Drop Weight or Electronic Tennis Racquet Stringing Machines, Choose Right One

Are you interested in stringing your racquets or even starting a stringing business? There are hundreds of models with different tension systems. Which one do you like to pick from Drop Weight or Electronic Tennis Racquet Stringing Machine?

So before committing to a purchase, let’s discuss the main differences between the machine types. For our guide, we will focus on the machines that apply constant tension to the string. Those being:

Drop Weight vs Electronic Racket Stringing Machine

Drop Weight or Electronic Tennis Racquet Stringing Machine, Choose Right One
  • Drop weight machines
  • Electronic Constant Pull machines

Drop Weight Machine

Drop weight machines work on the principles of a lever (also called a bar). The lever is suspended and a cylindrical metallic mass rests on it. This mass can be adjusted up or down the lever with the help of a scale to the desired tension.

Read also: Drop Weight Stringing Machines [Listed Best Products]

The string spun around a roller at the pivot and rotates alongside the lever. As you pull the lever towards the ground, the roller rotates causing the string to become taut.

The lever can then be returned and pulled again. This motion is repeated until the lever rests parallel to the ground. At this point, the string holds the desired tension. Removing the string at any point from the roller will ease the tension. i.e: Gamma X-2 , Klippermate.

Preview Product Rating Price
GAMMA X-2 2 PT GAMMA X-2 2 PT No ratings yet $331.99
Klippermate® Tennis Racquet / Racket Stringer Klippermate® Tennis Racquet / Racket Stringer No ratings yet $289.00

Now that we know the workings of a drop weight machine, let’s discuss some of its pros and cons.

Pros and Cons

Having no electric components and a simple lever-based design, it is the cheapest of the machine types. They are very low maintenance and need no calibration. However, the process of using the lever over and over again can be tiring.

It takes the most amount of time to string a racquet and it can be inaccurate. The bar won’t always be parallel to the ground causing variable tension in the string. Thus they are also inefficient for bulk racquet stringing.

Electronic Constant Pull Machines

If you could automate the lever process of drop weight machines, you’d get electronic machines. Instead of a lever, there is now a jaw that holds the string. The string is pulled taut by the jaw moving across a strip.

The jaw simply pulls on the string to apply tension. An interface is present to specify and release the tension. Thus, apart from inserting the string into the claw, all other operations are automatic. i.e: Tecnifibre Ergo Pro ATP , Alpha Ghost 2.

Pros and Cons

Due to its automation, it is the quickest and most accurate of the machine types. They handle bulk efficiently and are the easiest to use. Most machines come with other benefits as well, like a string length measurer or even a stand height adjuster. But these extra features don’t come cheap. Electronic machines are very expensive. They also require maintenance and calibration. 

Which one to choose?

Both machine types though similar in functionality have different uses. Drop weight machines are better suited for personal use when you only have to string your tennis racquets maybe once a month.

They get the job done and though less accurate, the inconsistencies are negligible for casual players. On the other hand, Electronic machines are built for professional use. When stringing in bulk or for maximum tension accuracy.

FAQs

How much time does it take to string a tennis racquet?

On a drop weight, it can take between 30-40 minutes. While on an electronic machine it can take 20-25 minutes.

How much does a stringing machine cost?

Drop weight machines cost 200$+ but electronic machines can cost 500$+ going well into 4 digits.

What is the best machine for beginners?

Drop weight machines are cheap and easy to operate like the Gamma Progression II 602FC.