On the planet of stringing machines, there are three predominant sorts that you simply’ll see in use. Excessive-end electrical gadgets that you simply’ll see in motion at tournaments, crank-operated machines sometimes utilized by house or membership stringers, and drop-weight machines additionally typically reserved for the house stringer.
Nonetheless, lately, some alternate options have cropped up designed to make stringing machines extra moveable. First, there was the MiStringer and never lengthy after got here the EasyStringer.
The Easystringer began as a pistol-type tensioner however has undergone a number of iterations because it launched, and the brand new Model 7 mannequin has modified to a tool that sits on a desk and has a deal with that you simply pull stress with.
Priced at €289 plus transport, I bought one to see if it’s any good and the way it compares to different stringing machines I’ve used. Do word: you’ll probably pay import costs for those who’re exterior the EU.
Let’s have a look.
What’s the EasyStringer?
The EasyStringer is a light-weight, compact, non-electronic stringing machine for tennis or badminton rackets.
It makes use of a novel tensioner the place the tip acts as a assist mechanism for the racket. The string is held beneath stress always, and extra stress may be utilized when needed.
It could pull as much as 30kg (66 lbs) stress and can be utilized on any tabletop as you repair the mounting body for the racket with a G clamp.
What’s Included When You Purchase the EasyStringer?
Your buy of the EasyStringer comes with the next:
- 1 x Handbook Pull Tensioner
- 1 x Racket Mount
- 2 x Flying Clamps
- 1 x G Clamp
- 1x Carry Bag
- 1 x 12ft piece of string
Whereas this offers you most issues required to string a racket, additionally, you will want a couple of different instruments to finish the job, together with a beginning clamp, needle-nosed pliers, and string cutters.
I’d suggest EasyStringer add these to an equipment equipment which may be bought as an add-on at checkout.
The objects arrived well-packaged, and I used to be impressed with the construct high quality after I unpacked them.
The tensioner is tremendous gentle however feels very effectively made and completed with decent-quality nuts and bolts. It additionally seems to be simple to service ought to one thing want tightening, loosening or adjusting.
Utilizing the EasyStringer
Step one when utilizing the EasyStringer is to clamp the mounting body to your desk utilizing the equipped G-Clamp.
The equipped clamp will match most tables, however in case you have one which’s significantly thick, you’ll most likely want a clamp with a bigger jaw.
As soon as the bracket is safe, you’ll be able to mount the racket on the two-point mounting system. When safe, you’re prepared to start out stringing.
EasyStringer bundled in a 12ft piece of string to make use of (unsure which), and that’s the one I made a decision to placed on the Artengo TR960 Precision racket I used to be stringing.
The YouTube movies present the mains being began with a beginning clamp and one aspect of the mains being accomplished earlier than doing the following. I’ve by no means carried out that earlier than, as I used to be taught to steadiness the stress throughout the body evenly, however I made a decision to repeat this methodology.
On the primary couple of pulls, I assumed I used to be in for a foul day because it felt just like the tensioner was on ice skates and wished to slip throughout the desk as quickly as any stress was utilized.
Nonetheless, a rubber mat quickly fastened that and from there, stringing was comparatively simple.
Sometimes, I exploit fastened clamps when stringing, so utilizing two flying clamps required some getting used to, and I didn’t fairly know whether or not I’d bought them tight sufficient.
The earlier variations of the EasyStringer had been designed like a fast clamp, the place you pumped the set off to use stress. This requires a number of squeezes of the set off to use the proper stress, which, whereas a great grip energy exercise, was fairly tiring.
The brand new mannequin is completed with only one pull, and upon getting mastered placing the string within the gripper, it’s a fast course of.
The opposite good thing about the Easystringer is that it’s always holding the string beneath stress, and you’ll re-add stress ought to it drop.
For instance, for those who pull to 55 lbs however then push right down to take away some slack on the earlier strings, you’ll discover that the stress studying on the stress head drops; you’ll be able to then add some extra stress to convey it again as much as 55 lbs.
This offers you a bonus over a lockout machine, which solely holds the string as soon as stress is reached; it isn’t always holding stress.
The EasyStringer, nonetheless, works like a drop weight machine, so it’s basically a handbook fixed pull machine and, when used appropriately, will provide you with a extra constant stringbed stress than a crank-operated lockout machine.
Aside from that, there aren’t any different actual nuances to utilizing the EasyStringer; weaving the crosses is a bit trickier than traditional because of the mounting bracket sitting fairly near the body, however you quickly get used to it.
My first try at stringing with the EasyStringer took me 50 minutes, working leisurely. I selected to string the racket at 40 lbs (18 kg), and about half-hour after completion; I measured 37 lbs on my ERT300 and 37.5 utilizing the Tennis Pressure app 👍 fairly good outcomes.
What Might EasyStringer Do Higher?
There aren’t any complete directions or video guides for utilizing the EasyStringer V7.0. No directions are included within the field both.
Whereas this wasn’t a large downside for me as I’m competent at stringing, for those who’re an entire novice stringer, I believe you’re in for a tough time attempting to determine the right way to get began.
The EasyStringer crew have some movies on YouTube, however these are brief and poorly edited, so they aren’t one thing you’ll be able to comply with.
