Stringing Machine – The Complete Guide

Would you also like to become a stringing expert? Then you only need the right stringing machine to get started. At first glance, a stringing machine might seem as a bigger investment.

However, in the long run you will clearly benefit from it. It is important that you consider a few criteria before you make a choice.

On the market there is not only a wide range of manufacturers, but also of different models. It is a challenge to get an overview there. Many points are probably still unclear to you. That is why we will now give you clarity on the subject.

Which machine is the right one for you depends among other things on the stringing intensity. You should also consider your requirements for speed and comfort of stringing.

The tension system is the main feature that distinguishes the individual stringing machines from each other. This is the heart of the machine, because with this device you can stretch the tennis string to the desired tension.

In total you have the possibility to choose between three stringing machines with different tension systems: Drop weight arm machines, crank machines and electronic stringing machines.

In the drop weight stringing machine, the pulling system consists of a metal rod and a weight. Here, the lever has a roll at the lower end to which you attach the string.

In the next step you let the lever fall backwards until the bar is horizontally aligned with the ground. This causes the roll to rotate and tension the string at the same time.

With the help of a scale on the metal bar you can adjust the string tension as you wish. In this case you simply move the weight to the desired point on the bar.

Crank machines have a manual pulling system just like lever arm machines. The difference is that this machine does not use a lever but a crank instead. To tension the string, you first insert the string into the appropriate device.

Then you turn the crank backwards until the mechanism engages. To adjust the string Tension you will find a small wheel in the area of the crank, which you can turn.

In electronic stringing machines, the pulling system consists of an electric motor that tensions the string. There are two different systems: machines with a constant pulling system and machines with a lockout system.

On stringing machines with a constant pulling system, the motor applies a consistent tension to the string.

The lockout system is similar to the crank system. Here, the electric motor pulls the string until the selected tension is reached. When this tension is reached, the string is decoupled from the motor and held in place by a brake.

Electronic machines generally have a display on which you can set the string tension and make other adjustments.

In addition to the train system, there are other features that you have to pay attention to with the respective machine types. In the following we compare all models with each other and mention the individual pros and cons of the machines. Then nothing can go wrong when choosing a new machine.

The second most important criterion after the pulling system is the machine’s clamping system. Usually two clamps are supplied with each stringing machine. With these clamps you fix the tennis strings while you tighten the tension with the machine. Basically the manufacturers offer you two systems.

The majority of the models on the market are equipped with fixed clamps. These clamps are firmly anchored on rails on the machine. Due to the movable rails you can easily shift the clamps from one string to the next. The system therefore enables you to work with extra precision.

The cheaper models are mostly used with flying clamps. On the one hand they are very flexible, because you can position them as you like. However, working with these clamps is not so precise that they wobble while stringing.

During stringing, it is important that the tennis racket is securely and firmly clamped in the machine. With the stringing machine you should look at how many places the frame is fixed.

Machines from the middle class and professional range have a 6 point mounting system as standard. Besides the 6 point mounting System there are also devices with 2 or 4 points. These are sufficient for clamping, but are somewhat more unstable, which can lead to inaccuracies.

Of all the models, the electronic stringing machine with constant pulling system offers you the greatest accuracy when stringing the racket. In general, the material of the strings yields minimally after tensioning. This leads to a small loss of tension. Since this machine tensions the string with constant force, the string material cannot yield. Thus you avoid the loss of tension.

The same principle applies to the drop weight machine. The weight exerts a permanent tension on the string. Accordingly, the string cannot give way and lose tension. With the drop weight machine, however, you have the challenge of aligning the lever horizontally to the ground. Since it is almost impossible to reach the exact position, there are always slight deviations in the tensioning process. Nevertheless the accuracy is still relatively high.

With the crank system and the electronic lockout system you have the problem of the loss of tension of the string. Because the string is decoupled after tensioning, it is not exposed to constant tension. It is possible to re-tension the string, but it is rather cumbersome. Note that you have to make considerable sacrifices in accuracy with these machines.

Electronic machines have the advantage that they take a lot of the work out of clamping. You simply insert the string into the tensioning mechanism and with the push of a button everything is done for you. Stringing is quickest with this type of machine, so you can save a lot of time. With the crank machine the stringing is also relatively fast.

Stringinging with a drop weight machine, on the other hand, is very time-consuming. For this reason it takes a comparatively long time to string a racket with this machine.

The drop weight machine is a very compact stringing machine. It can be easily transported from one place to another. In general this machine has a rather simple construction, which makes maintenance easier for you.

A crank machine is normally delivered with a stand. This allows you to string while standing. Note that this machine is more bulky and therefore requires more space. The crank mechanism also makes maintenance a bit more complicated.

Just like crank machines, electronic stringing machines are usually equipped with a stand. Of all machines, they are considered the largest and heaviest models. Therefore they are not very portable. Because of the electronic components, these machines require extensive maintenance.

If you only have a small budget available, a drop weight machine is the right choice for you. Crank machines are priced in the middle range. The prices for an electronic stringing machine start in the four-digit range. These machines are mainly aimed at professional stringers.

After you have selected the right machine, you can start stringing your tennis racket right away.