under the holes otherwise ur gonna have the string slip / strip when pulling higher and thinner strings. Especially Exbolts.
The new clamp wider grip surface and stronger clamping force takes away all that fear. I feel I don't need to clamp that low and just feed the string so that it sits on the topside of the holes. Felt firm and steady at 34lbs aerosonic.
But after some pulls I notice a bit of denting where the string enters clamp (2/6). So I suspect it'll cause some damage to Z61 and Exbolts 63 (may test later)
Overall - was expecting a mini clamp that looks cooler for knotting. But instead found a decent overall clamp for a decent price. The damaging of string on extending is a bit concerning. Never happened with my older mini clamp. So not sure whats causing it, but its similar to the Allpha Yonex clone as well with damaging Z61 / Exbolts 63. The smooth finish would help prevent scratches from accidental rubbing / contact on the rackets. I
I would say its a buy if your looking for something all around and want to just spend one time. If your looking for something just to knot, then the lighter versions are better especially if they offer a smooth finish one would be ideal. (Maybe its 1 of the 2 I have yet to buy)
As of this posting there seems to be 3 listings and 4 different starting clamps total. The only ones I didn't try yet is the one that says 60pounds and the "upgraded version" of my old mini starting/knotting clamp listing which is like $10 more.
As you can see the newest one has a different finish, much more smooth and the rough textured surface is only on the clamping surface, while the older one is textured all around. I think I prefer the newer finish, as its nicer feeling on my hands and wouldn't scratch things it comes in contact with.
A good chunk taller (1.4cm) and overall wider due to the sides curving in their direction but overall width is slightly less then the old ones. Clamping surface on the older is around 18mm (as stated on the listing) the new one is 21mm which is a nice sigh for the later tests on extending.
Old clamp = 87.8g (listing says 74g)
New clamp = 110.8g
Weight is quite noticeable but still kinda manageable and easy to lift, but for only something used for knotting the old clamp with its lighter weight is much easier.
Squeeze feel, the new one I would say feels a touch firmer and makes a little grinding noise near the springs. Not really a good sign. Rotated the springs around a bit and made it a bit more silent. The old one is smoother feeling not as hard to squeeze and basically silent.
Knotting for both is very seemless with the older clamp having an edge due to its weight and being able to maneuverer it a bit easier. Clamp wise the newer is firmer but you don't really need that when knotting.
Extending
Tested with Aerosonic left over about 6 pulls..
Previous tests showed the old clamp was decent at a starting clamp but not inspiring confidence especially if your careful and clamp it deep enough under the holes otherwise ur gonna have the string slip / strip when pulling higher and thinner strings. Especially Exbolts.
The new clamp wider grip surface and stronger clamping force takes away all that fear. I feel I don't need to clamp that low and just feed the string so that it sits on the topside of the holes. Felt firm and steady at 34lbs aerosonic.
But after some pulls I notice a bit of denting where the string enters clamp (2/6). So I suspect it'll cause some damage to Z61 and Exbolts 63 (may test later)
Overall - was expecting a mini clamp that looks cooler for knotting. But instead found a decent overall clamp for a decent price. The damaging of string on extending is a bit concerning. Never happened with my older mini clamp. So not sure whats causing it, but its similar to the Allpha Yonex clone as well with damaging Z61 / Exbolts 63. The smooth finish would help prevent scratches from accidental rubbing / contact on the rackets. I
I would say its a buy if your looking for something all around and want to just spend one time. If your looking for something just to knot, then the lighter versions are better especially if they offer a smooth finish one would be ideal. (Maybe its 1 of the 2 I have yet to buy)
kakinami
Regular Member
I looked these things up on Amazon jp and they say sheet metal cutters! Cutting capacity to cut steel and aluminum! Sick!!! A bit pricey in Japan ¥7545. I want!!!
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