We’ll show you how to choose the best tennis stringing machine for you. It’s easy!
Knowing how to string your own tennis racquets is a great skill to have. It might even allow you to start a small business and so save time and money. However, you will need to purchase a proper stringing machine once you have mastered the art of stringing a tennis racket.
It is important to understand what makes a good stringing machine because not all stringing machines are created equal. Obviously, your budget influences your buying decision, the number of racquets you string, portability, and versatility. Therefore, we have created this guide to assist you in choosing one of the best tennis stringing machines for you!
- Electronically controlled constant pull tensioner (11 to 90 pounds) for precise string tension.
- 6-point mounting for easy and secure stringing, keeping the racket firmly in place.
- Versatile design for stringing tennis, racquetball, squash, or badminton racquets.
- Built-in tool tray for convenient access to restringing tools during work.
- Tool set includes pathfinder awl, straight awl, hex wrenches, pliers, and diagonal cutter.
- Material: Fiberglass for durability and reliability in the stringing process.
- Perfect String Tension: Offers drop weight tensioning (9lb to 90lb) with a 360 steel bar turntable.
- 6-Point Mounting: Designed for easy and safe stringing, ensuring the racket stays firmly in place.
- Versatility: Suitable for stringing tennis, racquetball, squash, or badminton racquets.
- Convenient Tool Tray: Built-in tray keeps all restringing tools easily accessible during work.
- Inclusive Tool Set: Includes pathfinder awl, straight awl, hex wrenches, pliers, and diagonal cutter.
- Firm Hold: Two composite floating clamps and a two-point mounting system keep racquets securely in place.
- Custom String Tension: Offers drop weight tensioning with a range of 9lb to 90lb and a 360 steel bar turntable for precise adjustments.
- Durable Design: Aluminum extrusion base and diamond-coated rotational ratchet gripper ensure longevity and stability.
- Tool Set: Includes a pathfinder awl, straight awl, hex wrenches, pliers, and diagonal cutter.
- Ease of Use: Gamma X2 string machine is easy to operate, making stringing a convenient process.
- Warranty: Backed by a limited lifetime warranty for added peace of mind.
Best Overall Tennis Stringing Machine
The Gamma product is an electronic machine that works fast and with high accuracy. It is a fully automatic stringing machine for optimal string tension. Electronic machines like these make it easy to string rackets as you hardly need any previous experience.
Electric stringing machines come with a LCD digital control panel that basically tells you what to do and when for extra security. With this accurate stringing machine, you can choose between four stringing tensions: 9 lbs, 12 lbs, 15 lbs or 18 lbs.
Best Drop Weight & Mid Range Tennis Stringing Machine
Drop-weight stringing machines are the best option if you’re not a professional player and need a racquet with very accurate specs. Many individual stringers regard the Gamma 602 as one of the best on the market for drop-weight machines.
This is undoubtedly on anyone’s shortlist for its long guarantee, all the tools and features one could want for a very affordable price. This Gamma string machine’s operating system is generally very reliable. Because of its slim design, it is lightweight and very portable.
Although some users may find the manual drop weight tensioning system inconvenient compared to other, more practical options, it is a way to keep the cost low and make the product as accessible as possible. Any committed stringer should consider this machine, whether you are learning to string for the first time or upgrading from an entry-level model.
Best Budget Stringer
The Gamma X-2 stringing machine is perfect for the beginner and budget-minded player/stringer. This drop-weight machine has composite floating string clamps and even comes with a free pre-packaged assortment of Gamma tennis strings.
This drop-weight stringing machine has a tensioning mechanism that can be set from 9 to 90 lbs / 4 to 41 kgs, and the diamond coated, rotational ratchet gripper ensures a tight grip.
It is a reliable machine, meeting all expectations for stringing tennis racquets. Naturally, this won’t be as quick as crank machines or electronic stringing machines, but it gets the job done. Another benefit is that the small size doesn’t take up too much space.
Buying Guide
We have put together a guide to help you choose the best stringing machine for you!
Your Usage
Think about how often you’ll use a tennis stringing machine before buying one. If you only string your racquets when necessary, you won’t need as many features and may be content with more basic stringing machines like a drop weight machine that is less expensive. On the other hand, you’ll need to spend more money on a machine with more features if you intend to string several racquets.
Cost
You’ve probably noticed the significant difference in price between the least expensive and most expensive tennis stringing machines available when browsing. So does it make sense to pay more? It depends on how frequently and for what purposes you’ll use the stringer.
More features will be included in more expensive options, which you may or may not need or want. These parts can be useful; for instance, an electric tension device eliminates the need to crank the machine to achieve the perfect string tension manually.
Table Top vs. Standalone
A tabletop model is what you need if you want a mobile machine. A portable tabletop machine can be used on any stable surface (e.g., table, desk, etc.) and is quite convenient. On the flip side, a standalone tennis stringing machine is a more robust version that stands by itself, strings a little faster, provides more comfort as it allows you to stand, and frequently has some fancy features.
