Prince and Gamma Tennis Racquet Stringing Machines

The number of times you should string your racquet in a year is the same number of times you play tennis a week; however, if you like playing with spin, you may need to increase that number. Those who need to restring only once or twice a year may find it cost effective to take their racquet down to the local tennis shop and have it done for less than the cost of a new racquet, but teaching pros or families with several enthusiastic players may need to consider the cost effectiveness of investing in a stringing machine.

A few things to consider when shopping for a racquet stringing machine:

As with any large investment, choosing the right stringing machine requires consideration of cost and features. Small, table-top machines cost less but tend to be manual. The larger professional models with all the bells and whistles have come a long way with LED display panels and user friendly one touch commands.

Mounting points

Two point mounting systems work fine with standard sized racquets but those who prefer oversized racquets should consider multi-point mounting machines. The advantage of additional mounts is less pressure on the frame during stringing, which reduces the chance of racquet distortion and uneven string tension.

Glide, floating and swivel clamps

Swivel clamps are preferred by stringers of other racquet sports because of their flexibility. This method requires the most effort since each clamp must be secured individually, but the freedom of stringing patterns may be worth the extra bit of effort. Quick and simple glide bar and clamp systems are the preferred method for home or inexperienced stringers. The teeth of the glide bar clamp are situated so that tension is applied equally to the clamp and the glide bar. This type of clamp pulls the string in one direction while holding it securely with the other. The least expensive of the clamping methods are floating clamps. They are also the least accurate. The fact that the clamps are not attached to the machine means they do not guarantee even tension. Those who may find value in a floating clamp are those who prefer more freedom in their stringing pattern.

Drop weight, spring loaded and electronic tensioning systems

The easiest system to use is the spring loaded stringing machine. These machines need to be recalibrated after every 30 racquets strung, but calibrating tools come with the machine and the process takes only seconds. The disadvantage of this system is that the lack of steady pull on the strings may allow some stretching and the resulting tension may be slightly lower than with other machines. Electronic stringing machines are the favorite of teaching pros and are becoming more affordable as technology offers cheaper options. All of the stretch is removed from strings with electronic machines and accurate tension is guaranteed every time. Programming options make stringing different sized racquets, one after the other, a quick and uncomplicated process. The drop weight system is the most accurate of methods because it removes all stretch from the string, but it is not recommended for inexperienced stringers. This completely manual tensioning system requires the drop weight to be perfectly level with the ground for accuracy.

Babolat stringing machines

Babolat has been in the tennis business since 1875 and they made their first stringing machine in 1981. Babolat specializes in electronic machines. The Babolat Sensor stringing machine is a sturdy machine, loaded with features and is preferred by shops and stringing pros. The lightweight and sturdy construction of this machine matches the quality of the engineering that makes the revolutionary Babolat mounting system top of the line. A more manageable solution for traveling stringers or home court owners is the Babolat Star 5. It features the same innovative clamp and mounting system yet stands on a smaller base and lacks some of the more complex programming features.

Prince stringing machines

Prince began in 1970 with the invention of the Little Prince tennis ball machine. They are currently known for their accommodation for all racquet sports: tennis, racquetball, badminton, and squash. Prince offers both electric and manual stringing machines. The Prince NEOS 1000 is a manual tabletop machine that can be set up in a garage or thrown in the trunk for quick and easy transportation. The Prince 5000 is a four point mounting system that offers advanced programming features. The base of the 5000 is removable, making this electric stringing machine convenient in any situation.

Gamma stringing machines

For the last 25 years, Gamma has been making a high quality line of machines ranging from manual tabletop to fully loaded electric. Gamma features a 6-point mounting system on most of their machines and diamond dusted clamps that reduce string marking. The 8500 Els comes with a digital control panel that has one touch programming. The Gamma X ELs is a tabletop electric stringing machine that features all the same technology as the standing models, just without the base.