The Best Tennis Stringing Machines for Portability
April 28th, 2016 by Do It Tennis
Regular hard-hitting tennis players, tennis coaches and traveling tournament players are all good candidates for investing in a tennis stringing machine. For space saving and portability considerations a lightweight tabletop model is the way to go.
Babolat, Prince and Gamma all make tabletop models at different price points to meet many needs. Babolat specializes in electronic stringing machines. Prince and Gamma offer both manual and electronic models.
Why invest in a tennis stringing machine?
Becoming a “home stringer” works for those playing multiple times a week; if your family has several active tennis players; and if you are part of a club or league team that travels to other locations. A good stringing machine also makes sense if you are a teaching pro or tennis coach responsible for the school or university team. You have control over your and your player’s racquets and can quickly react to broken strings or adjustments in play strategy. For tournament players, a tabletop model can travel with you. Having your own machine ensures a quicker turn around and guarantees your preferred string setup and tension.What to look for in a stringing machine
For even the best stringing machines there are four basic features, the stand, mounting points, clamps, and tensioning systems. • Although tabletop models by definition don’t have a stand, many current table top stringing machines are compatible with a metal stand for those times when you want that set up. • Stringing machines typically have 2, 4 or 6 mounting points. More mounting points are usually good for oversized racquets. • Clamps come is several varieties, swivel, glide bar and floating. Your level of stringing experience, ease of use and desire for accuracy will drive which type is best. • Choosing between a manual crank and electronic tensioning systems will affect the cost. Although prices of electronic string machines are dropping, and their additional accuracy may be worth the investment.When and why should you replace your tennis strings?
A good rule of thumb for the number of times you should re-string your tennis racquet in a year roughly equals the number of times you play tennis a week. Why replace strings? It is simply when the desired ratio of power to control is no longer satisfactory. The sensation when you strike a ball will feel off. The ping sound when you strike it with your hand is no longer high and sounds weak or uneven. Over time (and sometimes very quickly), string tension is lost. Or as long-time expert Babalot tournament stringer Lucien Nogues describes it “the string is tiring.”What More?
Get guidance about the best tabletop stringing machines for your needs from our experts. Our team strings many racquets, for many types of players every day. Call them at 1-866-900-3648. Get details on an electronic tennis string machine we’ve reviewed the Babolat Star 5 Tennis Racket Stringing Machine. A manual crank model we’ve found very popular with both home stringers and tennis shops is the Prince Stringing Machine – NEOS 1000.What’s your view?
How has having a home stringing machine helped improve your tennis experience? If you are a tennis coach or pro, what do you look for in tennis stringing machine?