For instance, the video exhibits a beginning clamp is required (which isn’t included in your buy) and stringing your entire aspect of the mains earlier than the opposite, which is usually not really helpful on account of all the stress being on one half of the racket.
They should make a full-length video displaying establishing the EasyStringer, mounting the racket, adjusting the floating clamps after which stringing a racket with it from begin to end, not doing one predominant, then reducing to a different clip the place the racket is nearly carried out.
Full-length, with working commentary or subtitles to point out the nuances of this machine, can be much more useful.
I additionally suppose utilizing a rubber mat (or making the ft rubber) on the tabletop can be a great addition. It made the machine far safer for me, and with out it, I felt just like the plastic ft had been too slippy instantly on varnished wooden or laminate.
One other thought I assumed might be useful when stringing was including some weaving device for the crosses; one thing just like the Stringway MK2 Cross stringing device can be useful.
I additionally suppose the flying clamp high quality might be improved. I’d like two triple clamps for tensioning the mains symmetrically and a double clamp for the crosses.
Are Moveable Stringing Machines Just like the EasyStringer Price It?
For me, the EasyStringer is sensible for the next situations:
- You might have restricted house and want one thing that may be packed away neatly
- You need one thing moveable that you may journey with or transfer round simply
- You string occasionally however want to have the ability to string a racket sometimes and don’t want a full-size machine
Purely on measurement and weight, the EasyStringer might be a good selection for travelling tennis gamers.
You possibly can’t beat this selection for those who go overseas for a month and need to restring your rackets on the transfer. It’s sufficiently small to suit beneath the entrance seat of an aeroplane and also will slip right into a checked bag. Simply bear in mind you’ll be able to’t take instruments in a carry-on.
It’s additionally a superb alternative for gamers on the decrease ranges who select to string their rackets relatively than pay the on-site stringers.
Stringing prices mount up rapidly, and outdoors flights and lodging may be considered one of a participant’s most important bills over a yr, particularly in the event that they break strings or require a number of rackets per match.
When you change into au fait with this machine, you’ll be capable of full a string job in half-hour, so it’s one thing you possibly can do in a resort room on a night with out challenge.
Outdoors of the portability angle, the EasyStringer can be a great purchase for many who don’t have a ton of house to maintain a full-size stringing machine completely in situ.
With the EasyStringer, you’ll be able to pack it within the carry bag and hold it in a drawer. So it’s a superb resolution if house is at a premium otherwise you don’t need your front room internet hosting a Wilson Baiardo.
What Different Stringing Machines Ought to I Think about?
Beforehand, I used to be a fan of the MiStringer, which I nonetheless use with zero issues, however their customer support fell off a cliff, so I can’t suggest them anymore. I’m not even positive if they’re fulfilling orders.
I’m advised that the US a part of the enterprise needed to take care of well being issues, and the EU aspect is getting all of it sorted. Whether or not this materialises is one other matter, however I hold checking because the product is sweet if they’ll assist it.
Now, EasyStringer successfully has the market cornered in the case of moveable stringing machines, as there aren’t many different choices, so for me, that is presently your best option.
Concerning non-portable alternate options, I believe a tabletop drop-weight machine with fastened clamps for many beginner stringers is barely higher for studying the approach and a bit simpler to make use of total.
If somebody requested me the next, “I’m new to stringing and need to study to string for myself + others, what machine ought to I get?” they usually had a flexible-ish funds with no house constraints, I’d level them within the path of a Gamma Development II 602FC or a Stringway MS140. The Stringway can be semi-portable because it solely weighs 7kg.
Model new, the Progressions II 6-2FC prices €800, virtually 3 times the EasyStringer worth making it a lot much less engaging. Nonetheless, I believe it’s a good purchase if you’ll find one used.
Should you plan to simply string for your self and are in search of a stable stringing machine at a good worth, then the EasyStringer can be one on my shortlist.
Ultimate Ideas
After stringing two rackets on the EasyStringer, I believe it’s a good little bit of equipment, and I’ll be utilizing it once more sooner or later.
The tensioner is an effective design and works effectively. I like that the tensioner pushes up towards the body, appearing as a mounting level however instantly over the place you’re pulling stress.
I wasn’t stringing excessive, however I didn’t discover any deformation as you successfully reapply the power you pull on the string again towards the body like an equal and reverse action-reaction pair of forces.
I’d say having earlier stringing expertise is a pre-requisite. Nonetheless, hopefully, EasyStringer can produce extra movies that can assist somebody with out prior information become familiar with it.
One different good factor from what I can see is that EasyStringer is consistently attempting new issues; that is the seventh model of their stringer over a comparatively brief time, so it wouldn’t shock me if they’ll enhance this product much more.
Concerning assist, guarantee, customer support, and so forth., I can’t remark as I’ve not wanted any help.
Nonetheless, the ordering and supply course of was easy, and the machine arrived through UPS every week after I positioned the order.
Execs
- Distinctive ultra-portable design
- Glorious construct high quality on the tensioner
- Pulls constant and correct stress
Cons
- Flying clamps don’t really feel the very best quality
- It wants higher directions/video guides
Have you ever used the EasyStringer? Do you have got any questions or opinions concerning the product? Let me know within the feedback.