Nevertheless, standalone tennis stringing machines are on the pricier side for a good reason. Tennis stringing machines that use a weighted bar to set the desired tension must be manually adjusted. People enjoy using these systems because they are affordable and simple to set up.
Racquet Mounting System
Different mounting systems depend on the number of connection points on stringing devices to keep the tennis racquet in place during the stringing process.
2 points : Stringing pull machines are more affordable than most other machines, but they won’t be as stable as the 6-point.
4 points or 6 points : Here, the work is done more slowly, but there won’t be any stability issues which will save you a lot of time down the road.
Clamps
The racquet is intended to be securely held in place by the clamps. Clamps come in two basic varieties: fixed type and floating type. While fixed clamps are attached to the machine and provide tightened clamps, floating clamps are not built into the stringing machine and accomplish their tasks by using another string to maintain and adjust the tension. Rotating fixed clamps are the best choice for stringers of all levels because some models are designed with clamps that can be rotated 360 degrees.
Warranty
The best manufacturers provide warranties for their stringing machines. They will assist you in addressing any issues that might occasionally come up. Since stringing machines are generally quite expensive, having that additional layer of security is great and clams your mind a bit when making a purchase like this.
FAQs
What Is the Learning Curve for Being Able to Use a Stringing Machine?
Most stringing machines are easy to learn without dedicating much time and energy. But there are still some out there that need some getting used to.
Can You Make Money Stringing Rackets?
In short, yes, you can earn money by stringing rackets. Of course, it requires commitment and focus, but you don’t need to put much money up front – just some common sense – to succeed.
Is It Worth Stringing Your Own Racquets?
The act of stringing itself can be very labor-intensive and time intensive. It works for those who naturally have good focus, and if you know yourself, you know if this applies to you. Also, if you are constantly distracted, it’s likely that you will take too long stringing a racket and that you will be more likely to make mistakes.
How Much Does It Cost to Restring Tennis Racquets?
The average cost to restring a tennis racquet is $40, but it can range anywhere between $20 to $80. Costs are split between labour ($10-25 per racquet) and strings ($5-50 per set).
How Often Should I Have My Tennis Racket Restrung?
Players should string their racquets each year as often as they play per week. For example, if you play twice a week then restring your racquet every 6 months.
What Is the Best Tennis String Tension?
The best string tension for most players is normally between 48-55 lbs but can range anywhere between 40-65lbs. A lower string tension allows for more power but a tighter tension for better control. Beginning players will probably want more control, so they may prefer a tighter tension at first. Here are the tension ranges many stringers aim for the first time you get your racket strung, depending on the type of tennis string you will be using:
- Nylon/Gut: 50-60lbs
- Hybrid: 46-56lbs
- Polyester: 44-54lbs
How Much Do Tennis Racket Stringers Make?
Professional racket stringers can make between 20-50k per year, depending on the size of their following and level of reputation.
How Do I Become a Certified Racquet Stringer?
A written and practical test is required for certification. Both test your knowledge and expertise in relation to all aspects of racket maintenance, including installing grommets and string, regripping, adjusting handle size, and adjusting weight and balance.
What Type of String Should I Use?
If you’re a beginner, you should focus on selecting easy-playing strings which are soft, forgiving and have a comfortable feel. Synthetic gut and multi-filaments are what come to mind. As you progress to an intermediate/advanced level, you can move to more solid strings designed to give you more control and finesse. Players often choose to go with either a hybrid (polyester combined with synthetic gut or multi-filament) or just (full-bed) polyester.
Do Tennis Players Have Their Own Stringers?
A select group of top players has their own personal stringers, but most ATP and WTA players use the on-site stringers provided by tournaments.
Final Thoughts
In the long run, stringing racquets yourself will save you money and might even become a very lucrative stringing business. Who knows?! However, before making a purchase, you should ideally demo several machines.
While it’s important to take into account the machine type, tensioning system, usability, extra features, and cost, you ultimately need to make sure that you’re getting the best machine for your specific needs (Electronic Stringing Machine vs Drop Weight Stringing Machine vs Crank Stringing Machine).
Therefore, before making a purchase, think about how often you will use your stringing machine, your audience, and your budget. I hope this guide will be useful to you as you search for the best tennis stringing machine. Enjoy.
Christoph Friedrich is a German tennis player and coach currently residing in Oakland, California. He began his tennis journey at the age of eight and has since dedicated his life to the sport. After working as a tennis coach and hitting partner in New York City for eight years, Christoph decided to share his knowledge and experience with tennis players around the world by creating the My Tennis Expert blog. His goal is to make tennis education accessible to everyone and help players select the best equipment for their game, from racquets and strings to shoes and overgrips. Christoph's extensive research and expertise in tennis technology make him a valuable resource for players of all levels.